Maddalone wins in a slugfest

19/08/2005

Maddalone wins in a slugfest

They couldn't be mistaken for top contenders, but Vinny Maddalone and Shannon Miller staged a tremendously entertaining punching contest in Saratoga, New York on Friday. Miller, a full-time accountant and part-time heavyweight with the chubby physique of the former but the undefeated record of the latter, was sent sprawling twice in the first round by huge rights from the heavily muscled Maddalone. In the second, he returned fire and although he continued to absorb Maddalone's huge punches, he landed some bombs of his own and opened up a nasty cut over Maddalone's left eye that only made Maddalone fight harder. The third and fourth rounds were fast paced for a heavyweight bout, and in the fifth Miller landed a punch just before Maddalone threw a counter left hook that spectacularly crumpled an unsuspecting Miller. Although he beat the count, Miller's legs looked unsteady and the referee properly ended the excitement.  Maddalone improves to 26-2.  If Miller wants to continue with his career, there is little doubt that with his 12-1 record he can make money as an opponent. But rather than sacrifice himself to young lions, hopefully Maddalone's promoter Joe DeGuardia can make a round-robin between Maddalone, Miller and Brian Minto, who recently beat Maddalone in an equally thrilling slugfest. Certainly, the popular Maddalone has a ready-made fan base in New York City that would support shows featuring Maddalone, Minto and Miller.  source: Friday Night Fights on ESPN2