Main Event is a 1st Round TKO

Photo by Lars Hjelmroth

DETROIT, MI–   It was over in a flash.  Top middleweight contender, Tony Harrison (18-0, 15 KO’s) didn’t even get in a good sweat.  He made easy work of veteran Bronco McKart (56-11-1) and ended McKart’s career.  Harrison knocked down McKart three times in the first round and the well experienced referee, Sam Williams, stopped the contest at 1:32.  Harrison, 23, used the opportunity to showcase his devastating left hooks.

During post-fight celebrations, Harrison showed thanks for his spiritual beliefs, thanked and remembered Hall of Fame trainer Emmanuel Steward and paid homage to his grandfather, Henry Hanks.  Harrison then thanked and rejoiced with his coaches and support team.

Hanks had fought at Cobo Arena in 1961.  Hanks, who fought in the 50’s and 60’s was 62 (40-KO’s), and 31 with 4 draws in 97 fights.

The audience was loud and spirited as the Cobo Center had a hint of electricity in and around the ring.  The entertainment area was energetic with people and activity.  The boxing card had a good showing in the seats as there were plenty of walk-up ticket purchases.  Crowd estimates were near 4,000.

Promoters, KP Boxing Productions, billed the card as ‘Showdown for Motown-4’ and McKart, 43, looked ready, fit and trim.  It was definitely not his night.  Father Time had reached up and ended the career of the pride of Monroe, Michigan.  The longtime pro-boxer and former champion couldn’t withstand the speed and ferocious attacks from Harrison.  An early left to the head started McKart’s rapid decline.

Event matchmaker Carlos Llinas was off center with most of the other mismatches.

On the undercard, Dwayne Zeigler from Alabama went to 3-0 as he broke the ribs of newcomer Michael Jordan.  Zeigler was overwhelming.  Dorell Van Horn Jr. scored an easy TKO over an overmatched Scott Dillard.  Dillard crumbled quickly after catching a few but very hard body blows.

One of the few competitive fights had Detroit native son Anthony Barnes registering a TKO in the 4th over brawler Eric Moon of Grand Rapids.  Barnes went to 5-0.  He scored early with a very controlled and methodic approach.  Barnes scored points with left jabs and wore Moon down.  It may have been the best match of the evening as Moon kept counter attacking.

Another crowd pleasing match was the women’s fight between Amanda Cooper and Brenda Rodriguez.  Cooper of Detroit was fortunate to get the decision in a four rounder over the ever persevering Rodriguez.  Rodriguez, who hails from Muskegon, was a gamer throughout the bout and kept plodding her counters.  Cooper was able to hold serve and her ability to move kept her out of serious trouble.

Former champion Tommy Hearns along with attorney and television pitchman Ven Johnson mingled with the energized crowd.  NFL football star Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers was on one side of the ring and junior middleweight contender, Cornelius ‘K-9’ Bundage, was on the other.  Both mingled and were cordial with crowd ‘selfies’.  Gates is now promoting boxing in the off season and Bundage is getting ready for an upcoming fight.

World champion contender Deontay Wilder was also gracious with photo-opps.  The heavyweight (31-0) has won all his matches by knockout and no one has lasted more than four rounds against the 6’7” goliath.

May 30, 2014 results from Detroit Cobo Center,

10 Fights presented by KP Boxing Productions

Tony Harrison TKO over Bronco McKart

Dwayne Zeigler TKO over Michael Jordan

Ed Williams over Rick Graham

Anthony Barnes TKO over Eric Moon

Jafer Mohammad TKO over Mathew Andrews

James Ballard decision over Pete Cajigas

Amanda Cooper decision over Brenda Rodriguez

Dorell Van Horn Jr. KO over Scott Dillard

Michael Portillo KO over Jose Araguz

Leandre White TKO over Mike Pickett