Boxing: Sugar Ray Leonard and Pala Casino results and thoughts

The Pala Casino on the Indian Reservation in Pala, California was the host for ESPN 2 and Sugar Ray Leonard promotions for a night of Boxing on July 2nd. Headlining the card was former U.S. Olympian Lawrence Clay-Bey (19-2, 14 ko’s) going against Imamu Mayfield (24-4-2,18 ko’s). When Clay-Bey took off his robe, it reminded me of the good old days of Tony Tubbs and Tim Witherspoon. Let’s just say he wasn’t small. Even at 257 pounds, Bey was quicker than the overmatched Mayfield. From the opening bell, it seemed obvious who would win this bout. Mayfield was wide open for the overhand right all night, and in round five, Clay-Bey obliged. Bay landed a big right the sent Mayfield to the ropes. Mayfield turned his back as Bay continued a land a couple more shots on the stunned Mayfield. Referee Pat Russell decided he had seen enough and stopped the fight at 1:50 in round five. The crowd thought it was a premature stoppage and booed Russell loudly. It was my opinion that Pat Russell did a fine job and proved again why he is one of the best in the business.