BENGAL BOUTS 125 POUNDS - 145 POUNDS: Fighters look to prove they're not lightweights
By KATIE HUGHES
Assistant Sports Editor
Shawn Newberg's got some reclaiming to do.
"I just can't wait," said Newburg, who took the title his freshman year, and lost last year in the finals. "I haven't gotten to fight yet this year."
O'Neill junior Newburg will fight for the first time in the Bouts against St. Edward's Hall senior Derrick Bravo, who defeated Mike Feduska in the quarterfinals.
"[Bravo] is more of a brawler. He hits pretty hard," said Newburg.
Bravo's left hooks and quick jabs helped him earn a unanimous victory over Feduska, but this time he will have to get past Newburg's experienced defense.
"I'm more of a technical boxer. I'm more defensive than he is," said Newburg.
In other 125 pound action tonight, O'Neill junior Lance Hedron will face Morrissey senior Jason McMahon. Hendron also earned a unanimous win in the quarterfinals, defeating Sung Hoon Kim.
135 pounds
Stanford sophomore Tony Hollowell will take on T.J. D'Agostino tonight. Hollowell made a surprise run to the finals last year and is focused on advancing all the way to the title in this year's bouts.
"[ D'Agostino] is definitely a little taller than me," Hollowell said. "He's got some reach. I know he's in shape and will be ready for a good fight."
Dillon's D'Agostino took a TKO victory against junior Chris Hoffman in the quarterfinals, and Hollowell defeated Dillon freshman Jon Valenzuela in a unanimous decision after coming out stronger in the second round.
"I'm stronger than most guys in my weight class, but T.J,'s [D'Agostino] pretty strong himself," said Hollowell. "He will be an awesome opponent, and it will be a test for both of us."
Bengal Bouts captain Matt Fumagalli will continue his quest to reclaim his sophomore year title, after defeating Zahm's Luke Dillon in a drawn-out brawl in the quarterfinals. He will take on Rich Redina, who earned a unanimous win against Jacob Cusack to advance to the semifinals.
145 pounds
No matter who wins tonight, O'Neill will have a victor; it might even have two.
"O'Neill should be in full force [tonight]," said Bengal Bouts captain Andrew Harms, who lives off campus, but used to live in O'Neill. He will face O'Neill freshman Sam Fuller in tonight's 145 semifinal battle, although neither will be quite up to par, as they are both recovering from head colds.
Fuller was knocked down, but rallied to win against Alumni's Jon Pribaz in the quarterfinals.
"First, he's a southpaw, and he's a real good young fighter," said Harms. "He's proved in his last fight that he's got a tough chin. Hopefully I can capitalize on my quickness and my experience."
Jemar Tisby, a senior from Keough Hall, will face O'Neill freshman Nathan Lohmeyer for West Quad bragging rights and a shot at the finals.
All Sports Stories for Wednesday, February 27, 2002
