Sharkie’s Machine
By Frank Gonzalez Jr.
August 19th, 2005
“Maddalone Mauls Miller”

Friday night at Saratoga Springs in New York, Heavyweight, Vinnie Maddalone of Queens NY, improved his record to 25-2 after scoring a TKO 5 victory over Troy NY native, Shannon Miller. It was an exciting contest ultimately decided by a Maddalone left hook that ended it in the opening moments of the fifth round. Both fighters showed enough heart to compensate for the lack of any notable boxing skills on either side.

Maddalone was the favorite considering his longer resumé, which included 24 wins, 2 losses and 17 KO’s coming in. Vinnie does tend to waste energy winging wide, haymaker punches, and slows considerably in the mid to late rounds. He knew his limitations and was aggressively seeking an early knockout.

Miller entered the ring unbeaten. He grew up in a boxing family and has good people in his corner. He sported an 11-0 record with 6 KO’s. Vinnie Maddalone would be his first big step up and he wanted to make good. Miller demonstrated the better boxing skills, especially on the inside, where he was able to (somewhat) neutralize Vinnie’s long and looping power punches. Whatever he didn’t avoid usually found him on the canvas. His chin proved to be his biggest liability.

Round One
Miller whacked Maddalone with a straight right that stunned him. Vinnie ignored it and came on strong. Between Vinnie’s wild punches, Miller caught him with a crackling left to the jaw. It was shaping up in favor of Miller, who was the more accurate puncher. A moment later, Maddalone landed a roundhouse right hand that turned things around and put Shannon Miller down. A moment later, Vinnie connected with the same punch and floored Miller a second time as the round came to a close. Miller was literally, saved by the bell. 10-7 Maddalone.

Round Two
They brawled at center ring. After being downed twice, Miller fought cautiously. He landed at a higher percentage but Maddalone was more aggressive and showed he wanted it more. Miller was still recovering and Maddalone tried to finish—he just couldn’t catch Miller with the right shot. Miller didn’t have enough pop in his punches to put Vinnie down whenever he revved up his offense. When Vinnie got wild enough, Miller knew when to > clinch. Both scored some, with Miller better inside and Vinnie better on the outside. 10-10 Even round.

Round Three
Maddalone was showing signs of fatigue after all the wild punching in the two previous rounds. Miller did not take advantage. Late in the round, the ref stopped the action to fix the tape on Miller’s gloves. Both enjoyed some free oxygen. When action resumed, Miller landed the cleaner punches, though he was reluctant to let his hands go and really test Vinnie’s chin. Maddalone kept coming forward, sloppily pressing the action and missing the mark. 10-9 Miller.

Round Four
Maddalone was tiring. He pressed his weight against Miller as though he were a cane, keeping him up. Miller landed the better punches and opened a cut on Maddalone’s left eye. After a few exchanges, Maddalone looked unsteady on his legs. Miller again let him off the hook. 10-9 Miller.

Round Five
Both meet at center ring and slug it out. Miller landed a clean right, then Maddalone countered with a coiled left hook that knocked Miller down like a sack of bricks. Though he beat the count, Miller looked too hurt to continue and the ref stopped the fight. In the interest of Miller’s health, I had no issue with the stoppage.

Maddalone wins by TKO 5.

During the post fight interview with Teddy Atlas, Vinnie Maddalone admitted that Miller punched hard and hurt him a few times. Teddy complimented Vinnie for his big show of heart then asked him why he doesn’t move his head more. Maddalone was humble and quick to admit that he needs to improve. He said he’s committed to working hard to develop better boxing skills. I believe he’s sincere. So long as he fights within his skill level, he’s going to be well remembered by fans that appreciate his tenacity and spirit in the ring.

Brian Minto (20-1-11 KO’s), who knocked Maddalone out in the closing moments of the tenth and final round last year in July, is eager for a rematch. Vinnie should step up to the plate and avenge his second loss—if he can. Minto and Maddalone match up very well. A rematch should be well worth watching.

Maddalone vs. Miller was a case of good match making.  I salute Vinnie Maddalone, Shannon Miller and the matchmakers who put this fight together. Cheers!


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