(APR 17) The third time was a charm for Nydia “Dha Phenomenal" Feliciano, 121, Bronx, who improves to 3-2-3 0 kayos, with an 8 round majority decision over Jaci “The Force” Trivilino, 124, Plattsburgh and secures the New York State Featherweight Title for her efforts. With the loss, Trivilino drops to 6-3-2 1 kayo. The two previous meetings ended in draws.

This fist-flying affair, as their previous two encounters, found Trivilino, ever the aggressor, taking the fight to her opponent on the inside. Feliciano, a boxer-puncher, countered and slid outside of Jaci’s swarming attacks purposely avoiding being trapped in the corners and on the ropes.

The first six rounds saw back and forth action both having success with their adopted fight plans. Trivilino, having most of her success when she maneuvered Feliciano in the corners and on the ropes, swarming in with a vigorous body attack landing damaging left hooks to the body and head. Feliciano continued to counter with judge-pleasing combinations to the head and attempted to keep the fight in the middle of the ring where she was more effective.
Feliciano secured victory in the final two rounds backing Trivilino into the ropes landing damaging combinations punctuated by left-hooks to the body. Trivilino had her moments, but fighting in reverse isn’t her game.

In the end, the judges saw it 76-76, 77-75 twice earning Nydia Feliciano a majority decision victory. This author also scored in favor of Feliciano 77-76.

On the undercard, Ku’ulei “Hawaii’s Golden Child” Kupihea, 145, Honolulu, moved to 6-1 2 kayos, with a fourth round stoppage over crowd favorite, Sarah Kuhn, 144, Albany who now stands at 3-1 with 1 kayo.

Styles make fights. Kuhn, an aggressive puncher, started fast attempting to take the fight to Kupihea early. Kupihea, a southpaw, and a professional since 2003, seemed comfortable in dealing with this style, and efficiently countered with her left cross and slid to her right. If Kuhn invaded her range, she effectively clinched and turned Kuhn into the ropes. Kuhn had success with the right cross and placing her opponent onto the ropes in spots, but Kupihea was experienced and skilled enough to evade serious damage.

The second round saw Kuhn double her jab which allowed her to gain proper range for her cross early in the round, but Kupihea adjusted and boxed effectively from long-range not allowing Kuhn to cut-off her lateral movement to the right. Kupihea continued to land her straight left cross as Kuhn aggressively pursued.

The end came 25 seconds into the fourth round when after a knockdown; Sarah Kuhn’s corner appropriately stopped the contest.

With the win, Ku’ulei Kupihea should enter the world ratings as she was impressive in her style of boxing. Sarah Kuhn loses her undefeated record, but gains valuable experience that will serve her well in future bouts. She moves forward as well.