Mohammedi defeats Dudchenko in IBF Eliminator Saturday
 By Ken Hissner, Doghouse Boxing (June 22, 2014)
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Photo © Rich Graessle / Main Events |
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CEO Kathy Duva’s Main Events promoted this IBF eliminator bout over NBCSN “Fight Night” Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs, in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Jolene Mizzone and J Russell Peltz, matchmaker’s. This was the casino’s boxing debut.
Ukrainian light heavyweight Anatolly “the Gladiator” Dudchenko, 19-3 (13), of L.A., the No. 3 IBF contender was stopped by Nadib Mohammedi, 35-3 (21), of France, the No. 4 IBF contender, at 0:37 of the 7th round to “earn” a title fight with champion Bernard Hopkins. Now we know why the No. 1 and 2 spots in the IBF are vacant. It was a very poor performance by both especially Dudchenko and might be accepted in Europe but won’t be in the US. At times it was like a movie set with such little offense.
It was a tentative opening round with more misses than hits. It didn’t get much better in the 2nd round with more feinting than fighting. It reminds one of a movie script with little connecting in the 3rd. In the 4th Mohammedi landed a overhand right to the head of Dudchenko being the best punch of the fight so far. In the final 10 seconds of the round Mohammedi landed several key punches having Dudchenko on the defense.
In the 6th it looked like Dudchenko was looking to quit as Mohammedi was landing punches at will. The ring physician came in between rounds checking on Dudchenko. Boxing Director kept going to the ring physician from the start of the round with advice. Mohammedi continued his assault easily winning the round. In the 7th with a cut across his nose Dudchenko was a beaten man and was taking too
much punishment when referee Shawn Clark wisely stopped the fight. It doesn’t look like IBF and WBA champ Bernard Hopkins will not lose any sleep over the challenge of the winner. “I thought I was the best and am the best,” said Mohammedi. This was a perfect example how these organizations rank their fighters with the lack of quality of this main event.
In the Co-feature of Philly lightweights Karl “Dynamite” Dargan, 16-0 (8), stopped Anthony “Flawless” Flores, 11-5-1 (6), for the Atlantic Coast Region championship, at 0:42 of the 4th round. He is USBA
In the opening round it was all Dargan countering Flores who was encouraged to “walk to him” by his trainer Philadelphia Fats. In the 2nd round Dargan seemed to know what Flores was going to do and beat him to it though Flores was able to get some offense in. In the 4th round Flores was able to get a couple of lead rights in to the head but Dargan is boxing sharp allowing Flores to come to him.
In the 5th a Flores right was countered by 3 rights from Dargan knocking Flores down. Upon rising Dargan was on him dishing out punishment when referee Rosato wisely stepped in to halt the fight. It’s the best this writer has seen of Dargan as a pro. He may want to change his nickname to “flawless” after that performance. He is a former Pan American champion. Newly PA HOF inductee Naazim Richardson is the trainer of Dargan. Flores was a much more inexperienced amateur being a PA Novice GG champion but has the heart of a lion.
Former world amateur champion light heavyweight Cuban Sullivan “Suliana” Barrera, 12-0 (7), of Miami, FL, stopped Lee “Silverback” Campbell, 7-1 (3), of Larinburg, NC, at 2:42 of the 6th round.
Barrera opened the fight with a solid body attack. At the 10 second mark to go in the round a straight right by Barrera rocked Campbell. In the 2nd round what looked like a glazing left hook from Campbell had Barrera touch the canvas for a knockdown per referee Rosato which looked like a good call. Barrera fights with his arms to his side. On a break shortly thereafter Barrera hit Campbell bringing a strong warning from Rosato. A point taken would have been appropriate. In the 3rd round Sullivan again went to the body of Campbell.
In the 4th round Barrera rocked Campbell with a left hook to the body followed by a chopping right to the head. Campbell came back with an uppercut from the right hand knocking Barrera’s head back while inside. In the 6th round Barrera continues with body shots while Campbell returns with chopping right’s. A straight right from Barrera to the chin knocked Campbell back several steps. Barrera drove Campbell into the ropes with a vicious body to head attack causing Campbell to slump to the canvas. Referee Rosato immediately waved it off. Barrera is trained by Milton Lacroix.
Light middleweight southpaw Erik Spring, 2-0 (0), of Reading, PA, won all 4 rounds over Jamil “Brick City Brawler” Gadsden, 0-5 (0) of Newark, NJ.
Spring took control in the first 2 rounds chasing Gadsden for the most part. In the 3rd round Spring had his best showing landing enough punches to easily win the round. Out for the 4th and final round southpaw Spring came out orthodox then switching back to southpaw landing enough punches to drive Gadsden into the ropes on the defense. A straight left from Spring to the chin of Gadsden had the latter holding on. All 3 judges, Somma, Greer and Lederman along with DHB had it 40-36. Referee was Clark. Spring’s assistant trainer is current boxer Harry Yorgey.
Light welterweight southpaw Dominican Wellington Arias Romero, 4-0 (2), of Newburgh, NY, knocked out Mack Babb, 0-3 (0), of Brooklyn, NY, at 2:07 of the 2nd round.
In the opening round a flurry of punches by Romero drove Babb into the ropes with a short right hand dropping Babb who was saved by the bell. In the 2nd round almost the same scenario as Romero drove Babb into the ropes with a strong body attack ending it with a short left with Babb collapsing to the canvas. Referee Clark counted Babb out. Romero is a good prospect.
Light middleweight Hakim “Braveheart ”Bryant, 1-0 (0), Middletown, NJ, made an impressive debut defeating a game Alshamar Johnson, 0-1 (0), of Vineland, NJ, over 4 rounds.
In the opening bout both fighters came out throwing punches in bunches. Bryant rocked Johnson with a left hook and later a chopping right hand knocking Johnson’s head back against the ropes.
In the 2nd round Bryant picked up where he left off. Again he drove Johnson to the ropes and a right hand rocked him. It was a big round for Bryant.
In the 3rd round Bryant continued the attack until a Johnson left hook knocked out the mouthpiece of Bryant. Bryant continued with a strong body to head attack. Johnson put out a little more offense in this round but far from enough to take the round. In the 4th and final round Bryant landed half a dozen punches without return from Johnson. Both fighters poured their hearts out at the 10 second warning having the fans cheering. Shawn Clark was the referee.
Judge Somma had it 39-37 while both Julie Lederman and Greer had it 40-36 as did DHB. Trainer Jose Rosario has a real prospect in Bryant. Trainer for Johnson was former top contender Richie Kates.
16 Year-old Danielle Weisfeld did a splendid National Anthem. She is the daughter of boxing judge Steve Weisfeld. Ring announcer was Joe Antonucci and publicist Ellen Haley who does a great job taking care of the press.
Please send all questions and comments to Ken Hissner at: Kenhissner@gmail.com
Ken Hissner responds to all his emails at: kenhissner@gmail.com |
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