Below is a review of our Joey Abell and Raphael Butler coverage from 2009.
Courtesy of SnapLocally photography, all rights reserved
Jan. 18
Joey Abell looked to be in the shape of his career. He was lean, with washboard abs. Imagine that, a heavy in tremendous shape. He made quick work of Derek Amos. It kind of looked like Amos had lost the fight before it had started. Listening to the people around me, and considering my own experience, I don’t know that I have witnessed such heavy jabs, yes jabs. Now I will be the first to admit, I have not seen a lot of Joey’s fights, but if he would attack other foes the way he went after Derek Amos, I don’t know who could even put up a competitive show against him in Minnesota.
Feb 12. Joey Abell, The future may be here.
Feb 14.
(W)Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell…vs…(L)Marcus Rhode (6 rounds heavyweights)
Joey brought the WOW and JAB. Abell was just too much for Rhode and ended it in the first. It seemed once Marcus Rhode felt Joey’s power, he was done.
April 5.
Joey Abell (Ko round 1) over Galen Brown – Stalk, Stalk, Stalk. BAM! A straight left followed by a flurry of punches sent Galen half way through the ropes. I don’t know that I have witnessed live, a more vicious one punch knockout in boxing. The flurry was just instinct by Joey as Galen was falling.
May 14.
An interesting piece about the heavyweight division was brought to my attention and I thought I would share. The article talks about the changes in the division from years gone by and how those like Joey Abell fit in to its future. From thesweetscience.com, check it out here.
June 14
Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell over Larry White by second round TKO
Round one saw Joey stalking White around the ring landing huge shots. He was throwing hooks, uppercuts, straight lefts, and yes, the POWER JAB. Minnesota Ice was showing great movement as well in avoiding almost all of Larry Whites attempts to return fire. Round two started with Joey racing to White and engaging in much the same way as round one. This time White was able to return some blows back at the man of steel. Just when it looked like we had a fight on our hands, Joey upped the power, speed, and punch rate. From where I sat it looked like a huge uppercut ended the fight, but there were many blows prior. White was hurt and the ref saw no reason for this bout to go on. I know I keep saying it, but Joey always brings the WOW and the JAB, and last night he showed so much more. Heavy’s across the land beware, The Ice Man Cometh.
July 14 Joey Abell interview
Sept. 13
Raphael Butler over
Marcus Rhode (TKO 1:30 of round 1) – An hour or so prior to this fight Joey Abell and Raphael Butler met in the ring to talk about their announced showdown November 20 at the Mpls Convention Center. Butler asked the Rochester crowd who was going to win the battle of Minnesota’s best heavy’s, and they answered loudly. Butler’s Brigade sees a big win coming November 20. The fight between Butler and Rhode went as I am sure most thought. Butler controlled the action with superior movement and power. He had Rhode on the mat from a body blow in the first, and then TKO ed him at 1:30 of the second round.
Oct. 30
Abell (25,4) and Butler (35,8) discuss their upcoming fight December 4 at the Target Center. This fight is also for the Minnesota Heavyweight Title.
Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell (25,4) vs Raphael “The Silencer” Butler (35,8)- Minnesota’s two best Heavyweights vie for the Title. All but one of Abell’s wins have come by way of knockout and Butler has 28 of his own. You like power, you like KO’s, you’ll love this one.
