Canfield classmates set for KO Drugs showdown

May 14, 2011 at 12:08a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Talk about an auspicious tournament debut.

Canfield High’s Dante DeLorenzo scored his second straight TKO in as many weeks, disposing of Struthers’ Ryan Young in the second round to highlight Friday’s action at the K.O. Drugs High School Boxing Tournament at the ITAM Banquet Center

DeLorenzo’s classmate, Conner Hoelzel, already a two-time defending champion, scored his second consecutive tourney win when he earned a split decision win over Eric Ahmer, also of Struthers.

Next Friday, the two undefeated cruiserweights will meet for the right to advance to the championship round.

“Conner and I go way back. e’s an excellent fighter and there’s a mutual respect that we have for each other, except for the three rounds when we will face each in the ring next Friday,” DeLorenzo said.

A first-time participant, DeLorenzo scored a first-round TKO (:23) over Liberty’s Mike Stanley last Friday, noting that he is always in attack mode.

“When the bell rings, I come right at you. I’m looking for the knockout with every punch that I throw,” he added.

Hoelzel also won by split decision last Friday over Brandon Jones of Life Skills noting that he, too, takes the aggressive approach when the bell rings.

“Tonight, I just tried to keep pressure on him [Ahmer] and I did that with my jab and combination.”

John Tufino, a Mahoning County High student, earned his initial tournament victory when he knocked out Harding’s Tyler Hemberger at the end of the first round, registering the tourney’s first knockout.

“I hit him with a couple of left hooks, and then with a right and it was over,” said Tufino. “I’ll be back next week just as hungry.”

In underclass action, Demitryus Martinez of Struthers stopped Nick Lardas of Niles by split decision in a cruiserweight bout, while Ta’Shan Williams of Harding scored a second-round TKO over Wilmington’s Mike Barkey.

“He [Lardas] came out stronger than I thought he would and in the first two rounds, hit me with some good punches that really connected,” said Martinez. “As I got ready for the third round, my corner told me to work my jab and throw my right because he was more tired than I was. That proved to be good advice and it worked.”

Williams, who also improved to 2-0 with his win, was pleased with the outcome but hoped for more of a workout.

“This was a little too easy. He [Barkey] had a chance but didn’t take advantage of the opportunity. I beat him to the punch,” Williams said.

Other underclass fighters remaining undefeated with wins were Dale Harrison of Hubbard and Eddy Collins of Niles.

Other upperclass fighters with two consecutive wins include Mardell Halas of Columbiana and Boardman’s Troy Sigurani.

“Action clearly heated up during the second round of the tourney. With the semifinals looming next week, we expect all young men and women to bring their best,” Chuck Nelson, tournament founder said.

The double-elimination tournament continues next Friday with the first bout hitting the bell at 7 p.m.

Further information can be obtained by calling Chuck Nelson at 330-757-7273 or his son, Pat, at 330-727-0932.