Senior Rueda defeats Newburg in finals
By KEVIN BERCOU
Sports Writer
Senior Camillo Rueda was finally crowned a champion as he out-boxed and out-muscled sophomore Shawn Newburg, garnering a unanimous decision victory in the 130-pound weight class.
"It was my senior kick," Rueda said. "I knew it was my last chance to win, and that really motivated me."
After an uneventful opening round, Rueda pressed the issue in the second using his significant reach advantage to keep Newburg at bay while going on the offensive himself.
A powerful right hand drew blood, while Camillo drew on his experience to dominate the bout.
"I was tired," he said. "But I knew had to keep going, keep getting after him."
135 Pounds
Joshua Coleman had it all planned out.
The sophomore from Dillon knew that his opponent, freshman Tony Hollowell, was going to get in his share of big shots.
The key, thought Coleman, was to let him do his punching for the first two rounds and then capitalize on his anticipated fatigue in the third and attack.
For his plan to have gone better would have been a near impossibility. Coleman went on the defensive for the first two rounds, allowing Hollowell to dictate the action. Coleman, however, deftly avoided the freshman's fury with quickness and effective blocking.
"He threw a lot at me," Coleman said. "But I was able to move my head and block pretty well. I knew I was pacing myself so I had enough energy left for the third."
Sure enough, the third round was Coleman's as he got the best of several furious exchanges to capture a split decision punctuated by a thundering left hand in the final seconds.
145 Pounds
After winning a Bengal Bouts title just a year ago, Mike Waldo was certain nothing could be sweeter.
He was wrong.
Winning a second championship with a victory against Jemar Tisby proved an even greater feeling for the fighter who calls himself "Mad Man."
After a slow first round, Waldo put on an offensive show in the second pinning the overmatched Tisby against the ropes twice.
"I think it's the first time I've ever had the reach advantage," Waldo said. "I only wish I had two more years to do this."
Waldo was more satisfied with a second title than he even was with his first.
"Anyone can win one," he said. "It's a lot tougher to win two."
All Sports Stories for Monday, March 5, 2001
