Heat Check: Darnell 'Ding-A-Ling Man' Wilson vs. Emmanuel Nwodo

By the end of the 9th, I was slouched deep into my couch. My shoulders had been shrinking with each passing round and now they were completely lurched forward. My arms were crossed. My jaw was clenched. I was disappointed, irritated, and kind of pissed.

I was pouting.

After all, Darnell Wilson vs. Emmanuel Nwodo was the first of the can't-miss fights listed in my piece about the excellent schedule of matches to come in the next month or so. Granted, only two or three people probably read it, but I was still embarrassed. Early on, there were spots where the two heavy-fisted sluggers traded haymakers and the fight almost looked like it was going to live up to it's promise. In the middle rounds, however, the pace slowed to a crawl when it became clear that Darnell was exclusively looking to counter with a big overhand right. Nwodo, knowing that was Wilson's plan, was hesitant to let his hands go, winning rounds by sticking his jab and landing an occasional clubbing shot. Despite what seemed like a perfect clash of styles on paper, the fight had become boring.

How does this happen?, I wondered.

There was still drama because it was clear that the Ding-A-Ling Man could hurt Nwodo since he had dropped him with a short left in the 3rd. And he made it clear again in the 10th, decking Nwodo hard with a perfect counter right and a follow-up hook. Nwodo got up on very shaky legs; he barely survived the rest of the round. Finally, some action.

Nwodo hadn't fully recovered when he came out for the 11th and was again badly stagged by a Wilson right hand. He stumbled around the ring as Darnell stalked him with the grace of a baby giraffe but the swat of a grizzlie. Amazingly, the ref didn't stop the bout despite Nwodo constantly turning his back on Wilson, indicating he no longer had much interest in continuing to get clubbed.

Then it happened. Ladies and gentlemen, knockouts don't come much more devastating than this.



And with that, I was redeemed. As was every other boxing fan hoping for a memorable night. The Ding-A-Ling Man comes through yet again.

Here's hoping the heat wave continues.