by GM Ross – On Friday, May 7, at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canadian Boxing Federation (CBF) light heavyweight champion Kris Andrews won his rematch with Anthony Lessard via a ten round unanimous decision. In their previous meeting back in September of 2009 Andrews convincingly outpointed Lessard 97-89, 97-89 and 97-88. Nonetheless, Lessard’s tendency to avenge his losses made the contest intriguing despite Andrews’ rather lopsided victory in their first encounter. Lessard, however, was unable to work any of his rematch magic Friday night.
Andrews basically picked up where he left off back in September, thoroughly outpointing Lessard to retain his CBF title.. Both men sustained broken bones during the bout and displayed considerable heart to make it to the final bell. According to Darren Hauck of TheBoxingExaminer.com, “Andrews injured one hand early on in the match and the other in the middle rounds. In the fifth round Andrews had Lessard against the ropes and unleashed some hard combinations, especially a body shot that buckled Lessard. It was probably this punch that broke two of his ribs.” The final score cards all read 99-90 in favour of Andrews.
In other action, former WBC super featherweight champion Jelena Mrdjenovich took on Brooklyn’s Dominga Oliva in an eight round lightweight contest. This was also a rematch, with the two fighters having fought to a draw back in 2007. Mrdjenovich made sure no judges were needed this time around, winning the fight by TKO at 1:28 of the sixth round. In the other female contest, super featherweight standout Amy Johnson of Edmonton scored a unanimous decision victory over fellow Albertan Brandy Badry in their four round contest. Two judges scored the bout 40-35, while the other had it 39-36.
Kyle Matuk of Edmonton continued his winning ways by scoring a TKO over the more experienced James Dearmin of Surrey, British Columbia, in the second round of their scheduled four round super middleweight contest. With the win Matuk remains undefeated in his young career, sporting a record of 3-0-0. Last but not least, Jarid Bussemakers and Aaron Zimmerman, both of Alberta, squared off in their respective professional boxing debuts. Their bout was scheduled for four rounds in the cruiserweight division but not quite half that was needed, with Zimmerman scoring a TKO at 2:05 of the second round.
The event was promoted by KO Boxing Promotions, in conjunction with Independent Jewellers and Union Local 92.
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