Boston jumped out to a 7-1 lead before Barwick entered the ring for the ninth round against her friend, Tierra Brandt. Hall of Fame broadcaster Al Bernstein described Brooklyn as "a good professional" before her round began. Barwick came out aggressively, but Brandt used her height and superior counter punching to completely dominate the three-minute period. Brandt used 1-2s and left hooks to the body as Barwick was forced to cover up for much of the round.
Dave Bontempo, a terrific veteran announcer, declared it was "a tough introduction against a very good fighter," for Barwick this season.
Phoenix stormed back in the middle rounds to take an 11-9 lead when heavyweight Manuel Villalobos stopped Kimbo Boykin for a four-point sixteenth round. Boston's Rashidi Ellis, Ronald Ellis, Skylar Lacy, and Jahyae Brown all took care of business, but none could score a knockdown or a stoppage to offset Villalobos's four point outburst.
Barwick climbed through the ropes for the 22nd round against Brenda Hernandez. Hernandez had lost to Brandi Robinson in third, but she had a reach advantage over Barwick. The two fighters exchanged fire to open the round with Brooklyn boxing well, but Hernandez gradually wore down Barwick, landing clean overhand rights and right uppercuts as the round progressed.
Phoenix went up by two points after the 22nd and that's where margin lay at the end of the contest. Boston falls to 0-1 while Phoenix rises to 1-0.
This was invaluable experience for Barwick, who needs to work on her lateral movement and counter punching in order to prevent onslaughts like she faced tonight. She's 6-1 as a pro with 6 KOs, but is still a relative neophyte in the sport of boxing, having first picked up the gloves just three years ago. The 26 year old has come along way since then, but still has room for improvement.
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