Yuri Foreman (25-0, 8 KO’s) vs. Vinroy Barrett (22-6, 11 KO’s)
Junior Middleweights
The undefeated Junior Middleweight from New York, Yuri Foreman (155lbs), faced “Contender” alum, Vinroy Barrett (22-6, 11 KO’s) in a bout scheduled for ten rounds. The bout opened up slowly with both fighters establishing their jabs and distance for counterpunching. Neither fighter is known for being very aggressive, so a knockout is not expected from most at ringside. Foreman, who uses the ring very well, began shooting jabs and hooks to the body, hoping to slow down Barrett for later in the fight.
Finally, by the third round, Foreman began shooting combinations and right hands over the top. A short counter left hook sent Barrett backwards, and gave Foreman some courage. Foreman’s aggression seemed to energize Barrett, but he was unable to pull the trigger between Foreman’s numerous flurries. After this point, and the next few rounds, Foreman was in control of the fight, but the crowd was not into the action; or lack thereof.
The fight continued at a snail’s pace with Foreman pounding out a lackluster unanimous decision by scores 100-90 on all three cards for Foreman
Danny Garcia (7-0, 6 KO’s) vs. Deon Nash (5-5, 1 KO)
Welterweight
The highly regarded Danny Garcia (143lbs) squared off against Deon Nash (143.5lbs) in an entertaining bout. Garcia was a very successful amateur, and has been receiving some major attention from some popular media sources. His opponent might have a less than stellar record, but it certain didn’t show in the opening stanza as he showcased some solid foot movement and defensive maneuvers. Garcia is certainly not the flashy young fighter that we have come to expect out of standout young fighters. The flash that he displayed came in his amazing accuracy and speed. It seemed that every punch he threw landed flush, and he made small defensive adjustments that went unnoticed to most of the crowd, but allowed for him to avoid punishment.
The second round saw more wonderful displays from Garcia as he continued to add the pressure on his opponent, while keeping away from a safe distance. Garcia wowed the crowd with fast left hook combinations to the body and head, and then found a home for his straight right hand. His right hands became more numerous, and forced Nash to clinch. The fast and accurate Garcia was aware of Nash’s adjustment and decided to counter the clinch with a right hand. It worked flawlessly, and a sharp right hand floored Nash hard onto the canvas.
As Nash made it to his feet, Garcia was in a neutral corner waiting to pounce, and pounce he did. As soon as referee Sammy Viruet allowed the action to continue, Garcia was all over Nash with right hands. Eventually, while Nash was backing towards the ropes, Garcia shot out a jab that sent his wobbly opponent back down to the canvas for a second visit. The strong willed Nash was able to make it to his feet again, but he was on even shakier ground this time. Garcia continued to pressure his loose legged opponent, and Viruet was forced to call a halt to the action at the 2:14 mark of the round, giving Garcia a TKO victory in the third round.
Qa’id Muhammad(2-0, 2 KO’s) vs. Samuel Gutierrez (3-3)
Junior Bantamweight
In the first bout of the evening, the young Qa’id Muhammad (115lbs) took on Samuel Gutierrez (114.5lbs) in a scheduled four round Junior Bantamweight contest. The shorter Muhammad started off sharp, showcasing a quick right hand while stalking the taller Gutierrez. The right hands continued, and Muhammad would occasionally slip in either a left hook upstairs or down to the body. Gutierrez hardly threw punches, but was hoping to establish more of a distance by backing away and not allowing his quick footed opponent inside.
The second round started off in a very interesting fashion. Muhammad continued in his quick handed ways, but it was Gutierrez who showcased a bit of head movement that caused Muhammad to miss. Gutierrez followed up with some surprising uppercuts that snapped Muhammad’s head back twice, and made Muhammad’s fans gasp. Muhammad managed to close out the round and keep the fight at the pace that he was already comfortable with.
After a third round that saw much of the same action as the previous two, Muhammad decided to turn it up a notch in the fourth and final round starting with a vicious body attack. A left hook to Gutierrez’ liver sent him pedaling backwards and holding his right hand low. After a few more shots to the body, Gutierrez had both of his hands down low guarding from any other body punches, and Muhammad capitalized on that by unleashing powerful hooks upstairs with Gutierrez on the ropes. Referee Alan Huggins stepped in at the 2:29 point of the round, giving Muhammad a victory by TKO in the fourth round. Afterwards, the classy Muhammad opened up the ropes to assist Gutierrez’ team while leaving the ring.