Mercer scores spectacular KO over Steele
For the second fight in a row Ray Mercer knocked his opponent out cold and out the ring. Late in round five at Philadelphia, MS, Mercer (now 28-4-1, 20 KOs) knocked Don Steele (43-3, 43 KOs) out of the ring and into the lap of Fightnews correspondent George Mahl. George was violently flipped out of his chair with Steele partially on top of him. Ref Elmo Adolph counted to twenty (per the regulation) and Steele did not respond but George did extricate himself safely. Steele was revived in a couple of minutes and properly introduced himself to George.
From the beginning Mercer used his laser-like jab to meticulously crave up Steele. In the second round a good 1-2 combo staggered Steele and busted his nose wide open (possibly broken). Mercer stalked Steele relentlessly in rounds 3 and 4 landing thudding body shots. In the 5th Mercer pounded Steele into the ropes and out of commission. "All I remember is this big carcass coming through the ropes and landing on me like a house," said Mahl. Mercer did not know he was fighting Steele until the weigh-in on Friday. In his last fight on Feb 11, Mercer knocked Jeff Pegues through the ropes and out cold onto a ringside table in the 2nd round.
In other action, Lawrence Clay-Bey (now 13-1, 10 KOs) scored a TKO win over Ken Murphy (now 21-3-1, 15 KOs). Clay-Bey showed superior hand speed and combinations to overwhelm Murphy. Knocked down but up at the count of 9, referee Kimmons Tommy decided Murphy had absorbed enough punishment and waived the fight over at 1:59 of the 5th. This was Clay-Bey's first fight since his war with the Clifford "The Black Rhino" Etienne back in November.
Outstanding amateur Adams Richards won his pro debut over Lewis Gilbert. The converted southpaw Richards sent Gilbert backwards with a big left hand followed by a series of punches that caused the ref to stop the fight at 1:57 into the 2nd round.
WBO #11 heavyweight contender Obed Sullivan (now 38-7-2, 28 KOs) scored a 4th round TKO over veteran trailhorse Augustin Corpus (8-11-3, 7 KOs). Sullivan fought to a controversial draw in November against highly rated Larry Donald. Most ringside observers had Sullivan the winner.
Middleweight prospect Brad McNeil (now 6-0, 5 KOs) scored a split decision win over Eduardo "El Gato" Martinez (now 11-22-3, 5 KOs). Ironically Martinez won a 6 round decision against McNeil's younger brother Clint in his back in October at the same location. Tune in to FOX Sports on Sunday to see George Mahl meet "The Man of Steele" courtesy of Ray Mercer. |
