TOMMY MATLON KEEPS TITLE, JESSICA RADTKE MALTEZ WINS DEBUT IN GREEN BAY

Wisconsin state heavyweight champion Tommy Matlon (4-2, 3 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN successfully defended his title by mauling and stopping Marlon Haywood (now 2-5, 1 KO) of Kankakee, Illinois at :49 of the second round at the Riverside Ballroom in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Matlon went on the attack right away as he is known for, landing punches that forced Haywood back into the ropes. An accidental clash of heads produced a cut on the forehead of Haywood during some exchanges. After referee Mark Nelson took Haywood to get the cut looked at, the action resumed. Moments later, Matlon let loose as the round came to a close as Haywood looked tired and weary of the head and body attacks from Matlon.

Matlon went right back on the attack at the start of round two and dropped Haywood in a corner about a minute in with head shots. Haywood was fighting back to that point but looked tired and didn’t appear to have much left while on the canvas. Referee Mark Nelson waived the fight off at :49 of round two. Matlon was accompanied by head trainer Corey Rodriguez in the ring.

Jessica Radtke Maltez (now 1-0) of Brainerd, MN won a four round unanimous decision over Wildalys Rivera (now 0-1) of Puerto Rico (residing in Iowa) in a super featherweight bout. Former IBF World Champion Caleb Truax was ringside and told MN Boxing that Jessica used her height and range to control the majority of the action. Rivera landed some nice shots of her own but was unable to consistently get inside to land her punches. Radtke Maltez continued to land a good jab and right hands when Rivera attacked.

The crowd cheered the effort from both boxers as the four round bout came to a close. Scores read 39-37, 39-37, and 39-37 on all three score cards. Minnesota referee Mark Nelson rarely needed to break up the fighters or intervene as the action was fast smooth throughout. Radtke Maltez was accompanied by trainer Boyd Davis and Corey Rodriguez as second.