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10/06/2008 Archived Entry: "Walker Settles The Score at the 'Radisson Rumble'"
Walker Settles The Score at the 'Radisson Rumble'
Press Release
Photo by Tom Barnes
Walker (left) nails Echols along the ropes
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. -- The highly anticipated rematch between Michael "The Midnight Stalker" Walker (19-1-1, 12 KO's) and Antwun Echols (31-9, 27 KO's) met the expectations of fans right from the starting bell. After their initial meeting in February of this year as the Main Event on ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights, which ended in a draw Walker and Echols had some unfinished business to resolve. These two warriors showed this time it was personal as the heated exchanges began immediately. Walker initiated the action and pushed the fight tempo with his relentless charging offense and body attack. The crafty veteran Echols worked with his stiff jab trying to keep the come forward Walker away.
The more experienced Echols looked to counterpunch from all angles to help weather the offensive storm of Walker. The constant pressure of Walker led to numerous heavy exchanges throughout the bout. Both fighters landed crushing punches that shook there opponent at times. The constant pressure of Walker seemed a bit much for Echols as he began to show fatigue at the end of each of the latter rounds and Walker continued to finish strong until the last bell. Such tremendous action brought the fans to their feet as both fighters received a standing ovation for the performance they had delivered.
After eight hard fought rounds of back and forth action the battle went to the judge's scorecards. Even after the first judge saw the bout 76-76 a draw both fighters stood confidently. Michael Walker however would be the victor as the other scores of 78-74 and 77-75 were announced for Walker who won by majority decision.
Just prior to the start of the Main Event One In A Million, Inc. CEO Octavius James honored members of the Armed Forces as well as a member of Team One In A Million Gabriel Besa, who has enlisted into the Navy and would be shipping out for training after the fights.
In the co-main event Middleweight Derrick "Superman" Findley (13-2-0, 8 KOs) made quick work over Elliot Bland in less than thirty seconds. Findley overwhelmed Bland with a non-stop flurry of power punches until Bland collapsed and do not get up to make the count. The time was :28 seconds.
Opening the second half of the evening fan favorite Welterweight Ed Ochoa (6-0, 6 KOs) had a very entertaining match with the relentless Christian Nash, who engaged back and forth until finally being stopped by Ochoa at 1:38 of the fourth and final round.
Middleweight Orphius Waite (3-0-0, 2 KOs) showed get resolve as he controlled the pace with Juan Aguilar (6-2-0, 3 KOs) who started the fight with great aggression. Waite kept his composure under the pressure and let the hard pressing Aguilar wear himself out as Waite would pick and choose his punches. After six hard fought rounds the judges would see the final scorecards 59-55, and 60-54, all for Waite.
The night started with some huge knockout victories as boxers Michael Parker of Highland, IN, Josh Crouch of Schererville, IN, and Sam Merza of Chicago, IL all dispatched their opponents in quick fashion to start the evening.
Heavyweight Michael Parker (7-0, 6 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact with a TKO win over Ronald Garr of Virginia at 1:32 in the first round. Middleweight Josh Crouch (2-0, 2KOs) dispatched Dan Summers who was making his pro debut in 45 seconds of the first round. Sam Merza (15-1, 12 KOs) contained a wild Michael Rush before stopping him at 2:11 of the first round.
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