This writer loves fights that can be regarded as closet classics. Great fights that
generally escape media attention and become cult bouts to hardcore boxing fans.
There were several bouts that came under this category last year but none more than the mini epic waged between Cello Renda 18-8-1 (11) and Paul Samuels 20-7-2 (12). It was like Marvin Hagler versus Tommy Hearns but without the world class talent.
Both fighters can bang and can also be hurt. Samuels had recently been stopped by several prospects and Renda was the favourite. In a wild first round, Renda was hurt before dropping Samuels. In the second both were hurt and then landed left hooks simultaneously and both went down at the same time. Renda was up at four but Samuels looked very hurt before rising at 8. In the third round Samuels took up the baton and hit and hurt Renda several times. Finally a sagging Renda was rescued by the referee.
These two fighters meet again tonight on the undercard to the Rob Norton-David Dolan rematch. Will the rematch be as good? No it wont but these two fighters only know one way to fight. As long as it lasts, Samuels and Renda could fight each other one hundred times and I would watch every single time.
By JIMMY LAST (EDITOR)
