By: Sean Crose
One of the best things about being a fight fan is being able to look at the up and comers. Indeed, the sport of boxing is as much about the future as it is the present. Boxing Insider Promotions has, in just a few short years, made it’s mark on the rising fight scene, both in Manhattan as well as in Atlantic City. The promotional outlet kept the momentum going Tuesday night in the heart of midtown when Holiday Fight Night III went down at Sony Hall in Times’ Square. Sure enough, fans were treated to a full six fight card.
The highlight of the night may have been the eight round flyweight affair between Andy Dominguez and Angel Meza Morales. Perhaps surprisingly, Dominguez was sent to the mat by Morales in the third round. Dominguez was able to beat the count but the point had been proven once again – that just about anything could happen in the fight ring. Dominguez performed well for the rest of the fight, but so did, Morales, who might have been running out of gas as the bout wore down. Ultimately, however, Dominguez walked out of the ring with another win on his resume thanks to a split decision nod, courtesy of the judges.
Middleweight Nisa Rodriguez also shone brightly on Tuesday night, stopping Melody Popravak on her feet in the second round. New York’s Rodriguez actually put Popravak down in the first. Popravak was able to beat the count, but wasn’t able to hold off Rodriguez, who was able to close the show in the following round, for long. A member of local law enforcement, Rodriguez proved to be a popular attraction at Sony Hall, where she impressed the hometown crowd. The fight was the co-main event of the evening. The 34 year old Rodriguez improved her professional record to 3-0.
One aspect of last night’s card that made the event a success was the action that went down in the ring. The evening was most distinctly not a snooze fest. Sure enough the Boxing Insider produced cards present hungry fighters who are eager to prove themselves in front of both a live audience and a live broadcast stream. They’re opportunities for up and comers to build a fan base. And building a fan base is one of the single most important things a new boxer can do. Hence the hunger.