In boxing, anything can happen.
Darnell “Deezol” Boone (19-20-3, 8 KOs) will enter the ring March 22 against top-rated super-middleweight contender Adonis Stevenson (19-1, 16 KOs) as a longshot.
The odds could be as much as 20-1 on fight night.
Boone, 33, has been a professional fighter for 13 years. He’s been labeled a journeymen by some, and a gatekeeper by others. His 42-bout career suggests both.
Nevertheless, people in the know will tell you that Boone is dangerous. For reference, just ask undefeated prospects Chris Archer (TKO’d), James Countryman, James Johnson, Calvin Green, and Andre Ward.
Boone knocked down a young Ward in round four of their six-rounder. Ward got up to win, but he knew he had been in a fight.
Oh, and don’t forget Stevenson. The one blemish on his record is courtesy of Boone.
Almost three years ago, Stevenson met Boone at the Wicomico Civic Center, in Salisbury, Maryland. Seventeen seconds into the second round a pulverizing right hand put Stevenson on his back. The Canadian resident pulled himself up, but the referee waved off the fight.
Boone had done it again.
A few days ago, I spoke to the perennial underdog as he prepared for the day’s training.
John J. Raspanti: Do you think you can knock Stevenson out again?
Darnell Boone: I think I can, yes. It (the first fight) will play on his mind. We are human, so me knocking him out will be on his mind.
JJR: Have you noticed any improvement in him since your first meeting?
DB: No, I don't think he’s improved very much. He may be conditioned more, but he’s not better. He’s still knocking guys out because they are standing right in front of him.
JJR: You’ve lost five of your last seven fights. Were there reasons for the losses?
DB: I lost those bouts because of my training. I wasn't prepared right. My corner didn't care about winning. I feel my abilities are ten times better than them. (his opponents)
JJR: Last month was the fourth time in your career you've lost a fight by a split decision. Do you think you won that bout against Derrick Webster?
DB: Yes, I felt I beat Derrick Webster. Anytime you beat a guy up to the point he’s telling the referee to get a guy off of him, and he keeps spitting his out his mouthpiece, you feel like you won. Derrick Webster didn't even want to fight. It’s like they told him to just survive and he’s going to win. He's a coward and a phony. He even came to me twice and told me that the judges robbed me.
JJR: You've campaigned as a junior middleweight as well as a light heavyweight during your career. Do you think one hundred and sixty-eight pounds is your best weight?
DB: Yes, I campaigned in multiple weight classes because guys were running. It was hard to get fights. I also didn't have any guidance or team that cared about me. I have a positive camp now and great coaches. One hundred sixty-eight is not my most comfortable weight, but I can fight with the best of them. I feel most comfortable at one sixty-five.
JJR: Stevenson is so sure he can beat you he's risking a shot against champion Carl Froch. Do you think he might be overconfident?
DB: Adonis thought he could beat me last time. He's focused on getting his knockout back instead of winning the fight. I personally think he is definitely risking his shot at world title fame. He thinks like all the guys that came in the ring with me. He wants to prove a point.
JJR: How will you shock the world and beat Stevenson again?
DB: The reasons are as follows. : A fighter is as good as his corner and my corner is great. I'm confident in my training and my coaches. I know what I’m getting into with him and his plan will back fire. He’s not focused on the goal at hand. He’s focused on revenge and that buckles an individual in this sport. He will be trying so hard, but I’m going to love hearing, “'The new NABA super middleweight champion is Darnell “Deezol” Boone'.” This won’t be a shock. I’m known for disrupting fighters' and coaches' plans. This is a time I been waiting for my whole career. I will seize the moment.
JJR: Good luck Darnell!
DB: Thanks Bro
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