Kendall Holt Blasts Coleman

By: Marc Livitz: Former WBO light welterweight champion Kendall "Rated R" Holt wasted no time in clearing the ring of the talkative Tim "Pit Bull" Coleman tonight at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon, CA.

Holt (28(16)-5(3)) of Paterson, N.J. swarmed Coleman (19(5)-3(2)) from the opening bell en route to a second round TKO victory. His opponent from Las Vegas by way of Baltimore, MD. was perhaps his own greatest foe, as he openly admitted to not taking his training as serious as deemed necessary as well as beer drinking. "Rated R" knocked Coleman into the ropes in the commencing seconds of the bout and scored the first official knockdown moments later. "Pit Bull" committed a dangerous error in boxing when he over reached with his right jab. Kendall Holt took quick advantage of the opening presented to him and dropped Coleman by way of a left hook to the liver. Although the downed pugilist beat the count and rose to his feet, it was clear that his heart and mind were far from the ring tonight.

The second round began with Coleman attempting to turn the fight into an open brawl. Kendall Holt remained patient and landed a hard right to the head of his foe to score the second knockdown of the fight just after a minute had elapsed. As before, Coleman beat the count and proceeded to take a stab at tying up Holt, who simply felt content to fight with his free hand (his powerful right), which led to another meeting between canvas and body for Coleman. Once again, he rose to his feet. Afterwards, he made another mistake when he stood directly in front of Holt. With less than one minute to go in round number two, a combination of effective punches dropped Coleman one last time. As he stood up yet again, his corner stopped the fight. Kendall Holt wins by second round TKO.

UNDERCARD NOTES

Tolmajyan Outworks Lopez But Still Loses

Gabriel Tolmajyan was unable to weigh in under the limit for the bout and was docked three percent of his earnings. Perhaps his loss to the scales yesterday and today affected the Armenia native just enough to will him to what appeared to be a near shutout victory over undefeated Abraham Lopez. The size difference between the two featherweight fighters was more than noticeable, not only in appearance but with overall output and punching power as well. Lopez (17(12)-0) was under constant pressure from Tolmajyan (11(3)-2-1) and he couldn’t decide whether to play the role of aggressor or counter puncher. The 24 year old from La Puente, CA. boasted an unbeaten yet visibly padded record, as only a handful of those whom he faced carried a winning ledger. The opening rounds saw aggression on the part of both contestants, yet it was Lopez who was unable find the ample distance to use his jab in an effort to land any meaningful power shots from his right. A thudding left hook from Tolmajyan at the two minute mark of round five got the attention of Lopez, who did his best to change his tactics at this point.

The California fighter may well have received a hometown decision. Although Lopez moved noticeably better in the closing rounds, most observers may have felt that he needed a knockout to prevail. Finally, the opinions of the judges concluded where Tolkajyan could not. Lopez earned a unanimous decision victory and a shot at the undefeated and budding superstar, Gary Russell, Jr. The scorecards read 78-74(x2) and 79-73, all of which were for Abraham Lopez.

March 16, 2012