Boxing at the Ballroom

Written by Sean Malone | 29 August 2010

It has rapidly turned into the premier fundraising event in Fort Worth, and this past Friday night some of North Texas’ most generous, and well-to-do, citizens converged upon the regal Worthington Renaissance in downtown Fort Worth.  The black-tie gala was the annual fundraiser for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Worth and by all accounts it is a magical blend of fun and charity. 

So, what the hell was I doing there?

The headlining entertainment of this annual soiree is a professional boxing card aptly titled, “Boxing at the Ballroom.”  While the event is closed to the public, the fact that there is a boxing card, featuring a slew of North Texas talent was more than enough to draw us to this most baller of events.  Adding to the intrigue was the fact that this year marked the first time Paulie Ayala Productions would host the event.  In the past, Fort Worth’s Harrison Boxing Group put on the fight card, to much critical acclaim.  With PAP putting on the fight card, the tradition continued as the throngs of people in attendance were treated to a night of great fights.

Fight Results

While the true cause of the night was to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Fort Worth, the fact that boxing was in full effect Friday night was my real joy. 

In the night’s main event, Rafael Casias (4-3) showed the positive effects of having inked a five-fight deal with PAP and gutting out an entertaining four round split decision victory over Edson Renteria (0-4).  Scores were 39-37, 39-37, and 37-39.

On the undercard, Milton Ramos (3-2-2) out-boxed the ultra-aggressive Fernando Rodriguez (4-1) over four rounds to earn a unanimous decision a pin the first loss on Rodriguez’s record.  Scores were not announced.

In a women’s super lightweight bout, Kita Watkins (6-7) scored a unanimous decision over Lecretia Meacham (0-5).  Scores were 40-36 on all three cards.

A day after the tragic death of his brother, Joshua Dunmoodie (5-1-2) made a triumphant return to the ring to gut out a close-fought four round split decision victory over Corey Washington (2-4-1).  Scores were 39-37, 39-37, and 37-39. 

Fort Worth’s Skender Halili (1-0) made his professional debut a memorable one with a first round blitzkrieg of Nicholas Cadena (1-5).  The time of the stoppage was 1:16 in round one.

In a special muay thai match, James Vick battered and bloodied Derek Abrams over five one-sided rounds.  Scores were 50-44, 50-44, and 50-45 in favor of Vick. 

(All photos © Edward Garza/NorthTexasFisticuffs.com)