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The opening bout on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights telecast from the Northern Quest Casino in Airway, Washington featured veteran spoiler Sam Reese taking on local journeyman Tim Shocks in a scheduled six-rounder at light heavyweight. Reese, 18-12-4 (7), is making his second straight appearance on Friday Night Fights and in his last outing, shocked rising contender Enrique Ornelas. Shocks, 26-18-4 (18),
Round One: Shocks looks bigger. Both are cautious until they get in a clinch and punch each other with the free hand for about a minute straight. Shocks knocked down almost immediately with an inadvertent head butt from Reese. Shocks is in trouble again from a straight left. He battles back but again caught with a hard left from the southpaw Reese. Shocks is adept at crouching low and coming up with a rising, unexpected punch. Shocks has a nosebleed. Shocks comes forward with gloves held high, absorbing punishment.
Round: Reese 10-8.
Round Two: Shocks carries his left hand very low, even when Reese is in close which results in catching a lot of punches in the head. Shocks comes forward but without much of a plan, no jab and not much movement. Reese tees off with counters when Shocks makes a mistake. Shocks’ nose begins to bleed again. A much less eventful round.
Round: Reese 10-9.
Round Three: Reese is beginning to leap in with punches and in general coming forward more. Has Shocks in trouble on the ropes but Shocks gets off by bobbing and weaving. Reese lands two good body shots. Shocks is missing wildly, landing every so often but without much effect. Reese ends strong as Shocks continues to walk in while throwing nothing.
Round: Reese 10-9.
Round Four: This round starts with a lot of action, Reese being more effective although Shocks does sneak a few short shots in during clinches. Reese lands his hard left but can’t capitalize as Shocks bobs out of trouble. Shocks gets nailed with another left and is then driven onto the ropes, taking punishment. Reese is having a field day, as he can’t miss. Shocks’ nose is bleeding badly again as he continues to get hammered. Reese is having little resistance and the referee takes a close look.
Round: Reese 10-9 (could have easily been 10-8).
Round Five: Shocks’ corner gives him thirty seconds to improve before they end it. Shocks begins the round more carefully but is still getting hit as he steps straight back. Reese seems like he’s working a heavy bag until Shocks launches spasmodic but ineffective flurries. Reese is measuring and landing the occasional hard shot. The frame ends with the two going toe-to toe-with nothing landing.
Round: Reese 10-9.
Round Six: It’s obvious that Shocks cannot win barring a sudden knockout and his corner stops it between rounds.
Result – Reese TKO5.
Richard Eberline can be reached at richardeberline@fastmail.fm
