Claudia Collins
By Jared Figueroa
“King of the West” boxing event provides great entertainment that featured high tension and a shocking knockout.
It was an eventful Saturday night at Celebrity Theatre. Tensions were running high not only in the ring, but outside of it as well in what shaped up to be a very entertaining evening.
Toro Promotions’ “King of the West” featured 11 fights, with the main event looking to be the big draw, but it was another fight that also caught a significant amount of attention.
Sergio Rodriguez (12-0-1) squared off against Antonio Hernandez (7-24-4), in an extremely eventful match that featured several bodyslams from Hernandez, words exchanged and security having to ease the high emotions from the Hernandez camp during and after the fight.
But for Rodriguez, the high tension was no worry. It was business as usual even after time off from the sport as Rodriguez secured the win.
“I’m just happy to be back in here,” Rodriguez said. “It’s been 22 months since my last fight, but I feel as good as ever.”
As for the drama outside of the ring, Rodriguez gave little attention to it and instead focused on preparing for upcoming matches with his camp.
“My camp wants me back in there pretty soon.” Rodriguez said. “I’ve been out for two years but I’m back in the game so I’m just gonna test the waters and go from there.”
For the main event, Dante Stone and Kingsley Ibeh stepped into the ring for a highly anticipated matchup. Stone came in with a 21-2 record while Ibeh came in at 16-3-1, both looking to bounce back from losses in their previous fight.
The weigh-in featured some good insight from Ibeh on what to expect in the ring. Ibeh insisted on staying seated during his fight as it would bring entertainment to everyone watching.
“When I’m fighting, don’t go to the bathroom,” Ibeh said. “Don’t get up to get popcorn and don’t blink. It’s gonna be a show.”
For Ibeh’s manager, Maca Springer, it’s no surprise that Ibeh has quickly moved up in the boxing world. Ibeh was born in Nigeria, but quickly learned how to play football as he’s had experience in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders.
It’s been much of the same throughout Ibeh’s boxing career, as this experience has proved to be beneficial. In a short time, Ibeh has once again moved up the ranks in the boxing world and fought in arenas such as Madison Square Garden.
“He’s a superhuman athlete,” Springer said. “I’ve never seen a man of this size move like he can move and that’s why our team is very excited to work and bring opportunities for Kingsley.”
As the fight started, the heavyweights exchanged blow after blow until Ibeh took over. Numerous powerful punches from Ibeh led to him knocking out Stone in the eighth round in a turn of events that happened so quickly.
The eighth round knockout led to Stone being transported to the nearest hospital, where updates will be provided in the coming days. King of the West” boxing event provides great entertainment that featured high tension and a shocking knockout
But despite unusual moments throughout the night, “King of the West” delivered in every way possible for those that attended.
