BOXING SCENE

BOXING SCENE INTERVIEW

 July 12, 2010

Abell Moves Forward, Rock Stays The Same Recommend
By Bill Calogero  11-17-2007

www.boxingscene.com

 
     Joey Abell won a majority decision over the previously unbeaten Teke Oruh in their ten-round Heavyweight bout. The Main Event was broadcast live from the Island of St. Lucia on Showtime’s ShoBox Series and was promoted by Goosen-Tutor Promotions.

In what was billed as a fight between two young prospects, the fight itself was less than entertaining. What it showcased were two fighters that have been fed “tomato-can” caliber fighters up until this fight. It really showed.

Joey Abell is a 6’ 4” southpaw who has very limited defensive skills, but was the busier fighter through out most of this fight. He was able to stay on his toes and land a pawing, yet crisp right jab during the course of the ten-round fight. He also followed his jab with a somewhat powerful left hand in the form of hooks and straight shots, mostly landing on the head of Teke Oruh.

Teke Oruh landed the more powerful punches throughout the fight, including a very solid right that clearly stunned Abell during the 9th round. The punch immediately caused swelling and a cut under Abell’s right eye. The problem was that Oruh simply did not land enough of them. He spent the majority of the fight plodding towards Abell, pressing the fight, but failing to actually throw punches.

From the seventh through the tenth and final round, with the exception of the last minute of the ninth round, Joey Abell out boxed the boxer to win this fight.

One judge scored the fight 98-92, one had it 96-94 and the third saw the bout even at 95-95, giving Joey Abell the ten-round majority decision victory. TheDailySports.com scored the fight 96-94 also in favor of Joey Abell.

Joey Abell goes the distance for the first time of his career, improving to 18-1-1 NC (17 KOs). Teke Oruh loses for the first time, dropping to 14-1-1 (6 KOs).

This fight showcased why you can’t “over-protect” your fighter. We had two fighters being billed as potential contenders based on beefed up records against opponents that rarely had a .500 record, let alone fighting against opponents with winning records. The one thing I appreciate is that they fought each other. I would hope other fighters in similar situations would do the same so we can end up with legitimate contenders.