By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation (NJ State rep)
June 3, 2003

Uncasville, CT. - 2000 Olympic Gold medallist Mohammad Abdulaev, brought in by promoter Lou DiBella at the last minute to replace ousted Ricardo Williams, watched himself get counted out by referee Michael Ortega late in round ten against a resilient and tenacious Emmanuel Clottey.

Abdulaev, leading comfortably on all three judges scorecards, was hurt by Clottey, now 20-5 (14 KO's), following a brutal attack which bloodied Mohammad's face and sent him reeling into the ropes and onto the canvas. Mohammad, following his corners' advice took a knee yet unexplainably watched as the referee's count reached 10.

An estactic Lou DiBella ran into the ring and embraced his fighter Emmanuel "sleek" Clottey. DiBella, aside from just watching Clottey win the biggest fight of his professional career, had further reasons to gloat.

"He (Abduleav) tried to screw me" laughed Dibella at press row. "We, DBE Promotions, wanted to sign him and at the last minute they started playing games - this is what makes boxing so good!"

Mohammad, now 11-1 (9 KO's), obviously didn't enhance his career with tonight's performance inside or out of the ring.

Fellow 2000 Olympian, bronze medallist Clarence Vinson, also suffered his first professional defeat. Vinson was on the losing side of a 94-96, 95-96, 99-91(?) split decision verdict to tough Heriberto Ruiz, who saw his record upped to 28-2-2.

Both fighters had their moments in this main event bout, which was a difficult fight to score although many at ringside felt Vinson, now blemished at 12-1 (5 KO's) had the slight edge.

The real treat for the surprisingly light, yet boisterous crowd came in the 6 round jr. welterweight bout featuring Paul "Magic Man" Malignaggi from Brooklyn, NY against Shad Howard from Russellville, MO.

From round one Malignaggi controlled the action. Showing amazing hand speed combined with tremendous bodywork, the "Magic Man" dazzled the crowd.

Malignaggi sent his beaten and bewildered opponent to the canvas in round three and referee Richard Flaherty came close to stopping the contest as Howard was absorbing excessive punishment.

Malignaggi tarnished an otherwise spectacular performance in the later rounds as he began mocking Howard, turning his back to him and other hot dog antics which angered the crowd whom in turn began rooting for the outclassed Howard, now 9-4-4. Malignaggi, still perfect at 13-0, was booed as he left the ring following the announcement of his unanimous decision victory.

Later the 21-year-old Malignaggi said "I knew he was mine by the 2nd round, I hurt him with those body shots."

When questioned about his ring antics Paulie frowned and added, " I know the crowd got pissed at me but he (Howard) really got personal with me. I know its trash talk but what he said anyone in the crowd would have wanted to embarrass him too. I wanted to punish him, I didn't get the knockout but I beat him up."

Other action saw Paul Delgado, now 7-2-1, look good in beating previously unbeaten Wilmer Torres (8-1, 4 KO's) via split decision in a 8 round jr. welterweight match.

The evening's final contest saw up and coming Yuri Foreman improve to 11-0 (6 KO's) against game veteran Sammy Sparkman, now 15-10-1.

Foreman, no relation to George, lived in Israel where he compiled a stellar 75-5 amateur record. Now living and training in New York, Yuri is under the watchful eye of veteran trainer Tommy Brooks - one of boxing's best - and has vastly improved since his professional debut last January, a 1st round knockout over aptly named Israel Felix.

Tonight's card featured 5 exciting fights and was part of ESPN's televised "Tuesday Night Fights" series.

Promoted by Lou DiBella and staged at the beautiful Mohegan Sun Casino, which designated this venue as Military Appreciation Night, all fight fans were treated to a great night of boxing.