In front of a sold out Bally’s Atlantic City crowd presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis (19-2-2 9KO) retained his USBA JR. Welterweight title with a spirited, hard fought, 12 round unanimous decsion over previously undefeated Lanardo Tyner (19-1 11KO) by scores of 118-110 twice, and 116-112..
The fight was high energy all the way and had the enthusiastic and vibrant Greek crowd on their feet throughout much of the contest cheering on the popular Arnaoutis. Tyner came out strong in rounds one and two, often backing Arnaoutis up while landing heavy rights and lefts. Arnaoutis picked up the pace in the third round and kept the fight in the center of the ring while landing crisp jabs and hard body shots. Both men traded freely as the bell sounded ending the round.
The fourth and fifth saw Arnaoutis continue to fight behind his jab often landing three and four punch combinations. Tyner picked up his pace at the end of the fourth landing a flush left-right combination to the face of Arnaoutis. Tyner was also playing to the crowd often mugging and taunting Arnaoutis. The final thirty seconds of round five saw each man have their moments landing hard, clean shots.
Tyner came out strong in round six but Arnaoutis soon gained control behind the jab and the fast pace of the fight was starting to show on Tyner. Round seven was a huge round for Arnaoutis who had Tyner in deep trouble near the end of the round but somehow Tyner managed to survive and fought back bravely as the bell sounded.
Arnaoutis continued to set a high energy pace and out punched Tyner over the next couple of rounds. With two rounds to go it appeared Arnaoutis was well on his way to a victory but even though he was fatigued Tyner gave all he had and never stopped trying. As the bell sounded ending the fight, the crowd rose in unison and gave these two warriors a standing ovation. Both fighters fought extremely well and each gave their all. Arnaoutis certainly showed he is ready for another World title fight.
The opening television bout saw 2004 US Olympic Team captain Devin Vargas (16-0 7KO) destroy Philadelphian Dave Brunelli (8-4 3KO) at 1:30 of round 1 of a scheduled eight round Heavyweight bout.
Vargas was making his ESPN2 debut and made the most of it as he landed a hard right-left combination which put Brunelli down early. Brunelli tried his best to survive but a right hand bomb by Vargas put an end to matters. It was Vargas’ most impressive fight to date.
Young Raymond Serrano Jr. (6-0 4KO) continued to shine as he annilated Charles Wade (4-6 1KO) in the first round of a scheduled 4 round Welterweight bout. The 18 year old prospect showed poise well beyond his years and dropped his opponent twice in the round, the second coming from a debilitaing body shot. Serrano is one to keep an eye on as he has impressed each time out, and seems to be an 18 year old phenom.
Patrick Majewski (8-0 5KO) and Ariel Espinal (6-3-1 2KO) engaged in a wild 4 round Middleweight bout prior to the main event. The fight had the crowd totally energized as both combatants traded freely throughout. Majewski looked like the more skilled of the two but Espinal was always dangerous and dropped Majewski from a big right hand in round 2. Majewski fought back hard and each guy fought their hearts out. When all was said and done, Majewski eeked out a 38-37 decision on all three cards.
Non-Televised Bouts:
Francisco Palacious (3-4-4) W4 Maj. Clinton Douglas (2-2-2 ) Jr. Lightweights Jae-Sung Lee (9-1-1 6KO) TKO 6 Andres Nichols (3-3 2KO) Jr. Featherweights Qaid Muhammad (2-0 2KO) TKO 2 Arthur Parker (1-7) Bantamweights.
Star Boxing head Joe DeGuardia had this to say about the evening’s fights, ” What those in attendence and those watching on ESPN2 saw tonight was the re-emergence of “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis to the elite of the Jr. Welterweight division. I am very proud of both fighters who fought a very professional, exciting fight. I am also thrilled by the showing of Devin Vargas who I believe is ready to move up the ladder of the Heavyweight division and Vargas promises to be the next Olympian to become a World Champion. Also, keep your eye on the young destroyer from Philadelphia, Raymond “Tito” Serrano Jr”.
The fights were broadcast on ESPN2 “Friday Night Fight” series.