Photo by david b. hardt
DOWN. Emmett Linton goes down in the fifth round in his fight against Kingsley Ikeke at the Battle at the Boat last week.
Tacoma’s favorite native boxer, 38-year-old Emmett “Laser” Linton, climbed through ropes June 20 at the Emerald Queen Casino’s Battle at the Boat 72 for his first ring appearance since 2006.
The one-time IBA light-middleweight’s last victory came in January 2005 in a unanimous decision against Marcos Primera. On this night, as Linton (35-4-2) walked to the ring with his crew before the fight, the atmosphere became electric as the sold-out crowd of 2,000 people erupted.
Linton, a southpaw, went toe-to-toe with former world title challenger Kingsley Ikeke (24-3), but unfortunately came up short, finding himself bloody-faced and on the canvas, in a TKO 2:34 into the 5th round.
In the first two rounds, Linton danced around, finding ways to avoid the 79-inch reach of Ikeke.
Linton punished Ikeke with an onslaught of powerful jabs. When Linton backed Ikeke up and pressured him, it was then that he made the most headway. The points showed the hometown hero holding his own.
But even with the momentum and crowd going Linton’s way, Ikeke struck with a leaning uppercut just before the second round ended, cutting Linton over the right eye, blurring his vision the rest of the fight. Ikeke quickly took advantage of the situation.
Linton, with blood streaming down his face, didn’t make it easy for him. He stayed disciplined to his strategy and kept moving his feet. When Ikeke leaned in, Linton found a way to get in solid chin checks.
But in the fifth round, Ikeke came out and immediately put the pressure on Linton. Ikeke’s lengthy reach finally connected, causing the bloody-faced Linton to stumble and fall down.
The crowed came alive encouraging Linton to get up; and although gingerly, that is just what he did. Then referee Paul Fields called the fight over at 2:34. Linton, after getting medical attention, announced his retirement to his beloved fans.
Afterwards Linton shared his thoughts on the fight.
“I want to thank Tacoma for all the years of the support. I have been boxing 32 years –17 years as a professional. I have had tremendous support here as well as nationally. As for the fight, the first three rounds I was just trying to feel him out; he has long arms. I knew coming into the fight my three years of inactivity would play a major part in this fight. My cut over my eye and the blood in my eyes made things foggy – making it hard to see his punches coming. However, I take my hat off to him.”
Linton became emotional as he reflected on his career, talking about his support group that was surrounding him.
“I just had major support from my wife – we have been together since 9th grade. But you know this is it. I am going to spend time and enjoy my wife and kids.”
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