By: Jason Sardelis: “Catch a Flying Fist” promoted by Jeff Wurst, Sweet Science Events featured veteran Zuri Lawrence 23-14-4 0Ko’s versus Darrell “King David” Madison 9-0-1, 3Ko’s for the vacant New York State Heavyweight Title vacated by Patchogue Medford’s Derrick the “Shaolin Fist” Rossy 18-2, 10 Ko’s..
The well traveled Lawrence from nearby Wappinger Falls, NY entered the fight having taken on top ranked fighters like Hasim Rahman, Dominick Guinn, Calvin Brock, Sultan Ibragimov, Timo Hoffmann, Tony Thompson while claiming claiming victories over Jameel McCline and Paolo Vidoz while fighting Ray Austin to a draw.
Madison from Central Islip, N.Y, a Ringside World Champion, nationally ranked as an amateur came in carrying nine victories with only one defeat. His only loss a DQ to Jamel Perry in his second fight when Perry quit after being outclassed by Madison complaining he could not continue after a rabbit punch.
The two entered the ring both appearing confident and in shape. Lawrence opened the fight looking to back up his less experienced opponent but was immediately met with a snapping right jab and sharp left hand from the south paw. Madison 6’0” 244lbs stood tough beating the 6”4” 221lb veteran to the punch. Madison used a good jab, a sharp left hand, some cagey in fighting and a tight defense together with and quick feet to out box Lawrence the first three rounds.
Round four started the same with Madison scoring coming in and always firing right back after all Lawrence’s attacks. You could begin to feel a small change in the fight as the round closed but Madison always finished each exchange narrowly winning the round.
In round five Lawrence picked up where he left off and scored cleanly before the slick Madison could tie him up winning the round.
The second half of the fight “King David” went back to the game plan scoring coming in and subtly tying up Lawrence before he could counter. Madison looked like the veteran pinning Lawrence on the ropes several times using his body and quick feet landing some clean body shots and uppercuts on the inside. Anytime Lawrence appeared to gain the edge Madison used his tight defense to pick off the attack using his angles scoring as he fell back in.
Lawrence turned it up in the later part of the fight expecting Madison to tire but the well conditioned Madison used educated elbows and forearms picking off most of Lawrence wilting attack.
The two finished hard but Madison was clearly the busier ring general controlling the fight winning inside and out. Awaiting the decision Lawrence in the center of the ring and Madison at the ropes on a knee heard the judges scores were announced 77-75 times three for the “New” New York State Heavyweight Champion, Darrell “King David” Madison. The emotional Madison was mobbed by his corner and team as he raised his “New” championship belt. Here at SBB we scored the fight 79-73 Madison.
This win opens many doors for the new champion Madison, who is anxious to face off with fellow Long Islander Derrick Rossy.
Rossy a 1997 Patchogue-Medford High School graduate and former Hansen Trophy winner as outstanding high school football player went on to Boston College where graduated and established himself as football standout a New York gold glove winner and former New York State Heavyweight Champion. In January Rossy beat heavyweight Ray Mercer in the first heavyweight championship bout in China winning the interim WBO, NABO heavyweight title, the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council heavyweight title and WBF International heavyweight titles.
Madison and Rossy met several times as amateurs and have created a great rivalry. The fight would be a big one and promoters will bidding for that showdown. That fight should take place on Long Island.