Cherry, of Wauchula, Fla. who trains out of St. Pete Boxing Club with welterweight champion Keith Thurman, got off to an early lead in the second round, landing a left that stumbled Rhodes briefly.
A former football standout and wrestler in high school, who has competed in both boxing and mixed martial arts professionally, Oklahoma City’s Rhodes made the fight physical and ugly early.
Rhodes said, “He held and a lot which made it tough to get in a rhythm.”
“He was slick,” answered Cherry. “So I held because I didn’t want him to get in those quick shots.”
A sloppy round five saw both fighters slip to the canvas, but neither was ruled a knockdown. What became a wrestling match continued rounds six through 10, with clinching and grappling throughout.
Moments before the final bell, Cherry stunned Rhodes, cementing what would become his unanimous victory.
Cherry said, “I thought it was a great fight. I was in a tough fight tonight and I am glad to come out with the victory.”
A discontented Rhodes expressed, “It was a heck of a fight. I wanted to back him up in the later rounds but he was strong. It was an ugly fight, but I believe I won. I don’t agree with the decision. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Cherry concluded, “Training and sparring with Keith (Thurman) was great. He’s so strong and it helped me in this fight. We were both training for big fights at the same time and it helped me increase my strength and pick up this win tonight, without a doubt.”
#CherryRhodes #EdnerCherry #LydellRhodes
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