Echols stepped into the ring ready to defend his NABF super middleweight crown.
His opponent Oscar Bravo, on the other hand was just plain not ready.Easy work for Echols while Candelo Rises to the Occasion
by Blackbull
Inside Boxing Writer
Photos: Michael V. Ornelas/Inside Boxing
Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mex. (Inside Boxing June 28, 2002) - Antwun
Echols stepped into the ring ready to defend his NABF super middleweight crown.
His opponent Oscar Bravo, on the other hand was just plain not ready.
Before Echols had a chance to break a sweat he would land a solid "perfect" hook that sends Bravo to the canvas and ends the fight. 42 seconds into the first round and this contest is over.
Not the same story in the semi wind up bout which paired J.C. Candelo against Alfred Ankamah.
Candelo dominated Ankamah from the start of the fight using a stiff jab and combinations that would hurt Ankamah. In the second round Candelo came close to ending the fight as a solid right hand lands flush to the face causes Ankamah to retreat against the ropes. Candelo unleashes a good 50 power punches but the tough Ankamah withstands the assault.
With his left eye cut and almost shut Ankamah fights back in desperation
landing a low blow. A second low blow would ensue. The low blows
slowed down the action as Candelo recuperates.
It was the eight round when Ankamah threw a flagrant low blow. The intentional blow to the groin had Candelo on the canvas grimacing in pain. Referee Lorenzo Saiz takes a point away from Ankamah but very easily could have called for a disqualification. Ankamah's corner yelling into the ring caused Candelo to retaliate with his own verbal assault.
Candelo goes on to win the 9 and 10 round in strong fashion winning the contest by a unanimous decision.
The victories for Echols and Candelo will fair well in their quests for world championship bouts.
Action on the under card had Felix Cora Jr. of Houston, TX defeating Gary Gomez of Salt Lake City, UT. by decision. Ernest Johnson of Las Vegas, NV. unanimously outclassing Joey Flores of San Antonio, TX. Nicole Salazar of Albuquerque showed tremendous heart but came up short against a slick Robin Pinto of Canada. Local talent closed the show with Jason Bray winning a unanimous decision against a tough Danny Almanzar.
Promoted by Banner Promotions and Santa Ana Pueblo in association with boxing hall of fame referee Richard Steele. The shoe was hosted at the Santa Ana Star Hotel and Casino.