Preakness was not the only sporting event yesterday.
There was a lot going on in the world of boxing, especially with Maryland connections.
First off, in London, Baltimore boxer Gervonta Davis defended his IBF super-featherweight title by defeating overmatched Liam Walsh with a third round TKO. That is 17 knockouts in his last 18 fights. And this one was definitely on his opponent’s turf. Impressive.
Then at MGM National Harbor, Gary Russell Jr. defended his WBC featherweight title by knocking out game Oscar Escandon of Colombia in a 7th round TKO. The degens saw Gary Russell fight in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock on the undercard of the Abril-Bogere fight. I personally recall how fast he was (his gloves made an audible phiip like a fastball moving through the air) and Brad Heavner yelling “DC” as he powered his way to a unanimous decision.
It is notable that two of Russell’s brothers fought on the undercard. Antonio won his 7th fight (TKO) and Gary Antuanne won his professional debut.
More regrettable from that undercard was this crazy ass sucker punch, thrown by a member of Andre Dirrell’s corner after his opponent was disqualified for a late punch after the bell.
VIDEO: All hell breaks loose after boxing match that ends in DQ as fans brawl and corner man punches opposing boxer https://t.co/ok6SBXslr5 pic.twitter.com/Ud5E1Veh9K
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) May 21, 2017
Bedlam!
Also worth noting that Russell won that fight in Vegas we saw with a fucked up hand, which is why he jabbed his way to victory that night.