STEELYARD BRAWL HITS GARY IN A BIG WAY!!!
STEELYARD BRAWL
One in a Million Boxing, Inc.
US STEELYARD/Railcats Stadium, Gary, IN
August 2, 2008
Once again, Octavius James’ One in a Million Boxing, Inc. brought a fantastic Vegas-style boxing show to Northwest Indiana, only this time, they made history on their fifth anniversary commemorative event. Tonight’s fights were held at the Railcats Stadium, also known as the US Steelyard in Gary. Never before has this stadium seen any sporting event not involving mitts, balls, and bats. Gloves, mouthpieces, and trunks were center stage, and the impressive crowd showed their interest during each of the competitive fighting events.
HENRY COYLE TKO2 ALLEN MOORE 
First up was Henry Coyle (8-1, 8 KO’s), fighting out of Chicago by way of County Mayo, Ireland. Henry really packs the house in Chicago and Cicero, Il. . . and on five days notice contributed to the crowds on this night, as well. His opponent was sorely overmatched Allen Moore (Indianapolis, 1-4, 1 KO), who dictated the pace in the first, but must have been unaware of the fact that Coyle often takes the first round “off” to feel out his opponents. After Moore came out for the second round, hoping to continue as he did in the first, Coyle showed that he was simply waiting his turn. Setting Moore up with the jab, Coyle unleashed a picture-perfect straight left hand that put Moore down hard on the canvas. He rose at the count of eight, but was still stumbling, forcing referee Kurt Spivey to call a halt at 1:29 of Round 2. MARKUS THOMPKINS (ND3 from blood) DERRICK HILL 
Thompkins (Michigan City, IN, 3-0) fought a rather even first round in a battle of junior welters against Hill (Indianapolis, 0-1 in debut), albeit for an accidental headbutt that Hill got the worst end of. Thompkins pulled away in the second round with his sharp combinations as Hill spent most of his time showcasing facial features, attempting to show the crowd that he wasn’t hurt. After some more blistering action in the third, the blood streaming from the face of Hill prompted referee Eric Fetzer to have the doctor take a closer look, and on the doctor’s advice, stopped the action at 0:26 of Round 3. Due to less than four rounds being completed at the time of the stoppage, the fight was ruled a No Decision.
JOSH CROUCH (KO4) ALONSO PERDOMO 
Crouch (Chicago, 1-0, 1 KO), fighting in his professional debut, started things out right for himself, with a crowd-pleasing knockout. Taking on Perdomo (Mishawaka, IN, 0-2) there were less than ten rounds of pro experience between the two, but Crouch didn’t show it. While he still has work to do (who doesn’t?) his style will be difficult for others to deal with. Odd angles, forward-plodding, and strong uppercuts led the way for Crouch’s success against Perdomo. Crouch’s body attack nearly ended the fight during the third round, but to Perdomo’s credit, he lasted another entire round before the referee was forced to stop the fight after a hard knockdown at 2:59 of Round 4. We, at Bolo Punch, expect great things from Crouch.
MICHAEL PARKER KO1 ERIC CRITTENDON 
The night’s lone heavyweight event was also one of the night’s shortest fights. Parker (Highland, IN, 6-0, 5 KO’s) simply manhandled Crittendon (Clinton, MO, 2-6, 2 KO’s). It should be noted that both fighters came to the ring wearing pink boxing gloves, to call attention to One in a Million’s commitment to breast cancer research. Tall and strong, Parker made short work of the Missouri native, receiving three standing eight counts from referee Kurt Spivey. Technically put, Crittendon was hungry, and Parker was a willing “soup kitchen cook”, dishing up as much leather as his opponent could stomach. Being brought up slowly, Parker’s skills are developing nicely. His size and abilities will make him a worthy adversary in the heavyweight division for years to come.
