BOXING Clark wins, defending NABF title

The lightweight champion defeated Antonio Ramirez last week.
LAS VEGAS -- Columbus lightweight Michael & quot;Cold Blood" Clark successfully defended his North American Boxing Federation lightweight Championship last Friday night with a unanimous 12-round decision over slugging Antonio Ramirez from the Dominican Republic.
Clark (32-2), who won the title in May with a split decision over Steve Quinonez, is a former national Golden Gloves champion. He is co-managed by Pat Nelson of Youngstown and Att. Lou Schiavoni of Boardman.
Wins unanimous decision
The fight was a classic matchup between a boxer and a slugger, with Clark the boxer, winning a unanimous nod, 115-111, 115-111 and 116-111.
Clark easily won the first round, but in round two Ramirez (20-7, 6 KOs) decked him with a sweeping left hook and Clark had to hang on to survive the round. Clark came back in the next round to send Ramirez to the canvas with a quick right cross to the jaw.
In rounds three through seven Clark utilized his boxing skills, moving side to side keeping his left jab in Ramirez's face and piling up points for a big lead. In round eight Ramirez hurt Clark with a solid right to the jaw, but Clark again used his skills to not only survive the round, but to flurry for an advantage before the bell. The rest of the Clark was able to slide away from the onrushing Ramirez and slip in a lot of explosive punches.
"I did what I had to do and even a little more against a guy who would give anyone in the lightweight division trouble," said Clark, who is looking for a good ranking from the top organizations and a title shot.
Televised on ESPN2
The fight was televised on ESPN2 as the main event of their Friday night fight series.
"Ramirez was tough to fight, but Michael did what he had to do to win," said Nelson. "He stayed behind his jab outboxing a slugger and utilizing the ring to the best of his ability."
Added Schiavoni, "Michael has shown that he can box and punch with good fighters and if needed adapt to their styles. Now he is ready for top title recognition with the world's best lightweights."