Royal Oak, Michigan- Youngstown area Lightweight Chris Hazimihalis improved his record to 7-0 with a 5th round TKO over Detroit's Gregory Coverson, who now falls to a record of 3-3.
Coverson was very aggressive in rounds one and two trying to frustrate Hazimihalis and please the hometown crowd. Hazimihalis stayed calm and patient working behind his jab and going to Coverson's body when they were both tied up.
In round three Hazimihalis started to wear down Coverson landing some big shots both to the head and body causing Coverson's left eye to become swollen and cut.
Hazimihalis came out more aggressive in round four and caught Coverson with a devastating right hand that sent Coverson down hard to the canvas. Coverson surprisingly got up and survived the round but failed to answer the bell for the start of the 5th round.
"I knew that he was going to come out aggressive and try to impress his hometown fans, so I tried to stay calm and patient," said Hazimihalis. "He had a very awkward style which made it frustrating early on but I started to wear him down in the third and caught him with a right hand in the fourth."
Hazimihalis, who has stopped 6 of his 7 opponents, plans to fight three more times this year.
"I am going to take a couple of days off and get right back into the gym. I felt like I made a couple of mistakes tonight that I shouldn't have and I want to correct those mistakes and continue to improve."
A small contingent of about 75 Youngstown area fans made the trip to Michigan to support Hazimihalis.
"I want to thank Keith Burnside and all the guys down at his gym for helping me get ready for this fight. I also want to thank all of the Youngstown area fans who made the trip up to Michigan to see me fight. I really appreciate it."
Courtesy: James Hazimihalis
