11.03.06 – By Mike Indri: Retired Boxers Foundation – Any, and all, questions concerning Giovanni Lorenzo’s fighting ability were answered last night; during the talented Dominican fighter’s dominant performance against a very tough Archak Ter-Melikestian. Fighting as the main attraction for the appropriately named “Back to the Future II” fightcard, Lorenzo and Ter-Melikestian battled through seven grueling rounds, with both fighters realizing just how important a victory would be to their respectively bright careers.
Lorenzo, displaying the faster hands and delivering the sharper and more precise power punches, proved to be too much for the heavy-handed Armenian fighter and captured the biggest win in his professional career as Ter-Melikestian was unable to answer the bell for the eighth and final round of their jr. middleweight contest.
Lorenzo dazzled the capacity crowd at North Bergen’s Schuetzen Park with his fast hands, and his vicious body attack; while at the same time denounced his doubters who had questioned the still undefeated (20-0 with 12 KO’s) fighter’s chin, heart and weak opposition.
From the fight’s opening bell Lorenzo was willing to trade with the knockout artist known as “The Shark Attack” and not only survived the ordeal, but was actually getting the better of most exchanges. A big question was answered by the cocky Lorenzo, who now calls Washington Heights, NY home, when Ter-Melikestian landed several of his bombs flush in round two and Lorenzo appeared no worse for wear.
As the fight wore on it was becoming clear that the edge that Ter-Melikestian may have had in power was getting trumped by Lorenzo’s quicker and more accurate punches, as well as his ring savvy. The Shark allowed himself to get flustered and lost his concentration often due to Lorenzo’s questionable tactics of hitting on the breaks, elbowing and rabbit punching which went on for most of this entertaining bout. Referee Harvey Dock finally penalized Lorenzo one point in round six, after continual warnings, which could have affected the final outcome, as the three judges scores were mixed at the time of the stoppage.
While the talented Ter-Melanesian’s (now 15-3, 12 KO’s) effort is to be commended, by rounds four and five it was becoming apparent that Lorenzo was in control, hurting the Shark with a solid body attack and head shots which came in abundance. The ref’s penalty in round six gave Ter-Melikestian some new found life, but by round seven both fighters were weary, and Shark appeared to be hurting.
After round seven Ter-Melikestian came back to his corner spitting up blood and vomiting. Henry Cortes, Shark’s manager and trainer, as well as one of the nicest and most well-respected people in boxing, wisely and professionally would not allow his fighter to continue.
While this loss is an obvious setback in Ter-Melikestian’s young career, he will fight again. “The Shark Attack” is a talented fighter, and very exciting due to his big punch.
Giovanni Lorenzo deservedly catapults himself to the next level, and appears to have landed himself a televised fight with highly acclaimed Sechew Powell, who beat Ter-Melikestian this past November via unanimous decision.
On the Main Events “Back to the Future II” undercard:
While the majority of the packed house looked like they were ready for a Jimmy Sturr concert, it wasn’t a Polkapalooza by the world-renowned singer and his orchestra which filled the venue, it was Andrew “Ziggy” Gmitruk (long-time manager of former heavyweight contender Andrew Golota) and his trio of fighters from Cracow, Poland which brought the crowd.
Gregory Somzyski, making his pro debut, opened the show with a unanimous decision win in a four round cruiserweight fight against a stubborn Lloyd Wison. While very raw, Somzyski used his good strong jab to carry the fight. Wilson, fighting out of Highpoint, NC fell to 3-3 (3 KO’s).
Mariusz Cendrowski stayed perfect, improving to 11-0 (6 KO’s), overpowering Hicklet Lau (now 19-16-2, 9 KO’s) en route to a six round unanimous decision victory. Cendrowski swarmed Lau from the onset and bludgeoned the Miami native for the entire fight with his heavy hands.
Mariusz Wach, Poland’s newest answer for their beloved first son Andrew Golota, used his big jab, his power advantage and his 6’6″ frame to totally assert his will on an overmatched Earl Ladson. Ladson, now 12-9 (7 KO’s), was never a factor and surprised many by being able to withstand the power shots and stinging jabs being fired down upon him by Wach, who is now 8-0 (2 KO’s). All three judges scored it 60-54 for the crowd pleasing Pole, fighting just his second time on U.S. soil.
The night’s co-feature bout saw the local favorite Wayne Johnsen, from nearby Lyndhurst, NJ, crush Clifton Roberson with a resounding fifth round technical knockout. Johnsen improved to 11-1 (6 KO’s) and had the crowd, along with his “Wayniacs”, on their feet throughout the scheduled six round super middleweight contest as he continually blistered the game and willing young Roberson, now 2-1-1, 1 KO, hurting the Ripley, TN native often.
Believe it or not, Johnsen could serve himself better if he would simply listen to his trainer Mike Skowronski, who pleads with the rugged Johnsen to fight a smarter, more relaxed fight instead of simply looking for a knockout with each punch thrown. Nevertheless Johnsen is an extremely popular fighter with a strong following, due to his blue collar workman-like approach.
Main Events next scheduled “Back to the Future III is set for May 11th, at a site yet to be determined. Kathy Duva, Carl Moretti and all those involved at Main Events Promotions are to be commended for their dedication and committment to bringing club show boxing back to New Jersey; and giving an opportunity to young fighters who one day will be the “future” in boxing.