Fun and Surprises at The Castle

Jerry Glick reporting: X-Cel Promotions honored 88 year old Lou Duva for all that he has done in boxing with a very exciting show in Huntington, NY at the Oheka Castle. The six fight show was dubbed, fittingly, “The Hassel in the Castle.”

In the main event former world champion, Byron Mitchell, 174 ½, 28-6-1 (21 KOs), Dothan, AL, was upset by journeyman Otis Griffin. Mitchell ate many right hands throughout the eight rounds that the twelve round USBA Light-heavyweight title fight lasted. He had no defense for the rights that Griffin, 173 ¼, 22-6-2 (9 KOs), Sacramento, CA, tossed at him inside and at long range. Finally Mitchell was hurt by yet another right and he backed up to the ropes where he took at least four unanswered rights prompting referee Wayne Kelly to make the right decision to stop the fight at 2:05 of the round. Mitchell protested vehemently, even pushing Kelly who pushed back.


Former heavyweight contender Michael Grant, 261 ½, 46-3 (34), Blue Bell, PA, landed a solid, long right to the side of opponent Kevin Burnett’s face dropping him early in the first of eight scheduled rounds. When Burnett, 277, 13-4-1 (8 KOs), Atlanta, GA, got to his feet he was a bit shaky but continued. Grant attacked and had his man in a corner but it appeared that Burnett was still alive when referee Pete Santiago decided to call it off to the dismay of Burnett and his corner. Needless to say, Grant said he was happy with the win.

THE UNDERCARD

Welterweights-Emmanuel Taylor w tko 3 Avi Bruce
Jr Middleweights-Ashantie Hendrickson w u4 Stephen Scott
Jr Welterweights- Bryan Abraham w ko 4 James Hope
Cruiserweights- Josh Harris w tko 2 Elvin Sanchez

FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW