Boxing fans treated to exciting exhibition at smoker Published Nov. 20, 2008 By John E. Banks Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Six hotly-contested bouts made for an exciting evening at the Boxing Smoker held at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center Nov. 14. The 700 fans in attendance were thrilled by an exciting exhibition. "This was my first Smoker and all the fights were very compelling. The most exciting bout was the ladies. All three rounds were action-packed and both fighters gave it everything they had," said Gary Harkness, a spectator in the stands. "These competitions are the best our team competes in and I look forward to a tough match against my opponent," said James Barber, lightweight boxer. "The dedication these guys and gals have is second to none. This is an outstanding competition and they all display heart and soul when they step into the ring. They have a look of no fear when the bell rings," said Steve Thomasson, operations director at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center. The first match of the evening saw reigning Air Force champion Mike Hayward pit his boxing skills against Zachary Sparks. The result was a quick and professional knock out by Hayward at 1:42 of the first round. His response may be considered an understatement. "I wanted to get in the ring and get the rust off," said Hayward. The next two bouts were closely contested decisions as Mack Walter and Davis Cooper outscored their opponents Jason Proscott and David Bell 29-29, respectively. One of the feature bouts pitted reigning Air Force champions Barber versus Roderick Ivory in the lightweight division. This battle was nip and tuck in all three rounds and Ivory was able to score an upset decision over Barber. In the only women's fight of the evening, Aria Jones narrowly defeated her opponent Hannah Glen by a 28-26 score. The feature bout was next as reigning Oklahoma Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion Theodore Morse was pitted against Gonzalo Torres. "I plan to take it to him quick and often. I plan on doing my thing in the ring," said Morse. Morse started as soon as the bell was rung as he hit his opponent with five quick jabs and four left-right combinations that landed right on target. At the 55 second mark of round one the referee called the contest in favor of Morse. "The boxers from the Tinker Boxing Club and the other fighters who participated in this event put forth maximum effort tonight," Alberto Suarez, coach of the Tinker Boxing Club. "I would have to say overall this event is very entertaining and well worth the time to attend," said Harkness.