By Geno McGahee
Welterweight Blair Cobbs, 14-0-1, 9 KO’s, did what he had to do to get the victory over the slower, plodding Samuel Kotey, 23-3, 16 KO’s, taking a split decision by scores of 96-93 (twice) and 94-95.
From the opening round, Cobbs moved around and out-boxed Kotey, who couldn’t get his punches going. In round six, Cobbs became aggressive, which gave Kotey the opportunity to land his shots, but it was still a rather one-sided fight despite the split decision.
In round nine, a low blow from Cobbs would lead to a point deduction and Kotey would do well in the last two rounds, but there wasn’t a lot, but it was too little too late. Cobbs, despite the crowd’s constant booing, fought a smart fight and won it clearly and can now move on to another step up.