East Texas Boxer Snider Loses By Split Decision In State Golden Gloves Final
By Chris Parry
FORT WORTH — Shamarian “Duke” Snider may not have won the heavyweight state boxing title last week, but he did win the crowd.
Snider lost in a split decision to Fort Worth's LaDell Williams on Saturday in the championship bout of the 201-pound division at the 75th Annual Texas State Golden Gloves Tournament at John Justin Arena.
The bout went the distance and, at the end of the three bruising rounds, needed scorecards to decide it. A boisterous crowd vented its frustration at the decision, according to Craig Jones of East Texas boxing.
“It was one of the most exciting fights of the night,” Jones said in a release. “The crowd cheered wildly in each round. The stadium roared with boos when Williams was announced the winner.”
Snider reached the championship bout by taking down Kent Brison from San Antonio in his first bout and Travis Walker from Southeast Texas Gym in the semifinals.
Against Brison on Friday, Snider wore down his opponent before the fight was stopped two minutes into the third and final round. In the semifinals, Snider did not have to step into the ring as Walker forfeited by walk over.
That set up a bout against Williams, the defending Golden Gloves State Champion.
“East Texas should be proud of having Shamarian Snider represent it in the finals,” said Jeanie Sharp, President of Texas State Golden Gloves.
Snider was one of eight boxers who competed at state from East Texas Boxing.
The others were Kenneth Taylor, Jeremy Butler, Noe Marcano, Jerrion Campbell, Abraham Ligon, Jason Maya and Robert Warren.
“Duke did an outstanding job,” said Geri Jones, East Texas Golden Gloves president. “We were honored to send the team and coaches that represented us at the state tournament.
Tyler Morning Telegraph
Journalist: Chris Parry
Thanks to Chris Parry for his written boxing coverage. You can show your appreciation to the Tyler Morning Telegraph by emailing Chris Parry at cparry@tylerpaper.com