“Lil’ Superman” Antwan Robertson looked like a man with a giant monkey taken off his back. A night of fun fights climaxed with 8 rounds of nonstop action by two great young fighters and Antwan Robertson standing in the middle of the ring as Minnesota’s Bantam Champ. For Robertson it is an end to the questions surrounding his last fight with Patraw. For Brad Patraw it was bitter pill of what might have been minus two knockdowns. This was my first time covering fights at Shooting Star Casino and can truthfully say it was worth every minute of the almost five hours to get there from Duluth. Below is a brief rundown of the fights. Laura Zink will have a full report, as well as some comments from the cast and crew.

Lawerence Goodman over Chance Western (TKO 1:23 in round one) – Western didn’t seem to ever stand a chance in this one. Goodman was throwing heavy shots until Western was on the canvas.

Bridgette Ten Bears MD Concha Ross (38,39 / 38,38 / 38,38 Majority Draw) – Both of these ladies liked to be right in front of the other to stand and trade shots. The biggest factor for each seemed to be wind, but to their credit they blasted through til the final bell.

Derek Winston over David Laque (36,40 / 37,38 / 37,39 UD) – I would like to first say I thought Laque made a nice showing for himself coming in on short notice and having to go down ten pounds in a short time. That short notice showed as the fight wore into its second half. That said, I take nothing from Derek Winston, he was definitely the faster and slicker of the two. Winston showed flashes of what I think will be a nice pro career.

Nick Whiting over Travis McCullough (KO at 2:18 of the second) – To me, this fight was all McCullough until Whiting landed a vicious left then right to the body putting McCullough down for the count.

Mike Davis over Jesse Barbot (KO at 2:51 of the 6th and final round) – This fight had a little of  a MMA feel to it, along with standing and trading shots there was a little wrestling, shoving, and all around roughhousing. I had Mike Davis up by one round when he and Jesse Barbot came to the center of the ring for the 6th and final round. This round started with a hug between the two combatants and finished with Barbot leaving on a stretcher. The final blow thrown by Davis came only seconds after Jesse Barbot lost his mouthpiece and then went crashing to the mat, snapping his head back in a scary fashion. Barbot was taken away to a near by hospital for precaution. I have been informed today that Barbot had to have surgery last night, and the prognosis is good. Please keep he and his family in your prayers.

Antwan Robertson over Brad Patraw (75,76 / 74,76 / 74,76 UD) – This was the main event and definatly the fight of the night. These guys put on a show that will have to be in contention for fight of the year. If I hadnt seen it with my own eyes I would not think these were the same two boxers. The fight was all action from the moment they touched gloves. Almost every round went the same way with Patraw pressing the action to begin and Robertson coming on strong to finish. Robertson answered the questions about his offense with two very important knockdowns of Patraw. It would be hard to not be happy for Antwan Robertson as he stood in the middle of the ring with his new Minnesota Bantam Title. All questions leading up to this fight were how the first battle merited a sequel. Robertson had to constantly answer questions about his showing in Hickley and the wonder from writers and fans if he had enough offense to get a win over Patraw. Those questions were answered in a better fashion than any quote or speculation, Lil’ Superman was down right offensive! I have to also give credit to Patraw for taking this fight and showing what kind of warrior he is. If not for those two knockdowns this fight would have been a draw or even a victory for Patraw. Can you say round three?