Johnson Defeats Gunn at the Sands Casino in Bethlehem

By Ken Hissner at ringside, Doghouse Boxing (Dec 21, 2013)

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- Glen “The Road Warrior” and Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn -

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This past Wednesday night, Jamaican Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson, 53-18-2 (36), of Miami Beach, FL, pitched a shutout over 8 rounds in a cruiserweight match defeating Canadian Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn, 21-6-1 (18), of Hackensack, NJ.

Johnson seemed to have an edge after 2 rounds landing the straighter punches. In the 3rd Gunn came fighting back until he was warned for using his head by referee Clark. A Johnson left hook knocked out the mouthpiece of Gunn. Johnson stepped aside so the referee could replace it but never made that move so the fighters continued fighting for a good 30 seconds before the referee had Gunn’s corner replace the mouthpiece.

In the 4th Johnson landed a straight right to the chin of Gunn. His experience is showing though he only had a month to prepare for this fight to Gunn’s 5 months preparing for Roy Jones, Jr., who pulled out for a bigger payday in Russia this Saturday. In the 6th Johnson landed a 4 punch combination. Gunn is opening and closing his mouth as if his jaw is hurt. He has a small cut high on the nose.

In the 7th Gunn couldn’t get away from Johnson’s jab. His only offense was his jab. In the 8th and final round Johnson continues to nail Gunn with a right to the head. Gunn doesn’t seem to have any defense against it. Gunn said win or lose it would be his last fight. He doesn’t seem to be able to pull the trigger. Johnson continues to beat him to the punch. It’s Gunn’s first fight in 20 months and it shows. It just wasn’t the usual “Celtic Warriors” normal fight. Johnson landed right hand after right hand with Gunn acknowledging it.

All 3 judges had it 80-72 as did DHB for the winner Glen Johnson. Gunn announced in the ring it was his last fight! “I knew 2 months ago in training I just didn’t have it anymore. I thought with Jones I’d have a punchers chance but not with Johnson,” said Gunn.

In the co-main event Bantamweight Miguel Cartagena, 9-0 (3), Phila, PA Eduardo “El Yaho” Valenzuela, 5-3-1 (1), Nogales-Sonora, MEX.

Little connecting in the 1st round but Valenzuela got the edge. Cartagena coming in at his second lowest weight of his short career at 112 and Valenzuela his highest at 114.

In the 2nd it was like the Cartagena we know coming out firing with both hands putting Valenzuela on the defense the entire round. The 3rd was a much closer round but Cartagena still held an edge.

In the 4th Valenzuela landed a left hook to the head of Cartagena halfway thru the round that spurred Cartagena on. He landed several 5 punch combinations that Valenzuela had no answer for. The 5th was the best round so far. A Cartagena combo knocked Valenzuela’s head back with a right hand. The 6th and final round both fighters let it all hang out. A left hook to the midsection hurt Valenzuela midway thru the round.

All 3 judges had it 59-55 as did DHB for Cartagena. Clark was the referee and had to do little in this one.

Heavyweight Mark Rideout, 4-0-1 (1), Phila., PA, and Eric “Black Steel” Newell, 7-2-2 (5), Bethlehem, PA, fought to a 6 round draw. This was a rematch from earlier in the year when Rideout won a split decision. Rideout out worked Newell from the 1st thru the 3nd rounds. Newell did a lot of holding. He insisted on a 6 this time and must be regretting it.

Newell may have taken the 4th. The fight could have been in a phone booth with so much holding. Rideout looked like a clear winner as Judge Lederman had it 58-56 for Rideout but judges Benoist and Potjurai came up with 57-57. DHB had it 59-55 Rideout. Rideout was an outstanding amateur with a good jab but only used it on occasions. Clark was the referee.

Heavyweight Randy Easton, 2-2 -1 (2), of Williamsport, PA, stormed out and dropped Dante Selby, 2-1-1 (0), of Phila., Pa. within seconds of the 1st round. Referee Clark took a point away from Easton for hitting Selby after separating the fighters. Easton went right after Selby and landed a combination dropping him again forcing Clark to call a halt at 0:53 of the 1st round.

In the opening bout lightweight Travis “The Animal” Thompson, 5-11-3 (3), Pottstown, PA, fought the best fight of his short career earning his nickname “The Animal” in taking all 4 rounds from Julius Leegrand, 4-2-1 (1), of Cleveland, OH.

Thompson smothered Leegrand and had him staggered just before the bell. In the 2nd round Thompson again was all over Leegrand but for one short period. Leegrands corner keep yelling for him to move and box but he can’t get away from Thompson. There was more of the same in the 3rd with but one flurry from Leegrand. In the 4th a Thompson left hook knocked Leegrands mouthpiece over the ropes. All 3 judges Pierre Benoist, Julie Lederman and John Potjurai had it 40-36 along with DHB for Thompson. “I’m happ to get the win. I traned every day and glad it paid of,” said Thompson.

Ring announcer Steve Mittman said they will be back Jan. 25th.

Ken Hissner responds to all his emails at: kenhissner@gmail.com