Tampa, FL (Mar 31) – By Rob Russen: Looking to put his claim in as one of the best heavyweights in the world Sherman Williams scored a third round knockout over David Na’il of Fayetteville, NC. After an even first round Williams took control and knocked Na’il down in the second before closing the fight with a vicious right had that had Na’il down for the count. A crowd estimated at 1200 turned out on a warm night under a big red and white tent for the second pro boxing event in Ybor. Tonight’s show was co-promoted by Tampa based Ringsports Boxing in association with Las Vegas based Slverhawk World Championship Boxing.
Two time WBC world lightweight champion and current IBO and NABA world champion Stevie Johnston continued his impressive comeback with a stoppage of Roberto Ortega of Miami at 2:21 of round 5. Johnston had dropped Ortega in each of the first two rounds with combinations and body shots.
Johnston has looked impressive in all four of his comeback fights winning 32 of the 35 rounds he has boxed during the streak. He has also issued a challenge to junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton to face him instead of fighters from outside the US. Hatton claims he moved to the US to face the best American fighters but continues to avoid homeland fighters in his plans thus far.
Other results from Friday night’s under card include former champion William Guthrie won a four round decision over Vince Harris of Miami; Alfredo Escalera, Jr. stopped Miami’s Joe Johnson at 2:29 of round three; and Antwone Smith ko’d Jesse Freancisco at 46-seconds of the first round.
Ringsports and Silverhawk have announced their next co-promotion in Ybor City to be Friday, May 5th withPrince Badi (25-2-1, 14 kos) facing Ocala, Florida’s Danny “The Bronx Bomber: Santiago for the vacant NBA light heavyweight world championship.