Counter Punch Promotion presented a T E R R I F I C show Thursday November 4, 2009 - Arcadia Ball Room, Simpson Building in downtown Toronto,, with the host Mario Lechowski who presented 6 great, well matched bouts for the Bay Street Brawl #5. The successful event raises funds for underprivileged financially strained young persons & the year to date donation is terrific.

The announcer, who was new to the ring, sure got the crowd warmed up - nice job. It was a great crowd. I was still looking for Ian Thompson who was a former boxer & attended a prior show. Hey Ian, if you read this, please call the OBA office.

The officials were: Director of Officials, Bill Hardy; Pro Title holder, Raymond Olubowale; Ian Vanderpool, great open class boxer; Sherry Boone, Vice President of the OBA; & Richard Sharpe, from Kitchener.

The doctor for the event was Toronto's Dr. T. Axler. Glad to have our ole friend back at ringside. We have a lot to catch up on.

This was Counter Punch against Florida Jacks - both from Yonge Street in Toronto.

The first bout had John Blair from Florida Jacks in Toronto challenging Richard Silang from Counter Punch. Tipping the scales in the light heavy division, both guys were vying for the Gold. They did well. This bout got the crowd going & from there it was all uphill for the spectators.

Second bout had the ladies - in Red Joanna Simon representing Counter Punch & in the Blue was Melanie Whitmore from Florida Jacks. They looked like nice clean cut ladies who would be pleasant & understanding but what they understood was how to throw a real nice jab & not to back away. They met ring center & no one gave an inch. Very good for the first time in the ring.

The third bout featured 'Slick' Bruno 'un combattente' from Counter Punch against Florida Jack's Ummer Mushtaque. This was a quick battle but not a surrender. This welter weight division was an entertaining bout with a lot of heavy shots thrown..

The fourth battle featured the Super Heavies, Alexey Ril from Counter Punch against Derek Van Doorn from Florida Jacks. Both these guys left nothing in the tank. It went one way & then the other. They didn't sit back for a minute even with the standing 8 count, they still battled on.

The 5th bout had Todd Christie from Counter Punch matched against Geoff Bellemore from Florida Jacks in another Super Heavy contest. These are the most unpredictable bouts. Hitting with either hand can 'dump' a boxer to the canvas. The bout boiled down to who was throwing proper scoring blows. It was a split decision by the judges & justifiably so.

The 6th & Main Event had all the glamour & charm anyone could muster in a boxing event. Counter Punch sent out Heavy Weight Mike Young & Florida Jack's sent out their Heavy Jamie Heighway. These guys clashed in the middle. They threw from not only the floor but their hearts as well. They threw some very nice combinations as well. Great endurance & determination.

Another successful night from the Counter Punch Promotion's host, Mario Lechowski, former Canadian Pro Champion & naturally with the help from his brothers & very good staff. Great monitoring of the ring. People get excited & move toward the ring & the stewards were terrific in keeping the ring area clear. We dont' want anyone too close to the ring for many obvious reasons. The camera guy was in & out & barely was noticed - as it should be - & the commentators, who formerly boxed at one of the Bay Street Brawls, were overheard with their renditions of the better announcers. Overall- if you missed it...you missed a great thing.

Start preparing now for April 29th, 2010 when the next Brawl on Bay Street will try to outdo this event...tough job.

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