ANOTHER REMATCH! VETERAN SHAKRA MOORE GOES UP AGAINST MICHAEL MCLAUGHLIN FOR THE VACANT USA NEW ENGL
[Norwalk, Connecticut] This seems to be the year for local rematches. Back on March 19, 2016 Shakha Moore (12-21-03) fought for the vacant USA New England welterweight title against Michael McLaughlin (11-1-1) at the House of Blues in Boston, Massachusetts. During round 4 of 8 and after another head butt, the doctor stopped the bout for an accidental head clash over McLaughlin’s eye, it was declared a no contest since the bout did not go 4 rounds and beyond.
Moore, a veteran in the ring returns in a rematch against McLaughlin on July 23, 2016 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut and once again fights for the vacant USA New England welterweight title.
Pattee Mak: Tell me about the first four rounds in your eyes. Especially the 3rd round.
Moore: I believe the first two rounds were kind of close. They probably could of went either way but when I hit him with that big shot at the end of the 3rd, clearly put me up on the score cards. Going into the 4th round I knew I was ahead and felt I was going to stop him and I think he knew that to and that's when the head butt happened.
Pattee Mak: Now that you have had some ring time with McLaughlin, what did you learn about him and his style of fighting?
Moore: After being in the ring with him based on what I've seen, he's a scary fighter. He doesn't have confidence in his skills cause like I said he started head butting early and my trainer said, if you punch then lead with the head its most likely an accident but if you lead with the head, then punch, it was on purpose.
Pattee Mak: What if anything differently will your trainers be doing prior to the fight getting you prepared for this match up?
Moore: Staying close to him. Getting off. Then getting out the way not giving him a chance to lead with his head.
Pattee Mak: Every fighter is aware of scar tissue. Will you be using the prior cut to your advantage?
Moore: Yes it will be a target but we not gonna make it our main target.
Pattee Mak: What do you want to say to McLaughlin this time around prior to your match up?
Moore: Let’s just fight. May the best man win.
Pattee Mak: The fight is right around the corner from your hometown. Are you selling tickets?
Moore: Definitely selling tickets. The word is out but my focus is more on the fight.
Pattee Mak: You have fought some tuff opponents in your day. Our off all your 36 fights which one was the most difficult and most memorable?
Moore: Difficult. None were really difficult cause I'm always prepared. Memorable is when I fought Frank Houghtaling for the IBC intern title.
Pattee Mak: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions. I wish both fighters the best of luck on the 23rd. See you at the weigh in.
Moore: Thanks a lot Pattee. I hope to see you there to witness the Vic. It’s always a pleasure talking and seeing you.
Pattee Mak: Same here. :)
(The above bout is subject to change)
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