Last time Anthony Bizzarro was at the Bayfront Convention Center, “pressure in the ring” held a special significance. The Erie boxer enjoyed a successful outing during the Bayfront Brawl 16 event last November, where he achieved a second-round technical knockout, which was also marked by his marriage proposal to Enida Gobeljic.
His fiancée supported him again on August 2 during his eight-round match against Helton Lara at Bayfront Brawl 17. Bizzarro claimed a unanimous decision victory, bringing his professional record to 12-0 in this super lightweight (140 pounds) matchup.
Throughout the fight, Bizzarro, 25, consistently trapped Lara (17-10) against the ropes, allowing him to land numerous body shots, contributing to Lara’s fourth consecutive loss. “I really wanted to knock him out,” Bizzarro stated. “I thought I had him down with a few punches, but he proved to be tough despite my efforts.”
This victory marked Bizzarro’s second win of the year and his first competitive bout since his April 25 win over Eric Palmer at the Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Washington, Pennsylvania. It was also his seventh victory under the promotion of his uncle, Ernie Bizzarro, who noted that Bizzarro’s punching power has significantly improved since turning pro in 2021. “I’ve been training in York, and we’ve focused on enhancing that aspect,” he said.
Tribute to Don Elbaum
Bayfront Brawl 17 occurred shortly after the passing of long-time Erie resident Don Elbaum, a former boxer and promoter who was honored with a ceremonial 10-bell salute in his memory before the boxing commenced. Elbaum, a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s 2019 class, passed away at the age of 94 on July 27.
Kipp Elbaum, 67, who has decades of memories from assisting his father in organizing over 10,000 bouts, expressed profound loss: “I spoke to my dad almost every day. Even on his last day, I still don’t grasp that I won’t be able to call him anymore. I’ll miss him every day of my life.”
Mixed Martial Arts Highlights
Among the night’s mixed martial arts bouts, former Girard wrestler Mitchell Marfinetz earned a technical knockout victory over Logan Johnson, bringing his record to 3-1. After overcoming an early takedown, Marfinetz sealed his win in the second round with a series of punches, stopping the fight at 2:47.
Bayfront Brawl 17 Results
Boxing
Professional
155 pounds: Matthew Acosta def. Cliff Jefferson by technical knockout, 1:47 of the second round
140: Anthony Bizzarro def. Helton Lara by eight-round unanimous decision
Mixed Martial Arts
Amateur
170 pounds: Branden Shields def. Michael Frederick by technical knockout, arm bar at 1:26 of the first round
205: Ty Stahli def. Noah Irwin by technical knockout, strikes at 1:48 of the second round
185: Derek Bly def. Cole Oziemblowsky by three-round unanimous decision
185: Trevon Thomas def. Jarel Abdelaziz by technical knockout, 1:40 of the third round
135: Joe Lehman def. Jaison Morales by three-round unanimous decision
170: Mitchell Marfinetz def. Logan Johnson by technical knockout, strikes at 2:47 of the second round
155: J.R. Kazales def. Anthony Monachino by technical knockout (medical stoppage), 1:33 of the second round
125: Tim Bailey and Josh Caban, no contest at :19 of the first round
Professional
185: John Antanitis def. Blair Phillips by technical knockout, rear naked chokehold at :23 of the second round
180: Connor Cyphert def. Regal Reese by three-round unanimous decision
Contact Mike Copper at [email protected]. Follow him on X @ETNcopper.
