The bad blood boiled over in the co-main event as the previously undefeated Tony Harrison (21-1, 18 KOs) meant to continue the dispute with Willie Nelson (24-2-1, 14 KOs) that he initiated at the weigh in for the 10 rounder the day prior.
Through introduction the fighter’s demeanor’s were consistent with Harrison mugging and scowling and Nelson ignoring him, awaiting the opening bell.
Freakishly tall at 6’3″, Nelson kept Harrison at the distance that he wanted in the first round, landing some solid shots for good measure. Harrison didn’t seem bothered, however and continued to press the action and fired jabs to Nelson’s midsection.
Over the next several rounds Harrison stalked Nelson like a big cat in the tall grass while “The Great” opted to counter and searched for angles. If Team Harrison thought he was going to easily walk through Nelson by Round 5 they were singing a different tune.
Perhaps anticipating a more explosive performance by the hard punching Harrison the audience began to voice their disapproval midway through Round 6 and again in Rounds 7 and 8 as both fighters probed for openings.
Harrison landed a few clean shots to the head along the ropes in Round 9 while Nelson continued to seek out the proper range to launch a missile. It happened moments later as a right hand froze Harrison and another one dropped him in a heap.
Barely able to beat the count and clearly separated from his senses the referee wisely stopped the fight at 2:57 of Round 9.
There has not yet been confirmation that Nelson dedicated this fight “To All the Girls he’s Loved.”
