Newz Forum: BOXING: Brown wins NABF cruiserweight title

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP) - Dale Brown won the North American Boxing Federation's vacant cruiserweight title with a split decision over former WBA champion Robert Daniels, who announced his retirement after the fight Tuesday night.

A cut to the side of his left eye in the third round didn't faze Brown, of Calgary, Alberta. The cut quickly closed, and Brown began landing lead left jabs and combinations to the head.

Daniels, of Miami, tried to keep the fight at short range but his lead punches were not followed with sufficient combinations. Brown also was effective countering Daniels with blows to the head.

In the final round, Daniels connected with his best combination of the night when he briefly stunned Brown (31-3-1) with a right uppercut and left to the head.

Judges Julie Lederman and Chrystal Wright had Brown winning 117-111 and 116-112, while John Rupper scored 116-112 it for Daniels (45-7-1).

There were no knockdowns.

Daniels won the WBA cruiserweight title in 1989 with a decision over Dwight Quawi. After two successful defenses, Daniels lost his crown to Bobby Czyz in 1991.

Daniels weighed the NABF cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds. Brown was 196.





[Edited on 9-6-2004 by Ocelot]