ED OCHOA TKO1 RALF FRANKLIN
Ochoa (Hobart, IN, 5-0, 5 KO’s) stood in the ring with Franklin (Indianapolis, 0-4). They recieved their instructions from referee Eric Fetzer together. They both went to their respective corners, awaiting the bell. The bell rang, and they took their steps toward one another to begin their fight. Unfortunately, that is all the action we can report on, because after taking two steps towards Ochoa, Franklin fell awkwardly on his left knee, writhing in pain. Not one punch was thrown, not one exchange, not one ANYTHING. Just a badly twisted knee, and a lot of question marks. Since Franklin couldn’t physically continue, and the bell had already started the contest, Fetzer had no choice but to rule this fight a TKO at 0:11 of Round One. Let’s hope we never see anything like this again, since Ochoa really is a shining star in this promotion. His jab is lethal, and his combos are plentiful. I just hope I’ll be able to actually SEE some of his skills the next time he fights. EVETTE COLLAZO UN. DEC 4 KERRI HILL 
Collazo (Chicago, 4-0, 2 KO’s) had quite a hill to climb with Kerri Hill (Little Rock, AR, 1-11, 1 KO), who enjoyed a seven inch height advantage over the shorter, stockier Collazo. That is, however, the only thing Hill enjoyed about this match, which showcased the tenacity of Collazo to the fans at the Steelyard. Collazo found a nice home for her inside shots between Hill’s hugely wide punches. While she’s technically sound, she will always have to deal with height differentials, but on this night, she had no trouble whatsoever. She skated to a hard-fought but easy unanimous decision (40-36 on all three cards). JERMAINE WHITE TKO2 REGGIE NASH 
Jermaine White is on a roll. After being derailed by phenoms Anthony Peterson (RTD 3) and Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. (TKO 4), his focus is back where it belongs. He is trying to
get back into the limelight, and with performances like this, it shouldn’t take him long at all. White (Merrillville, IN, 17-3, 9 KO’s) overpowered Nash (Grand Rapids, MI, 9-20, 2 KO’s) with his speed and agility paired with deceivingly potent punching power. White owned the action in the first round, but turned it to full force in the second, where his killer body attack sent Nash to the canvas three times. The fight was stopped late in the second round, and ruled a TKO victory for White./font>
MARY MCGEE TKO2 TONYA GALLEGOS
“Merciless” Mary McGee is the brightest jewel in the crown that is One in a Million. After knocking out Tawnya Freeman in October of last year for the NABC Women’s Lightweight Title, McGee (Gary, IN, 15-0, 9 KO’s) has 
racked up three more victories against tough competition. On this night, her opponent was Gallegos (Denver, CO, 5-8, 2 KO’s). McGee’s style tonight was interesting, but highly effective. She stood straight up, allowing Gallegos to pound away on her gloves and forearms, awaiting her chance. Once she got that chance, she took it all the way. Never in a boring fight, McGee owned the action in the first round, forcing a standing eight count. The second round was no different for Gallegos, who had to deal with the speed and power of McGee, who sent her to the canvas after another standing eight, only this time referee Kurt Spivey had seen enough. The fight was called at 1:53 of Round 2.
Afterwards, I had the opportunity to ask Mary what her plans were for the near future. She responded that she’d like to defend her title outside of Indiana, since to this date, she hasn’t fought outside of her native state. She clearly has no fear of any opponent. She explained that her war with Rita Figueroa in 2006, which ended in a no contest due to an accidental headbutt, still weighs on her mind as unfinished business. A lingering injury on the part of Figueroa has kept the rematch at bay, but McGee isn’t interested in waiting around. She has since become ranked ninth worldwide in the women’s lightweight division, and would like a shot at anyone in the top ten, including Ramona Kuehne and Jessica Rakoczy. Until then, the name Kristy Follmer keeps coming up, and if the fight can be made, McGee is ready. Also, a date with former world champion Mia St. John has been rumored to be in the works. Whomever Mary McGee faces next, just remember what you’ve been told. She’s never in a boring fight, and she always finds a way to win, usually in grand fashion.
Special thanks goes out to Ocatavius James and everyone on staff at One in a Million Boxing, Inc., especially Ray Flores. Special thanks also goes to Mr. George Rogge of Rogge Insurance (www.roggeinsurance.com), whose continued support makes The Bolo Punch Boxing Hour possible.
Photography credits: Emil “Soda Popinski” Kegebein (All of his photography from this and countless other events can be viewed at www.smugmug.com using the keyword Leg Up Photos.)
