On Saturday afternoon from the Casino de Montreal, Hermann “Panther” Ngoudjo (12-0, 9 KO’s) won an exciting twelve round unanimous decision over veteran Emanuel Augustus (31-25-6, 16 KO’s) to retain his NABF Jr.  Welterweight title and also claim the vacant WBC International title.

Right from the opening bell the two combatants went toe to toe in what turned out to be a very exciting bout that had the fans out of their seats cheering. Ngoudjo controlled the action for the most part in what turned out to be a give and take battle. Augustus constant showboating appeared more out of frustration and to the fact that the champion was able to connect almost at will.

Ngoudjo, who originally hails from Cameroon and trained by Howard Grant, brother of Super Middleweight contender Otis Grant has brought his protégé along at a very good pace thus far. There were some who questioned the logic in facing a dangerous and unorthodox veteran in Augustus but the Ngoudjo camp had no doubt he was ready for such a big jump. Factor in Lucien Bute’s recent knockout victory over Kabary Salem the matchmakers are doing their homework.  

Augustus had no answers for the champion and it seemed like he was waiting for that lucky punch and it cost him dearly as he gave away many of the early rounds and despite a rally in the late rounds and a knockdown with thirty seconds left in the final stanza Ngoudjo was able to survive and win a decision by scores of 116-111 and 115-112 twice. In the end both fighters thought they had won and had their arms up in the air.

After the scores were announced Augustus was very gracious in defeat and circled the ring waving and thanking everyone. Regardless of the outcome there were no losers as both Ngoudjo and Augustus won over the crowd with a great battle that surpassed expectations of most who watched live and for the fans watching on television.

The fight scene in Canada especially in Montreal is heating up and names like Hermann Ngoudjo, Joachim Alcine, Adrian Diaconu, Lucien Bute and Jean Pascal will be well known to the hardcore boxing fans in the years to come. Don’t forget Otis Grant who has been on a roll since his five year lay off from a near fatal car accident.

For Canadian television viewers make sure you to tune into TSN this Tuesday at 8:30pm pacific and 11:30pm eastern for “In This Corner with Russ Anber” as there will be a full recap of all the exciting action from this weekend.

10-15-2005

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