Summer DeLeon vs. Sunshine Fettkether
April 26, 2002 at Spa Casino in Palm Springs, California
fight report
by Craig O
originally published on the Women's Boxing Page
This was not your typical 4-rounder at the Spa Resort and Casino Friday
night.
In a battle between two of the sport’s athletic noblewomen, Summer
DeLeon of St. George, Utah and Sunshine Fettkether of Phoenix, Arizona
fought to a thrilling four-round draw before a clearly captivated audience in
Palm Springs.
Although there were no knockdowns, this was a fast-paced match with
solid shots bringing oohs-and-aahs from the crowd and Fettkether
mightily trying to overwhelm DeLeon with the sheer force of her assault.
After taking a couple of crisp jabs from DeLeon, Fettkether began
pressing the action about 30 seconds into the fight, getting quickly off
the mark on many of her attacks, leading with a barrage of punches that
backed up DeLeon and trapped her against the ropes.
In the long stretches against the ropes it looked like Fettkether might
finish off her opponent but the big bomb never quite connected. DeLeon
covered up, seemed to avoid the worst and cautiously (very cautiously!)
picked spots to counter, which she did effectively except for the end of
Round Three when Fettkether’s attempt to pummel DeLeon into submission in
her own corner was only brought to a halt by the bell.
DeLeon, who defeated Fettkether in their first encounter by majority
decision last August in Pala, California, was most comfortable when both
sides angled for openings, quickly flicking in a left here, a right
there. She showed considerable poise and patience weathering
Fettkether’s onslaught along the ropes, and managed to consistently
score when Fettkether paused in her attack, snapping off quick, stinging
counters. The sharpness of her punches cleanly landing in isolation
obviously impressed two of the judges enough to offset the blur of
action and the greater number of punches when Fettkether was on the
attack.
Judges' scores: 39-37 for DeLeon, 39-37 for Fettkether, 38-38 draw.
© Craig O
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