With two fights left to close out the 1^st round of the tournament, we have two set matches for the 2^nd round. We will see Alfredo Escalera vs. AK 47 and Deon vs. Hino in the 2^nd round of the tournament.

 

Hino had the option to choose between Felix Cora Jr. or Deon in the bracket room. Hino chose to go up against Deon, his teammate from the Gold Team. A tough fight no matter who he chose, but he thought Deon would be the better fight for him. I don’t know if I would have picked my teammate so early in the competition, but it doesn’t matter because later in the tournament it’s everyone for themselves.

 

At the call out, 2-time Olympian Troy Ross (17-1-0 12KOs), chose his close friend, Lawrence Tauasa (30-5-1 17KOs). It was a tough decision, but the best decision. Ross thought Lawrence, with an impressive record of his own, would be a better fight for him because of his experience. Lawrence was the best guy out there to fight and Troy wanted to step up his game. Lawrence was up for the challenge, wanting to take him out of his comfort zone and bring on the pressure.

 

Friend vs. Friend! Even after the fight was set, these two fighters hung out just like before, sometimes until 2am. These guys were professional with their eyes on the prize and nothing was going to stand in their way, not even each other.

 

Round one was a tactical round, with both fighters seeing what each other had, both boxing well and smart. Troy was boxing off his jab and Lawrence, the “Coconut Man,” was boxing his way in and trying to connect.

 

In round two, Troy came out and boxed beautifully, picking his shots and everything was off the jab. Lawrence could not find him and couldn’t get past Troy’s jabs. He got caught with a hook that rocked him. Troy sent him straight to the canvas.

 

Lawrence “Coconut Man” got up after an 8-count, but still had not fully recovered by the shot.   Troy Ross went on to finish him to get the TKO and victory for the Gold.

 

The first KO comes in the hands of Troy Ross, which makes a statement in this fight and the Contender tournament. Troy is a complete boxer and is going to bring problems to his opponents in the competition. What do you think fans, is Troy going to go after Felix in the second round?