Spadafora Remains Unbeaten!
Wins Unanimous Decision
April 25, 2008 - Avalon Hotel, Erie, PA
Ringside Report & Photos:
Gary Sarti
"The Pittsburgh Kid" Paul Spadafora returned to the ring for the first time in over a year at the Avalon Hotel in Erie PA on Friday night. The 32-year old former IBF lightweight champion looked impressive in an eight-round unanimous decision over welterweight Shad Howard of St. Louis.
Spadafora took control of the fight from the opening bell, landing crisp jabs and pinpoint combinations during the first three rounds. Spadafora, who was wearing a brace to support a torn meniscus in his left knee, stepped up his attack in the fourth round, when he hurt Howard with a flurry of clean jabs and uppercuts, knocking the dazed Howard's mouthpiece to the canvas.
Spadafora landed at will in the later rounds. The courageous Howard landed a few shots, but never threatened Spadafora at any time during the bout.
"I definitely feel young. I feel great," said Spadafora, adding he has been working hard in the gym with trainer Ricky Diaz and had sparred about 80 rounds in preparation for this fight. He is looking to return to the ring in June.
All three judges scored the bout 80-72. Spadafora's record now stands at 41-0-1, while Howard falls to 14-11-3.
Spadafora vs Howard Photos
Taylor Wins Debut!
Earlier in the evening, heavyweight Andres Taylor, the former No. 3 ranked U.S. Amateur from Johnstown, PA, made his professional debut against Ryan Thompson of Cleveland, OH. Taylor landed impressive shots to the body and head of his much larger opponent en route to an entertaining four round unanimous decision for his first professional victory. Thompson's record falls to 5-4.
Taylor vs Thompson Photos
Other Results!
The evening's co-feature matched light heavyweights Anatoly Dudchencko (4-1) of Columbus, OH against undefeated Ronson Frank (10-0) of Brooklyn, NY. Referee Ernie Shariff warned both fighters against hitting on the break during the first two rounds. The fourth round turned into a donnybrook, with Dudchenko being penalized one point for a rabbit punch early in the round, and another point later in the round for hitting after the break. Frank was penalized one point for hitting after the bell at the conclusion of the round. Frank's nose was bloodied during the fourth, and stained his trunks for the remainder of the fight. The judges scored the fight 57-54, 57-54, 56-55 for Frank, who escaped with a unanimous decision to remain undefeated (11-0), while Dudchenko falls to 4-2.