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Fight Night at Madison Square Garden.

ByKatrina Walters

Toney Crowned Champion as Ruiz Retires!

In the main event, James Toney came out focused against John Ruiz. Both men traded bombs from beginning through to round six, but round seven proved to change the tides for Toney when he caught Ruiz with a series of

punches, knocking him down. From then on, Toney dominated the fight. Ruiz gave a great performance, but Toney appeared hungrier for the win. In a surprising turn of events and being a no show at the post-fight press conference, John Ruiz announced his retirement via his manager/trainer Norman Stone. In knowing that, it only fueled the burning fire deep down in Toney to proclaim being the best heavyweight in the division. He wants anybody, anytime, anywhere! James Toney is ready, and definitely one to deal with in the ever-changing heavyweight shuffle.

In other notes, Chris and Tracy Bird expressed to SaddoBoxing their motives for being in the Big Apple: “We are campaigning and hoping that Don (King) gets this going for us,” said Tracy Byrd, wife and manager of Chris Byrd on a possible fight between the winner of Toney and Ruiz.

In an exciting night of boxing at Madison Square Garden, fans and media enjoyed great, up front, and in your face action from the fighters throughout a good under-card. From the top, in our heavyweight division, Ray Austin put on a decent show against Larry Donald. Although knocking him down in the first round, he was not given credit and the fight went to a draw with the scores finally reading 115-113 for Donald and two scores of 114-114.

In another fringe heavyweight title fight, DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson fought a valiant fight against the game and very focused Derrick “Touch of Death” Jefferson. The action ensued immediately from the opening bell with Williamson wobbling Jefferson and knocking him down, but in round two, the real drama unfolded. With a vicious right from Williamson, Jefferson went to the canvas, making it up at the count of eight, he somehow regained focus and caught DaVarryl with a wicked uppercut, causing Williamson to grab and hold which then caused both men to topple over. Once back on his feet Williamson began pounding Jefferson with everything he had, causing the ref to stop the fight in the second round.

Keep checking out to SaddoBoxing.com where the news is accurate and consistently updated!

Katrina Walters can be reached at boxingkatrina@aol.com