JOHN O’DONNELL AND TYSON FURY SCORE VICTORIES IN THEIR AMERICAN TELEVISION DEBUTS ON SHOBOX

Posted on | September 11, 2010 | No Comments

Brits Register Decision Wins Over U.S. Opponents from Legendary York Hall

LONDON (Sept. 11, 2010) – In front of an electric crowd at historic York Hall here, John O’Donnell and Tyson Fury scored decisive decision victories over their American opponents Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME®. O’Donnell outworked veteran Terrance Cauthen by a referee score of 118-112 in the 12-round welterweight main event while the undefeated Fury won a lopsided but exciting eight-round decision over Rich Power with a shutout score of 80-72 in the heavyweight co-feature.

In England, fights are scored by a single referee as opposed to the more popular three-judge panel.

O’Donnell (24-1, 11 KOs), of Shepherd’s Bush, Great Britain and Galway, Ireland, was more workman-like than spectacular as he triumphed against his toughest opponent to date in Cauthen (35-7, 9 KOs), of Trenton, N.J. Though neither southpaw possesses overwhelming power, both stuck to their game plans; O’Donnell worked the body with repeated right hooks and Cauthen, a 1996 Olympic bronze medalist, used combinations to win his only two rounds.

Sometimes known for incessantly running throughout a match, the intimate venue’s small ring made it tough for Cauthen to move around. Determined to dictate the fight’s pace, O’Donnell steadily came at Cauthen throughout and accomplished enough for referee Ken Curtis, of London, to award him the verdict.

At only 22, the six-foot-nine Fury (12-0, 9 KOs), of Manchester, England, showed promise by sticking with his long jab and landing big right hands for much of the 24 minutes. Though clearly outmatched, Power (12-1, 9 KOs) of Keego Harbour, Mich., displayed tremendous mettle throughout. Visibly exhausted by the last few rounds, Power never went down.

“Power was a bit more awkward than I expected,” Fury said. “He was slipping and sliding all over the place but I handled him well enough to win each round.”

“When I weighed in at 221, I knew I was in trouble,” said Power, who was outweighed by 40-plus pounds. “But I refused to give up and I think I proved to his crowd that I have heart and desire. I love to fight.”

Power’s last push for a momentum swing came by way of an incredible uppercut that knocked out Fury’s mouthpiece in the sixth round. Power’s punch, however, only seemed to anger Fury, who immediately responded by unloading a combination. The outcome came as no surprise to the fanatical, Fury-favoring crowd as referee Jeff Hindes, of Reading, England, raised Fury’s hand in victory.

After the fight, promoter Mick Hennessy offered, “It was a great night. I hope my boys pleased the SHOWTIME audience back in America.”

Fans can catch Friday’s action on SHO 2 on Monday, Sept. 13, at 10 p.m. ET/PT or On Demand from Sept. 13-Sept. 26.

ShoBox returns next Friday, Sept. 17, when world-ranked welterweight Freddy Hernandez takes on former World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion “Mighty” Mike Anchondo in the main event LIVE on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Primm, Nev.

Al Bernstein called Friday’s action from ringside with Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst. Gordon Hall is the executive producer of ShoBox with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing. The event was promoted by Hennessy Sports.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.