Contender Alumnus in Action
On ESPN's Friday Night Fights from Tacoma, Washington, Bundrage (25-2) barely edged out Chris Smith (20-4-1) by split decision. Bundrage was hurt in the sixth and tenth rounds but worked behind an effective jab to win most of the other rounds. The judges scored the bout 97-93 and 96-94 for Bundrage and 96-94 for Smith.
In the co-main event, Walter Wright (13-2) looked sharp in stopping inexperienced Dan Wallace (8-1) via TKO in the eighth and final round. Round after round, Wright showed the natural ability that made him one of the early favorites on season two of The Contender. Wright also showed his ability to finish an opponent when he hurt Wallace in the eighth and stayed on top of him until referee Jeff Macaluso halted the bout.
Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Anthony Bonsante (29-8-3) - a participant in season one of The Contender - dominated rival Matt Vanda (35-3) over ten rounds. Vanda's plan was to outbox Bonsante and he had some success early but Bonsante eventually began landing heavy shots and took control of the fight. Vanda absorbed a lot of punishment late and finally went down in the tenth but beat the count and survived to the final bell. All three judges gave the bout to Bonsante: 98-92, 98-91 and 98-91. There is talk that Bonsante's next fight might be against undefeated John Duddy (18-0) in what would undoubtedly be an exciting bout.
Comments
Vanda shot his mouth off once too often. Again getting beat up after a career of stiff opponents. Bonsante in winning may be in for his own beating if he get’s to fight John Duddy next.
K9 did well against a worthy opponent. Walter Wright on the other hand had a very inexperienced opponent. Nothing new for Wright but this was televisied. Roger Cantrell well known amatuer from the NW area looked like a novice. Could have been the TV lights.
John Duddy will knock out Anthony Bonsante within 6 rounds. Duddy is a future contender for a title shot in a tough division.