24-year-old light heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara (21-2, 12 KOs) needed only three rounds during “Fight Night 22″ in Chicago, to accomplish two important feats. The “Polish Prince” both won the IBO/USBO light heavyweight belt and prolonged his streak to nine consecutive wins by knockout. This time, on the receiving end of Fonfara’s KO power was former super middleweight champ Byron Mitchell (29-10, 22 KOs), who should understand after this fight that besides bringing a wealth of experience, he can’t compete anymore with stronger and younger fighters like Fonfara. Mitchell was down twice in the first round and one more time in the round three before trainer George Hernandez decided that Byron had received enough punishment for one night.
The battle in the UIC Pavilion was basically over after 60 seconds, when Fonfara connected twice with the right hand and left hook, and Mitchell went down for the first time. “I went after him immediately, although our plan was to soften him with jabs in the first couple of rounds and attack his defense later,” said Fonfara, who wants in very near future fight for vacant IBO belt. “But I did see an opening, and I went for it. It was just not enough time to finish this inside the first three minutes.” added Fonfara, talking about knocking down Mitchell again in the first round, but not ending the fight.
After easily dominating round two and having no problems with two punches connected by Mitchell, Fonfara got some advice from his trainer Sam Colonna. “Sam told me to start combinations with jabs and it will be just a question of time when the fight will be over,” said Fonfara.
It happen exactly like that – couple of left hooks, a jab and a right hand ended the fight when seeing his fighter for the third time on the canvas, Hernandez decided to stop the fight.
“Mitchell was not ready for Fonfara’s power,” said Colonna. “He’s only 24, sometimes to hot-headed in the ring, but we all see how hard he can hit and how strong he is. I just wish that he can fight longer. For the last 18 months, the only five rounders I see are during training camp.”
After the fight, Colonna departed for New York City where he will be helping another Chicago product, Donovan “Da Bomb” George, tonightt in Madison Square Garden.
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