Interesting rematches on the horizon

Thirty-four fights are on tap for next Wednesday.

By GREG GULAS

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

YOUNGSTOWN — Julius Thomas of Chaney High knew that he had to control his fight against Canfield’s Al Cutrona from the outset if he expected to advance to the welterweight title bout next Wednesday in the 20th K.O. Drugs High School Boxing Tournament.

Conversely, Clenisha Pless, also of Chaney, added a little extra in her ring debut to force a not-so-popular draw in the much anticipated return to the ring against her opponent, last year’s lightweight titlist, Miranda “Boom Boom” Spottleson of Mooney.

Neither fight Wednesday night disappointed those who were in attendance for semifinal round action at the ITAM Banquet Center.

“This was a hard-fought fight by both boxers and I am already looking forward to a rematch next week. He [Cutrona] was a tough opponent, but I really felt like I had him in the second round when I was able to back him into the corner,” Thomas said.

“It should be an even better fight next week, but I also expect to be in better shape as well,” he added.

Thomas and Spottleson both felt like they had won, sharing differing views of the outcome. Both agree, however, that a rematch is necessary in order to decide the female division’s welterweight title next week.

“She [Pless] was pulling my head down so there really wasn’t much that I could do. It was street fighting and I felt like I had won, so she better bring it next week. I’m looking forward to the rematch already,” Spottleson said.

Pless, one of 12 Chaney fighters still battling for a title, was pleased with her performance.

“I thought that I had won because I felt like I connected with most of my punches. I’m sore now, but looking forward to a rematch next week,” she said.

Underclass

In underclass action, Poland’s Ken Sigurani won a unanimous decision over Larry Kirby of Mineral Ridge, while Mel’Quan Patton of Campbell Memorial also registered a unanimous decision over Billy Fisher of Canfield to force a rematch of their week one junior welterweight encounter.

“I felt strong tonight and it sure feels good to get to the championship round. It’s as if I am following in my dad’s footsteps.” Sigurani stated.

“He told me no matter if I win or lose, he was behind me every step of the way. He said I could quit at any time or I can continue. It is my hope now to keep on going. I really appreciate my dad’s support because he’s already gone through all of this.”

Patton, on the other hand, would like nothing better than to reverse that split decision loss suffered at the hands of Sigurani on the opening night of action.

“I was a little nervous tonight but once I got into the ring, I felt like it was just me in there all by myself. I was hoping for this since the first week, so now we each have a little added incentive since it is for the title. I am sure that we will both be ready for the fight,” Patton said.

In underclass light heavyweight action, Andrew Irwin of Niles McKinley registered a second-round TKO over his opponent, Quincy Harris of Liberty. It was a win that he felt took a lot out of him.

“I thought that he would get me with his reach, so I just stayed on top of him and kept swinging. He’d go wide so I’d jab straight. It’s a great feeling to get to the title round so I’ll just rest for now, get a few good meals in me and then resume my training regimen in order to be totally prepared for next Wednesday night,” Irwin said.

Thirty-four fights are on tap next Wednesday night at the ITAM Banquet Center with all of the action set to get underway at 7 p.m.