Undefeated Long Beach Boxer Wins Lightweight Belt

Seanie Monaghan continues to keep the zeros where he wants them: in the loss column.

The undefeated boxer from Long Beach won the WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight title in New York City, defeating Romaro Johnson of Cleveland at the Roseland Ballroom last week.

Monaghan and Johnson engaged in a toe-to-toe battle, but referee Eddie Cotton halted the bout in the eighth round after the Long Beach pugilist landed heavy blows that stunned Johnson, according to fightnews.com. The site gives a blow-by-blow account of the scheduled 10 round contest that was the main event of DiBella Entertainment's popular "Broadway Boxing" series:

“Just as it appeared that the fight would go the distance, Monaghan rocked Johnson in round eight with a combination to the head. The Clevelander retreated to the ropes, where Monaghan proceeded to unload a barrage of heavy shots that went unanswered for several seconds. To his credit, Johnson fired back as soon as it appeared that Monaghan had emptied his tank. The Ohio native's corner had seen enough, however, and they persuaded the ringside physician to stop the contest.”

With the victory, the 174-pound Monaghan owns a 14-0 (9 KOs) record, maintaining an undefeated streak that was tested when he fought Eric Watkins at Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick’s Day in March, which was broadcast on HBO.  

After he posted on his Facebook page a photo of him landing a blow at last Thursday’s fight, Monaghan’s fans showed their support:

• “What a great fight. I'm so glad I [made] it. You were great. Keep up the hard work. It shows.” - Joe Sardo

• “A job well done. Good things come to those who earn it!!!” - Brian Madigan

• “Just the first of many stops to greatness.” - Herve Duroseau