Main Street Gym Press Release

Saturday morning at 5;30 am we left for Pittsburgh with 6 of our boxers to compete at a big outdoor fireman's function. We were called by a matchmake looking for a main event bout for their hometown star, a 125lb boxer that has won the state and regional Golden Gloves. The event was being promoted around this young man with his picture on the cover of the program and his story inside. They had heard that we had an open class boxer in Main St Gym, Shawn Woodford. You have seen him on the golf course and many other times. He was to be brought in as an opponent to let the star shine in his hometown. They also matched up Fernando Guerrero's older brother Alexis, two juniors, Abdiel Riveria 14 yrs and Cory Moore , 12 yrs and a novice heavyweight Tihir Thomas, all of Main St Gym.

In the first bout of the night with approx 1500 people in attendance Cory Moore fought his heart out loosing a close decision but making us very proud in his effort. He is still growing and getting better and more serious as time goes on.

In the third bout Abdiel Riveria was just too strong and in better shape than his Pittsburgh opponent , winning a decision. Although Abdiel was a little disappointed in the quality of his performance, it shows me that he understands that what we have taught him about how you perform is more important that who gets the bigger trophy.

In what was to be the 6th bout Tihir Thomas sat geared and ready t o show his stuff until the event organizer came to us explaining that his opponent was sick and vomiting. so they were forced to scratch the bout . Tihir just shifted gears and went into team support mode.

Then it was Alexis Guerrero's turn. His opponent was shorter but built solid and very strong , almost like a Tyson. Alexis is 6'3 1/2" so most of his opponent are shorter and thicker. Alexis, who in the past has had a problem executing instructions can be brilliant or disappointing depending on where his head is, however in the past months he has worked very hard learning to take instructions better, while in the ring. On this night he was firing on all eight cylinders and put on a show by using his long jab and then following it with a rock crushing straight right hand, over and over for 4 rounds. It was one of his best performances and thee best in terms of taking instruction form his corner. Alexis staggered his opponent twice in the fight and cause two eight counts, one resulting from a hook to the body. The win was our second of the night, but again it was the performance that was more important.

The Main Event was what the crowd had waited all night for and it was obvious when they announce their home town hero. Shawn Woodford was admittedly a little unsure of what would play out, having just turned open class last month. His 21 year old, our opponent was confident as he walked among the crowd all night with his hands up throwing occasional sharp combinations, as well wishers greeted him. What he did not know is how Shawn battles while sparring at home with the likes of Fernando, Alex, and all the other bigger Main St Gym boxers. I In recent months Shawn, who works at Arby's has focus more on tapping into his potential and not remaining a participant and in round 1 it showed. I told him as the bell was about to ring " this boy doesn't deal with the likes of Fernando believe me. Shawn went right out controlling the fight with his jab, but the key moment in the fight was when Shawn dropped his crushing right hand on the Golden Gloves champ causing to
completely rethink his strategy, I don't believe he was expecting to feel that
kind of punching power from a skinny kid like Shawn. The bout then boiled down
to the hometown hero attempting to get through Shawn's jab but dealing with Shawn's power when he did. It was obvious that he was on the spot. The two fought 4 great rounds with Shawn not only controlling the bout but inflicting the damage. At the final bell, Shawn caught his opponent with sharp punches as he staggered in exhaustion with his hand down. The crowd was appreciative of Shawns performance the fight but as enthusiastic about it being performed on their local star. It was without any doubt Shawn Woodford at his absolute best, at a time that he needed his absolute best. Our team was so proud as they new that Shawn just defeated a regional Golden Glove champ. Shawn came back to the corner at the bell with a big smile on his face and hugged me knowing what he just did, but I at a time should have been all his, it was my job to bring him back to reality, I whispered in his ear, "you know, I know, the team knows and the crowd knows, but they won't give this one to you". I was waiting for some display of the disgust that you would expect form a kid that gave a 100% and wasn't rewarded for it, But Shawn being the class act that he is just looked at me and smiled and said I understand but I don't care, now I know what I can do.

I gave the kids the option get a hotel and drive the six hours home in the morning, but they all want to get back to the eastern shore ASAP so we drove through the night and got home at 6:30 on Sunday.

Coach Hal