Former IBF lightweight champion Richard Commey breathed fresh life into his career with an impressive sixth-round stoppage of Jackson Marinez at ‘The Bubble’ in the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, on Saturday night.
Out of action since losing his IBF crown to Teofimo Lopez in two in December 2019, the Ghanaian puncher scored two knockdowns in the fateful sixth with the second bringing the fight to an early conclusion.
At the time of the stoppage, Commey led 49-46 and 48-47 on two scorecards and trailed by 48-47 on the other.
Commey (30-3, 27 KOs) was buoyed by ringside support from his former foe Lopez and greatly appreciated the encouragement from the undisputed lightweight champion, who shouted instructions from his corner.
“I started very slow because I’ve been away for more than a year, so I had to take my time a little bit just to get my rhythm. My corner was telling me to do something. They saw that punch that took him down,” said Commey afterwards.
“After our fight, I saw [Teofimo] in the lobby and we chatted and hugged. He always liked me and it’s pure love. For him to come down to my corner, it was motivating. It showed tremendous love and that’s how it’s supposed to be. We gotta love each other, regardless of where you’re from or who you are. I appreciated [his support].”
Dominican Marinez (19-2, 7 KOs) has his moments with his more accomplished boxing, but Commey walked him down before detonating his considerable power in the sixth.
A right hand started the carnage with the first knockdown. Marinez rose for more before a hellacious right sent the Dominican bouncing off the ropes and on to his back where the fight was immediately waved off by referee Kenny Bayless.
Former champ Commey isn’t done yet.
Main image: Mikey Williams/Top Rank.