 |
|
Kenny Ellis
|
1(Tacoma, Washington) Seattle’s middleweight boxer Kenny Ellis had five goals coming into his fight with Darrell Woods: 1.) to win the NABA belt, 2.) to win by knockout, 3.) to get back into title contention, 4.) avenge one of his only five losses in forty professional fights, and 5.) to look good doing it. Kenny Ellis accomplished all of his goals and then some with his crushing 11th round KO of Darrell Woods (20-7) Saturday night at the Emerald Queen Casino’s Battle at the Boat boxing series in Tacoma, Washington.
Ellis won the vacant NABA middleweight title and avenged his June 2000 TKO loss to Woods in dramatic fashion. From the opening bell, Ellis used Wood’s 6’ 2” frame to his advantage, as he worked in close throughout a barrage of jabs and overhand rights to keep off the much bigger Woods.
In the second round, it looked as though Ellis would end this fight early when he sent Woods to the canvas but Woods hopped up and went right back into the fight. Ellis was careful not to rush in and make any mistakes, as Ellis knew Woods had gone the distance with veteran fighter Jason Papillion, Anthony Stephens, and unbeaten prospect Joachime Alcine.
Woods came back in the middle rounds using his ring skills and knowledge that was reminiscent of his 2002 war with Kassim Ouma. But in the end, it was all Kenny Ellis, who landed a punch at the end of the ninth round that wobbled Woods horribly. When the bell ended the ninth round, it looked like Woods was out on his feet as he barely staggered back to his corner.
By the eleventh round, referee Paul Field had seen enough as Ellis was dropping bombs at will so Paul proceeded to stop the fight.
“It was his night,” commented Darrell Woods, “He was on – it was a great fight.” Promoter Brian Halquist agreed. “In all of Kenny’s fights, he has never looked better. Kenny used his counter punching to get in close, then threw a barrage of shots at Woods. Kenny has come into his own. Greg Haugen, who trains Kenny, has been with him for 18 months now and its showing. Kenny is ready for any middleweight in the world.”
Kenny Ellis wants one fighter in particular: Kingsley Ikeke. “He knows he lucked out when they stopped the fight due to the cut on my nose,” Ellis said. “I know he’ll never fight me because he knows what would happen,” Ellis continued.
“There are big things for Kenny in the future. I have never been happier or more proud as a promoter. Kenny Ellis is for real. Now let’s hope that he will get the break he deserves and people won’t run and hide from him,” Halquist said.
On the undercard, undefeated cruiserweight Chad Van Sickle won by a TKO in the 7th round and upped his record to 16-0-2, 4 KO’s against the durable Vinson Durham. The fight was all Van Sickle from beginning to end. Vince Durham, who literally fought all of the best in his weight class, retired after the fight. It was announced in the ring to a standing ovation from the crowd. “I gave it my all during my career. At 41, it is time to sit back and reminisce,” said Durham over the PA system.
UNDERCARD RESULTS
Walter Wright –KO round #1 (2:00) - Mike Hannah
Beta Garcia –Draw in 4 rounds (39-37, 37-39, 38-38) - TJ Jooya
The next fight will be Battle at the Boat XXVIIII on May 15, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.
Fighters are TBA.
Tickets are $75-$40-$20 and can be purchased thru Ticketmaster, Emerald Queen Casino or Brian Halquist Productions. For additional information, please contact Abby Smith at 253-564-2090.
|
|
|
|
© Copyrights / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2004
|
Media Report (April 5, 2004)
