(Fern Park FL) Showdown in O-Town 2 was a surprisingly hard-hitting display of heart, fancy footwork, and boxing skill featuring several of central Florida’s top boxing talent. The event featured several boxers who were on the Cotto / Rodriguez undercard last October at Amway Center, and these newly minted professional boxers fought with the intentions of someday being the maincard on their own HBO-televised event.
As I approached the venue and saw the Jai Alai sign adorning tonight’s Fern Park FL venue, I was uncertain of what I was walking into. All I had known is that 2 very friendly boxing promoters from One Punch Boxing – Nick Sityar and Roy Cruz – had been extending offers for me to come out and watch one of their shows for some time, assuring me that I would definitely enjoy their events. So on Friday June 6, I was able to attend their boxing event which was referred to as the ‘Return of the Fantastic Five’, a spectacle of Orlando’s top boxing talent. Walking into the event, it was extremely organized – front desk personnel collecting entrance fees, heavy security presence to make all feel safe, and clothing and food vendors in the main lobby. I was immediately ushered into the fight area. The majority of the venue had fixed seating, but if you had opted for the VIP ringside seating you would have had your own table for your party to order food and drink, or you would have found yourself in one of the cushy loveseats to enjoy a pampered view of the ring. A DJ was pumping beats in the background as I made myself at home beside the ring.
The energy in the room was amazing! Local boxers brought their supporters, who wore shirts bearing their fighter’s name (and sometimes a picture of the fighter’s face). There were lots of smiles and handshakes up in the stands. On the fight floor, eager boxers found themselves weaving through the floor to greet their VIP guests who were excited to soon see their prizefighter showcase his skills. Members of the boxing commission were exchanging last minute instructions with one another, national anthems were sung, and we were soon into the first fight of the night.
With just the first punches thrown, it was quickly apparent that tonight’s boxing was going to be intense. From lightweights to light-heavyweights each fight was packed with action in each round. How much action was there? There was enough action to attract the likes of former heavyweight champions, RIDDICK ‘BIG DADDY’ BOWE and MICHAEL MOORER, to sit ringside. Current up and coming pro welterweight, KEITH THURMAN, was also present getting some face-time with fans greeting them by ringside. Additionally, the family of the late Macho Camacho was also in attendance, with the late boxer’s son fighting in tonight’s second fight. I watched 16 young men each give it their all, respectful of their opponent’s power but determined to define a name for themselves.
Plans for Showdown in O-Town III are already underway for September 2014 at the same venue (Orlando Events Center, 6405 S. US Highway 17-92 Fern Park FL). I would strongly recommend that if you like to watch competition in any capacity, and not just limited to boxing, that you’ll want to be there this Fall!!! I’m thankful for the hospitality that Mr. Sityar and Mr. Cruz afforded me, and was thoroughly satisfied with the level of professionalism, skill, and organization that was displayed at this One Punch Boxing Promotions event. Hopefully you will be able to join us this Fall. I’ll see you ringside!
Results:
Jovan Perez v. Cleveland McLean (Lightweights)
Winner: Perez via 3rd round TKO (stoppage)
Christian Camacho v. Jason Vera (Featherweights)
Winner: Camacho via Unanimous Decision
Craig Duncan v. Harold Smith (Lt Heavyweights)
Winner: Duncan via 4th round KO
Miguel Cruz v. Chris Gray (Welterweights)
Winner: Cruz via 3rd round TKO
Clarence Booth v. Jonathan Perez (Welterweights)
Winner: Booth via 6th round decision
Amos Cowart v. Joseph Fernandez (Lightweights)
Winner: Cowart via 6th round KO
Moises Carasquillo v. Timothy Hall (Middleweights)
Winner: Carasquillo via 6th round decision
As I approached the venue and saw the Jai Alai sign adorning tonight’s Fern Park FL venue, I was uncertain of what I was walking into. All I had known is that 2 very friendly boxing promoters from One Punch Boxing – Nick Sityar and Roy Cruz – had been extending offers for me to come out and watch one of their shows for some time, assuring me that I would definitely enjoy their events. So on Friday June 6, I was able to attend their boxing event which was referred to as the ‘Return of the Fantastic Five’, a spectacle of Orlando’s top boxing talent. Walking into the event, it was extremely organized – front desk personnel collecting entrance fees, heavy security presence to make all feel safe, and clothing and food vendors in the main lobby. I was immediately ushered into the fight area. The majority of the venue had fixed seating, but if you had opted for the VIP ringside seating you would have had your own table for your party to order food and drink, or you would have found yourself in one of the cushy loveseats to enjoy a pampered view of the ring. A DJ was pumping beats in the background as I made myself at home beside the ring.
The energy in the room was amazing! Local boxers brought their supporters, who wore shirts bearing their fighter’s name (and sometimes a picture of the fighter’s face). There were lots of smiles and handshakes up in the stands. On the fight floor, eager boxers found themselves weaving through the floor to greet their VIP guests who were excited to soon see their prizefighter showcase his skills. Members of the boxing commission were exchanging last minute instructions with one another, national anthems were sung, and we were soon into the first fight of the night.
With just the first punches thrown, it was quickly apparent that tonight’s boxing was going to be intense. From lightweights to light-heavyweights each fight was packed with action in each round. How much action was there? There was enough action to attract the likes of former heavyweight champions, RIDDICK ‘BIG DADDY’ BOWE and MICHAEL MOORER, to sit ringside. Current up and coming pro welterweight, KEITH THURMAN, was also present getting some face-time with fans greeting them by ringside. Additionally, the family of the late Macho Camacho was also in attendance, with the late boxer’s son fighting in tonight’s second fight. I watched 16 young men each give it their all, respectful of their opponent’s power but determined to define a name for themselves.
Plans for Showdown in O-Town III are already underway for September 2014 at the same venue (Orlando Events Center, 6405 S. US Highway 17-92 Fern Park FL). I would strongly recommend that if you like to watch competition in any capacity, and not just limited to boxing, that you’ll want to be there this Fall!!! I’m thankful for the hospitality that Mr. Sityar and Mr. Cruz afforded me, and was thoroughly satisfied with the level of professionalism, skill, and organization that was displayed at this One Punch Boxing Promotions event. Hopefully you will be able to join us this Fall. I’ll see you ringside!
Results:
Jovan Perez v. Cleveland McLean (Lightweights)
Winner: Perez via 3rd round TKO (stoppage)
Christian Camacho v. Jason Vera (Featherweights)
Winner: Camacho via Unanimous Decision
Craig Duncan v. Harold Smith (Lt Heavyweights)
Winner: Duncan via 4th round KO
Miguel Cruz v. Chris Gray (Welterweights)
Winner: Cruz via 3rd round TKO
Clarence Booth v. Jonathan Perez (Welterweights)
Winner: Booth via 6th round decision
Amos Cowart v. Joseph Fernandez (Lightweights)
Winner: Cowart via 6th round KO
Moises Carasquillo v. Timothy Hall (Middleweights)
Winner: Carasquillo via 6th round decision
Jovan Perez v. Cleveland McLean:
Christian Camacho v. Jason Vera:
Craig Duncan v. Harold Smith:
Miguel Cruz v. Chris Gray:
Clarence Booth v. Jonathan Perez:
Amos Cowart v. Joseph Fernandez:
Moises Carasquillo v. Timothy Hall :