Top Prospects Gabriel Bracero and Mark Tucker stay undefeated atop action packed Broadway Boxing:
Back on the big stage for his third consecutive Broadway Boxing main event, Gabriel “Tito” Bracero kept on winning, dominating gritty veteran Chris Fernandez over eight rounds to keep his perfect record intact on Wednesday night in front of a capacity crowd at the BB King Blues Club in Times Square, New York City.
In the co-feature of the nine bout show, WBO #7 light heavyweight Mark “TNT” Tucker also stayed perfect, winning a six round decision over Ray Smith. Other winners on the undercard were rising, unbeaten prospects Steven Martinez, Seanie Monaghan, and Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczewski, along with female sensation Keisher McLeod-Wells.
Broadway Boxing was presented by DiBella Entertainment, and sponsored by Lonsdale. The event will air in New York on SNY and nationally on Comcast Sports Net affiliates on a date to be announced.
Not surprising, chants of “Tito! Tito!” filled the BB King Blues Club from the moment Bracero (14-0, 1 KO) entered the ring and continued throughout the fight. It clearly served as a motivator for Bracero who had an answer for everything Fernandez (19-12-1, 11 KOs) threw his way. Not helping his cause, Fernandez was docked a point in round five for excessive use of his elbow.
The official scores were 80-71, 80-71, and 79-72 for Bracero.
“This is my second home,” said Bracero, referring to the BB King Blues Club where six of his last seven bouts have taken place. “I feel comfortable here; the fans comfort me.”
If Bracero was fighting at home, it was much different for Tucker, who had to shake off a fair amount of ring rust and drive up from his home state, Maryland. Having not been in the ring since June, Tucker needed a couple of rounds to find his range against the Ozell Nelson (trainer of Jermain Taylor) coached Ray Smith.
Once in rhythm, however, it was the world ranked Tucker who owned the ring, controlling the second half of the fight to pull out a six-round unanimous decision.
“He threw some big shots and most of them glanced off me,” said Tucker. “He was tougher than I expected, but I landed more punches than him and that’s how the scoring works.”
Full Results from New York, NY:
Gabriel Bracero (14-0, 1 KO) UD8 (80-71, 80-71, 79-72) Christopher Fernandez (19-12-1, 11 KOs)
Mark Tucker (15-0, 7 KOs) UD6 (59-55, 59-55, 59-55) Ray Smith (9-5, 3 KOs)
Seanie Monaghan (5-0, 4 KOs) TKO3 (3:00) Angel Gonzalez (2-4, 2 KOs)
Keisher McLeod-Wells (4-1, 1 KO) UD6 (58-55, 57-56, 57-56) Melissa McMorrow (4-2-3)
Boyd Melson (2-0) MD4 (39-37, 39-37, 38-38) Marquis Bruce (0-1-1)
Ryan Kielczewski (9-0, 2 KOs) UD6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54) Wilshaun Boxley (6-8-1, 4 KOs)
Sidell Blocker (1-3-1) UD4 (38-36, 38-37, 38-37) Deano Burrell (1-1, 1 KO)
Steven Martinez (8-0, 7 KOs) TKO1 (1:01) Ishwar Amador (11-9, 7 KOs)
Joseliz Cepeda (3-1) UD4 (40-36, 39-37, 39-37) Allan Benitez (0-1)
