Round Up:Tommy Z Outlasts Grummet

FIGHT: TOMMY “TOMMY Z” ZBIKOWSKI, 2-0, 2 KOs, Chicago vs. CALBEB GRUMMET, 0-0-1, 0 KOs, Holland, Michigan

DIVISION: Cruiserweights – 4 Rounds

RESULT: Zbikowski Wins by Unanimous Decision

DETAIL: The star safety for the Baltimore Ravens, Tommy Z, scored a hard-fought decision win against a determined foe, who’s also making the transition to boxing from another sport – mixed martial arts.  In his two previous fights, Tommy Z had dispensed with his opponents in the opening round, but Grummet showed up ready to brawl. He could take – and give – punishment, making this the hardest fight of Tommy Z’s young career.

Now under the tutelage of legendary trainer Emanuel Steward, Tommy Z looked good for much of the bout, using a variety of punches – especially the jab and uppercut – to devastating effect. By the final bell, Grummet had a badly swollen left eye. Nevertheless, he was still able to throw hard, if awkward, blows, which kept Tommy Z from finding a comfort zone in the last two rounds from which to get off the kinds of combinations he was throwing in the first two.

Indeed, the action that typified the first and second rounds gradually receded as the fight progressed due to fatigue. By the fourth, both men were sucking air – doubtless a consequence of the rigors of boxing compared to the respective sports from which they’re transitioning. Whatever the reason, because neither fighter had much left in the tank, there were fewer exchanges, much wrapping up, and a lot of clock checking.

In boxing, growing pains hurt – bad.

But at this level in Tommy Z’s career, each fight is about learning as much as it is winning. And to his great credit, he did both in his battle with Grummet. A well-deserved win.

The judges scored it 39-36, 39-36, 38-37.