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April 23, 2012
Alliston Hornets forward Zenen Byblow looks for the rebound in the third period of of game five in the series against the Campbellford Rebels. The Hornets made a huge comeback after leaving the first period down two goals.
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Theatre
This Week
Franjic wins eighth round TKO
Fighter's record now 8 wins 0 losses
"Silent" Steve Franjic increased his record to 8-0
at the Royal York in Toronto on April 17.
Franjic won an eighth round TKO over Anthony Russell.
Local boxer Steve Franjic played it smart in the early rounds working on the jab and body
shots before delivering a devastating left hook in the fourth that left opponent Anthony Russell
wobbly and shaken during their match at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto on April 17.
The fight ended with with a TKO in the eighth round after Franjic pummelled Russell up against
the ropes and the referee stepped in to stop it when it was apparent Russell couldn't defend himself.
It was win number eight for Franjic in his pro career. No losses - but one draw in a disputed
outcome after a fight in Calgary against Andrew Hernandez in January.
The Toronto fight was billed as one of the toughest matches that Franjic would face as he
climbs up the ranks in the light-heavyweight division.
Russell came to the fight with a 16-3 record.
"I used the jab a lot," Franjic said, "It kept landing so I kept throwing it."
At a scheduled eight rounds, it was the longest time he has spent in the ring.
"It was the longest fight in my career and I was a little worried going in, but I paced myself
and I felt in good shape. I felt fresh at the beginning of every round."
Franjic's body work paid off as he slowly wore Russell down and put the opponent on defensive
mode for the rest of the fight.
A cut opened over Russell's left eye in the sixth round and by the seventh it was fully closed.
Franjic easily won the later rounds and when the final round started, Russell was spent.
The referee stepped in when Franjic delivered a flurry of shots with Russell up against the ropes
and his hands down.
"It was brilliant. I thought he dominated from start to finish," said Franjic's trainer and coach
Bryon Mackie. I'm extremely happy with his performance. He's getting better every fight."
The left hook is the punch that Franjic is starting to be known for.
He is tentatively scheduled for a bout in Edmonton in June but details of that fight haven't yet
been finalized as Franjic works toward magic number of ten wins - that's when the fighting world really takes notice.
Stats
Steve Franjic
Age: 24
Division: light heavyweight
Height: 6.3"
Stance: Orthodox
Record:
Date: Opponent Result
April 17, 2012 Anthony Russel W - TKO
January13, 2012 Andrew Hernandez Draw
December 9, 2011 Abdullah Ramadan W - D
October 7, 2011 Mike buccanan W - UD
September 10, 2011 Nick Whiting W - TKO
June 18, 2011 Rayshawn Myers W - UD
March 12, 2011 Wayne Tyler W - KO
February 4, 2011 Ty McDougall W- TKO
September 9, 2010 Horace Hunter W -TKO
