Photo: Emily Harney
By Scott Ploof and Bill Luppert at ringside
Joey “The KO Kid” Spina (24-1-1, 17 KO’s) took the first step in his rededication to professional boxing as he made short work of late substitute Matt Gokel (12-10, 7 KO’s) at the Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, RI. A left hook sent Gokel to the canvas early in the first round and after getting to his feet, referee Charlie Dwyer called a halt to the bout. Time of the stoppage 1:55 of round one.
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In what may be considered the fight of the night by many in the audience, “Irish” Joe McCreedy (10-2-1, 5 KO’s) won a very hard fought and closely contested majority decision over Bobo “The Bull” Starnino (9-5-2, 2 KO’s) in a rematch of their previous encounter. Not only did McCreedy capture the win but also the vacant EBA super middleweight title as well. Scores of the bout were 79-73, and 78-75 for McCreedy, while the third judge had the bout a draw at 76-76.
Eddie Soto (11-0, 4 KO’s) captured the vacant EBA lightweight belt with an unpopular six round split decision over a very game challenger in Sean Eklund (6-3, 1 KO). Scores of the bout were 57-56 and 58-55 for Soto, while Eklund received a score 57-56 from the third ringside judge.
David Williams (6-2-1, 2 KO’s) ended the unbeaten streak of Adam Harris (10-1, 7 KO’s) with a six round unanimous decision. Scores of the bout were 58-56 twice,and 58-57 all in favor of Williams.
Jesus Caro (4-0, 4 KO’s) kept his perfect record intact as he stopped late sub Jerry Pressley (0-2) at 1:49 of the first round.
Anthony Pietrantonio (5-2, 3 KO’s) upset previously undefeated Brian Macy (5-1, 2 KO’s) knocking him down three times en route to a TKO stoppage at 46 seconds of the third round.
Journeyman Shawn Mclean (3-4, 2 KO) stopped previously undefeated Worcester, MA heavyweight Rashad Minor (1-1, 1 KO) at just 27 seconds of the first round. Mclean connected with a left jab and right hook that dropped Minor for the ten count by referee Charlie Dwyer.
Junior welterweights Josh Beeman (4-2-3, 2 KO’s) fought to a four round draw as he battled with Atlanta, GA’s Jamar Saunders (2-1-1, 1 KO). Scores of the bout were 39-37 for Beeman, 39-37 for Saunders, and 38-38.
Providence, RI’s Jay Holland (1-0, 1 KO) landed a big right hook to clobber an overmatched and winless Kevin Varnadore (0-5).
