BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
In an electrifying showdown at the Bridgewater Veterans Club, boxing fans were treated to a masterclass performance by Shea “Showtime” Willcox in his professional debut against Travis Crain. With a record now standing at 1-0 with a knockout victory, Willcox wasted no time in showcasing his skills, finishing the bout in just one minute and forty-two seconds of the first round. The match ended in a technical knockout, as referee Jackie Morrell intervened after Crain hit the canvas for the third time, unable to continue the fight.
Willcox’s performance was described as good but left him feeling he could have executed better tactics. “I stayed relaxed and let the fight come to me,” Willcox commented, reflecting on the strategy that led to his swift victory. His combination of a left-right hook and a powerful straight right jab demonstrated his preparedness and skill set, cementing his status as a formidable contender in the junior welterweight division.
The twenty-three-year-old fighter’s victory not only marked an important milestone in his career but also enforced his recent accolades as the 2024 New England Golden Gloves champion and the tournament’s Most Outstanding Boxer. Through a blend of technique and composure, he deftly controlled the match, leaving Crain—the unfortunate victim dropping to an unflattering 0-5—sitting on the canvas for several moments post-fight, grimacing in pain.
What added to the electric atmosphere was the support from Willcox’s fans, who filled the venue with shouts of encouragement. The fighter himself acknowledged the nerves that come with performing before such an audience but expressed gratitude for their presence, demonstrating how integral the crowd was to his experience. “I want to have another fight within the next few months and try to stay as active as possible,” he stated, revealing his ambition to build on this impressive start.
Granite Chin Promotions facilitated this exhilarating “Fight Night at the Vets Club 2” event, which saw the venue sold out with passionate fans. The reach of the event extended beyond just those in attendance, as the main event and its undercard bouts are set to be shared online, allowing boxing enthusiasts who missed the event to relive the action.
Looking ahead, Granite Chin Promotions has exciting plans, with two more boxing cards scheduled for November. On November 1st, an closely anticipated super welterweight clash awaits as the undefeated Denzel Whitley battles the one-loss Josniel Castro in Worcester, Massachusetts. This fight is expected to be a highlight for local boxing fans, further establishing both fighters’ standing in the competitive New England boxing scene.
The second scheduled event on November 27th features unbeaten heavyweight Kevin Nagle, who seeks to claim victory in his fifth bout of the year. His match will also draw considerable attention, ensuring that boxing fans in the area have much to look forward to.
In a closely-watched co-feature bout, Massachusetts middleweight champion Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste fought Ryan Clark to an unexpected split decision draw. In a fight that many believed Baptiste controlled thoroughly, the scorecards raised eyebrows, particularly with one judge scoring in favor of Clark. Despite Baptiste’s significant dominance throughout the fight—exemplified by his powerful left-right combinations—he could not seal the deal with a victory.
Baptiste’s performance included a deep cut inflicted on Clark, a testament to Baptiste’s aggressive tactics and ability to land clean punches. The post-fight discourse highlighted how judges’ decisions can sometimes overshadow the clarity of performance within the ring.
In further matchups, Alfred “Keenan” Raymond and Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre battled to a spirited split decision draw, filled with non-stop action. Each fighter exchanged blows vigorously, with Raymond being more prolific in his punches, while Sostre, a former New York State champion, managed to showcase his own sharp accuracy against Raymond’s aggression.
Brandon Sandoval’s fight against Stephen Davis closed the evening on a strong note, with Sandoval asserting dominance after a slow start to eventually secure a unanimous decision. His determination and rising prowess suggest he is a fighter to watch in the lightweight division.
Overall, the night solidified the vibrancy of boxing in New England and set the stage for electric future events, ensuring that fans and fighters alike remain engaged in this evolving sport.
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