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CHEAVON Clarke won a majority decision over Efe Apochi in California. After 10 hard rounds of action, competing as part of the Pacheco-Sulecki undercard, Clarke had to battle through a late onslaught to prevail.
Conscious of Apochi’s strength and power, Clarke looked to jab and move, not allowing the Nigerian to set his feet. Apochi managed to alter his strategy in rounds two and three, starting upstairs with the jab before sliding down to the body straight after.
Clarke invested in the body himself as Apochi’s stalking turned into following. Apochi’s fitness and punch resistance have never been questioned, but his mobility and flexibility rarely match.
Using body slices and uppercuts to try and take over, Clarke was being dragged into the trenches as ‘Pitbull’ landed a strong right hand in round seven. Sensing he needed something big to assert his dominance, Chev unloaded the bombs in round eight that wobbled Apochi and would’ve finished off lesser men.
Trying to replenish his gas tank after the sustained assault, Clarke was told not to punch himself out by Sam Mullins as round nine approached. A round that ended with a strong Apochi attack.
That continued into the 10th and final round as the underdog marched forward, looking to turn things around. Trying to stand and trade, Clarke was glad to hear the final bell. Apochi raised his hands in perceived victory, but it was not his night.
Jerry Cantu scored it a draw at 95-95, overruled by Ron Scott Stevens (98-92) and Jonathan Davis (97-93). The loser turned to the camera, asking, “Boxing, why?” as Clarke enjoyed his victory march.
Still unbeaten, Clarke is now 10-0 (7 KOs). Apochi fell to 12-3, with all 12 wins by knockout and all three losses by decision. Two split decisions and this majority loss.
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