By Jody Kohn
Well, the main event didn’t quite live up to the name of the organization, but it was entertaining nonetheless.
Starting with the press conference on Thursday, it was clear that Gabriel Rosado and Curtis Stevens didn’t like each other. Having to be separated both at the presser and the weigh-ins, most people expected fireworks when they finally got to lay hands on each other inside the pit at BKB 2.
Even though no knockout ever happened, despite promises from both sides, the fight was certainly entertaining. The lone knockdown came in the 5th round when Curtis Stevens dropped Rosado near the end of the frame. However, Rosado was never in too much danger as the round came to an end.
When the final scores were read, two judges scored it a draw, while Robert Hoyle had Stevens winning the fight. As a result of the draw, Rosado retains his belt, and many were hoping it would lead to a rematch.
Perhaps the highlight of the night was one of boxing’s longtime female stars, Layla McCarter capturing the first ever ladies title in BKB when she scored a seventh round TKO victory over Diana Prazak.
Also, a name most boxing fans will recognize is Jesus Soto Karass, who also was victorious. He scored a unanimous decision over a very game Ed Paredes. Scores 49-46 on all cards.
Jr middleweight Khurshid Abdullaev (6-1-1, 3 KOs) won a seven round unanimous decision over “King” David Estrada (26-6, 16 KOs). Estrada was down twice in round five. Abdullaev deducted a point in round six for pushing. Scores were 69-61, 69-61, 68-62.
Cruiserweight Anthony Johnson (9-0, 3 KOs) won a seven round unanimous decision over Joey Montoya (8-2-3, 3 KOs). Montoya and Johnson were both down in round one. Both were down again in round three. Scores were 68-65 on all cards.
Overall, it was a very solid night of fights. It remains to be seen if BKB will stick around, but things appear to be promising. It doesn’t hurt to have DirecTV behind you, and the product itself has delivered for the most part through the first two events. Furthermore, the staff at BKB is among the most friendly and helpful I have been around. Perhaps it’s because they are not as jaded yet as their traditional boxing counterparts, but it does give hope that they are trying to deliver both inside the pit and behind the scenes.
An announcement for the next installment of BKB is expected to be released in the coming week or so.
Other results:
Jonathan Chicas KO3 Javier “Pelos” Garcia (super lightweight)
Gabe Duluc W5 Antonio Canas (super lightweight)
Herbert Acevedo W5 William Hutchinson (super lightweight)
Julian Pollard KO4 Elijah McCall (heavyweight)
Photos courtesy of Laura Castillo
