BYB6 Rocks The Hard Rock

Backyard Brawl Extreme 6 took place this evening at the Hard Rock Live venue at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fl., featuring ten bouts of bareknuckle boxing in a triangle-shaped ring known as the Trigon. The Trigon is an unforgiving stage, with little room to run and corners that can leave a fighter with no angle to spin out, forcing an exchange with likely brutal consequences.

Calling the action were veteran commentators Paul Malignaggi, Benny Ricardo and Mike Goldberg. All welcome additions to the promotion.

Founder Dada5000 knows that the action in the Trigon is most likely to end in a knockout, as has been the trend in the first five shows. Tonight saw one fight end in a no-contest decision due to an accidental foul (hitting a grounded opponent) and several fights that went the distance.

This author’s pick for fight of the night belongs to the ladies. Patricia Juarez, a former professional boxer, who challenged tough-as-nails Christine “Knuckles” Stanley (2-0) for the promotions Lightweight Championship. Stanleys eye was moused in the first round and it seemed unlikely that the fight would go the distance. Juarez showed superior technique with her footwork and body punches but Stanley stayed in the fight for the duration. After seven rounds of explosive action, both women were bloodied and the crowd roared in anticipation as the unanimous decision was declared in Juarez’ favor.

The main event featured hometown crowd favorite Rene “White Boy” Rodriquez vs. Matt Delanoit.  Delanoit went down in the first round but quickly recovered. Round two commenced with both men swinging for glory and a rare double knockdown. Delanoit quickly recovered and picked himself up, but Rodriquez, landing on the back of his head, was shaken. The referee reached a count of 9, asked Rodriquez if he wanted to continue, but Rodriquez did not give a definitive answer. It was a rowdy end to an exciting night of fights and Delanoit will now challenge for the 185lb belt at BYB 7 in September.