This past Saturday night, Maurice Hooker, (19-0-3, 14KO's) of Dallas, TX won the NABO junior welterweight title against former champion Ghislain Maduma, (17-2, 11KO's) of Montreal, Canada, by split decision (95-93, 95-94 and 93-95).
The fight took place as part of the non-televised undercard to Gennady Golovkin vs. David Lemieux from Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The battle featured excellent two-way action and had the early arriving crowd cheering throughout. Hooker scored a big knockout early in the contest, but Maduma bounced back later and had Hooker in serious trouble.
Hooker is not looking to take it easy and wants a showdown with unbeaten Antonio Orozco (23-0, 15KOs), who was featured on HBO earlier this month when he decisioned former champion Humberto Soto.
Said Hooker, "I think the fight went at good pace and Maduma was a good fighter. He came prepared to fight. I knew I had him from the first round when I hit him with my left. By the fourth round, I grew confident that I was in the lead once I dropped him. I feel that I am ready for a bigger fight and feel confident I can make a statement at 140 pounds. I would love a shot at any of the Golden Boy Promotions fighter at 140 pounds, like Antonio Orozco, I can take him."
