By Mark Vester
Vinny Maddalone (28-4, 19KOs) returned to the ring for the first time since being stopped by Evander Holyfield in March, and won by disqualification over journeyman Jason Barnett (9-6, 4KOs) at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Referee Eddie Cotton, who disqualified Andrew Golota in the second fight with Riddick Bowe, is no stranger to dirty fighters. Barnett showed depseration in the sixth round, being penalized a point for a headbutt and another for lacing the face of Maddalone with the glove. After once again lacing Maddalone in the seventh, Cotton disqualified him.
On the undercard, Jose Guzman (1-2-1, 0KOs) of the Bronx scored an upset by winning a majority four-round decision over popular New York prospect Nicky DeMarco (2-1, 2KOs). The scores were 38-38, 39-37 and 39-37. Guzman, appeared busier and outhustled DeMarco for the win.
