By FCF Staff Photos Courtesy Esther Lin / Strikeforce
Freno’s Save Mart Center was again the host venue for Strikeforce’s latest Challenger card, which saw Bobby Voelker stop rising prospect Roger Bowling in the main event. The bout marked the second time the two had met; five months ago Voelker lost by technical decision when Bowling was unable to continue in the third round, after being accidentally poked in the eye. Last night’s win extended Voelker’s record to 23-8, while Bowling incurred a loss for the first time in his pro career, leaving his record at 8-1.(Pictured above-Voelker (left) and Bowling slugging it out)
“I really trained hard and I really wanted to win this fight,’’ Voelker was quoted saying. “I felt like I had something to prove. If they want a third fight, I’m for it, or I will just move on. I’m just very happy that all the hard work I put in morning, noon and night paid off like it did.’’
In another of the card’s feature attractions, Lavar Johnson caught Virgil Zwicker with a flurry of strikes, to stop the heavyweight in the first round.
“This was just the kind of fight I wanted,’’ said Johnson. “I give Zwicker a lot of credit. He came to fight like I knew he would. But I wanted to make a statement. There are a lot of big-name heavyweights in Strikeforce and I feel it’s time I get my shot at one of them.”
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| Johnson (left) pounding away at Zwicker |
Here are the official results from last night’s Challengers event:
Bobby Voelker def. Roger Bowling via TKO (punches) - R2, 3:58
Lavar Johnson def. Virgil Zwicker via TKO (punches) - R1, 2:17
Billy Evangelista def. Waachiim Spiritwolf via unanimous decision
Julia Budd def. Shana Olsen via TKO (punches) - R2, 2:51
John Devine def. Brandon Cash via submission (rear-naked choke) - R1, 3:05
David Douglas def. Dominic Clark via TKO (punches) - R2, 2:33
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| Evangelista kicking Spiritwolf |
