By Rob Potter
MONTICELLO — August 10, 2007 — A vociferous crowd of 858 enjoyed the return of professional boxing to the Catskills last Friday night at Mighty M Gaming & Raceway.
Sweet Science Events Ltd., in association with Duva Boxing and Final Forum Boxing, presented the five-bout card on the third floor of the racino.
In the opening bout, Nagi Aguilera of Newburgh knocked out Tyyab Beale of Jersey City, NJ 56 seconds into Round 2 of their scheduled four-round heavyweight contest.
Both fighters were making their professional debut.
Daniel Sostre of Highland, who is known as “The Hudson Valley Kid,” earned a victory via TKO at 2:20 of the fifth round over Ken Dunham of Charlotte, North Carolina in a light welterweight bout. With the win, Sostre improved his record to 4-3.
In the only women’s bout on the card, Chika Nakamura of New York City remained undefeated. Nakamura (6-0) scored a TKO win at 1:26 of Round 1 in her lightweight fight against Geboria Mayfield (1-2) of Columbus, Miss.
In a four-round heavyweight bout, Zuri Lawrence of Wappingers Falls improved his record to 22-12-4 with a unanimous decision over Jason Bergman (5-3) of Adah, Pa. After the fourth and final round, ring announcer Cody Thomas, who is a disc jockey for Monticello radio station 98.3 WSUL, informed the crowd that all three judges scored the bout 40-36 in favor of Lawrence.
Lawrence, who has appeared on an HBO boxing event in the past, estimated that he is now “one fight away” from making another HBO appearance.
Naturally, he was pleased to pick up the victory.
“I feel great,” he said. “It’s always good to get the win.”
Lawrence also enjoyed competing at Mighty M Gaming & Raceway.
“It’s a nice venue,” he said.
New York State Heavyweight champion Derric Rossy successfully defended his title in the evening’s main event. Rossy earned a unanimous decision (78-73, 79-72, 78-73) over challenger Zack Page (13-15-1) of Warren, Ohio.
“Anytime you get the ‘W’ it’s big,” said Rossy, who improved his career record to 17-1-0.
The 27-year-old Rossy, who turned pro three years ago, praised his opponent.
“He’s a good guy, a real gentleman,” Rossy said of Page.
Rossy noted that the bout was another opportunity to learn more about pugilism.
“It was really good experience,” he said. “I’m always trying to learn more and get better.”
Like Lawrence, Rossy enjoyed boxing in front of a very spirited crowd.
“The crowd was great,” Rossy commented. “They were very lively tonight.”
In addition to the five fights on the program, Lou Savarese of Greenwood Lake was honored. Savarese retired from pro boxing after suffering a defeat to former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield on June 30 in El Paso, Texas.
Savarese, who finished his pro career with a record of 46-7, including 38 knockouts, was presented with a special championship belt by the event promoters.
After receiving his new title belt in the center of the ring, Savarese thanked everyone for supporting him during his career and for upholding the great boxing tradition of the Catskills.