Despite Cuts, Welch Will Fight On
Spokane boxer Rowdy Welch, who suffered two deep cuts near his left eye during Saturday night’s technical decision victory at the Interstate Fairgrounds, plans to continue his comeback.
“I’m planning on fighting,” Welch said Sunday. “I got a head-butt and I got a cut. I’ve been through this before.”
The 32-year-old junior middleweight (19-4-1), who returned to the ring in February after nearly four years in retirement, was leading Marco Agosto Ramirez on all three scorecards when their fight was stopped after the sixth round. They had clashed heads in the sixth, re-opening gashes Welch suffered years ago.
“The largest one I have was a cut that I got fighting internationally for the U.S. team, and it just re-opened,” said Welch, whose cuts required seven and four stitches. “And the other one, I got hit with a pool cue (during a dispute in the early 1980s), and it just busted open again.”
Had referee Kevin McCarl ruled the cuts had been caused by a punch - and not by a butt - Welch would have lost by technical knockout. However, when a butt is involved, any fight lasting four or more rounds is determined by scorecards.
When the decision was announced, some of the 1,400 in attendance hurled debris at the ring, apparently feeling Ramirez lost unfairly. The ugly scene may jeopardize future fight cards in Spokane, promoter Clint Van Orman said.
“The town of Spokane throwing a tantrum like that really discredits Rowdy and our promotion,” Van Orman said. “Just because they don’t understand and they were drunk. It needs to become an awareness. You know, is it supposed to be in Spokane, or do we stick with high school sports?”
Hipp on the way?
Heavyweight contender Joe Hipp of Yakima attended Saturday night’s card and said he may fight this summer at Coeur d’Alene Tribal Bingo/Casino.
“We’re working with the casino in Coeur d’Alene,” said Hipp, a southpaw with a 31-4 record and 21 knockouts. “Hopefully, in July I’d like to fight out there. Everything seems to be working really good… .”
Hipp last fought in December 1995, knocking out Mexico’s Martin Jaques in the first round. Before that, he was stopped in the 10th round by WBA champion Bruce Seldon.
“I want to fight probably a few fights in the next couple months. Then we’ll fight whomever. We’re looking at something, maybe from a George Foreman, Larry Holmes. Anyone up in there,” he said.
, DataTimes