Edited Press Release: Brooklyn's Shaun George knew he had to do more than just earn a victory; he needed to make an impression. Squaring off against Richard "The Destroyer" Hall, George shined on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights in front of a nationally televised audience. All three judges scored the bout 78-74, awarding George a unanimous decision win. George's record now stands at 14-2-2 with 6 KOs.
Returning to the light heavweight division, George, 178, controlled the action from the opening bell. Hall had registered 25 knockouts in 27 wins, but was on a two-fight losing streak. Several moments in the bout, particularly a desperate seventh round, featured George on the verge of stopping the resilient Hall.
"I thought I did a good job," stated George, who dominated the affair despite being hindered by an upset stomach. "There were things I could have done better, but it was a great learning experience for me."
With this victory, George stamps himself as someone to watch at 175 pounds. Not wishing to rest on his laurels, George plans on returning to the gym this week to resume his conquest on the division. "My goal is to be world champion, that's why I'm going back to the gym with more focus."
Now looking to make his mark as a legitimate contender in a wide-open division, George says that he is targeting anyone in the top 15 of the weight limit. A burning desire to be world champion exists in him, and ceasing his advance before fulfilling that goal are not in his cards.
"Becoming light heavyweight champion means everything to me. That is what I'm here for. I'm a man on a mission, and I keep getting better."