Washington, D.C. (May 20, 2013)- On a thrilling evening of boxing, Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (15-0, 9 KO) kept his perfect record intact Saturday night with a titillating fifth round stoppage of welterweight gatekeeper Eddie Soto as a part of All-In Entertainment’s “Champion Class” boxing event, which featured up and coming blue chip prospects and future World Champions.
The 18-year old from Southeast Washington, D.C. had the energy filled crowd at the University of District of Columbia Sports Complex on its feet chanting “Dusty, Dusty, Dusty,” as he used his long piston like jab to keep the wily veteran, Soto, at bay.
In round-two Hernandez-Harrison scored a knockdown with a perfectly timed overhand right with just seconds remaining in the round. Over the next three rounds Hernandez-Harrison patiently picked his spots and broke his opponent down before landing a crushing right hand that ultimately ended the bout in the fifth round.
“He looked great tonight,” Buddy Harrison, the fighter’s trainer and father beamed. “I am just so happy that he could put on a performance like this for his fans, friends and family in Washington, D.C.”
Jeff Fried, of All-In Entertainment, was also pleased with his fighter’s performance. “Every bout for Dusty at this stage is a learning experience,” Fried said. “He continues to show poise and patience well beyond his 18-years, particularly as he faced his toughest opponent in front of a huge crowd, television cameras and the substantial promotion leading into this event.”
“Everyone is already excited about Dusty’s blockbuster event we are bringing back to Washington, D.C., in the Fall in front of 12,000 fans,” Fried added.
Saturday’s fight at the University of the District of Columbia took place in front of a nearly sold-out crowd at the 3,000 plus capacity venue. It was a star-studded affair that included Ty Lawson of the Denver Nuggets, Pierre Garcon of the Washington Redskins, Grammy nominated recording artist Wale, among many other notable figures and industry leaders from the Washington, D.C., region.
“It was an awesome atmosphere for my first fight at home in six-months,” Hernandez-Harrison said. “The fans seemed to really enjoy themselves and I am glad I was able to deliver a good show for them.”
Hernandez-Harrison will return to action June 29, on the undercard of the HBO broadcast from the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.
Following up on the extraordinary success of Saturday’s card, All-In Entertainment will return to Washington, D.C., in the Fall to a much larger venue to handle an overwhelming demand to see Hernandez-Harrison, Jerry Odom and the other future World Champions display their exhilarating champion class talent.
“I think with one or two more fights Dusty will be ready for a NABO or NABA title,” Monte Barrett, a former heavyweight title challenger, who called the fight live for GoFightLive.com and for the National tape-delay broadcast on Comcast Sports, said of Hernandez-Harrison.
Saturday’s electrically charged fight card also featured 2012 National Golden Gloves Champion Odom who once again scored a first-round stoppage victory improving his record to 4-0. Odom has not yet seen the second round since turning to the pro ranks and the plan is for Odom to stay extremely busy in 2013. Both Hernandez-Harrison and Odom are convincingly the biggest names in the Washington, D.C., boxing market, and very soon nationally.
“Washington, D.C., is a big time sports market with marquee teams and stars, and some of the marquee stars performed on our card Saturday. It will definitely be a night of D.C.’s very best in the ring when these World Class boxers return to Washington, D.C. in the fall,” Fried added.
