Beltran and Yorgey win title on ESPN2


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Beltran and Yorgey win title on ESPN2

By Ken Hissner, Doghouse Boxing (Aug 24, 2008) DoghouseBoxing.com

Fernando Beltran, Jr. 31-3-1 (18), of Culiacan,Mexico won a split decision over Takalani Ndlovu 28-5 (18), of Soweto, South Africa for the vacant IBO featherweight title Friday night at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Banner Promotions and Golden Gloves promoted two 12 round bouts over ESPN2 that even had the fans on the edge of their seats listening to the scores being announced.

Though neither boxer were rated in the IBO featherweight ratings, Beltran and Ndlovu had both fought for Steve Molitor’s IBF super bantam title and were defeated. Ndlovu, the former IBO super bantam champ started slow and it may have cost him as the southpaw Beltran was the aggressor throughout the contest. Beltran was deducted one point by referee Clay Huddleson for repeated warnings of low blows. JudgesMark Streisand and David Hudson both saw it 115-112 for Beltran while Steve Weisfeld had it 114-113 for Ndlovu.

In a battle of unbeaten junior middleweights, Harry Joe Yorgey, 21-0-1 (9), of Bridgeport, Pennsylvania won a majority decision over Jason LeHoullier, 21-1-1 (8), of Portland, Maine for the vacant IBF North American title.

Yorgey who hadn’t fought in 10 months used an effective jab throughout to offset the rugged LeHoullier. Yorgey stayed off the ropes and only when he went to the body was he hit with overhand rights by LeHoullier. This was a close match through the first 8 rounds with Yorgey holding an edge. His hand and foot speed kept him one step ahead of his opponent with occasional right uppercuts following a stinging jab that kept his opponent from rushing him. Referee Bill Clancy had an easy night of it.

Yorgey seemed to open up more in taking the last four rounds while battering LeHoullier against the ropes and having him out on his feet in the 12th and final round. LeHoullier would always manage to come back. He just had no answer for Yorgey’s speed and superior conditioning. Though it seemed a formality, the decision had fans shaking their heads as the announcer read judge Valerie Dorsett has it 114-114. Yorgey had a look of bewilderment. Fortunately the other judges Barry Lindenman had it 116-112 and David Hudson had it 117-111 (as did this writer) for the winner by majority decision.

Yorgey’s new trainer Henry Racich stated “he trains like an animal every day.” To this Yorgey replied “I was in the best shape of my career. I could have gone 20 rounds. What won me the fight was my conditioning.” Referring to his opponent he added, “He’s a hard nosed guy. Every round we broke him down. He was hurt three or four times. I also give him credit for he is as tough as nails.”

The former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs, had Yorgey ahead 119-109. CompuBox had it 300-222 in favor of the winner. In studio guest was former 1976 gold medalist, and world light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Michael Spinks.

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Ken at: kenhissner@yahoo.com