MASHANTUCKET, CT (February 9, 2001) – In front of a hometown crowd and a national television audience on ESPN2, Ledyard’s own Liz Mueller secured a hard-fought majority decision victory over previously unbeaten Canadian prospect Jamie Clampitt at the Foxwoods Resort Casino tonight. The six-round lightweight battle showcased Mueller, 5’3″, 133 lbs., utilized her experience on the big stage to withstand a challenge from Clampitt, who held a two-inch height and three-pound weight advantage at 5’5″ and 136 pounds.
The action was highly competitive from the opening bell, with both fighters executing sharp combinations in close quarters. Clampitt, the 24-year-old native of Calgary, Canada, entered the ring with a flawless 3-0 (1 KO) record since turning professional in January of last year following a 25-fight amateur career. However, Mueller’s familiarity with the Foxwoods canvas—marking her return to the venue since a tough battle against Marischa Sjauw in December—proved to be a decisive factor in the closing rounds.
Ringside judges reflected the razor-thin margins of the contest. One judge scored the bout an even 57-57, while the remaining two officials saw it 58-56 in favor of Mueller.
With the majority decision victory, Mueller elevates her professional record to 6-1 (2 KOs) and re-establishes her momentum in the lightweight division. Clampitt suffers the first blemish of her professional career, dropping to 3-1 (1 KO) despite a highly commendable performance.
FIRST ROUND
Clampitt came out throwing a series of jabs. Both she and Mueller immediately stepped up the pace in the first round, and they went non-stop throughout the round. Also, both fighters displayed a high level of skill as they threw a series of combinations.
SECOND ROUND
Both fighters wasted no time in this round by immediately taking shots at each other. Mueller attacked Clampitt’s body with some good body shots. They faced each other on, and continue to badger each other with a flurries of punches. Women’s Boxing definitely was shining tonight…
THIRD ROUND
In the third round, Mueller and Clampitt continued to fight non-stop, using combinations, ducking, weaving….Clampitt was a little busier, but Mueller had the more effective punches. Mueller was going to the body of Clampitt. In this round, Clampitt lost her mouthpiece and the ref stopped the fight for a few seconds to get her corner to get her a mouthpiece. Clampitt was starting to wear down.
FOURTH ROUND
Mueller became more aggressive and was going to the body of Clampitt. Mueller caught Clampitt with some very hard shots, but Clampitt’s defensive skills continue to fen off the blows.
FIFTH ROUND
Although both fighters were exchanging very good and technical exchanges, Mueller looked stronger and was punching harder and more effectively. Clampitt slowed down, and it appeared that Mueller’s body shots may have began taking their toll.
SIXTH ROUND
In the sixth round, Mueller and Clampitt exchanged blows and Mueller was holding on Clampitt when she lost her footing and fell to the canvas. (It was a slip, not a knockdown.) Again, Clampitt lost her mouthpiece about 10 seconds before the final bell. The ref sent her to her corner to get the mouth piece back in her mouth.
After the decision was read, Mueller and Clampitt hugged each other. Mueller’s record improved to 6-1 (2KO), and Clampitt dropped to 3-1 (1KO).
One of the ESPN2 Commentators commented on what a great fight it was, and said, “You’ve come a long way baby!” You know what? I think he’s right….
