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07/25/2006 Archived Entry: "Rob Frankel Retains GBU Jr. Welterweight Title with Decision over Michael Lucero"
Rob Frankel Retains GBU Jr. Welterweight Title with Decision over Michael Lucero
Story and Photos by Greg Beyer at ringside
Fighter Mike Lucero (left) and manager Molly McConnell pose at ringside
ANACORTES, Wash. July 22- Small fight venues started to disappear form the sport of boxing before I ever got interested in the gentlemanly art. Most will agree that it was the advent of television that made it possible for fans to stay home and watch fights and eventually lead the small clubs to their demise.
I heard stories of these clubs from the Wilmington Bowl in California where I was raised to Liberty Hall here in Bellingham, where I now reside. The hold small pieces of boxing history for anyone interested enough to research. They are places where young up and comers could hone their skills or where has-beens could continue their dreams.
Last night in Anacortes, Washington, I sat in the press row for what has become one of the venues for the modern day club fights, a casino on the Swinomish Indian Reservation. Loud music and scantily clad ring card girls tossing T shirts to the crowd between bouts took the place of peanut venders, but the fighters and the crowd remained much the same as it was a century ago. Some fans were there because they have a passion for the sport, some came to drink and shout obscenities as if the price of a ticket licensed them to do so. The fighters were still the same also—some willing, others looking for a way out.
The main event included two of the willing types. Rob Frankel, who holds something called the GBU jr. welterweight title and his challenger Michael Lucero put on a sizzling 10 round bout that left both heavily marked from battle and the fans screaming their approval. In the end, Frankel was awarded a 10 round unanimous decision, a decision I might add that I did not agree with. I thought that Lucero out-hustled Frankel and landed enough short left hooks to the head to at least earn a Draw. Frankel, the heavier hitter it seems got the nod because his punches appeared more effective though less frequently landed.
Mike Lucero, arms at his side, impatiently awaits the start of the next round
I had many arguments after the bout for my opinion and that is fine. I understand perfectly that Michael Lucero is a favorite of mine, and that with me, boxing is a passion and that passion rarely carries a scorecard. Michael Lucero, tough and determined, standing before each round, arms at his side nodding to the referee that he is ready for another round, ready to make another stand. Who can blame me for pulling for a guy like that?
At 5' 3", Lucero has recently comedown from welterweight where the going was tough for a fighter of his stature. His record suffered fighting bigger men. The day before the fight his new manager, Molly McConnell, told me that Mike was down to 138 and that her and Mike’s fitness and boxing coach, Leonard Trigg, believe that mike could in the future make the lightweight limit of 135, a division I have always wished to see him fight in, for even at junior welterweight, Mike is still at a disadvantage in height and power.
I hope Mike continues to box. He seemed genuinely disappointed that he did not receive a much-needed victory over the highly touted Frankel, but he needs to be proud of what has always lead me to drive countless hours to see him fight. I do it because Mike fills for me that passion, a passion I recognize in his fighting spirit. He’s always at a disadvantage, yet always willing to tow the line and give his best. Like the thousands of former club fighters from years gone by, Michael Lucero has earned my respect for the effort and determination he has devoted to this gritty sport.
Lucero and Frankel await the announcement of the decision
Promoter Patrick Ortiz seems to be doing his best to advance the careers of a number of Northwest based fighters. Last nights card included opponents from California and Texas, with the results mostly being favorable to the Northwest boxers.
In the featured six rounder last night, good looking super middleweight prospect David Banks improved his record to 11-1-1 with his second round knockout over San Francisco’s Sheldon Callum. After a feeling out round in the first, the handsome Banks opened up in the second with two knockdowns of Callum, forcing referee Paul Field to halt the contest and producing the second knockout win in the career of the Portland based Banks.
Manager Fred Ryan speaks highly of David and looks forward to his continued success. This is a young man worth watching.
Results from the other bouts goes as follows.
Light heavyweight Wayne Tyler, 4-5, Everett, WA., scored a knockout victory over debuting Todd Kuhnhausen, Vancouver, WA., at 2:55 into round one.
Super welterweight Carlos Mainor, 3-1-1, San Diego, overcame a knockdown at 2:58 of the last round to earn a split decision over Hugo Nunez, 3-2-1, of Philomoth, Oregon.
Cruiserweight Kevin Reynolds, Vancouver, B.C., knocked out James Brock of Inglewood, CA. in the first round.
Featherweight Merced Nunez, 1-1-0, Philomoth, OR., scored two knockdowns in a 37 second demolition of debuting Joann Chagolla, San Marcos, Texas. Merced is the sister of Hugo Nunez. It was stated this is the first card which included a brother-sister team.
Extremely popular heavyweight Vili Bloomfield, Everett, WA., 5-0, scored a four round shut out over tough but outgunned Richard Hughes from San Antonio. Look for "Tongan Warrior" Vili to fill a lot of seats here in the great Northwest in the near future. He produced the loudest cheers of the evening.
