LEONARDTOWN, Md. – It was a shocking night at The Rex in Leonardtown Saturday night when the South Atlantic Boxing Association judges scored the final match-up between Leonardtown’s own, Kahleel Stone and Walter Johnson, of Precision Boxing to a unanimous decision, with the win going to Johnson.
The fans stood to their feet chanting in disbelief. Stone scored points in the first and third rounds, but the judges found unwavering favor for Johnson. Knowledge Boxing head coach Daryl Hinmon had strong emotions about the outcome, voicing his opinions to the Blue Corner coaches.
Stone’s family was just as stunned. Johnson came out with something to prove and let his hands go early on, but Stone came out quick in round two, landing some powerful body shots. While landing punches, he did take his share as well. The match-up was sound, with both giving all they had, but ultimately the judges saw in favor of Johnson.
Stone didn’t miss a beat and was back in the gym early this week putting in the work.
Just before Stone’s fight was a 147-pound match-up between Knowledge’s Carlos Saturne and Vinny Caporossi of Kaizen MMA (Northern Va.). KBC would see its first and only win of the night come through this victory as Saturne dominated early on.
With his daughter and wife, Caressa, looking on, Carlos stated that he was trying to stay true to his fight plan.
“The most formidable challenge for me was finding and maintaining my own rhythm amidst the intense pressure of the fight,” Saturne told The BayNet. “It was crucial to not get drawn into my opponent’s style of fighting, but to focus on executing my strategy and leveraging my strengths.”
Saturne said maintaining his composure was a strategy, rather than getting sidetracked by his opponent’s tactics; it was a mental battle as much as a physical one he stated.
It was round two that proved to be pivotal for Saturne, being at the cusp of knocking Caporossi down to the mat.
He said his coaches kept his spirits high and his focus sharp, especially in the crucial third round [when both fighters were feeling the exhaustion].
“He [Hinmon and Richardson] constantly reminded me that fatigue was a mental barrier more than a physical one. He would say, ‘You’re not tired’; urging me to see beyond the exhaustion.”
Saturne said his coach had him observe his opponent’s weakening stance.
“That was a key motivator,” Saturne said. “It bolstered my determination to not only stay in the fight but to go for the win decisively. I’d be remiss if I didn’t express my heartfelt gratitude to my gym mates. Their unwavering support and the rigorous sparring sessions were instrumental in pushing me beyond my limits, particularly in the demanding second and third rounds.
“This victory is as much theirs, as it is mine.”
Saturne says he owes a huge thanks to his coaches, who have believed in his potential.
“That’s been a source of motivation,” Saturne said. “Lastly I can’t thank my wife enough for her incredible support, not just emotionally but also in ensuring I maintain a proper diet for peak performance. To everyone who’s been part of this journey, we’ve achieved this triumph together.”
Saturne now has a year under his belt and says he aspires to win a Golden Gloves championship. He’ll have his chance soon as that tournament will begin this month.
Hinmon thanked supporters on his social media feeds this week, as well as Dr. John Wills and the South Atlantic Boxing Association judges.
“To put on an event of that magnitude takes a lot of effort and we have great support staff and volunteers,” Hinmon said online. “Our volunteers make all the difference. We’d like to thank the Southern Maryland Sexies; our ringcard ladies who always do an amazing job. We always like to thank Lakeisha Smith, who sings our National Anthem. She is the best; I’ve yet to find anyone that sings it better than she does. We always appreciate DJ Keys who comes down from Philly. He always does a fantastic job. Thanks to the fans who always pack the house.”
Live boxing will continue on April 13 in Calvert County. Knowledge Boxing Center and coach Hinmon will have more details to come on the location. On June 8, the action will be back at The Rex in Leonardtown.
The Golden Gloves tournament will take place from February through April.
For more information on the local boxing center, visit www.knowledgeboxingcenter.com
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
