SPORTS

Whittaker loses majority decision, breaks streak

Charles Whittaker

by David Mayo
The Grand Rapids Press

Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Cayman’s Charles Whittaker had his three year unbeaten streak broken, losing a 10 round majority decision to Cedar springs native Troy Rowland in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

After winning five straight fights, and going 7-0-2 in his past nine, Whittaker (24-12-2) faced a fighter in Rowland (18-1) that has won 14 straights fights and is considered a middleweight on the rise.

With blood streaming down his face, Rowland punched and pressed Whittaker and put his boxing skills on display. Rowland didn’t need the sight of his own blood as a lure for a bloodbath; he craved one, and engaged in the best give-and-take of his career.

Two more sustained exchanges followed in the later rounds, leaving John Mason, Rowland’s trainer, a virtual spectator. “Prevail, adapt, improvise and win. Use all the instincts you have inside you. That’s what I was thinking,” Mason said.

“At a time like that, it’s what he wants to do. That’s all that’s important. He’s the one fighting, for whatever reason people fight to achieve certain goals. It’s not mine to decide.”

Most of the night, Whittaker continued to jab and counter punch, and Rowland pressed and attacked as both fighters landed some crunching blows with neither fighter wanting to back down.

Rowland began to take control during the middle rounds with his jab. As both fighters slowed down, Rowland used the opportunity to use the ring and mix in lead lefts and right hands.

“It’s a fight. He was fighting. I give Troy a lot of credit. The people were on their feet. But I understand I was in his hometown. I landed the harder shots. On neutral terms, I feel I would’ve gotten the decision.” Whittaker said.

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