Disappointment for Kooner as Silveira Claims NABA Title

This article was last updated on May 19, 2022

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Silveira is declared the winnner
On Saturday night the spotlight was on Mississauga’s Andrew Singh Kooner but in the end the glory went to Mexico’s Jose Silveira as he was awarded the coveted North American Boxing Association’s Bantam Weight Title.
The fight between Kooner and Silveira was the main event of the 2nd installment of United Promotions professional boxing series “Undisputed” at the Powerade Centre in Brampton.
 
For Kooner, the storyline was all set for him to play the role of hometown hero, but the night ended in disappointment instead of celebration. Silveira claimed the title when the fight was stopped after the 4th round and decided by the judge’s scorecards.
 
An accidental head butt by Silveira late in round 4 left Kooner dazed and with a big gash over his forehead and the bridge of his nose. The fight was momentarily stopped as Kooner was cleaned up and examined by a doctor. The bout was allowed to continue for the remainder of the round.
 
After the 4th round, Kooner was attended to in his corner but his team struggled to stop the bleeding. The referee motioned to Kooner to get up for the 5th round but seeing that the gash was still open, he waved his arms to signal that the fight was being stopped.
 
Prior to the official decision, there seemed to be confusion in the crowd as to what had happened. But when one of Kooner’s trainers put a toque over Kooner’s head the crowd suddenly knew the fight was over.
 
Kooner is examined by the doctor and referee
Kooner then looked into the crowd and shrugged and could be heard saying “Sorry”.
 
Since the head butt was accidental the fight was decided by the three judges’ scores up until that point. The judges scored the fight 39-37, 38-38 and 39-37 in a majority decision in favour of Silveira.
 
After the official decision, Kooner looked obviously dejected but displayed good sportsmanship by congratulating his opponent. However, one of Kooner’s supporters wasn’t as forgiving as a half-filled beer was hurled at the ring and unfortunately struck a photographer in the head before narrowly missing Kooner and landing in the ring.
 
Can’t Stop the Bleeding
 
Although both fighters had identical records coming into the fight, Silveira was considered the ‘underdog’ as the arena was full of Kooner supporters.
 
Silveira, however, was able to withstand the chorus of ‘boos’ and drowned out the loud chants of ‘Andy’ and ‘Kooner’ to squeak out a narrow victory to improve his record to 11-2 while Kooner dropped to 10-3.
 
Both boxers were very cautious to begin the fight as they were feeling each other out. The first round was even as both landed a couple of punches but it was Kooner who was cut after an exchange where Silveira bounced him off the ropes.
 
Both fighters size each other
up in the first round
In round 2, Silveira inflicted more damage when he landed a powerful right hand which this time sent Kooner flying into the ropes. The power punch not only opened up a gash above Kooner’s right eye but also left a small cut and rope burn on his back.
 
Kooner was quickly inspected by the doctor after the second round and was fixed up in time for round 3. He did manage to put up a better performance in the third round as he landed a few punches but his cut was re-opened when he accidentally moved into a Silveira jab.
 
In round 4, Kooner’s corner became more vocal instructing him to keep moving and turning and as Silveira was loading up with his right hand. In stark contrast, Silveira’s corner was quiet as his coach and trainer intently watched the bout.
 
Prior to the accidental head butt it seemed that Kooner had made adjustments to counteract Silveira’s tactics and was making progress to get back into the fight. It would have been interesting to see how the fight would have played out if the head butt never happened – perhaps Kooner could have taken over the fight and dished out some punishment of his own.
 
Kooner narrowly misses Silveira with a jab
Kooner will have to be disappointed and frustrated at how the fight unfolded but hopefully he can redeem himself in his next fight – but only a re-match could possibly fulfill the salvation he’s no doubt seeking.

Click HERE to view more pics of the fight.

Contact Aman Dhanoa at aman@oyetimes.com

Photos courtesy of Annandi Merhai of Devi Designs
 

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