Brick City Boxing

By: Matt Yanofsky, ringside
Photo's By: Raquel Gonzalez
Copyright: Raquel Gonzalez and Danny Serratelli (www.brickcityboxing.com)


In front of a packed crowd which included the likes of Joe Frazier, Chuck Wepner, and Alex Ramos, Chuck “The Fighting School Teacher” Mussachio 10-0 (5 KO’s} earned a hard fought majority decision in the main event against Philadelphia tough guy Chandler Durham 6-4-1 {3 KO’s}. Durham, who is trained by Joe Frazier’s son former Heavyweight contender Marvis Frazier immediately rushed Mussachio and pushed him against the ropes. Mussachio was able to block most of Durham’s aggressive blows and box his way back to the middle of the ring. Mussachio elected to box for most of the fight and effectively landed combinations while continually blocking most of Durham’s punches. Judge John Poturaj ruled the contest 57-57 but was overruled by scores of 58-56 from both Steve Mcnair, and Debra Barnes.

Popular Bayonne Super Middleweight Bobby Rooney 6-2-1 {3 KO’s} had a successful return the ring after over a year lay off when he defeated Stacy Goodson product Terrence Wilson 3-1 {2 KO’s}. Rooney was able to outwork Wilson for most of the night and dropped him after hurting him with a body shot before following up with a right hand during the second round. The game Wilson was able to recover and hurt Rooney during the 4th round while opening a cut over Rooney’s right eye. Both fighters appeared tired during the final two rounds as neither had previously gone more then 4 rounds. Rooney had a last second surge to the cheers of the crowd which helped seal the deal. Scores were 59-53, 58-55, and 59-55 all for the newfound “Bayonne Bleeder”. “Bobby fought well and was very effective with his body punching. He showed great heart and surprised me with his performance especially coming off the layoff” said Bobby’s trainer as well as Aaron Pryor Conqueror Bobby Joe Young.

Antonio Espinoza improved to 9-0 {1 KO} with a majority decision victory over the always tough Edward Valdez 3-5-2 {2 KO’s}. The southpaw Espinoza elected to box and move while Valdez used aggression to bull his way forward for most of the fight. Valdez threw many haymakers which Espinoza alertly avoided and countered with quick combos. One judge ruled the fight 58-56 but that was overturned by scores 59-55, and 58-56 for Espinoza.

Alex “The Brick City Bullet” Perez 8-0 {6 KO’s} used his extensive time sparring with stars Joel Julio, and Miguel Cotto to his advantage in a first round destruction of Jesse Williams 3-4-1 {1 KO}. Perez dropped Williams 4 times in 2:39 ala Zab Judah/Wayne Martell {which featured 5 knockdowns in 2:08} to force a stoppage from Referee Samuel Viruet. After the victory, an elated Perez said, “I didn’t know he was a southpaw coming into the fight but instead of trying to feel him out, I went right to work. Once I landed a big punch I knew he couldn’t handle it”.

Danny “Little Mac” McDermott 4-0-1 (2 KO’s} scored a first round knockout over Brian Gadson 0-2. McDermott immediately began moving toward Gadson who elected to cover up and throw an occasional jab. McDermott’s aggressive style pushed Gadson onto the ropes where he was caught with back to back right hooks which put Gadson down for the count.

Francisco Rodriguez 1-0 had a successful professional debut earning a unanimous decision victory over Arthur Parker 1-1 {1 KO}. Rodriguez was able to outland and hurt Parker who elected to fight in stints instead of an entire round which caused him to lose all 4 rounds on the three judges score cards.