“Lights-Out” Controversy Stops 9th Round Lange Charge, Shields Storms to Victory

Houston ’s Chase “The White Tiger” Shields captured the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) U.S. National Boxing Championship (USNBC) 154-lb. title in a controversial, but unanimous 12-round decision (115-111, 115-111, 115-111) over Jimmy Lange of Great Falls , VA Saturday night at the Patriot Center in hard-fought, action-packed bout before 5,123 fans.

After both fighters had gone toe-to-toe up to this point, Shields (30-3-1, 14 KOs ) seemed to be in trouble in the 9th round when the lights above the ring suddenly went out, halting the action for nearly six minutes. After the lights were restored, Lange (31-4-2, 21 KOs ), seemingly lost his momentum and was not able to pick up where he left off. Meanwhile, Shields regained his composure during the break in action and came back to score knockdowns in the 10th and 11th rounds. Lange attempted a final push in the 12th round but the hometown favorite was unable to close down the tough Texan.

“Jimmy came out flat tonight and, frankly, stunk up the place,” said manager/father Johnny Lange. “It’s early in the process, but we would like a rematch, even if it means traveling to Houston and fighting in front of Shields’ fans.”

In the co-main event, Bayan “The Mongolian Mongoose” Jargal remained undefeated (15-0-2, 9 KO) by knocking out ring veteran Louie Leija (21-15-1) in the first round. Up-and-comer Juan “The Savoir” Rodriguez was impressive in registering his fourth knockout in as many fights by taking out Damien Butler, as was Sergey Kovalev (6-0, 6 KOs) in dispatching Francois Ambang (2-6-1) with a 2nd Round knockout.

Results from the eight-bout card from Ice Promotions:

6 Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Sergey Kovalev (6-0, 6 KOS ) stopped Francois Ambang (2-6-1) by 2nd round KO at 2:23

6 Rounds, Heavyweights

Dwayne McRae (6-2, 3 KOS ) wins split decision (59-55, 59-55, 55-59) over Theron Johnson (3-3)

4 Rounds, Cruiserweights

Patrick Budd (2-1-1, 1 KO) and Robert McConnell (4-3-1, 2 KOs ) fight to a majority draw (38-38, 38-38, 39-37 McConnell)

4 Rounds, Super Welterweight

Lawrence Jones (3-2-1) wins a split decision (39-37, 39-37, 37-39) over Vincent “The Beast” Batteast (1-2-1)

4 Rounds, Jr. Welterweights

Juan Rodriguez (4-0, 4 KOs ) wins by TKO 2:10 of first round over Damien Butler (0-3)

8 Rounds, Jr. Welterweights

Ikem Orji (6-2, 1 KO) wins by 4th Round TKO (1:01) over Andrew Farmer (13-2, 7 KOs )

8 Rounds, Lightweights

Bayan Jargal (15-0-2, 9 KOs) wins by 1st Round TKO (2:52) over Louie Leija (21-15-1, 15 KOs