Chauncy
Sunday ~ April 10, 1977 {ABC Television}
Fontainebleu Grand Ballroom ~ Miami Beach, Florida
ABC / Don King United States Boxing Tournament
Semi-Final {Middleweight}
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Mike 'The Cobra' Colbert ~ 18-0-0 {3 KO's} ~ 161 lbs.
vs.
Roxelle 'Rocky' Mosley Jr. ~ 16-0-0 {10 KO's} ~ 160 lbs.
At the time, Mike Colbert {Age; 27} was ranked as the #1 Middleweight by Ring Magazine.
Rocky Mosley Jr. was listed at {Age; 20} on the fight program. Rocky's father {Age; 41} was seated at
Ringside for this bout.
The Fight;
Rocky got off to a fast start in the Opening Round, and out-jabbed Mike who stayed outside. Rocky opened a
small cut on Mike's left eyelid.
Rocky continued with good left-jabs in Round 2, and stayed in command as he outworked Mike.
Rocky stayed aggressor in Round 3. But Mike countered with several right-hand leads, and cut Rocky over his
right-eye.
Rocky continued to press in Round 4. But the action was slow, as Mike backed, circled and hooked while staying away.
In Round 5 Mike looked to counter-punch, and did open another cut on the inside of Mike's left eyebrow when he landed
a sharp left-hook.
Rocky still pressed in Rounds 6 and 7, but his tactics of just left-jabs were now ineffective against the taller and
more elusive Colbert.
After Round 7 both fighters knew the bout was close and up for grabs going into the last 3 Rounds.
But it was Mike who showed superior strength over the last 3-Rounds, as he finally opened up in Rounds 8, 9 and 10.
Mike used quick right-hand leads to keep Rocky off balance down the stretch.
Scorecards
* Referee - Tony Perez......... 7-3-0 {Mike Colbert}
* Judge - Barney Smith........ 7-3-0 {Rocky Mosley Jr.}
* Judge - Gus Jacobsen........ 6-3-1 {Mike Colbert}
* UPI................................. 7-2-1 {Mike Colbert}
Mike Colbert > "Rocky is a tough fighter, and he has a good punch. But he never landed anything."
Rocky Mosley Jr. > "I pressed the whole fight. All he did was back away and circle."
Rocky Mosley Sr. > "Mike Colbert was afraid of my boy. All he did was run. He only fought hard in the last 3-Rounds."
