WILSON vs KENNEDY

In the semi-final bout, Philly's most dazzling young prospect, Teon Kennedy, had a very difficult night. His 8-rounder against Andre Wilson of St. Joseph, MO went the full limit and resulted in a very close call for Teon. Although Kennedy posted his 12th win without a loss, he had much to deal with in gaining a split decision. He was forced to overcome a serious knockdown, a very bad cut, and a talented, left-handed rival. But at the beginning, this looked like a typical Teon Kennedy fight.

The pint-sized prospect started okay. He hurt Wilson in round one, and cruised through the second. But it was clear from the initial bell that Teon's opponent was no "opponent". Jr. featherweight Andre Wilson came to town with a major task at hand and accounted quite well for himself. He showed a good jab, effective movement, and plenty of power.

In the third, Kennedy was having another pretty good round when suddenly Wilson popped Teon with a straight right hand, putting him down. From a seated position Kennedy turned over, got to his knees and started to rise. But then he stumbled back down to one knee, and for a moment, it appeared he might not get up. But Kennedy did beat the count and continued on, although a bit wobbly. Ladies and gentlemen, we have ourselves a fight!

The action picked right up in round four. Kennedy roared back, especially with a heavy body attack. He seemed to be well revived from the knockdown and once again on track. But then Wilson sliced Teon over the right eye, setting up another hurdle for the Philadelphian.

In rounds five and six, Teon's cut bled heavily and looked bad, but he kept pressing forward. Both fighters showed a good work rate and the exchanges were top notch. But Wilson kept testing Kennedy, and in this challenge, Teon really had to show what he was made of. In the seventh round, Wilson landed a hard left hook that once again shook Kennedy, but Teon rebounded to land a stiff left hook / right hand combination that had Wilson reeling back, near his own corner.

In the final round, Teon pressed the action while Wilson moved and looked to land more of his showy, sharp punches. Kennedy was still bleeding and his white trunks had turned pretty pink. By the end of the round, Wilson's faced looked marked up as well. It was another tough round, and the fight was over.

The scores were 76-75 for Kennedy; 76-75 for Wilson; and a crazy 79-73 for Kennedy, which raised Teon to 12-0 (5 KO).

Truth be told, Teon looked a little off this night and had to really dig down to win the bout. Some felt that he didn't win it. At the end, it felt like the decision could go either way, and very well might lean toward Wilson. However, Kennedy came away with the slim victory, but he didn't do it with any of his usual dazzling boxing skills. He did it with his grit. He had to bite down and keep fighting on a very difficult night. Kennedy never panicked. He stayed determined and serious, and appeared to be doing everything he could to come out on top, on a night when things were going wrong. Teon looked human, and it reminded everyone that successful fighters are made by working hard, overcoming challenges, and learning the game. This was a great teaching fight for Teon, and it should make him better. In taking the judges cards, it also was the first indication that Kennedy has luck on his side - a priceless intangible in boxing.