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06/12/2004 Archived Entry: "Southie’s Le Blanc notches first win in three years"
Southie’s Le Blanc notches first win in three years
By J.D. Vena in tuxedo
PLYMOUTH, MA – It was a long time coming for the blue-eyed Southie native but after three years, Jimmy “The Dream” Le Blanc picked up his first win last night at the historic Memorial Hall in Plymouth by out-pointing tough William Forster of New Haven, CT over 8 exciting rounds. Le Blanc’s win capped an exciting night of 6 bouts and an exhibition match, all of which were dedicated in honor and memory of the late Dave “The Hammer” Hamilton of Hanson, who lost his life in a car accident on May 18th, which also took the life of his 4-year old son, Marcus.
In Le Blanc’s previous seven fights he had suffered five defeats and two draws, the most painful of which, a bid for the Massachusetts jr. welterweight title against comrade and fellow Southie resident, “Cocky” Kevin Watts . In that bout, Le Blanc was well ahead on points until a cut over one of his eyes forced the fight to be stopped in the 8th round.
Last night in front of Watts and many screaming fans who were on hand to support the 6-foot Le Blanc, who employed his 7-inch height advantage to its fullest effects. The game Foster, 140, worked hard to get on the inside, but in the 5th, a ripping right uppercut, followed by a straight right hand floored Foster and had him in serious trouble. Le Blanc, also 140, put forth a vicious assault, pounding Foster to the head and body with both fists for the remainder of the round.
In the next frame, Foster had a point deducted and though he seemed to win out the last two rounds based on his work rate, it wasn’t enough to overcome the huge deficit. Le Blanc, now 10-6-3 with 3 KO’s won by scores of 80-69, 79-71 and 78-73. Foster is now 3-3-1.
In the evenings’ most exciting bout, David Williams of Philadelphia rallied from a brutal first round knockdown to outwork former Massachusetts cruiserweight king, John “The House of Rain” Rainwater over the next three rounds. Williams, 199, was downed and appeared to be out by the only man to knock out current New England cruiserweight champion, Tim Flamos, but his heart and conditioning pulled him through this affair. Rainwater, 192, just couldn’t keep up with Williams, who kept Rainwater on the ropes with a two-fisted attack for much of the fight. All three judges favored Williams 38-37 twice and 39-37. Williams improved to 3-1, while Rainwater dipped under .500 at 9-10-1 with 3 KO’s.
Close friends of the late Hamilton, boxer Geoff Yalenazian (11-2) of Hingham, MA and Hamilton’s former trainer, Kurt Remlinger were on hand to box a 2-round exhibition match in Hamilton’s honor. Afterwards, Yalenazian, also the son of the show’s promoter, Karen Brennan-Fontana and Remlinger spoke to the audience of their fallen friend before Hamilton’s ceremonial 10-count. It was truly heartfelt and Hamilton would have been proud.
Other results:
Martin “The Irish Assassin” Thornton, 154, South Boston WDQ 4 Jerry Smith, 156, Birmingham, AL
Mike Bonislawski, 183, Quincy, MA WDQ 3 Danny Sheehan, 183, Brockton, MA
Jose “The Stinger” Medina, Tilton, 150, Tilton NH TKO4 Dennis “The Bossman” Burly, 150, Scranton, PA (Burly announces retirement afterwards)
Joe “Sugar” Rae, 168, County Antrim, Ireland TKO1 Devin Womack, 165, Philadelphia, PA
(Rae wins pro debut)
Promoter – Brennan’s Smoke Shop (Karen Brennan-Fontana)
Matchmaker – Mike Nosky
Ring Announcer – Yours Truly
Replies: 1 Comment made on this article
Rae looked great in his debut, making Womack look like a first time sparring partner.
Posted by HGAIII@Hotmail.com">Huzon Alexander @ 06/14/2004 01:02 PM EST
