Mati’s speed is too much to handle in Gloves semi
For the 20th time in the history of the Daily News Golden Gloves, bouts were fought at the Electchester Union Hall in Flushing on Friday night, and to commemorate the occasion there were some high-intensity quarterfinal and semifinal fights in the 141-pound open, 123-pound novice and 165-pound open divisions.
In bout No. 1, Reshat Mati (Atlas Cops N Kids) advanced when he unanimously defeated Brandon Idrogo (Unattached) in their 141-pound open semifinal. Mati, The P.C. Richard Boxer of the Night, controlled the entire match with his fast hands and foot speed, landing sharp and effective blows from all angles.
“Last year I fell short of the semifinals,” Mati said. “Now I’m feeling comfortable. I want it so bad this year, so I’m training as much as I can to get these gloves.”
Mati will face Dashaun Johns (John’s Gym), who defeated Juan Carlos Villalobos (Mendez BC) in The Colony Pest Fight of the Night by the score 4-1.
In this classic matchup, Johns started off fast, dashing to the center of the ring at the sound of the bell to meet Villalobos with a sharp 1-2 punch. Villalobos didn’t waver, applying heavy pressure and landing a few big body shots after walking through the fire of Johns’ stiff jab.
In the second round, they traded big shots from the start again, much to the crowd’s enjoyment. After that flurry from both boxers, Johns settled in then continued to stick and move again, but the pressure from Villalobos was much more intense this round. Villalobos was able to cut off the ring and get closer, but Johns put in some good inside work that likely won the round for him.
In the third round, Villalobos was able to land a couple of overhand rights, as they continued inside fighting, but Johns caught Villalobos with some power shots in those exchanges that likely sealed the deal.
“I’m looking forward to facing Reshat Mati in the finals,” said Johns. “I hear he’s a great, tough fighter. He’s slick, he’s fast, but I bring that all to the table as well as you saw tonight.” This will be an electric match up between Mati and Johns.
In the 123-pound novice class, Jose Lopez (Worldwide BC), Breward Tax (Eastern Queen BC), Justice Bland (Pac Plex BC) and Jason Ralph (Worldwide BC) all advanced with impressive performances.
The standout, Jason Ralph (Worldwide BC) won in spectacular fashion when he landed The Empire Casino Punch of the Night, a heavy overhand right against Michael Paula (Gleason’s Gym) that caused the referee to step in and stop their bout at 1:30 of the 3rd round.
“I want to be the Golden Gloves champ,” said the 17-year-old Ralph, “so whatever my trainer says, I’ll do!”
The next Golden Gloves event will take place on Tuesday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Brooklyn.