Franklin win tops fight card

By Greg Gulas

NILES — For the second time in six days, area boxing fans were treated to an amateur boxing card and for the second time during that span, walked away pleased after experiencing their fair share of thrills, chills and bloody excitement.

With 12 “outdoor” bouts on tap Friday at McMenamy’s Banquet Center, Niles, the nearly 400 fans in attendance weren’t disappointed by the unique blend of veterans and first-timers that made up local boxing promoter Chuck Nelson card.

“This past week has been a great week for boxing fans in both Youngstown and the entire Mahoning Valley,” said Tom Miller, the card’s inspector. “To have two top-notch amateur cards within a week’s time is absolutely great.

“Plus, the matchmaking for both last Saturday’s Bob Roth Memorial Tournament and tonight’s ‘After Work Boxing Bash’ was nothing short of excellent,” added Miller.

In a 165-pound scrap, Struthers’ Clemente Franklin decisioned Warren’s Nino Walker, sending the latter to the ringside doctor (Dr. Zach Veres) with a bloody nose no less than four times during the fight; twice in the first round.

A former K.O. Drugs champion, Franklin was pleased with his performance but felt like he could have done better.

“I tried my right and the when he came up on my jabs, I came back with my right, used my hook and then came back with my right.

“That allowed me to draw blood and after that, I was able to box more effectively. He caught me a couple of times but overall, while I felt like we both had a good fight, deep down feel like we both could have done better,” Franklin said.

In the return of a Master’s Division bout, John Ledesky of Pittsburgh, a Golden Gloves champion 22 years ago, defeated Frank Donnadio of Youngstown.

Ledesky readily admitted he felt the effects of a nine-year lay-off.

“I must admit that I am a bit rusty and tired,” he said. “One minute rounds seemed like three minutes in length and the punches that I threw in the past that connected, barely had an effect.

“Overall, this was a lot of fun, Ledesky added.

Youngstown’s Julius Thomas decisioned Eric Palmer in a 141-pound bout to move to 6-1 in his amateur career.

After winning his first five bouts and then losing the last time out, his lone loss helped him to re-focus against Palmer.

“He caught me a couple of times but never really hurt me with any of his punches,” said Thomas. “He only connected when I didn’t keep my hands up.

“After losing my last time out I had all the motivation I needed to get back on the winning track. I trained like this was a championship fight; learning from that loss the last time out,” Thomas added.

Alejandro “Popo” Salinas admitted that you have to fight all three rounds like they are your last if you expect to win.

Salinas defeated Pittsburgh’s Luke Gloeckl to improve to 37-12 in his amateur career to earn the Randy Stephens Competition Belt for his efforts.

“I really wanted this belt. He [Gloeckl] was a really tough opponent but I worked with my jab, body punches and upper cut and that was what helped me tonight.

“Fighting outdoors gives me good air and I just seem to fight better,” Salinas said.

Nelson was pleased that the weather cleared up after an early morning downpour.

“We were certainly blessed with good weather tonight, especially after a horrendous July and this morning’s downpour. To stay outside with this type of show is really special.

“Those in attendance were pleased with the low-priced ticket {$10] and hopefully we can do it again on August 22, right here but only an hour later start with all proceeds once again going to the Burnside A.C. Boxing Gym,” Nelson said.

In the final bout of the evening, Youngstown’s Westley Tripplett decisioned Jeremiah Karpensky of Pittsburgh in a 201-lb. scrap to earn the U.S. Amateur Ohio Heavyweight Belt.