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(SEPT 30) Elsewhere at Madison Square Garden, Eric Clapton ruled, but
here at The Theater, on Friday September 29, 2006, the Garden buzzed to
Irish bagpipes and Mexican Mariachi, while New Yorkers anxiously awaited
the scheduled 12 rounds bout between NABF champion John Duddy and Louis
Ramos Campas for the vacant IBA World Middleweight Title.
This night’s previous 5 bouts left no hint of the up coming battle as
they ranged from one-sided, but well-fought, to down right sloppy-mess,
giving spectators time to trickle in and slowly make the dark-purple
theatre seats disappear under a mesh of white and violet ceiling
spotlights. By bout 6, a packed-in crowd roared.
A maddening “Duddy” chant electrified the air and foreshadowed the war
about to take place. From the opening bell, the fighters launched into a
grueling, pounding combat, trading punches fast and furious. While Duddy
scored repeatedly with a left jab and lightning combinations throughout
the first four rounds, Campas, experienced and skilled, taking hits, but
always coming back, landed uppercuts and bloodied Duddy several times,
all to a deafening roar that hurt the ears and vibrated through the
body.
When intensity shifted during the fifth round, it seemed that Campas
might “turn the fight” on the still domineering Duddy. A few more rounds
of heavy hits and trading proved that nothing less than a knockout would
get Campos a win. Both fighters, all soul and heart, going with
everything through the distance, left the audience cheering to the
finish. And after the match that reflected the epitome of quality boxing
and sportsmanship, John Duddy came away with a unanimous decision and
the Middleweight Title. |
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