ANTONIO WOODS DQ’D IN CONTROVERSIAL LOSS TO DESHAWN PRATHER ON FRIDAY NIGHT IN MISSOURI

Antonio “Superbad” Woods (now 12-1, 10 KO’s) of Shoreview, MN lost by controversial disqualification in the second round to Deshawn “Squito” Prather (18-1, 2 KOs) of Kansas City, Missouri on Friday night in Springfield, MO. A reported crowd of 11,000 onlookers seemed to be in disbelief as were Antonio Woods and his cornermen Corey Rodriguez and Jesse Garza. The official stoppage was :16 into the second round. The referee had determined that Woods had landed a jab intentionally on the break.

Woods began the bout with a high guard while moving forward while Prather backpedaled with his hands lower. Woods looked to be the stronger of the two and Prather had a look of concern as Woods landed a hard left hook with about :40 left in the opening round. Woods continued to pound away to a retreating Prather for the remainder of the round.

The two boxers met at the center of the ring to begin round two which ended in a clinch. As the referee went to break the fighters, Woods landed a pawing jab which Prather reacted to by doubling over and wincing while holding both eyes closed. This continued for a few minutes to follow. Eventually, Prather had convinced the ring doctor that he could not continue and the bout was stopped on what was determined to be a foul and Prather was declared the winner by disqualification.

Woods looked good while the bout lasted and seemed to be on his way to victory had the bout continued how it was going. Prather appeared to many to be looking for a way out, acting like he had been hit by pepper spray as he held the title belt on his shoulders.