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Fight number two showcased a boxer who went the distance with "Iron" Mike Tyson during Tyson's hay day (Madison Square Garden, New York, '86). Mitch "Blood" Green (19-6-1, 12 KO's, 48 years old), of Jamaica, NY, entered the squared circle weighing 259 lbs. and wearing one of the most magnificent satin robes the New Daisy has seen in years. And of course...it was red. Billy Mitchem (3-11-1, 1 KO, 46 years old) tipped the scales four pounds over two hundred and wore black trunks. Right out of the gate Mitchem was pursued by Green. Not chased, stalked by the much larger Green. "Blood" imposed a 82" reach and hammering jab on Mitchem, who didn't see them but ate frequently. Just as Mitchem started to look out matched in this fight he began to find a few solutions to the big problem in front of him. By slipping the jab, Green was able to get inside and land shots to Green's body. These shots didn't do much damage but allowed him to score needed points nonetheless. Shortly after his success, Mitchem founds himself fighting with his back against the ropes. He was able to roll out nicely, away from the pressure, but just found himself back in a corner tasting more of Green's jab sandwich. At 2:14 of round four Mitchem is put on his seat in a neutral corner after taking a barrage of punishment from "Blood" Green. He is unable to make the count. Green gets a KO in his first fight back from a three and one-half year layoff. The Main Event pitted the "Pastor", West Memphis' Dan Ward (194 lbs.), against Nashville, TN's, Tim Johnson (208 lbs.) in a heavyweight bout. Johnson, shot across the ring from the first bell and worked Ward over with blistering body shots that landed with accuracy. It looked as though Johnson would make quick work of the home town favorite but Ward showed great defense and countering skills with his back to the ropes. With one hard right hook, Ward shifted the scales in his direction in round two. Midway through the same round and with Ward still on the offensive, Johnson droped Ward to his knees with a low blow which many saw as intentional but not the judges. Even Johnson commented after the punch that it was in retaliation for an alleged low punch from Ward. During the fight Johnson toyed with Ward by making faces, dancing and attempting to throw punches from the hip while looking the other way. Ward, who appeared to not be in the best of shapes, was able to trade shots with Johnson. Short bursts of power shots to the body were all that Johnson could manage in the third and forth. With the fight in the balance Ward was quickly attacked at the bell for round four and put on the defensive. With some well timed counters Ward turned the tables and forced the action to Johnson's corner. There Ward landed a crippling right upper cut to Johnson's chin. Johnson toppled over and although he made it to his feet before the count, referee Alan Lovell saw that Johnson could not continue. To the pleasure of the crowd, Ward wins by KO at 2:02 of round four. Ward improveed to 29-16-1, 16 KO's). Johnson feel to 18-25-1, 2 KO's. Stay tuned to MemphisBoxing.com for more local boxing info.
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