ST. LUCIA (Nov. 17, 2007) – Photos by Tom Casino: Two previously undefeated fighters were handed their first loss on Friday night in paradise. In the main event, hard-hitting heavyweight Joey Abell (18-1, 1 NC, 17 KOs) of Minneapolis, won a 10-round majority decision over previously undefeated Teke Oruh (14-1-1, six KOs) of Nigeria. The judges at ringside scored the bout 98-92, 96-94 and 95-95 in favor of Abell, who was a last- minute replacement for Mexican heavyweight contender Chris Arreola. Two weeks ago, Arreola withdrew from the fight after his close friend was shot and killed..
The SHOWTIME acclaimed series ShoBox: The New Generation, aired live from the Eastern Caribbean Island at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
The event was promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with the St. Lucia Tourist Board.
In the co feature, 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward (14-0, nine KOs), of Oakland, Calif., showed speed and power as he dominated the previously undefeated Roger Cantrell (12-1, eight KOs), of Washington, en route to a fifth-round TKO.
Cantrell was unable to fight inside or out, as he was stymied by Ward’s impressive hand speed.
Ward, who became the first American to win Olympic gold in 11 years at the 2004 Athens Games, has now outclassed more than a few opponents in building his professional resume. The confidence, agility and balance he displayed Friday night may prove that he is ready to face other legitimate super middleweight contenders.
Nick Charles (blow-by-blow) and Steve Farhood (expert analyst) called the action from ringside. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall, with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Friday’s bouts will re-air as follows:
DAY CHANNEL
Saturday, Nov. 17, at Midnight ET/PT SHO2
Monday, Nov. 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT SHO EXTREME
Tuesday, Nov. 20, at Midnight ET/PT SHO EXTREME
For information on Showtime Sports Programming, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and EliteXC mixed martial arts telecasts, please go to www.SHO.com/sports.