Anthony Young stops Sadam Ali in three!
On the Alvarez v Jacobs undercard, Anthony “Juice” Young (21-2, 8 KO’s) forced a thrilling TKO stoppage of Sadam “World Kid” Ali (27-3, 14 KO’s).
The former WBO welterweight champion was just one fight removed from his devastating knockout loss to Jaime Munuia. On this side of the fight, it appears that the “World Kid” was not completely back to form. Many will question if he ever will be again.
The Breakdown
The bout opened with a confident and determined Young going straight after the former champion. Due to his aggression, the first minute of the bout was a festival of mean-spirited hooks, uppercuts and power shots. Nothing overly devastating landed. However, Young forced Ali to fight on the back foot for the entirety of the round. Ali’s chief second, Andre Rosier, chewed him out in his corner.
Afterward, Ali established his jab to begin the second. With that jab, the “World Kid” managed to control this period and dictate the pace.
At its outset, the third began in the same fashion as the second ended. Ali was in control and fighting at a measured pace. He even connected with a few eye-catching hooks. This was the theme of the first half of the round.
Seemingly on his way to claiming the round, with just over a minute to go, Young sank a piercing left hook into Ali’s body. Ali immediately balled up and began retreating. With referee Robert Byrd repeatedly yelling, “show me something!”, he never did.
After absorbing the crippling body shot, Ali would not throw another punch. Young was able to chase his wounded foe into the corner, where he landed a number of crunching head shots. Given the amount of damage he was taking, combined with Ali’s nonexistent offense, referee Byrd jumped in and halted the fight.
This was a huge win and confidence builder for Anthony Young. Conversely, this is a stunning and near tragic loss for Sadam Ali. The “World Kid” is definitely going to have to go back to Brooklyn and do some soul searching on what comes next.
By: Bakari Simpson
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