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Rodney
Rice’s RDR Promotions was back in South Philly on Friday night
featuring a seven bout card at the 2300 Arena. The first bell sounded
around 6:30 pm with fight fans anxious for action. The event was
headlined by a NABA lightweight title showdown between Nahir “Woo”
Albright of Sicklerville, NJ (13-1, 6 KOs) and Jeremy Hill of New
Orleans, LA (15-2, 10 KOs).
In the
main event, Albright won an 8-round unanimous decision
over Hill. Albright showed poise in his victory, setting up
big shots up top and displayed high level boxing acumen during the
battle.
Albright
was the constant aggressor, moving forward and landing bombs on
Hill. In round two, Albright staggered Hill with a devastating hook,
and continued his onslaught, outworking Hill throughout the bout.
Hill showed glimpses of his own ability, getting in some
counterpunches, but Albright remained in control. As the
final bell sounded, Albright proved himself “Sicklerville strong”
and earned the unanimous decision victory (79-73, 79-73, 78-74)
and the NABA lightweight strap. Shawn Clark was the referee.
CASON KOS
JAMES
Cruiserweight Muhsin Cason (8-0, 5 KOs) scored a ferocious third
round KO over Iowa’s Tristan James (4-4-2). Cason led the dance
throughout, punishing his rangy and capable opponent. Cason sent the fans into a frenzy, erupting to their
feet, when he landed a monstrous hook that sent James to the canvas.
Referee
Eric Dali immediately stopped the fight, and Muhsin Cason remained
undefeated with a walk-off KO in the third.
SMITH
STORMS WHITLEY IN THE FIRST
Illinois product Julian “Quiet Storm” Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) took on
Derrick Whitley Jr. (6-2-1) of Massachusetts in a welterweight clash
set for six rounds. Smith came out aggressively, battering Whitley
Jr. The “Quiet Storm” landed a thunderous overhand in the first
round and the contest was stopped by referee Shawn Clark at 2:58. Smith remained undefeated.
SCHWARTZBERG ROCKS UMBERGER
Florida
junior middleweight Ryan Schwartzberg (1-1-1) won a TKO stoppage
victory in the second round over previously undefeated Ryan Umberger
(4-1, 4 KOs). Schwartzberg blitzed Umberger, connecting with a
stunning hook. Umberger showed heart and continued punching, trying
to avoid the onslaught. Schwartzberg rallied and pounded Umberger up
top against the ropes. Referee Eric Dali stopped the bout at 1:41 of
round
two. Schwartzberg, who made his ring walk to the “Rocky” theme
song, put on an underdog performance to remember.
CROOKS
WINS DECISION OVER THOMAS
Jamaican
southpaw Du-Shane Crooks (16-2, 8 KOs) took on Kansas City’s Bernard
Thomas (6-10, 3 KOs) in a 6-round super middleweight contest. Crooks
controlled throughout, putting in work against Thomas. Crooks landed
heavy shots against a tough and durable opponent in Thomas, who was
able to withstand and last until the final bell. Crooks scored a
victory via majority decision by official scores of 60-54, 59-55,
and a questionable 57-57.
GALEANO
OUTSCORES HAWTHORNE
Steven
Galeano of Bronx, NY (8-0, 6 KOs) went up against Texan Marquis
Hawthorne (8-14) in a junior welterweight bout in the second fight
of the night. Galeano showcased his quickness and shifty movement,
outclassing Hawthorne. Galeano efficiently boxed his way to a
unanimous decision victory with the judges scoring the contest
60-54, 60-54, and 59-55.
BUTLER
WINS DECISION
New York’s
Raekwon Butler (3-0, 2 KOs) stayed undefeated, winning a decision
over Diemerci Nzau (11-15, 9 KOs). Despite the loss, Nzau put in a
valiant effort, connecting with some heavy blows, even appearing to
land headshots that caused Butler to lose his mouthpiece twice in
the second round. In the fourth round, Nzau started to land on
Butler in the corner as Butler spit out his mouthpiece, causing the
referee to deduct a point.
Despite a
tough opponent, Butler hung in there and controlled the distance
late with his sharp jab. The judges unanimously awarded the victory
to Butler, all scoring the bout 39-36.
RDR returns to the
2300 Arena
Saturday night (July 24) with another pro show. |
