Well, ol’ Don hooked us up again for our 45 US dollars. As
usual we saw a pretty competitive night of fights. However, unlike some previous
King shows, there were a couple of surprises this time...
Hasim Rahman finally wakes up!
Can you believe it ? Hasim, in his Saturday elimination bout with Kali Meehan,
was properly conditioned for the first time in his career. He wasn’t exactly Roy
Jones agile, but at 232 trim pounds, “The Rock” showed us some pretty fleet
foot movement.
Rahman also looked stronger than before and similar to another heavyweight of
recent memory (Lennox Lewis), his left jab was devastating. It became
immediately apparent from the instant reddening of Kali Meehan’s cheeks. About
30 seconds into the bout, “The Rock” established his jab with such rapidity,
Meehan had no time to counter or regroup.
Rounds 2 and 3 were just a reinforcement of Rahman's domination with a stiff jab
and continuous lateral movement. Round 4 appeared to be pretty much the same and
ended with a convincing 13 punch flurry (10 of them looping overhand rights)
which left Meehan standing senseless (and defenseless) on
the ropes with no compass to his corner. The ensuing aimless staggering directed
the referee to end the match.
John Ruiz wrestles to another win …
You almost thought you were watching the Pride fighting championships. More
holding and hugging than a Brazilian Ju-Jitsu expert, John Ruiz manages to pull
this one out. He still won a decision after getting put on his knees in round 2
with a short right hand, and floored twice more by Andrew Golota. To add to the
antics, Ruiz’s trainer (Norman Stone), added his abusive two cents worth and was
dutifully ejected from the arena. I’m sure Golota will get another chance with DK
Productions as an opponent to Rahman, Chris Byrd or maybe even Brothers
Klitschko.
