Terrence Williams survives knockdown to earn split decision

Welterweight Terrence Williams got off the canvas to win a split decision over Roberto Escobar in a back-and-forth fight at the ProBox Event Center in Plant City, Florida, on “Wednesday Night Fights.”

Scores were 58-55 (Williams), 57-56 (Escobar) and 58-55 (Williams).

Both fighters started strong, each landing a hook, with the 23-year-old Williams (7-0, 5 KOs) delivering the sharper left hand. Escobar (6-3-1, 4 KOs) brought the pressure as the fast-handed Williams attempted to slow him down, making for an exciting first round.

In the second round, Mexico’s Escobar, 24, scored a rare double knockdown with an explosive left hook that sent Williams to the canvas, though Williams was off-balance. Referee Gene Del Bianco also hit the canvas in the process, as his feet got caught up with those of Williams.

The fighters battled back and forth, exchanging blows in close quarters. Williams, from nearby New Port Richey, Florida, had the crowd cheering and used his distance to his advantage. He finished strong, dictating the range of the fight in the final round to the delight of his fans in attendance.

In the television opener, Belgian heavyweight Michael Pirotton (9-0, 4 KOs) went the distance against Rashad Coulter (5-4, 3 KOs), of Dallas, earning a unanimous decision with scores of 60-54 on all three scorecards.

Pirotton, 28, employed a patient outside boxing strategy, while Coulter, 42, pressured forward aggressively, looking for one big shot. However, Coulter’s overreliance on chasing Pirotton around the ring, though mentally intense, proved ineffective. Pirotton’s victory stemmed as much from his younger reflexes as much as his technical prowess.

Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.