Tan adds NABC belt to collection
Trio of local boxers remain unbeaten in professional ranks
FRANK JUZENAS, Staff Writer
Local professional boxers went three-for-three during their most recent
bouts this week. Rico Tan of Brampton's Champion Gym became the first
member of one of the Brampton clubs to capture a North American title
as he won the North American Boxing Council welterweight title last
Friday at Cobo Hall in Detroit.
The 24-year old knocked out the more experienced Scotty Buck in
the third round of the scheduled 12-round main event. Tan improved his
record to 7-0-2 and earned his second belt. He is already a World
Boxing Syndicate Americas champion.
Tan said he felt at home even though he was fighting against a local Detroit fighter.
"The crowd was about 50/ 50,''he said. "I've fought there a few times and they (Detroit fans) like my style.''
His coach John Melich said those at the fight were impressed
with Tan, especially his conditioning. Melich said that was the result
of morning runs in the Caledon Hills. Even though Tan went at Buck with
a fast pace for all three rounds, Melich said he was not even breathing
hard and would have been able to go the full 12 rounds if needed.
Tan put Buck down in the first round with a solid body shot. He
knocked him down again in the second round with a combination of shots
to the ribs, followed by a left hook to the head.
He came out in the third round, landing clean combinations to
the head, body, back and then the head again prompting Buck's corner to
throw in the towel.
This was Tan's first bout at 147 pounds, normally he has fought
at 154 pounds but he said he felt stronger at the lighter weight.
Melich said there are a number of possible future opponents for Tan. The boxer said whomever he fights, he will be ready.
"John (Melich) lines them up and I knock them down,'' he said.
On the undercard Brampton's Jesse Cancilla, of Jamestown Boxing
Club remained undefeated as he stopped Clint Calkins in the first round
of a light heavyweight bout, with a series of body shots.
Cancilla improved to 9-0 while Calkins fell to 3-6.
Brampton's Troy Ross improved his light heavyweight record to
7-0 Tuesday as he won a unanimous decision over Norman Jones (9-7-1) of
Savannah Georgia at Buchmiller Park Ice Rink in Secaucas, New Jersey.
Ross, 27, a five-time Canadian national amateur champion and two-time Olympian is expected to fight next in September.
Ross is now represented by Boxing Hall of Fame manager Lou Duva, whose boxers include Evander Holyfield and Pernell Whitacker.
|
