CATLETTSBURG —
In front of an “absolutely packed house,” according to one organizer, a unique dual fighting event turned out even better than expected.
Approximately 1,000 people, including fighters, enjoyed a boxing/MMA show called “Double Impact.” It consisted of a number of compelling clashes inside the Boyd County Community Center on Saturday Hometown boxer Travis Hanshaw remained undefeated as a professional in thoroughly dominating fashion, even though a late change to the bill put a different opponent in the opposite corner.
Hanshaw was the main event of five boxing matches, while Ryan Shank and Michael Seals didn't disappoint in the final of nine MMA fights. There were also two exhibition MMA fights.
Considering the inclement weather conditions in the area, co-organizer Brian Knipp was elated with the turnout.
He worked in conjunction with East Coast Promotions’ Tom Hanshaw and others to present the show.
“I couldn’t imagine if the weather was good because we would've had to shut the door,” Knipp said. “We were really pleased with the crowd.”
By meshing the MMA and boxing crowds inside one venue, the goal was to create cohesiveness between the two cultures.
One common perception is that they can't co-exist.
“We wanted to make sure the boxing fans can see MMA, and MMA fans can see boxing,” Knipp said. “We thought, hopefully, we would change some people’s minds (about the perception). I think we accomplished that. They all loved it.”
Knipp said “Double Impact” outdid October’s MMA-only “Fall Brawl.” Both a ring and a cage were set up on Saturday.
“This one went much smoother,” Knipp said. “We’re already talking about the next one.”
Organizers had to go to a backup plan for Travis Hanshaw. He was originally slated to square off against Dominique Foster, but Foster decided Friday that he could not participate due to undisclosed reasons.
In stepped Nathan Petty, of Louisville.
Petty (1-5) was prepared to fight, but Hanshaw was too much for him in a six-round bout that ended in unanimous decision.
Hanshaw improved his record to 7-0. Next up for “The Rattlesnake” is the Arnold Classic in Columbus next month.
Ryan Shank defeated Michael Seals via unanimous decision in the main MMA attraction.
In one of the better MMA fights of the night, Lloyd Phillips TKO'ed Josh Harmon.
Bobby Kouns beat Mike Sark in an entertaining battle. Sark was disqualified because of a knee to the head.
Other MMA results: Bill Yates def. Patrick Claypool (verbal submission); Cody Groves def. Mikey Furnier (submission, Kimura); Rodney Perkins def. Amarus Rudd (submission, RNC); Cody Delottel def. Wes Frieze (TKO, strikes); and Josh Kirkland def. Jason Pritt (submission, armbar).
Other boxing outcomes: Brian Holstein def. Tom Hanshaw (unanimous decision); William Lyell def. Rashan Blackburn (UD); Colt Phelps-Anthony Kelly (draw); and Affirtm Mema def. Gregory Bakstonvia (submission).
AARON SNYDER can be reached at asnyder@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.
Local Sports
Related Photos
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Travis Hanshaw follows through on a punch against Nathan Petty during Saturday's "Double Impact" event at Boyd County Community Center.
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Colt Phelps boxes against Anthony Kelly during Saturday's "Double Impact" show at Boyd County Community Center.
Discussion
Boxing/MMA show makes solid impact
Hanshaw improves record to 7-0
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