China Smith Notches 3rd Round KO

By M.Glass

16.02 - Heavyweight, China Smith ran his unbeaten string to 23 fights with a third round ko of veteran Dan "The Man" Ward. The opening round was highly competitive with both fighters landing and providing China's chin with it's first real test. Relying on a vicious body attack in the first couple of rounds Smith softened up Ward and registered a knockdown towards the end of round two and finished off Ward in the third stanza by moving up with combinations to the head. Ward was waved off by the referee as he slumped to the canvas under a rain of blows from a furious hail of punches at 2:59.

A crowd of almost 1500 packed the Hyatt Regency in downtown Tampa. The cigar city lived up to it's name with a well orchestrated event and cigar friendly environ. In attendance were George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees and comedian Jackie Mason. It was also good to see former heavyweight fighter, Dave Jaco, who went toe to toe with Mike Tyson. Dave was there in support of his son Adam who won a four round heavyweight fight in highly competitive war with Darian Ross.

China Smith's, manager, the venerable Henry Grooms was impressed with his protege's performance and looks to have China back in the ring by April. Smith added some new twists with a more open attack and broadening his arsenal with great body work. It looks like the heavyweight division has a legitimate threat lurching in the wings.