Ossie Duran draws with Caleb Truax in boxing season opener

by Godfred Akoto Boafo
Ghana's Ossie “Gladiator” Duran (28-11-2, 11 KOs)  got his year off to a credible start with a draw against middleweight contender Caleb Truax (23-1-1, 14 KOs)  on January 3 at the Target Center.

The fight,an undercard to the Argensis Mendez vs Rancel Barthelemy was part of former heavyweight king Mike Tyson's Iron Mike Productions.

Duran,a late substitute for Derek Ennis http://http://allsports.com.gh/2013/12/23/ossie-duran-faces-truax-in-season-opener/ surprised Truax with his durability and willingness to fight after a slow start to the fight which saw Truax dominate with a steady jab and bodywork.

The veteran Ghanaian enjoyed a solid round four,with his jaband right hand consistently finding their target,leading to swelling and bloodying the nose of his opponent.

Truax responded in the fifth with solid combinations to the body and subsequent rounds followed a similar trend with Truax starting well but Duran ending the rounds stronger.

The 8th round was a swing round that had the best two way action since the 5th. The 9th round saw more uppercuts by Truax, both able to land their 1-2's but Caleb seem to close out the last minute strong enough to steal the round.

The 10th and final round was a slugfest both combatants swinging for the fences landing bombs all the way until the final bell. Duran seem to land the bigger shots to win the last round.

All three judges scored the fight a draw.