Shmouel and Nakash
solidify their North Philadelphia Reputation with TKO’s
by Mike Cassell
February 7, 2009
(FEB 7) PHILADELPHIA - Undefeated
Cruiserweight, Ran Nakash, and junior welterweight, Elad Shmouel, each
scored 2nd round TKOs against their overmatched opponents last night
in North Philadelphia.
Nakash 17-0 (13KO’s) has fought inside the Blue Horizon for the fourth
time in the last nine months. He easily weathered the early attack of
Delaware’s, Ryan Carroll 7-2 (4). Carroll showed guts and grit, but was
eventually beaten down by hard left hands to the body, and a staking
right cross that even Mike Tyson would be proud of.
Nakash, who serves as the, head of the Israeli Defense Force’s Krav Maga
school, teaching the martial art to future instructors for the Israeli
Army, is a great future prospect, and looks to be ready to take the next
step. After the fight, Nakash was humble.
“I had only seen one round of Ryan Carroll, so I had to feel him out.”
When asked about his Return to the Blue, he said. “I love the Phillies
and the Philadelphia fans, I’m one. I look forward to fighting here”.
It has been over a year since the rugged and gusty welterweight Elad
Shmouel last fought inside the walls of the Blue Horizon but he had the
“hearts and minds” of the Philly crowd since his last appearance. Back
in December of 2007, Shmouel was involved in the “Philadelphia Fight of
the Year” against Lenny DeVictoria. But Shmouel has made more fans with
that loss, than any win in his career. Philly fans loved the guts, now
the young man had their hearts.
Pittsburgh’s Khristian Geraci 4-6-1 (3KO’s) made a big mistake, as
entered the ring wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers Jersey. That was mistake
number one. The fans at the Blue nearly jumped into the ring themselves.
Shmouel 19-2 (10 KO’s) Showed patience and maturity, allowing Geraci to
move forward, and throw had combinations, sitting in the wait all along.
As the gas began to run out, Elad stepped on his own throttle, landing
brutal body shots. As Geraci began to lean low and to the right, Shmouel
saw the opening for his brilliant left hook and ended this one at 1:22
of the second round.
After the fight, I asked him if it was hard to focus on any fight,
giving the current conditions in Israel.
“It’s everyday for us Mike. We have lived with this constantly. Missiles
fly into Israel every day. It’s something you have to deal with
mentally. There are people in my country dealing with a lot more than I
faced tonight“
On Geraci. “He is a tough hard puncher. Believe me, he can hit very
good. I give him credit, it was just my night”
Undercard
The most exciting fight of the night featured Julias Edmonds (4-3)
out-working a very crafty Linwood Hurd (2-1) in a six-round junior
welterweight masterpiece.
Edmonds finished very strongly, taking the fight all six rounds, in a
fight that was a lot closer than the cards showed.48-46, 49-45, 48-46.
Texan Middleweight Marcus Bianconi (1-0) had something to prove against
Philadelphia’s John Turner (1-0). Each fighter began their pro career
with knockouts. Turners athleticism was immiededtly obvious from the
bell, But Bianconi landed his right without an answer at the end of
round two, putting Turner on the canvas. Turner could not answer the
bell for the third, claiming he suffered a hand injury, that was swollen
badly as he left the Arena later that night. Both fighters went for it,
But Bianconi’s amateur experience, and very hard head, took this fight.
Ardrick Butler (1-1) earned his first pro win by beating Anthony Abrams
(1-6)
The first fight of the night started with a classic Blue Horizon brawl
in which Ronald Cruz (2-0, 1KO) from Bethlehem, PA got his first
professional knockout against Pastor Andrew Duncan. Cruz started off
strong, scoring 2 knockdowns in round one, and unfortunate for the
Philadelphia Pastor Duncan, even god could have stopped the referee form
calling this one in round 3. Ms. Michael, the CEO of the Legendary Blue
Horizon, Honored hall of fame, legendary referee, Frank Cappuccino, in a
touching ceremony in the ring. To listen to an Interview with Michael,
go to
AFB.PHILABOXINGREPORT.COM.
