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Southpaw lightweight Michael Brooks of Long Island brought his record to 5-0 with a close but unanimous decision over game Jamell Tyson in the main event of a Telefutura ‘Solo Boxeo’ card broadcast from the Paradise Theatre in Bronx, New York, promoted by Star Boxing and Golden Boy. A capacity local Bronx crowd came out to watch despite a considerable thunder and lightning rainstorm, and was rewarded with an exciting main event.
The bout was noted for a lot of holding in center ring, with both fighters trying to punch and counter punch to the body at close quarters. At times, Brooks scored with an overhand left jab over Tyson’s low left, though overall both fighters had good defense and blocked a lot of shots with their gloves. Brooks landed some head power shots, which Tyson took well. Tyson missed wildly with all but a few of his power shot attempts.
Tyson, who won the first and sixth rounds, did best when he trapped Brooks along the ropes and tried to bully him and score points with body shot combinations. This occurred at various times during the bout, more notably in the second half of the fifth and in the sixth round when Brooks tired. Tyson lost a crucial point in this close bout because his mouthpiece came out five times during heated exchanges.
Without the point deduction, one of the cards would have been 57-57 and the other two cards 58-56 for Brooks, much closer. Brooks won the second, third and fourth rounds with forward aggression and landing more punches overall. Both fighters appeared in superb condition, came to win, and neither fighter was hurt.
Tyson, now 2-3-1, Rochester, New York, is a far better fighter than his record would indicate. Tyson enjoyed height and reach advantage, forcing Brooks to go through hell to get inside and score points.
Heavyweight contender Monte Barrett was in attendance, back from New Zealand, his first public appearance since giving Samoan David Tua his first loss in ten years.
Recent court battles have left Tua broke with huge debts and taxes. Barrett mentioned he was positioning himself for another world title bout in 2012.
Undercard Professional Bouts
Borngod Washington W4 Todd Ericksson, Light Heavyweights
Rich Neves Draw 4 Latwon Halsey, Debuting Welterweights
Eddie Gomez TKO1 Marcus Hall, Light Middleweights (3 knockdown rule at 2:00)
Michael Perez KO1 Miguel Rodriguez, Lightweights (knockout at 0:38 of the first)
Undercard Amateur Bouts
Louis Cruz Jr. W3 Bryant Cruz, 132 Pound Open Category
New York City Golden Gloves champion Louis Cruz Jr., winner, made his first ring appearance since competing recently at the 2012 United States Olympic Team trials.
