By Brad Snyder
Photos: Bob Ryder

Fightnews.com

What will be a much talked about decision, Craig Lewis improves to ( 12-0-1, 6 KO’s) with a split decision over a deserving Robert Sims. The sold out crowd at Motor City Casino Soundboard screamed cries of disbelief as the scores were announced ending Robert Sims perfect record. What was billed as two heavyweights putting their records on the line did not disappoint. Round 1 saw the Saginaw native, Sims, look quick. His jab looked effective at keeping Lewis off rhythm. Round 2 saw Lewis trying to use his size to control the center of the ring. The third and fourth Rounds had Sims giving Lewis problems with head movements and impressive jabs to the midsection. Sims, the smaller fighter, fought like he was the bigger fighter. As the exciting fight continued, it appeared Sims was putting points on the scorecard. The sixth and final round, was Lewis’ best round as both fighters brought the crowd to their feet. Two judges did not see as 70 percent of the crowd did and Craig Lewis won by split decision. McKalpain and Stewart scored the fight (59-55) Lewis as Chambers scored the bout (58-56) Sims. The loss puts Sims’ record at (3-1, 1 KO)

Mickey Marsack got all he wanted for the first Round of his pro debut verse Marcus Wheeler. Marcus was able to give multiple looks in the beginning forcing Mickey to adjust. As the second Round started, Marsack finally hurt Wheeler against the ropes, scoring his first knockdown of his career. Shortly after, Wheeler answered, being knocked down. Marsack’s barrage ended the fight at the 2:04 mark of the second by TKO. Marsack improves to (1-0) as Wheeler now stands at (0-4) in his career.

Winfred Harris showed good skills as he punished the tough Delvery Wofford. Harris started off slowly in Rounds 1 and 2, but then picked up the pace. The ever so tough Wofford asked for more punches from Harris, as the two continued their battle. Rounds 3 and 4 produced more of the same abuse as Harris continued to press Wofford (1-12, 0 KO’s). Harris (6-0, 3 KO’s) won by UD as all three judges scored the bout (40-36).

The much anticipated debut of National Golden Glove Champion, Isiah Jones, gave the crowd an electric first round. Isiah Jones wasted no time in his debut knocking down opponent, Rakim Johnson, three times to score a 2:37 first Round TKO. Jones starts off his career with a bang (1-0), as Johnson falls to (0-5).

If there is a fighter who has made his home at Motor City Casino Hotel, it is Darryl Cunningham. His many fans were treated to a knockout win at the 2:50 mark of Round 3 over Dennis Sharpe. Round 1 has both veterans of the ring feeling each other out. As Round 2 rolled around, Cunningham awakened his fans by a hard left that caught Dennis Sharpe cleanly. Round 3, Sharpe takes a knee as Cunningham was all over the 42-fight veteran. Referee Patrick Schmidt counts out Sharpe at the 2:50 mark of the third. Cunningham improves to (34-9, 14 KO’s) as Sharpe falls to (17-22-4, 4 KO’s).

In what was this writer’s fight of the night, Stephanie Spehar bursts into the win column with a very impressive win over Figueroa Widnelly. Spehar, who brought a huge crowd of fans with her, scored and early knockdown, as Referee Steve Daher did not see enough fighting back by Widnelly. The second Round showed Spehar bringing multiple looks. She was often switching between orthodox to southpaw. In the third Round, a sweeping left by Spehar produced another standing 8-count by Referee Daher. The fourth had both ladies trading blows as Widnelly showing heart, knocks down Spehar through the ropes. The fight ended with both fighters throwing all they have as the final bell sounded. Judge McKalpain saw the fight (37-37). Judge Chambers and Stewart saw the fight (38-35) for winner by majority decision Stephanie Spehar (1-2). Widnelly opens her pro career at (0-1).

Kevin White wins his pro debut (1-0) verses a very wild John Amerson (0-4). White stuck to a solid plan, avoiding most of Amerson’s wild punches. At the end of the fourth, White was able to score knockdown at the end of the fight. All three judges had the fight (40-35) in favor of White.

A 16 year dream was fulfilled as Taylor Grey Duerr made his professional boxing debut. Duerr defeats Michael Shipp (who fights under Mike “Hurricane” Hernandez to honor his family) with an upper cut knockout at the 2:14 mark of the first Round. Duerr now (1-0) as Shipp falls to (1-4, 1 KO).

Perhaps the best skill clinic belonged to Anthony Sims with the first fight of the night. Sims punished 53-fight veteran, Rayco Saunders over two rounds and wins by TKO of the 2:01 mark of the second Round. Sims remains undefeated at (13-0, 12 KO’s) as Saunders falls to (23-29-2, 10 KO’s).

This “Night of Knockouts” card was promoted by Greg Ahrens Promotions with Carlos Llinas making the matches.