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by John DiSanto |
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In 2021, welterweight Shinard Bunch managed to stay active, fighting eight times during the year, while Covid restrictions still hampered much of the boxing world. Although he faced a few easy foes, Bunch also stepped up against a number of more experienced fighters. Shinard won seven times and was saddled with a draw in a high-profile, nationally televised match with undefeated prospect Janelson Bocachica (then 17-0) in his first 10-rounder. Bocachica was the stiffest test of Bunch's career and given that everyone but two of the official judges thought he won, Shinard clearly passed the test. Considering the level of competition and the stakes of the bout, it was Bunch's best performance to date. He followed with two quick knockouts to close the year, and pushed his record to 17-1-1, 15 KO, 1 NC. Overall, it was a very good year for the 22-year old, and for his efforts Shinard has earned the Briscoe Award as the "2021 Prospect of the Year". Congratulations to Shinard and his team, trainer Chino Rivas, manager J Russell Peltz, and promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. The runner-up in this category was lightweight Nahir Albright who fought six times, winning them all, including two scheduled 10-rounders. He stopped grizzled vet Cosme Yocupicio (42-33-3) in eight rounds and Michael Dutchover (15-1) in six rounds. He also scored excellent wins over Darnell Jiles (TKO1), Dante Cox (TKO3), and Jeremy Hill (W8). By the end of the year, Albright was sitting with a record of 14-1, 7 KOs and appeared poised to make 2022 an even brighter year.
More Briscoe Award winners will be announced over the next several days. The Briscoe Awards event will be held in the Spring, location and date to be announced in the near future. |
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