By: Peter Czymbor
One Punch Knockout Earns Bailey Title Shot
Former titlist Randall Bailey (39-6, 35 KO’s) earned himself a crack at another title with a sensational one punch knockout of Francisco Figueroa (20-3-, 13 KO’s) Friday night at the Pepsi Pavilion in Memphis on ESPN’s Friday Night Fight’s. The end came at 1:46 of the 4th round in the junior welterweight title elimination bout.
Bailey’s power advantage was evident early as he scored a knockdown seconds into the fight via a right hand. However, Figueroa recouped well and scored a knockdown of his own in the 2nd round with a flush landing combination that had Bailey hurt and clinching to survive after he got up.
The 3rd round was the only frame of the fight that neither combatant hit the canvas.
In the 4th, Bailey nailed Figueroa with a power shot from his right hand and Figueroa hit the canvas and wasn’t in any shape to make an attempt to get up.
With the victory, Bailey will get a shot at the junior welterweight belt currently held by Juan Urango. However, the title shot may not come against Urango as he is set to challenge welterweight titlist Andre Berto in his next fight.
In other action, heavyweight Tor Hamer (5-0, 4 KO’s) stayed unbeaten, but went the distance for the first time in his career against Kelsey Arnold (1-2-2). The decision was unanimous with Hamer winning by scores of 40-36 on all 3 judges’ cards.
Jr. lightweight Mark Davis (12-0, 4 KO’s) also kept his undefeated record in tact with a unanimous decision over Steve Gonzalez (7-2-1, 4 KO’s). Official scores were 80-72 (twice) and 78-74.
Former amateur standout Shawn Porter (7-0, 6 KO’s) made easy work of Eloy Suarez (10-5, 5 KO’s). The end came at 2:59 of the first round after Porter scored a knockdown with three consecutive left hooks.
