[JCWeb]

February 26, 1927 -- Atlantic City's Convention Hall: The unbeaten "Roman Warrior," Tony Canzoneri, winner by KO in all seven of his previous bouts, takes on JWW TC Sammy Clay (0-7) in a scheduled 8-rounder tonight. This represents a bit of a step up for Canzoneri, who has fought all his bouts versus LWs thus far.

Round one, Canzoneri doubles up on the left, then works to the head and the body of Clay. A right cross lands flush, causing Clay's knees to buckle. Both men take a step back before unleashing a flurry of furious blows at ring center. Canzoneri is wild with a hook. Another exchange of blows, followed by some clinching. Canzoneri shoots a jab to the chest but whiffs with a follow-up. Clear but not dominating edge to the "Roman Warrior" thus far.

Second round, Canzoneri elects to box on the outside. He shoots a jab home through Clay's defenses. More posturing by Clay, and Canzoneri doubles up on the jab, with the second one scoring. A quick hook to head forces Clay to retreat. Canzoneri slowly and carefully works his way inside, shooting another jab then bouncing a hook off Clay's side. Canzoneri scores with a solid combination, then wings a big left that is easily sidestepped. Another good round for "The Roman Warrior."

Round three, Canzoneri continues to pound away from the outside. Canzoneri lands on the chest of Clay, bouncing off the ropes to inflict more damage. Clay's right eye starts to swell. The "Roman Warrior" is on target with a hook to the head, then circles around the ring, creating another opening with his jab, following with another hook that rips open a cut over the right eye. Then Clay starts to clinch, and Canzoneri is warned for rabbit punching. A right cross bounces off Clay's forehead. Big round for Canzoneri, who is cheered loudly as the bell sounds.

Round four, Canzoneri becomes more aggressive, looking to move inside. A quick jab puts Clay off balance, but he clinches before Canzoneri can do more damage. A cross scores for Canzoneri, and Clay seems to be on autopilot, flying blind. Canzoneri pins him in the corner, firing jabs to the chest and neck of his hapless opponent. A glancing overhand right also scores for Canzoneri, capping off another dominating round for the "Roman Warrior."

Fifth round sees Canzoneri looking to finish Clay to keep his knockout streak going. After an exchange at ring center, Clay tries to tie up Canzoneri. Tony works free, firing shots to the head and body. Clay fires back but is just short with his counter. Canzoneri lands to the chest and neck of Clay. Canzoneri tries to follow up but misses badly with his left. Clay escapes but is jarred by a crushing right to the jaw. Canzoneri slips a cross through Clay's guard. Clay misses with a huge shot. Canzoneri pins Clay in the corner but the bell sounds before he can land the big punch.

Round six, Canzoneri is back on the outside, perhaps content to settle for a decision as Clay is proving to be a tough nut to crack. Canzoneri lands a right, but Clay comes back with a hook that is blocked. Tony follows with a hook of his own as Clay put himself in a vulnerable position there. Canzoneri continues with a two-fisted attack to the head and body, but he slows noticeably after having injured his hand in hammering away at Clay. Canzoneri pops home a jab, Clay fires a cross, then Canzoneri lands a cross of his own right before the bell, wincing in pain as he returns to his corner.

Seventh round sees a much more conservative approach as Canzoneri is clearly just looking to get through the bout at this point. He finds the range with a lead right, rakes the head and body of Clay with repeated blows. The two men clinch at ring center, and the crowd hoots and hollers for more action. Canzoneri obliges, landing a hook to the body, a combination, and winging a right cross. Not much action for the rest of the round.

Round eight, the final round, Canzoneri is coasting now. Canzoneri wings a big left. Clay misses. Canzoneri works the jab, sneaking home a right but as he actually goes the distance for the first time in his young career.

Not much drama as the cards show a UD 8 for Canzoneri (78-74, 80-72, 79-75) as some of the judges may have been a bit too generous to Clay. The win lifts Tony C to 8-0 (7), worth 450 PPs.