The Fighting School Teacher

It was a great night for fights but it wasn't the best night of fights, especially for Coach Jimmy's opponent. This was the first time Jimmy has fought for People's Champ Boxing and, unfortunately, the show didn't get off to a very good start. The doctor didn't show up to give the fighter's their physicals on time and when he did, he himself appeared to be in need of a doctor. Another doctor stepped in and finally got things underway. I didn't see the first couple of fights because I was in the dressing room but I can tell you that the third fight of the night rocked the house.

Our own Gentleman Jimmy Holmes, The Fighting School Teacher, entered the ring to the cheers of his many fans, friends and family that made up a big part of the crowd. This was Coach Jimmy's first fight in about 20 months but his opponent, Joseph Harden, was tailor made for his style of fighting. Jimmy was on the guy right from the opening bell and had his man on the canvas within thirty seconds with a left hook to the body. It was ruled a slip but Jimmy told me later that he caught him solid with it. As soon as Harden was back on his feet Jimmy worked his way back in behind a solid left jab, both to the head and to the body. Harden hit the canvas a total of four times before Referee Kurt Spivey called the contest at 2:27 of the first round.

The NWI Times had a short article about the fight but due to deadline issues didn't include the last fight of the night. This one was between local fighter Devon Lopez and a Cuban fighter, Giordi Bartolemi (I think). Devon's opponent was warming up in the locker room while Jimmy was showering and I was amazed by the hand speed he was showing while working the mitts. I figured this was not going to be good for whomever he was fighting. When I found out it was going to be Devon, I was thinking disaster. I met Devon a couple years ago when Jimmy was sparring him and he struck me as a nice guy/regular fellow but nice guys don't always win boxing matches. As it ends up, Devon didn't win this one either but he fought a real good fight. The fast guy had no power on his punches and actually didn't land many anyway.

I hope the People's Champ Boxing promotes some more shows in the area. The promoter couldn't have gotten rich off this show with a crowd of only 700 people. Probably 40 - 50 were friends and family of Jimmy. The DeMotte Boxing Club was well represented, thank you very much. Someone needs to step in to replace One In A Million to keep boxing in the area. It has to be tough putting on a show like this, particularly with the new commission and all the changes that has brought about. Hopefully People's Champ will continue to put on shows in the area. It won't be long and we might have a couple of pro fighters ourselves.

Surly Camera was on the job last night taking photographs. Check his link for photos from last night and Demotte Boxing Club action.