After a frustrating conclusion to his senior year at West Essex High School, Vito Mielnicki Jr. took out some of his frustration on Chris Rollins.
The 18-year-old welterweight prospect wobbled and stopped Rollins in the second round of their scheduled six-rounder Saturday night in Los Angeles. Referee Jerry Cantu stopped their bout at 2:19 of the second round.
Mielnicki’s win was the second of three fights FS1 aired after Jamal James defeated Thomas Dulorme by 12-round unanimous decision in FOX’s main event from Microsoft Theater.
The 18-year-old Mielnicki, of Roseland, New Jersey, improved to 6-0 as a pro and recorded his fourth knockout.
The 30-year-old Rollins, of Orange, Virginia, was knocked out for the second time as a pro boxer. Rollins also competes in mixed martial arts.
Rollins tried to rough up Mielnicki in a clinch just after the midway mark of the second round. About 20 seconds later, Mielnicki’s short, right hand staggered Rollins.
Rollins moved toward the ropes and held Mielnicki to buy some time. Mielnicki realized Rollins was hurt and unloaded several power punches on a defenseless Rollins, including a right hand to the side of Rollins’ head that knocked him off balance.
Cantu then stepped between them to stop their fight. Rollins protested the stoppage, but he clearly was hurt when their fight ended.
Mielnicki’s right hand moved Rollins into the ropes with 1:09 to go in the opening round. He connected with two left hooks to the body toward the end of the first round.
Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.
