April 4, 2000

Last night at the Roxy (the Club 54 of Boston' theater district), Mike Culbert of Brockton, MA, won the vacant Massachusetts Super-middleweight Championship by winning a split verdict over Somerville, MA rival, Jimmy Cappiello. The bout was a return match from their battle three years ago. Culbert, 24-3-1 won their initial 10-rounder, which was contested for Mass Middleweight Title.

The major surprise in the thrilling contest was the disparity in the judges' three scores that were read moments after the bout. Judge Leo Garsten recognized Cappiello's harder shots and the left hooks to the body, which reddened Culbert's right rib cage as early as the second round. Garsten awarded Cappiello the 8-rounder with a 78-74 score (as this scribe had it).

Judges Bob McCoy and Vinnie Lee were more impressed with Culbert's efforts, which consisted of imposing his size advantage over Capppiello. With the exception of the final round, Culbert landed few punches other than his jab, which was fairly successful from the outside.

"When we fought each other the first time, I had a lot of trouble with him from the outside," said the 33 year old Cappiello. "So I tried working more to get inside and going to the body."

In an effort to reduce Cappiello's inside activity, Culbert continuously tied Cappiello up and walked him backwards. The strategy did seem to tire Cappiello who hadn't fought in three years due to his union work with Boston's "Big Dig." Judges Bob McCoy and Vinnie Lee felt that Culbert's mauling strategy was enough to earn the decision by scores of 79-75 and 78-72. The undiscouraged Cappiello promised to return and hopes to get a rubber match with Culbert. Cappiello's record fell to 10-3-2.

The last time USBF Cruiserweight Champion appeared at The Roxy was to kick off his Knockout Foundation modeling show, a charity organization to benefit underprivileged children. The Everett, MA resident is not only the president of the company, he is also one of its models. Last night's visit to The Roxy wasn't as pleasurable for the multi-talented LaMontange, 192 ½, who received a cut over his left eye before halting Brian Hollins at 2:01 of the 6th round.

LaMontange found the New Yorker very elusive until nailing down his target and dropping him three times. LaMontange, who is campaigning for a title shot this year, upped his record to 23-3-1.

In another exciting bout, Jeff Fraza of Haverhill, MA scored a majority decision over tough Shakha Moore of CT. Moore now 4-4, bloodied Fraza's nose in the second frame and landed some flashy combos in the early going until Fraza's relentless pressure took its toll. Fraza, who had previously just lost for the first time, improved to 6-1.

Bobby Tomasello of Saugus, MA pulverized Jose Beato for the second time stopping him at 1:34 of the 4th round. Tomasello remains undefeated in his 11 bouts at featherweight and recorded his fifth stop.

In the opener, unbeaten Marcus Davis of Bangor, ME won via retirement after the first round when his opponent Richie Zola of Springfield, MA injured his left shoulder.

The card was dedicated to Massachusetts' legend, Tony DeMarco, who 45 years ago yesterday won the Welterweight Championship of the World from Johnny Saxton. In honoring the ever-gracious champion, the patrons were privileged to watch the 14th round segment when DeMarco unleashed 24 savage unanswered blows before the fight was stopped. The only letdown of the night was when I fell two digits short from winning a raffle for an autographed painting of the DeMarco's memorable first bout with Carmen Basillio. The beautiful painting was autographed by both champions.

Promoter: Cappiello Promotions (surprisingly, no relation to the main event participant, Jimmy)