by Pat Testa: IBC lightweight champion Verquan Kimbrough retained his title Thursday night at the Mountaineer Casino in Chester, West Virginia by fighting Michael Clark to a draw. Clark, of The Contender series, brought a 37-5 record into the fight and would prove to be a dangerous opponent for Kimbrough..
Kimbrough controlled the action in the first couple of rounds by utilizing his quickness and defensive skills; although Clark was able to put together a brief flurry and keep the round close. In the third round Clark began to step up the pressure and close the distance, landing some effective shots on the inside. Clark began landing shots with regularity in the fourth round; somewhat negating the speed advantage of Kimbrough. The fourth round featured great action from both fighters and an accidental head butt caused a cut above the right eye of Clark, but did not deter him from landing a solid uppercut to close out the round.
Both fighters came out swinging to open the fifth round, landing big right hands and eliciting roars from the crowd. The fight would prove difficult to score as Kimbrough was the more active fighter and stalked Clark throughout the fight; yet Clark landed the more effective punches and seemed to control the middle rounds.
A sneaky left hook from Kimbrough allowed him to open the eighth round on a high note while Clark was only fighting in brief flurries and Kimbrough landed some power right hands near the end of the round which probably gave him the round. The right eye of Clark was swelling up in the ninth yet he managed to engage Kimbrough in a bit of a brawl in which Kimbough got the better of it, yet the champ began to visibly tire. Both fighters opted for a slower pace for most of the tenth and final round; picking their spots to fire bombs at each other. It was an entertaining fight and both fighters fought at a high level. One judge scored it 96-94 Clark, while the other two scored it 95-95 for a majority draw.
in other action: Jimmy Lubash wins 4 rd. tech dec over Greg Beerman
Tommy Karpency ko Eric Asher
Nick Firtha ud Jason Bergman
Jim Emrick split dec Dan Whetsel
Branden Lee Hinkle ko Brandon Winner
KALIESHA WEST TO APPEAR ON BOXING TALK SHOW!
September 25, 2008 – A new era will begin on October 2nd, when top female bantamweight prospect Kaliesha “Wild Wild’ West (10-0-0, 2 KO’s) appears on “My Talk Show” with hosts Rich Bergeon and Tony Pennecale. Kay has agreed to act as the female boxing correspondent every other Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.
West was recently voted one of the top 10 rising stars in women’s boxing via an online poll by the Women Boxing Archive Network. According to boxrec, West is currently the #2 contender in North America and is ranked #10 by the World Boxing Council.
Kay West will be discussing a range of topics from upcoming female bouts to her thoughts on current fighters and the sport of women’s boxing itself. You can catch Kay on “My Talk Show” with hosts Rich Bergeon and Tony Pennecale via webcast starting next Thursday, October 2nd by accessing My Talk Show.
You can also catch Kay working the mitts with Jack Mosley and her trainer Juan West while promoting the new energy and health product MaxGXL™ by accessing Kay and Jack Mosley.
SEMINOLE WARRIORS BOXING TEAMS UP WITH BULLIT KNOCKOUT PROMOTIONS TO SIGN POLISH
AMATEUR STAR ARTUR SZPILKA
HOLLYWOOD, FL, September 25 – Every four years, the ritual is the same, as promoters look to inject the sport of professional boxing with the top amateur talent in the game. This year, Seminole Warriors Boxing has teamed up with prominent Polish promoter Bullit Knockout Promotions to sign a young man they believe is the future of the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions – Artur Szpilka.
“Of all the amateur fighters we’ve been watching over the last few months, there was no question in my mind that Artur was one of best,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing. “He’s got a great style for the pro game, a maturity you don’t find in too many young pros, and the determination to work hard and win a pro title. We’re excited to see how he progresses, and I think he’s going to be a popular fighter not only in the United States and Europe, but around the world.”
The 19 year old prospect, a Polish National Amateur Champion as well as the European Union Champion, will make his professional debut in October on a date to be announced shortly.
Szpilka joins countrymen and stable mate Krzysztof Wlodarczyk and Tomasz Adamek in a talent-rich cruiserweight division that has recently had many strong showings by Polish athletes. Now it’s Szpilka’s turn.
“I feel a great responsibility to my country and my fans to deliver great performances and to eventually win a world championship,” said Szpilka. “With Bullit Knockout Promotions and Seminole Warriors Boxing on my side, I’m confident that great things are in my future.”