Pound 4 Pound Dream Match!

It was a battle between two reigning Chicago Golden Gloves champions.

In a thrilling matchup that many considered a pound-for-pound showdown, Zachary Carter defeated Laith Yass in the semi-finals of the Ringside King of the Jungle National Championship, held at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The bout was more than just a semi-final clash—it was a battle between two reigning Chicago Golden Gloves champions. Carter, the current 147 lbs champion, faced Yass, the 156 lbs champion, in what turned out to be a true test of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.

The story of the matchup began with a twist. Carter was originally set to compete in the 147 lbs division, but a bracket issue led to him being bumped up to the 156 lbs weight class, making him the smaller fighter in every bout. Despite the weight discrepancy, the matchup was highly anticipated, as Carter and Yass knew each other well from their time as teammates on the National Golden Gloves team. Though unfortunate that two friends had to face each other, both fighters understood that it was simply part of the sport, and the respect between them remained intact throughout.

The opening round saw both boxers approach the fight with a high level of technical skill. Yass, known for his switch-hitting style and preference for working on the outside, attempted to use his height and reach advantage to keep Carter at bay. However, Carter’s speed and ability to close the distance quickly were the deciding factors. He consistently got inside, landed clean body shots, and evaded Yass’s counters with slick head movement. When Carter found himself unable to step back out, he effectively employed clinch work to control Yass. The round was competitive, but Carter’s body punching and quickness seemed to give him a slight edge.

The second round began with Yass ramping up his intensity, possibly sensing that he needed to shift momentum in his favor. Yass came forward aggressively, trying to impose his physical advantage. Carter responded by using his clinch to neutralize the attacks, but after about a minute, he made a critical adjustment—pressuring Yass by walking him down, forcing him to throw punches that Carter could counter. The key punch of this round was Carter’s counter right uppercut to Yass’s body, a shot that seemed to visibly affect Yass. From there, Carter unleashed a relentless body attack, finishing the round as the clear aggressor and leaving Yass on the defensive. “What a way to finish!” Coach Carter told him as he returned to the corner, urging him to continue the bodywork and maintain his momentum.

The third and final round began with both fighters battling for control, but Carter’s aggressive counterpunching and continued body shots began to take their toll on Yass. Carter’s pressure wore Yass down, and as the round progressed, Carter looked like the stronger fighter. He punctuated the bout with several sharp left hooks, one of which drew a notable reaction from the crowd, highlighting his dominance. Though both fighters displayed impressive skills and put on a show for the audience, it was Carter who ultimately had his hand raised at the end of the match.

The fight may have been a battle between champions, but it was also a testament to their friendship and mutual respect. After the decision was announced, the two embraced, acknowledging the hard-fought nature of the bout. With this win, Carter moved on to the finals, where he would face Rico Bussey Jr. Despite the challenges of competing in a higher weight class, Carter’s adaptability, speed, and relentless inside work proved too much for Yass, setting the stage for an exciting finale to his tournament run.