By Brad Snyder-The Undercard
Photos by Bob Ryder
Salita Promotions had some of the top prospects in the sport of boxing showcased on Saturday night in Dearborn, Michigan. These fighters were led by Super Middleweight Vladimir Shisken (13-0, 8 KOs), who was cornered by Sugar Hill Steward. Shisken looks the part of a future world champion. And that road began with his fight vs. Jeyson Minda (14-7-1, 8 KOs). The 8-Round bout offered some challenge in the form of a cut under Shisken’s right eye, that Referee Frank Garza deemed from an accidental head butt.
Shisken controlled the center of the ring, but Minda was game enough to fire back against the ropes. In the 4th, Shisken landed a great right that had Minda hit the canvas. In Round 5, it was a left that Shisken landed that, once again, put Minda down. The heart of Minda was displayed proudly, but Round 6 found Minda out on his feet and, eventually, to the canvas, again. This was the third and final time before Garza stopped the fight at the 1:38 mark of Round 6.
The TKO victory now allows Shisken to find a pace of activity that he was at before Covid shut down most of the sport. Trainer Sugar Hill Steward said, “I liked how Shisken controlled the ring. Good performance and strong right hand.”
Super Middleweight Winfred Harris Jr. (22-1-1, 10 KOs) defeated Dashon Johnson (22-24-3, 7 KOs) by UD (79-73, 78-74, 79-73). Johnson, who was a tough opponent, gave Harris some problems in the fight. Harris started off quickly with a jab. But after a dominating first two rounds, the 3rd produced a most unusual moment, as Harris tried to call timeout because his mouth piece was missing. Referee Patrick Schmidt made the correct call of not stopping the fight, as Johnson had an offensive flurry at the time of Harris’ attempted stoppage. Harris settled in and gave Johnson tremendous power shots. But Johnson, who was a 50-fight veteran, was not going anywhere. The plus side is greater for Harris, in that, his punches connect and he finds range. But, also, he throws to hurt his opponents. Working on shoring up his defense would be the thing that probably needs the most work on. As for Johnson, it’s great to see that much heart. But the old adage “too tough for his own good” comes to mind. You wonder how many more bangers Johnson has in him. He plays the spoiler role perfectly. In the end, I would hate to see him take more damage.
The main event gave excitement, confusion, and great work by Referee Gerard White and the Michigan Commission to determine the outcome. Robert Simms (11-3-1, 3 KOs) in the 3rd Round was hit to the face by Heavyweight Moses Johnson (8-0-1, 7 KOs) The punch turned Simms around, thus producing an accidental hit to the back of the head by Johnson. 31 seconds in Round 3, a Technical Draw was awarded, as the fight had not passed three rounds. The scary moment had Simms down on the canvas for about 8 minutes. Both fighters, more than likely, had a round on the scorecards. So, the accidental punch may have spoiled a good fight. But the safety of the fighter comes first. We hope to see Simms back in the ring soon. Perhaps a rematch?
The “Savage” beast Marlon Harrington (7-0, 6 KOs) got to eat fight night. The Super Welterweight crushed his opponent Andres Viera (11-5, 8 KOs) by stopping him at the 44 second mark of the 2nd Round. Viera informed Referee Gerard White that he was dizzy after the knockdown, which forced the stoppage.
Detroit has not seen fanatics like Super Welterweight Husam Al Mashhadi (3-0, 3 KOs) brought with him since the likes of Mohammed Adams. Mashhadi crowds are loud, and he loves it. As if his opponent, Devin Garrett (0-1) did not have enough on his plate with the booming fans, he, also, felt 25 unanswered punches that scored Mashhadi with his first knockdown. As Garrett got back up, he felt the power of Mashhadi’s left hand and folded like a roadside map, as Referee Ansel Stewart wisely did not begin a count, but waived off the fight and sought a doctor’s attention. Mashhadi, with a 53-second Round 1 victory, is sure to bring excitement with his fans at his next fight.
Other results had Carlos Llinas’ promoted Heavyweight Vernon Webber (1-0, 1 KO) winning his pro debut at the 36-second mark in Round 1 against Luke Sills (0-1). You would not think that in 36 seconds much damage could happen, but Webber scored two knockdowns, giving an explosive start to the fight.
The night started off with Middleweight Gordie Russ II easily defeating Jarrell Murray (0-4). Russ improved to (4-0, 4 KOs) with his 58-second 1st Round TKO.
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