Kostya Tszyu, a Siberian express via "Down Under" country,
shocked the entire fight fraternity with a stunning third stanza KO over veteran
Sharmba Mitchell to reclaim his IBF jr. welterweight bauble.
The shocker
was not because of Tszyu stopping Sharmba, but more in the manner that he took
command so early in the contest, especially after Mitchell grabbed the opening
candle with the better movement and quicker hands - the round ended with a Tszyu
nose bleed from head butt.
Entering round two Mitchell seemed willing to
make the fight at close quarters - mistake - catches straight right hand and is
down. Tszyu quickly continues the pressure and rocks Mitchell later in
round.
Then stanza three and the beginning of the end … It’s Tszyu
scoring with telling right hand-left hook combo … then it’s Tszyu on the attack
and Sharmba dropped a second time.
Finally the end at 2:48 seconds mark …
began with a Tszyu right hand and followed with both hands to the body, before a
curtain dropper right hand closes the show.
Tszyu now goes to 31-1-1, 25
by knockout and Mitchell drops to 55-4, 31 stops.
Post Scripts ~ Tszyu:
Positives are the power is still there … right hand arrives on short notice and
is accurate when other guy is not in motion. Is quick to follow up any
advantages and has proven to be a tough one to discourage. At age 35 and
counting, the big call of no-mas is casting its shadow. Time now is to seek a
final big money shot and run to the bank with it. Were he my charge, the next on
the hit list would be none other than the kid from Manchester, England who
carries the logo Ricky "Hitman" Hatton.
Mitchell:
The career speaks for itself … 55 wins with 31 knockouts and a mere four losses
is not exactly chopped liver. The talented southpaw has always proven to be a
gifted boxer-puncher working from the port side. Tough opponent is putting it
mildly … but at a now age 34, and a suspicion he may no longer be able to handle
a fast paced affair, it could be time to call it a career. Maybe pick a comeback
"gimme" to go out on a high note.
Raul Caiz Sr. ~
Excellent choice to work a highly charged emotional fight … cool, calm,
efficient job that lets the gladiators do battle without the "looka me" stance
all too many today referees adopt when the lights go on.
GEO.
Questions? Comments? Email GEL
11-06-2004
