ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” this past weekend saw undefeated Jr. Welterweight prospect Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin score an impressive stoppage at 2:29 of the 5th round over a game and tough Johnny Garcia.
Seldin, 16-0 13KO’s, Shirley, NY and Garcia, 19-3-1 11KO’s, Holland, MI, went at each other right from the opening bell. Both fighters scored with good shots and Seldin hit the canvas in what was ruled a slip but may have been a flash knockdown from a Garcia right
Seldin came out with both guns blazing in the 2nd round and rocked Garcia on more than one occasion. Garcia to his credit never wavered and tried to answer back.
The 3rd and 4th rounds saw more of the same two way action with Seldin gaining the advantage much to the crowds delight as the fighters exchanged blows throughout.
Seldin hurt Garcia late in the 4th round with a big left hook and followed up with flurries of hard punches but the game Garcia tried to stand his ground and fight back.
The 5th round saw Seldin landing numerous monster shots to both the head and body of Garcia. Garcia tried his best to fend Seldin off but the power of Seldin was just too much and the referee stopped the onslaught at 2:29 of round 5.
Both fighters gave it their all in a crowd pleasing fight that never lacked for action.
The semi final saw Raymond Serrano score a majority 10 round decision win over Jeremy Bryan by scores of 94-94, 97-91, and 96-92 in a Welterweight contest. The win was Serrano’s 3rd straight and saw his record improve to 21-2 9KO’s. Bryan on the other hand lost his 3rd straight, all 3 by eith majority or split decisions as his record dropped to 17-6 7KO’s.
The bout was a tactical one throughout with each fighter scoring a knockdown. Bryan dropped Serrano with a straight right hand near the end of round 3 and Serrano returned the favor with a left right combination in round 5. Serrano seemed to carry the action for most of the fight.
In a pier 6 brawl between 2 unbeaten fighters Daniel Gonzalez, 8-0-1 3KO’s scored a unanimous decision over Kenny Alvarez, 6-1-2, 3KO’s. The scores were 59-53 and 58-54 twice, all in favor of Gonzalez who dropped Alvarez in both the 4th and 6th rounds.
Former World Ranked Featherweight Luis Franco returned after a nearly two year layoff and looked very impressive in stopping a tough Osumanu Akaba in the 8th and final round.
The former Cuban Amatuer star was very sharp in dismantling Akaba dropping him twice in the first round. Franco moves to 12-1-1 8KO’s while Akaba drops to 24-8 17KO’s.
In a shocker Jamell Tyson, 4-11-3 2KO’s scored a 1st round TKO over Alan Gotay, 8-2 4KO’s. Tyson dropped Gotay 3 times forcing the referee to call a halt to the proceedings. The bout was a scheduled 6 rounder in the Lightweight division.
Johnny Hernadez remained perfect with a hard fought victory of a tough Rigoberto Miranda in a 4 round Featherweight bout. Hernandez goes to 3-0 1KO while the tough luck Miranda drops to 0-4-2.
