Battle of Champions II: Bobby Campbell vs. Ronnie Clark

WKA, PKF, and IKF Super Lightweight Champ Bobby "The Jackhammer" Campbell (Bellmore Kickboxing) took on an extremely tough, talented Ronnie "The Shark" Clark, the GBMA Golden Belt European, and WKA Lightweight World and British Champ, at GLO in Westbury on Sunday, Feb. 13. This was a great main event.

Clark came in from Scotland after taking the fight on just "a few weeks notice" (or so I heard someone in the crowd say) and, as far as I had it, controlled most (if not all) of the middle rounds. I remember in Rd. 5, Clark blasting Campbell with a hook that sent his mouthpiece flying into a neutral corner. Campbell later fired a spinning back kick that nailed Clark, who did his best to muster up a chuckle for the crowd. (The guys watching behind me didn't like that at all.) I also recall Clark doing some damage with body kicks, especially in Rd. 8. Clark definitely fought his fight in the middle rounds, and after 12, The Shark looked strong.

However, Campbell seemed to control the early and late rounds, an observation apparently shared by Chris Wagner of the WKA. Campbell landed more punches in the clinch and connected with some highlight-reel kicks to Clark. From where I was standing (no, I did not have a seat), Campbell did his best jackhammering in the early and late rounds, moving in and landing some good leather in the clinch. Overall, Campbell seemed to land more power shots after 12.

I scored the fight 7-5 for Campbell, but I'm no expert. What was a bit surprising, however, was the scoring in the split decision win for Bobby Campbell. The first score read by ring announcer Chris Algieri had Clark winning by a large margin, while another judge had Campbell winning handily. Nonetheless, Campbell notched another big win over a quality opponent, and Clark showed why not too many guys in the UK want to meet him in the ring.

You've got to tip your hat to Long Island's own Bobby Campbell, who made his fourth title defense in 14 months -- and did so against the best opponents out there: Chicago's Tommy Bach (World Champion), England's Shawn Burton (British Champion), Germany's Christian Deiss (German Champion), and Clark, of course. Bobby Campbell and his camp knew just how dangerous The Shark is and welcomed the opportunity to fight another elite, international fighter. Bobby is a gracious, humble champion who puts in the work, embraces the tough fight, and deserves his championship accolades.

This was a great fight, one I'd gladly pay money to see again. And hopefully I can get a seat for the rematch.