Vanda Defeats Gibbins!

Jr middleweight Matt “the Predator” Vanda preserved his unbeaten record as he pounded out a tough but unanimous decision victory over rugged veteran Homer Gibbins (41-8, 30 KO’s) of Atlanta,Georgia in front a packed Roy Wilkins Auditorium, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Vanda, now 27-0 with 18 KO’s, used good movement to control the early rounds, picking his shots well. In the third round, after Vanda was hit with a low blow, he went after Gibbins swinging wildly. From that point on, both men mixed it up, throwing punches after the bell. Gibbins had a good fifth round, outlanding Vanda and working the body to slow him down. Both fighters continued to go toe-to-toe in the seventh. Gibbins stuck with the body attack hurting Vanda, although he never stopped firing back. As the bell sounded to end the round, Gibbins was penalized a point for again throwing after the bell. In the last two rounds, Vanda seemed to be getting his wind back, moving like he did earlier and caught Gibbins with some nice combinations. In the end, the judges had it unanimous for Vanda, 96-94, 98-95, and 97-93.

Also featured was jr middle Jesus Valverde of Mazatlan, Mexico taking on game, but outgunned, Larry Kenney of Columbia Missouri. Both fighters were busy throughout. Valverde took his time and outboxed Kenney for much of the fight. Valverde had Kenney hurt on numerous occasions, but Kenney managed to make it to the final bell. The judges had it unanimous for Valverde.

In other action, Grover Wiley won a unanimous decision over Reggie Strickland, Paul Pacynski TKO’d Clarence Dixon in the second round, Vince Durham got a unanimous decision over Roger Bowden, and Wilson Rivera won a unanimous decision over Henry “Superstar” Cokes.