Ferrell starts pro boxing career with a win

[subtitle] ‘It was an ugly win but at the end of the day when they look at the record books,

it’ll be a win.’
-Willie Ferrell [/subtitle]

Heavyweight Willie Ferrell celebrates his four-round decision victory with fans Saturday at Jake Gaither Gymnasium.
Photo by Robyn Murrell

By Robyn Murrell
Outlook Writer

Tallahassee’s heavyweight Willie Ferrell (1-0) won his pro debut by scoring a four-round split decision over Todd Bradley (0-3) of Tampa this past Saturday night at Gaither Gymnasium on FAMU’s campus.
The partisan Ferrell crowd seemingly wanted a knockout. Instead they had to settle for a tough four-round bout between the two heavyweights. Two of the three judges saw the bout in Ferrell’s favor, giving him a split decision.
“I tried pop-shot , I tried to make sure I got enough shots in to get the points,” said Ferrell
“ I hurt him once or twice I should have went to the body and done other things.”
Ferrell finished each round strongly, taking control of each at the midway mark. He repeatedly caught Bradley with rights to the head and body.
“It was an ugly win but at the end of the day when they look at the record books it’ll be a win,” said Ferrell, “I wanted the knockout, I wanted to satisfy the fans but as long as I got the win that’s all that matters.”
Ferrell also doubled as promoter of the show that featured all four-round bouts. He admits there were a few wrinkles that need to be worked out on the promotion side of things but in all was happy with the number of fans who showed up.
“I think the whole event was amazing,” said Shantel Williams, who traveled from Bradenton to attend the event. “It was my first boxing match and I enjoyed every fight, everybody on the card brought something to the table.”
In the future Ferrell said he plans to do more boxing events in hopes to showcase his talent, along with other Florida boxers.
“The state of Florida will not just be known for football,” he said. “It will be known for boxing and will be known for producing great athletes.”
Trainer Kim Jones said he it wouldn’t take his boxer long to get back into the ring.
“We get back in the gym Monday morning and we look to build on tonight,” Jones said. “We look to build on a stellar career.”