By Brad Snyder-The Undercard
Photos by Bob Ryder
Troy Speakman brought back boxing in association with the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio Friday night after a two year lay off from holding the event due to Covid. The main event featured Alante “Bam Bam” Green (10-0-1, 7 KOs) vs. Samuel Clarkson (22-7-1, 15 KOs). What was supposed to be a Cruiserweight championship fight for the IBF/USBA and WBC/NABF titles, which Green holds, turned into a Heavyweight contest due to Clarkson weighing in over the limit. The early rounds showcased Green’s speed with a fast jab. Rounds 2 and 4 produced incredible action, as both fighters traded hard blows. In the end, Green proved too much and was able to score a knockdown that Clarkson could not rightfully stand up and continue. The 2:28 Round 6 TKO victory puts Green on the fast track for some bigger fights in the near future.
The most exciting point in the card was Lightweight Ronaldo Vargas improving to (7-1, 6 KOs) by defeating Jerrell Hodge (2-2) with a devastating left hook to the body of Hodge. The knockdown had Hodge swimming across the ring, attempting to get up. But he had no chance, as the KO at the 2:10 mark of the 1st Round ended his night.
The fight of the night honors went to the Middleweight contest of Roy Barringer (7-3, 5 KOs) vs. Sam Wildenhaus (4-2, 1 KO). Round 1 saw Wildehaus leaning on Roy, not allowing Barringer to extend his punches. Round 2 and Round 3 were very close, giving both fighters great moments. In the 4th Round, Barringer caught Wildenhaus with a good, clean right. Round 5 had Wildenhaus catching Barringer with a right on the ropes. Round 6 is where Barringer’s hard work paid off with a knockdown of Wildenhaus. Unable to do more, Referee Lonnie Scott saw too much, as he waved off the fight with a 2:32 TKO.
Other fights had Kechayn Jenkins (1-0, 1 KO) winning his pro debut with a 2:28 1st Round TKO in the Junior Welterweight division over Chris Ortiz (0-1).
Mirady Lubanzadio Zola (2-0) won by UD over Light Heavyweight Jimmy Sandlin (0-1). The judges UD decision was (39-36, 40-35, 40-35).
And the first fight of the event had Heavyweight Cornelius Mitchell (1-0) winning by UD (39-37, 40-36, 40-36) in his pro debut over Justin Richwine (0-2).
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