By Mark Vester
Sakio Bika (25-3-2, 15KOs) became the Contender Season Three champion by stopping Jaidon Codrington (18-2, 14 KOs) in the eight-round of a cracker at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, MA. Bika was awarded the $750,000 grand prize for winning the Contender tournament final.
In the first round, Bika and Codrington exchanged knockdowns to set the stage for an all-out war. Both men wanted the money bad, throwing nothing but power punches during the entire contest. It was clear that a battle of attrition was underway and one of them was going to be knocked out before everything was said and done. Bika managed to survive several rocky moments to land a barrage on Codrington in the eight to have him out on his feet. Referee Dick Flaherty jumped in to call a halt to the action.
On the undercard;
Sam Soliman (35-10, 13KOs) won a six-round decision over Wayne Johnsen (17-2, 9KOs). The scores were 60-54, 60-54 and 59-55.
David Banks (15-3-1, 2KOs) won a six-round majority decision over Donny McCrary (23-7-2, 13KOs). The scores were 58-56, 58-56 and 57-57.
Brian Vera (15-1, 9KOs) won a unanimous decision over Max Alexander (14-2-1, 2KOs). The scores were 58-56, 60-54 and 60-54.
