Steve Nelson picks up dominating victory!
On the undercard for Hart v Smith Jr, Nebraska’s own Steve Nelson (16-0, 13 KO’s) thoroughly outclassed and out bludgeoned Cem “Champ” Kilic (14-1, 9 KO’s). From the clang of the first round bell, Nelson proved to be too elusive and offensively damaging.
Kilic sought to pressure, which he did, just without any success. The game German did come forward and land his sporadic good shot, but it was not nearly enough.
In between Kilic’s shots, Nelson functioned as a very nifty and capable counter-puncher. The crafty light heavyweight hammered Champ with hooks, upper-cuts and counter overhands nearly at will. To make matters worse, Nelson was paying his due diligence to both the head and body alike.
For the first four rounds, Kilic was a purposefully and energetic opponent. Yet, with the coming of the fifth period, the undefeated Champ began to slow a bit. As he let off the gas a bit, his regularly scoring foe kicked it up a notch.
As the sharp and accurate punches continued to land, Kilic’s eye began to swell and his corner became increasingly concerned. Standing as his chief second was former world champion turned boxing coach James “Buddy” McGirt. Last year, McGirt tragically made headlines when his fighter Maxim Dadashev died from his injuries sustained in ring.
By the seventh round, McGirt was warning Kilic that he would stop it. Then in the eighth, after a particularly crunching series of punches, Buddy McGirt climbed the ring apron and waived the white flag. It was a solid win, and great display of skill for Nelson.
By: Bakari Simpson
