Michael Walker vs. Antwun Echols (2nd meeting)
Michael Walker 161 lbs beat Antwun Echols 161 lbs by MD in round 8 of 8
- Date: 2008-10-03
- Location: Radisson Star Plaza, Merrillville, Indiana, USA
- Referee: Kurt Spivey
- Judge: Bill Paige 77-75
- Judge: Gary Merritt 76-76
- Judge: Larry Gifford 78-74
- Weights: 161 lbs (both)
Summary
The action started as soon as the bell rang, as Walker pinned his head against Echols’ chest and began to unload. Echols ended-up pinned against the ropes but he quickly turned things around by getting on the bicycle and popping Walker with stiff jabs. Echols’ experienced showed as he peppered his charging opponent with sharp combinations while managing to keep good distance in between. The second stanza proved more effective for Walker. He intensified his pressure and successfully landed to the body throughout the round, cutting off the ring and offering little breathing room. The action increased further in the third. Walker was still pressing forward but the crafty Echols constantly looking to counter with shots from all angles. Midway into the round, a right-cross form Echols found its mark and Walker was momentarily stunned. To his credit, Walker pressed on and the two came together to trade violently until the bell sounded. There was similar action in the fourth but Walker was able to close the round strong, as Echols was showing signs of fading. Things got more dramatic in the fifth, as Walker was caught with a right-cross yet again while walking forward and just before Referee Kurt Spivey called for a break. Stunned, Walker stumbled to his right and went down, but there was no knockdown ruled. Echols came out for the sixth with more intensity and similar pop behind his punches as the early rounds. Walker still showed cobwebs from the previous stanza and appeared a bit sluggish and hesitant. Both the seventh and eighth round showed back and forth trading but Walker had regained his energy and managed to finish strong. Echols was resilient with his jab and counters, but he continued to fade during the final moments of the round. Fans truly got their money’s worth and offered a standing ovation as the battle came to a close. The final scorecards read 76-76, 78-74 and 77-75 for Walker.