Saturday night on HBO World Championship Boxing at Madison Square Garden in New York, Daniel Geale (30-3, 13 KOs) gave it his all, albeit in a very short amount of time, in a losing effort against Gennady Golovkin (30-0, 27 KOs).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmXDd1H-qfY
Golovkin simply overwhelmed Geale with his power. He sent him down to the canvas with a big right hand, even after being hit flush first, and Geale responded by waving his head “no” when the referee asked him if he wanted to continue or not. Already on shaky legs and unable to withstand the barrage – that was the second knockdown of the fight already – it was a wise move.
“I’m not a ashamed to say I lost to Golovkin,” said Geale.
“He’s one of the best fighters in boxing and certainly the biggest puncher in the sport. I did my best to come out strong but he was the better man tonight. Want to thank my promoters Gary Shaw and Garrie Francisco for everything they’ve done for me and my family. I’m going to take a few weeks off and evaluate my future.”
In the co-feature, GSP heavyweight Bryant Jennings (19-0, 10 KOs) won a a split decision against former undefeated contender, Mike Perez (20-1-1, 12 KOs), to capture the WBC number one ranking and mandatory position to challenge the winner of champion Bermane Stiverne vs. Deontay Wilder.
“I felt good going down the stretch and it was the difference in the fight,” said Jennings. “I won this fight and that’s all that matters. I’m ready to fight for the world championship and I’m not leaving any stone un-turned. I’ll be back in the gym on Monday. My promoters Gary Shaw and Antonio Leonard are going to make my dreams come true with a title shot. I’ll be ready to go!”
“I have nothing but great respect for Daniel Geale who did his best tonight.” said Gary Shaw. “He fought hard against a great fighter who I believe is a pound for pound champion in Golovkin. Jennings proved his on the championship level and is now the mandatory to fight for the WBC title so we’ll see what transpires in the next few weeks. All I know is my guys fought hard tonight and the’ll both be back stronger then ever.”
On the undercard, rising Welterweight prospect Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (23-0, 12 KO) kept his undefeated record intact with a dominant eight-round unanimous decision win over hard-hitting veteran, Wilfredo Acuna. The Southeast Washington, D.C. native fought a well calculated contest, winning every round on the ringside judge’s scorecards, 80-72.
“I am happy with my performance,” Hernandez-Harrison said. “I stuck to the game plan tonight, which I don’t always do. Usually I like to go in there and brawl. I am glad that I was able to get eight rounds in and my dad (trainer, Buddy Harrison) was pleased with it.”
World class trainer, Billy Briscoe, who has helped in the corner for Hernandez-Harrison’s fights over the last year noted the young fighter’s progression.”I would give Dusty’s performance tonight a ‘B,’” Briscoe said. “Building a fighter is like building a house. Brick by brick, you just want to make sure you’re seeing improvements: big or small, every fight. This team is following that plan like a beautifully written script.”
Hernandez-Harrison, a huge draw in the Nation’s capital, was cheered on loudly throughout the bout by the throngs of his fans who made the trip to New York to see him in action. Hundreds of passionate fans from Washington, D.C. crowded 7th Avenue in front of Madison Square Garden before the bouts as, Dusty greeted the buses that were chartered to drive the fans to NYC.
“We actually got to the locker room a little late because Dusty wanted to make sure he greeted the buses of people that came to see him,” Buddy Harrison said. “I love that my son cares so much about his fans; without the fans we wouldn’t have these kinds of opportunities on the road, but now it’s time to fight at home.”
Dusty’s Promoter, Jeff Fried of All In Entertainment, was pleased with their prospect’s continued development. “Dusty’s performance showed he is the best young Welterweight prospect in the World, as he used his extraordinary skill sets against a crafty, hard-hitting veteran that has been in the ring with some of the best in the World,” said Fried.
“Dusty is right on schedule for major championship fights in 2015, and a continued step up in opposition throughout the rest of 2014. Every opponent steps in the ring with an enhanced drive to knock off boxing’s next superstar champion. Dusty comes prepared, always,” added Fried.
“I am looking forward to the challenges that are ahead and will continue to do my part working hard in the gym, studying tapes and always being prepared when I step in the ring,” said Hernandez-Harrison.
Dusty is next scheduled to fight in his hometown of Washington, D.C. in September.
