By Keith Terceira
Lately I have had little time to concentrate on writing with coaching, matchmaking and a large family, but always there is time to attend matches promoted in our area by Slugout Promotions. Attending fight cards on many a level for three decades, it’s easy to get jaded by over-priced pugilists who become prima donnas, asking and receiving suites, million dollar purses, and big bonuses. There are top prospects that can’t sell enough tickets to fill a phone booth let alone match the standing room only crowds that attend a Slugout event.
Once again last evening Stacy “Goodnight” Goodson continued his climb as a first rate promoter, slowly but firmly moving from club fights to building and moving prospects from the Mid-South. With little advertising and the rescheduling of his main event Goodson pulled a rabbit out of his dew rag and packed the Polk County fair grounds in Russellville with fans treated to fighters whose skills are growing and are never short on what makes for great fights.
Heart!
Breaking down the forty-four rounds of action goes as follows;
In the main event Russellville’s Omar Clemons improved to 2-1 by stopping Fayetteville’s Rodrick Miller who ran out of steam after giving Clemens and action packed first round. Clemens continues to drop in weight and a new training regiment has the future light heavy lean and mean.
“After we spoke the last time I really hit the gym hard and I’m happy with my results thus far. As you can see I’m getting more conditioning and that is increasing my speed and I’m seeing better to react to my opponents attacks. I’m countering better since I’ve increased my workout program.” Clemons reported after the match.
The co-main featuring Mitch Hicks fell along similar lines as Freddie Bryant couldn’t handle Hicks combinations for very long. Hicks who has a new trainer has gone from tough man to boxer and plans on further surprises as he continues to learn the sweet science.
Josh “The Hammer” Hammock nailed down a fortunate decision against Russellville’s Drew “Sweet Pea” Chronister. Chronister and Hammock look to be more diamonds in the rough for the Arkansas pro-scene and cries of a rematch from the crowd hopefully won’t go unheard by these two duelists because it was a action packed barnburner and deserves a replay.
Ben Sons of Fort Smith moves to 2-0 with his stoppage of Daniel Williams who debuted last night but gave Sons some difficulty in the early rounds. Sons expressed disappointment in his performance having to come down in weight and then back up quickly when his first proposed opponent fell through.
“I’m really angry with myself at the way I trained for this fight and I should have done some things differently. Daniel was tall and I didn’t take that into account but I won’t again and you will see improvement in my next fight.”
Robin Gaines of Fort Smith out skilled but didn’t out heart Andrew “Heart” Hartley who even without a check in the win column comes to mix it up always. Gaines moves to 1-0 with 1 KO and could become another Goodson gem with time and training.
Pine Bluffs Dominique Azeez put his first W in the win column moving to 1-3, stopping David Molton of Paris Arkansas in the first round.
For the first time in his short career ex-pro football player Matt “The Hurricane” Hicks drew a fighter that could give him more than a round or two and even in losing Shane “Sugar” Morton of Clarksville looked like he could develop into a ticket seller in the area. Hicks was grateful afterwards for the heart that Morton showed in the ring.
“Shane did a lot to help me by giving me more experience in the ring and by being competitive for four rounds he showed me the areas where I need improvement. First round knockouts are great but can’t prepare me for the next level.” Hicks commented afterwards.
“The Hurricane” continues to be undefeated at 6-0, with 5 KO’s
Roger “The Hitman” Sanders moves to 9-0 with nine KO’s after suffering a knockdown that shook him to the point that he didn’t recall it until he saw it on tape after the fight. Only conditioning and determination allowed Sanders to overcome the knockdown and it appeared that he was shaken not once but twice in the fight.
“ Joey caught me flush on the chin right at the time I was switching from orthodox to southpaw and I walked right into a haymaker. I didn’t even remember going down but I popped right up dancing.”
Kazmerak acquitted himself well and though suffering his first loss he displayed power to spare.
Oisin Fagan (11-3, 8 KO) of Ireland took a win from Polk County as he prepares to return to the Emerald Isle this summer to fight for the Irish Title at 140 in June. “Gael Force” overcame Donald Carins attempt to change Fagans hopes at a title. Carins a Mena , Arkansas native suffered his first defeat.
#2 WIBA miniumweight contender Sarah Goodson went the distance with always tough Nikki Verbeck of Conway and moves to 18-14-1 with six by knockout. Goodson await’s the results of this month’s title fight in Kansas City with hopes that this year will give her the chance to strap on another title belt. Verbeck and Goodson have battled it out several time and “Thrilla from Manila” again gets the advantage.
Writer turned fighter Benny “The Big Dog” Henderson Jr. of Overton, Texas overcame some pre-fight jitters to win his pro debut against Ron Collins of Dardanelle, AR. By way of a first round knockout.
After the fight Big Dog commented that;
“I was a little nervous until I got hit the first time then all that went away and I just started throwing punches”
People who think less of club fights should be aware that Slugout is creating several fighters in the style of a Chuck Wepner and don’t be surprised if Goodson polishes some diamonds that become World Champions in the future.
KTerceira@boxingscene.com
