BUTLER STOPS RHODE, PETERSON STAYS UNBEATEN
PLUS TWELVE AMATEUR FIGHT RESULTS
Photos and Report By Jesse Kelley
September 14th, 2009

Raphael "The Silencer" Butler (35-8) did what was expected of him last Saturday night in Rochester, MN. Butler stopped Marcus Rhode (34-39) by early knockout and perhaps more importantly, secured the upcoming showdown with Minnesota's other top heavyweight Joey Abell in doing so.
Butler had complete control of the bout with Rhode from start to finish. The big Rochester heavyweight dropped Rhode in the first round with a body attack along the ropes. At times, Butler walked around the ring during the fight firing punches and then stopping to shake his head to the crowd, suggesting that Rhode didn't belong in the ring with him.
Credit Rhode for getting to his feet and attempting to fight back but he was unable to land many blows of his own.
Rhode was put down again early in round two with a four punch body combination from Butler. Rhode continued to fight but Butler gave him no space to breath and landed body shot after body shot while bobbing and weaving along the ropes. A short left hook dropped Rhode once again where referee Bobby Brunette stopped the fight at 1:30 of round two.
Butler first entered the ring with Abell before the fight with Rhode to promote the bout between the two which is now set for November 20th at the Convention Center in Minneapolis.

The highly anticipated match between Dave Peterson (11-0) and Corey Rodriquez (4-1) was a tactical match that lived up to all the pre-fight hype. The bout featured back and forth action as many rounds seemed too close to call. Rodriquez worked his way to the inside where he did his best work with hard shots to the body and occasional uppercuts to the head. Peterson switched things up using movement and reach from the outside to counter with hard shots of his own. Rodriquez, who was coming off a year plus layoff started fast and sharp. Peterson was right there with him but appeared to grow stronger as the bout went on. Peterson fought with a burst of energy as he did his best work in the final round as both fighters continued to throw meaningful punches until the final bell. Scores read 58-56, 59-56 and 57-57 giving Peterson the majority decision victory.

Scott Ball (10-6) returned from retirement to a loud ovation from the Rochester fans by stopping Mike Davis (3-6). The bout was competitive while it lasted with both fighters looking to counter punch the other. The fight came to a screeching halt as Ball landed a hard body shot in a corner which put Davis down to his knees. Davis was unable to beat the count and referee Bobby Brunette counted Davis out at 2:52 of the opening round. Up next for Ball will be a trip to the cage. Ball says he will be making his MMA debut shortly.

Mike Howell (2-1) and Ray Walker (1-7) engaged in an entertaining four round cruiserweight bout. Both men stunned each other on a few occasion's but the difference maker was Howell's better conditioning. Howell was able to outlast Walker and hurt him with constant pressure and combination punching on the inside. Walker seemed one punch away from stealing the fight a few times but could not follow up whenever he had Howell hurt because he was gassed by the second round. Scores were in favor of Howell 39-37 on all three score cards. Ray Walker would be a live underdog against most local fighters if he would show up in better condition! Howell is a tough fighter who seems to be willing to bang with anybody. Howell vs Harley Kilfian coming to an arena near you?!

Ronnie Peterson stopped William Bellcourt in round 1 of the nights opening bout. Peterson took his time early, confusing Bellcourt with a stinging jab. Peterson started firing hard left and rights to the body that sent Bellcourt retreating. Bellcourt's hands started to drop and Peterson began to mix in head shots. Bellcourt really had no answer with any defense or offence of his own but showed his machismo by taking the punches and egging Peterson on each time he was rocked. Referee Bobby Brunette stopped the fight with Peterson on the attack and Bellcourt standing in a corner taking the punches at 2:00 of round one. After the bout, Peterson exclaimed "Tell (Brad) Patraw I am coming for him".

AMATEUR PHOTOS COMING SHORTLY

Jehrid Hale of Rochester decisions Bob Keller of Hastings

Jamal Morris of Rochester decisions Dawson Wradigo of Duluth

Alex Rod of White Bear Lake decisions Dale Robbins of Anoka

Jamie Bartlett of Rochester decisions Damon Lachman of White Bear Lake

Flavio Beccerra of White Bear Lake decisions Gabe Berra of Anoka

Thomas Yang of White Bear Lake decisions Mark Ozzelle of Duluth

Abdi Gelle of Rochester decisions Winston Anderson of Duluth

Tony Lee of Minneapolis decisions Jon Escoto of White Bear Lake

Payton Lee of Rochester decisions Carlos Sosa of Hastings

Nate Burkhalter of Rochester decisions David Colon of Anoka