Vernon Paris v. Emanuel Augustus

PONTIAC, Mich. – Wearing the yellow of the legendary Kronk Gym, undefeated junior welterweight Vernon Paris entered to the cheers of his hometown crowd but found a game opponent in veteran Emanuel Augustus, who previously announced Saturday would be his final professional fight.

Paris’ quickness and hand speed posed problems for Augusts, who nevertheless kept advancing despite being peppered with sharp blows to the face. The fight got heated in the fourth after Paris landed a series of left hooks and the Chicagoan responded by throwing him to the mat at the bell. The crowd grew boisterous as the two fighters circled and taunted each other, with Augustus attempting to turn the match into a brawl while Paris worked to maintain his distance and box. 

Despite clearly getting the worse of the action Augustus seemed to be growing stronger heading into the sixth round, dancing in place to the music. He showed unexpected life and spirit in the round for a man supposedly at the end of a long career. His unrelenting assault began to back Paris into the ropes, where Augustus bullied the less experienced fighter.

The partisan crowd began showing is appreciation for the old man’s efforts as Paris showed signs of reverting to his trademark late-round fade and the referee stepped in with a highly questionable point deduction for hitting on the break. The crowd was audibly displeased despite the fact the decision had helped their man.

The ref issued another warning in the seventh to Augustus for an elbow as Paris showed signs of life once more. But still Augustus kept coming and releasing his hands, not willing to go into the night without having first used every punch left in his fists.

Paris undoubtedly came into the fight with the advantage in terms of talent and support, but his his deficit in heart left him in an vulnerable position entering the eighth and final round. Both men came out swinging and neither looked secure in his position on the scorecards. Paris’ legs showed signs of fading towards the end, while Augustus refused to let down his constant pressure. 

If Saturday night is indeed his last time in the ring, Emanuel Augustus went out as a warrior should. The unanimous decision for Paris felt almost meaningless; the fans who cheered the hometown boy’s entrance found themselves booing his victory. The old man from Chicago had won their respect.

– Gautham Nagesh from ringside