LOS ANGELES, CA (November 26th, 2005) – Former Heavyweight contender Ed Mahone returned to the sport of boxing with a stunning 10th round TKO of current Heavyweight contender China Smith in Tampa, Florida. Smith was 29-2 with 24 KOs before he met up with Mahone, a knockout puncher his entire career. Mahone known as “The Hammer,” shook off over three years of ring rust to take down his opponent and earn his 23rd victory on his 23rd knockout. Mahone’s record now stands at 23-4-2..
Said Doug Fernandez of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, “Seemingly on his way to victory, Sarasota’s China ‘The Dragon’ Smith suffered a severe blow to his rise through the heavyweight boxing ranks. Ed Mahone, a 33-year-old from Los Angeles who hadn’t fought in 43 months, stunned Smith in the 10th round of their fight, bringing about a standing 8-count that led to Smith’s first defeat since 2002. Mahone peppered Smith with rights and lefts, causing China to touch the canvas with his knee. The Referee gave Smith a standing 8-count, then after determining he was in no condition to continue stopped the bout.”
Ed Mahone, the former NABO Heavyweight Champion had a stellar career as he rose to 21-0-2 with all of his victories ending in knockout. Mahone had defended his NABO Heavyweight championship six times before fighting Vitali Klitschko for the WBO Heavyweight Title. He entered the ring injured that night in Hamburg, Germany and suffered his first defeat. He then went through some tough times and lost three more fights to put his record at 22-4-2. And then boxing forgot about Ed Mahone.
For the next three years Mahone did all he could to fight again, and for one reason or another things never broke his way. But Ed never lost his spirit or desire to become a Champion again and eventually unify all of the Heavyweight Titles once again. He continued training and sparring in Las Vegas, his hometown of St. Louis and his new hometown of Los Angeles. Over the past 12 months Mahone has sparred off and on with Hasim Rahman, VItali Klitschko, James Toney, Audley Harrision, Virgil Hill and other top fighters. In doing so Ed has worked himself into the best shape of his career both mentally and physically.
“Boxing deserves to see Ed Mahone fight again and I hope he gets back in the ring soon”, said Las Vegas Athletic Commissioner Mark Ratner. Since the defeat of Smith, Ed has agreed to fights with James Toney, Shannon Briggs and Tye Fields but all have declined to step into the ring with Mahone. “I am ready to fulfill my quest to win the championship and unify the titles. I am looking for a relationship with a strong promoter or the next fight which can lead me along that path,” said Mahone.
“His desire and focus has never been stronger and in the past twelve months he has proven to himself and others that he belongs with the elite class of the Heavyweight division,” said his Manager, Jason Rem. “It is now time for the fans of boxing to also see what he can do,” Rem continued. Mahone is currently being ranked again by the major boxing councils, federations and organizations.