BAD Promotions “Only The Strong Survive” Thrills Boxing Fans at Gulfstream Park

by Matt Benoliel

January 17, 2020.  BAD Promotions’ inaugural event, dubbed “Only The Strong Survive” provided an exciting night of boxing action combined with a unique atmosphere.

The Gulfstream Park’s Sport of Kings venue was decorated in black and pink, in honor of promoter Blake Davis’ mother, a breast cancer survivor, and proceeds from the event were to be donated to the cause. There was a video game area set up with retro-boxing video games, a neon LED-lit robot/Predator like “creature” walking out the fighters, and luxurious ringside VIP couches and tables. VIPs included former two-time heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe, UFC fighter Jessica Aquilar, and former light-heavyweight champion Glen Johnson. Rising starts Dominique “Trapp” Francis and Xander Zayas were also in attendance, as was female boxing legend Lady Ram and her star pupil Carisse “Taz” Brown, fresh off her trip to the Olympic qualifiers. Titan FC‘s bantamweight champion Irwin Rivera, Logan Holler, who just signed with DiBella Entertainment, Olympian Gaspard Pierre and his coach Erik Roan, and the list goes on. As today was also Muhammad Ali‘s birthday, a tribute to The Greatest played during an intermission on large LED screens. The event was completely sold out with fans still trying to gain admission well into the night.

The undercard featured the debut of Maxi Mussio, who scored a 3rd round TKO in a dominant performance over Javan Ross. Maxi punished his opponent for those three rounds with combinations until referee Sam Burgos called the action to a halt.. Also on the undercard, Miami’s own Anthony “White Chocolate” Martinez, defeated Milton Nunez in a cruiserweight bout.

     The main card featured ring veteran “King” David Estrada’s return to the squared circle after a three year layoff to defeat Javier Frazier in six rounds via unanimous decision. This bout, filled with lively exchanges, with both fighters having an equal share of supporters in the audience, was highly anticipated by boxing fans. In the end, Estrada won every round on each scorecard and his record now stands at 30-6. 

     The next fight featured crowd favorite and two-time World Champion Maureen “The Real Million Dollar Baby” Shea (now 29-2-1) vs. Martina Horgasz (5-5-0).  Shea, a relatively recent arrival to South Florida, has quickly built up a fan base, one that she did not disappoint this evening. Flanked by coaches Derik Santos and Phil Daru, Shea entered the ring in a black and red salsa inspired outfit, confident and in top shape. For just a little over six rounds, she put on a boxing clinic that showcased superior footwork, strength, head movement, and punching ability that Horgasz could simply not keep up with. Referee James Warring had seen enough at one minute and thirty-two seconds into round six when Shea had Horgasz pinned in the corner, landing vicious body shots and uppercuts.

     In an exciting Heavyweight matchup featuring two former outstanding college athletes, Raphael Akjepiori knocked out the highly accomplished LSU running back Mike Ford (6-1-0) in the second round and racked up another KO victory. His record stands at a perfect 6-0 with 6 KOs.  

     The main attraction featured the show’s promoter, Bad Blake Davis, who remains undefeated with a record of 5-0, 2 KOs. His opponent this evening was Luis Iniquez (2-3-1). The matchup was a good one, with Iniquez remaining competitive throughout the bout. Davis’ reach and power advantage had him scoring and pushing the action throughout the fight. Iniquez showed resilience and a good chin by taking some big shots from Davis and remaining on his feet. At the end of the night, it was Davis who earned the win by unanimous decision.