Tampa, FL – Eager to land a marquee match up, Junior Welterweight Derrick “Super” Samuels raised his ledger to 17-4-1 (5 KO’s) after scoring a convincing 7th round stoppage over the ultra-experienced Roberto Valenzuela 48-46-2 (40 KO’s) last Saturday at the A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa, Florida. Samuels went to work early and often, effectively working both the body and head of his Mexican counterpart.
Riding a wave of confidence, Samuels turned up the heat in round 7, landing a barrage punches on a stunned Valenzuela which forced referee Russ Hellstern to stop the bout at 2:29. The Orlando based Samuels is also the current holder of the NABA-US 140 lb crown, which was not on the line during the eight round contest.
Local hero Nick Iannuzzi 10-0 (7 KO’s) of Tampa stopped Port Charlotte’s Theo Kruger 9-8-1 (3 KO’s) in six rounds to win the vacant NBA Jr. Intercontinental Cruiserweight title. The contest was a barnburner from the opening bell as the two Floridians traded monstrous shots as if there were no tomorrow. Iannuzzi ended a fight that could be best described as a classic gym war by dropping Kruger following a solid combination. Kruger elected to take the ten count on his knees as he had taken too much punishment throughout the duration of the fight to continue.
Popular Tampa Featherweight Jenna “Cowgirl” Shiver 7-4-1 (2KO’s) put on perhaps her best performance yet as she earned a unanimous decision over Pennsylvania ’s Christina Leadbeater 2-2. Shiver and Leadbeater left it all in the ring and heard the final bell with loud cheers from the crowd. All three judges scored the bout 40-36.
Former amateur star Adam Hubinger 13-0 (10 KO’s) of Tampa by way of Czech Republic barely kept his undefeated record in tact as he eked out a split decision against Philadelphia’s Jose Medina 14-14 (8 KOs) in a six round Light Heavyweight bout. In your classic fight featuring contradicting styles, Medina made things uncomfortable for Hubinger by applying high amounts of pressure. Although Hubinger had a difficult time dealing with Medina ’s pressure, he did a good job of effectively counterpunching. Scores were 59-55, 58-56 for Hubinger and 58-56 for Medina , who did enough to warrant a rematch.
Tampa ’s Charlie Serrano 8-2 (2KO’s) earned a unanimous decision victory over iron-chinned Vineash Rungea of London . The 21 year old Serrano did a good job of outworking Rungea, who is as tough as nails despite his record. Scores were 39-37 and 40-30 twice.
Unbeaten Heavyweight Magomed Abdusalamov upped his record to 4-0 (all first round KO’s) by stopping Larry White 3-5 (2 KO’s) with ease. A solid heavyweight prospect, Abdusalamov is promoted by Warrior’s boxing.
The card was promoted by Starfight Productions and was another edition of the successful “Fight Night” at the A La Carte Pavilion series. The next installment of the popular Tampa boxing series will be on May 8.
Starfight Productions is based out of Tampa , Florida and is operated by Aaron Jacobs, Shea Bailey, Pete Fernandez, Mike Asmer, and Randy Feldman.