Amidst the bag chairs, buckets of beer and the red, white and blue ropes, a different type of entertainment took center stage Saturday at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center in Hannibal.
Fans got the chance to watch members of the Hannibal Boxing Club square off against opponents from throughout both the state and the Midwest at the “Battle at Bear Creek 5”.
For some, like Eddie Jones, this was their first time stepping into the ring as a professional fighter. Even though the fight didn’t go the full four rounds, ending after a technical knockout in the second round, Jones said the rush of the fight was something that he relished.
“I did a whole lot better than I thought I was going to do,” he said. “I only had a month’s worth of training. Next time, I’ll make sure I have a little more training.”
Others featured on the night, like Gary “Irish Kid” Culp, of Hannibal, Mo., were much more familiar with the ring. As the co-main event, Culp took on Tim Franklin. Going into the fight, Culp said Franklin had one specific aspect that was an obstacle for him over all others.
“His size,” Culp said. “I hadn’t ever heard anything about him. But it didn’t bother me at all.”
However, of all the boxers there Saturday night, probably the most experienced, and likewise, most successful, was Gary “The Spoiler” Walker, of Hannibal, Mo., who defended his Mid-West Boxing Alliance for the ninth time against John Huskey of Tulsa, Okla. Walker earned his title three years ago against Shad Howard of Jefferson City, and hasn’t let go of it since.
In the match against Huskey, Walker came in blind to the event, having no knowledge of his style or technique. Still, the veteran pugilist was not too concerned about his chances.
“My manager had seen him fight before, and thought it would be a good fight for me, and that, on paper, I should win,” Walker said.
Still, Walker said he realizes that, to some extent, a fight like his has at least a little to do with luck.
“You get in there, and you never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “I mean, anybody from anywhere can hit you on the chin, and you can’t provide muscle for your chin. You go out and there is nothing you can do.”
But Walker’s skill, technique and that little bit of luck came through for him as he beat Huskey to retain his title. Still, Walker said he sees the end of the road for his boxing career coming soon.
“There are some very good up-and-coming fighters, like Brandon Hoskins, who’s an undefeated fighter so far,” Walker said. “Hopefully, I can pass the torch on.”
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Amidst the bag chairs, buckets of beer and the red, white and blue ropes, a different type of entertainment took center stage Saturday at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center in Hannibal.
Fans got the chance to watch members of the Hannibal Boxing Club square off against opponents from throughout both the state and the Midwest at the “Battle at Bear Creek 5”.
For some, like Eddie Jones, this was their first time stepping into the ring as a professional fighter. Even though the fight didn’t go the full four rounds, ending after a technical knockout in the second round, Jones said the rush of the fight was something that he relished.
“I did a whole lot better than I thought I was going to do,” he said. “I only had a month’s worth of training. Next time, I’ll make sure I have a little more training.”
Others featured on the night, like Gary “Irish Kid” Culp, of Hannibal, Mo., were much more familiar with the ring. As the co-main event, Culp took on Tim Franklin. Going into the fight, Culp said Franklin had one specific aspect that was an obstacle for him over all others.
“His size,” Culp said. “I hadn’t ever heard anything about him. But it didn’t bother me at all.”
However, of all the boxers there Saturday night, probably the most experienced, and likewise, most successful, was Gary “The Spoiler” Walker, of Hannibal, Mo., who defended his Mid-West Boxing Alliance for the ninth time against John Huskey of Tulsa, Okla. Walker earned his title three years ago against Shad Howard of Jefferson City, and hasn’t let go of it since.
In the match against Huskey, Walker came in blind to the event, having no knowledge of his style or technique. Still, the veteran pugilist was not too concerned about his chances.
“My manager had seen him fight before, and thought it would be a good fight for me, and that, on paper, I should win,” Walker said.
Still, Walker said he realizes that, to some extent, a fight like his has at least a little to do with luck.
“You get in there, and you never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “I mean, anybody from anywhere can hit you on the chin, and you can’t provide muscle for your chin. You go out and there is nothing you can do.”
But Walker’s skill, technique and that little bit of luck came through for him as he beat Huskey to retain his title. Still, Walker said he sees the end of the road for his boxing career coming soon.
“There are some very good up-and-coming fighters, like Brandon Hoskins, who’s an undefeated fighter so far,” Walker said. “Hopefully, I can pass the torch on.”
