Baltimore Boxing: Nicklow, Kennedy Battle To Draw

ByBoxing Press

With an enthusiastic crowd backing two of the Beltway Area’s gutsiest pugilists, longtime rivals Jesse Nicklow and Julius Kennedy fought to a thrilling ten round majority draw in the main event of “Baltimore Bad Boys” last Friday evening at the Du Burns Arena.

In what many ringsiders declared as Maryland’s Fight of the Year, both men landed a number of crisp blows in various toe to toe exchanges.

Each fighter maintained a solid punch output in close quarters, with Nicklow relying on jabs, uppercuts and right hands, as Kennedy worked off of a steady body attack and straight rights. Both men had their moments, but Nicklow appeared to be the more consistent fighter throughout the contest.

Although multiple media outlets declared Nicklow a close victor, the scorecard of 98-92 in his favor was overruled by two tallies of 95-95.

Nicklow, of Baltimore, is now 20-2-3 (9 KO’s). Kennedy, a Windsor Mills, MD native, left the ring at 7-1-1 (3 KO’s).

“I thought Jesse won the fight,” said Promoter Jake Smith of Baltimore Pro Boxing. “He established himself and landed a lot of good combinations, but it was back and fourth the whole fight. I can’t complain though because it was a heck of a fight and the crowd seemed contempt with the draw.”

One of boxing’s legendary warriors was also thrilled with the action that transpired inside the squared circle.

“I am glad it ended in a draw both guys fought their heart out,” stated Five Time World Champion Vinny Paz. “It was a great fight and the fans definitely got their money’s worth. I hope they fight again!”

Unbeaten cruiserweight Steve “Show Stealer” Wheeler of Baltimore remained perfect with a crushing first round knockout over Virginia’s Donald Crawford. The wildly popular Wheeler put Crawford down for the count with a vicious straight left at 2:27.

Wheeler is now 6-0 with 5 KO’s. Crawford, an unbeaten mixed martial artist who came in on short notice, falls to 0-1.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and legendary trainer Kevin Rooney also took in the night’s action from ringside.

Other results:

Heavyweights: Theron Johnson (4-3, 1 KO, Chicago, IL) TKO1 Jed Phipps (18-7, 11 KO’s Baltimore).

Cruiserweights: Maxell Taylor (14-2-1, 5 KO’s, Baltimore) UD6 Francois Ambang (2-7-1, Mechanicsville, VA).

Baltimore Pro Boxing’s next card is slated for Saturday, October 23 at the Pikesville Armory.

For more information, go to baltimoreboxing.com