Tim “Pitbull” Coleman Upsets Mike Arnaoutis at Manhattan Center
By Ken Hissner (Dec 5, 2009) DoghouseBoxing (Photos © Bob Kolb, Doghouse Boxing)  
Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing promoted the show last night at New York’s Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom but the officials were not so kind to his fighters Mike Arnaoutis and “The New” Ray Robinson. Both fighters suffered close decision losses Thursday night over the VERSUS network.

Arnaoutis, 24-4-2 (14), from Greece, living in Astoria, NY, lost a split decision to Tim “Pitbull” Coleman, 17-1-1 (4), of Baltimore, MD, for the vacant USBA junior welterweight title. Although the Southpaw Arnaoutis is not the same boxer that fought for the world title in 2006 it seemed he did enough to defeat Coleman who previously only had two ten rounder’s in which he lost and drew. The fight was not exciting.

Coleman seemed to have the edge going into the 4th round when Arnaoutis seemed to outwork his opponent through the 8th round. He suffered a small cut under his right eye in the 4th. Coleman seemed to tire in the 7th round. In the 8th round a border line punch had Coleman looking for an Oscar. He milked it good trying to recoup from losing the last five rounds and catching his second wind. It may have worked for he came back to win the 9th and 10th with both fighters fighting on even terms the final two rounds.

Judge Robin Taylor scored it 116-112 for Arnaoutis but was overridden by Glenn Feldman and Kevin Morgan who both had it 115-113 for Coleman. The crowd seemed stunned over the call. This writer had it 115-113 Arnaoutis. Coleman showed too many bad gym habits like grabbing the top rope and hitting that caused him several warnings from referee Benjy Esteves, Jr.

Philly’s Robinson, 11-1 (4), had someone his same height of near six foot and wasn’t able to use his southpaw style to his advantage. The fight was very sloppy over the 8 rounds as his opponent Brad Solomon, 9-0 (3), of Lafayette, LA, seemed to be content on loading up with the lead right the entire way. When Robinson’s trainer “Moses” Mosley told him to be more of a counterpuncher the fight came to a standstill. It wasn’t until he got inside and slugged it out with Solomon did the action pick up. Somehow Solomon has won three national titles by not being aggressive with his style. Neither fighter was at their best on this night.

Robinson seemed to take three of the first four rounds while getting cut in the 4th round from a clash of heads over his left eye. Robinson’s jab had no snap and his punches were wide. He threw more punches but his timing seemed off. Solomon on the other hand threw less and landed more solid punches with lead rights.

Judge Matt Ruggero had it even at 76-76 while Steve Epstein and Don Trella had it 79-73 for Solomon. This writer felt Robinson deserved nothing worse than a draw, but a smiling Robinson lifted Solomon into the air. He is either a real sportsman or he knew he lost. Sparkle Lee was the referee.

Former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs, 49-5-1 (43), of Brooklyn, made a return to the ring after a 2 ½ year absence stopping Marcus McGee, 22-18 (11), of Tuscaloosa, AL, with a right hand punch below the armpit in the rib area at 2:01 of the 1st. Wayne Kelly counted him out. McGee was down for awhile before getting up. Outside of a win there wasn’t much for Briggs to gain in this mismatch.

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Ken at: kenhissner@yahoo.com

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