In front of a raucous and partisan crowd, undefeated rising star, Robert Easter (18-0,14KOs), earned a narrow split decision over previously unbeaten Richard Commey (24-1, 22KOs) in a thrilling contest that saw both men grab momentum at different points through the 12-round bout at Reading, Pennsylvania last Friday night.
Immediately after that contest Commey said he would be prepared to fight Easter again, and the close result and entertainment value offered merit a return encounter.
“I feel like I won this fight,” Commey said. “I did everything that I could. I landed the more accurate shots. I come from very far and it’s hard to win here versus an American. I deserve a rematch.
“I was very devastated when I heard the scores. I knew it was a close fight. He went down and I didn’t.
“I want to be a world champion. Even if he doesn’t want to fight me, I want another opportunity. I can fight at the highest level in the world. We worked so hard to get to this stage. I want to stay at this level. I’ll keep improving.”
The Ghanaian was aggressive throughout the fight and had success pushing Easter to the ropes and catching him with big right hands. In round eight, Commey scored a knock-down on one of those right hands, as referee Benjy Esteves ruled that Easter’s glove hit the canvas as a result of the punch
Easter also took advantage of the final round by rocking and wobbling Commey with a big overhand just seconds into the round. Commey was able to survive on the ropes and by consistently wrapping up his opponent.
The lightweight division is rejuvenated, and you can now add Easter and Commey to a group of stalwarts that include Mikey Garcia, Dejan Zlaticanin, Anthony Crolla, Jorge Linares and Terry Flanagan.
