The fight was not going well…
Anothony Van der Becks first fight in light heavyweight division was against Dmitri stephanov, a 6’5” beast of a fighter. Not only 3 inches taller than Anthony, he had a much longer reach and many more wins under his belt. Anthony was not one to back down from a challenge and didn’t fear any opponent.
The first round had been brutal. After a promising start Stephanov had taken control. Grappling him to the ground and unloading punishing punches and elbows to his face and body. He was lucky the buzzer sounded when it did.
His trainer doused him with water and compressed his swelling left eye “you gotta fight smarter man! You’re wide open! Don’t give him an easy fight”
Back into it… both searching for an opening. Anthony circled, lashed out with jabs and leg kicks but it had no effect. Into the grapple and dmitris gut punches we’re like sledge hammer blows. Anthony was tossed to the floor again and pummelled with punches.