By Jason Sardelis – July 2nd, Pullman Park, Butler, Pennsylvania, ESPN’s Wendsday Night Fights: Heavyweight Brian “The Beast” Minto 31-2, 20 Ko’s made quick work of “Big” John Poore 20-3, 18 Ko’s. Minto pounded Poore into a shell from the opening bell. Then a “Big” right hand from the “Beast” decked Poore for the first of three times he would meet the canvas. Minto firing with both hands dropped the hapless Poore again but the heavy bag of a fighter gained his feet only to eat a right uppercut dropping Poore again causing referee Gary Rosato to call the fight at 2:33 of the first round.
In the semi main event Pennsylvania natives Rayco “War” Saunders 16-10, 7 Ko’s and Tommy Karpency 11-1, 7 Ko’s fought a closely contested eight round battle. The fight marred by several strategic timeouts for low blows early came as Karpency began to score at will. The questionable decision gave Karpency his first loss. Karpency appeared to outwork and out score Saunders who fought at the pace of plaster drying. The judges scored the fight 76-75 Saunders times three..
In super middleweight action totally deaf Jimmy Lubash 8-1, 3 Ko’s proved he was the stronger fighter landing the cleaner punches giving previously undefeated David Cook 3-1, 2 Ko’s his first defeat. Lumbash out lasted Cook landing several big right hands as the two traded closing the six rounder. The judges scored the fight 58-55, 57-56, 57-56 Lumbash.
In a battle of hometown heavyweights James Emrick 5-1-1, 2 Ko’s won a close split decision over Anthony Gatt 6-1-1, 4 Ko’s. Emerick floored Gatt with a perfectly timed left hook square on the chin early in the first round. Unaffected by the punch Gatt remained aggressive and continued to pressure but the first round knockdown was the difference on the judges cards 38-37, 38-37, 37-38.