Bika Pounds Out Win Over Soliman
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October 30, 2007 Los Angeles, California (Contender Arena)-- By Camille Sylvain Thompson
The finals are now set for The Contender series after Sakio Bika hammered out an eight round unanimous decision over Australia’s Sam the “King” Soliman. With the victory over Soliman, Bika, who now resides in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia after immigrating from Cameroon, is set to take on Jaidon Codrington on November 6 at the TD Banknorth Garden, in Boston.
The 28-year-old banger Bika (22-3-2, 14 KO’s) controlled the action on all three judges’ scorecard to post a convincing victory. Judge Max DeLuca had it 77-75, while both Jack Reiss and Pat Russell scored the contest 78-74, all for the rangy super middleweight nicknamed “The Scorpion.”
The fight started out with Soliman (34-10, 13 KO’s) looking more precise and consistent than he had in his previous wild swinging bout against Contender Max Alexander. However, signs of his preferred unorthodox style of fighting complete with grappling and jiu-jitsu moves, seemed inevitable and began to creep their way into later rounds as desperation grew nearer, confusing the straight boxing style of Bika.
Throughout the fight, both fighters seemed intent on listening to their corners and following their commands, with both being very disciplined, regardless of style. Both boxers fired jabs at first, stepping in and out and turning with everything punch. However, Soliman’s, surprising early round precision quickly faded when blue corner trainer Pepé Correa told Bika that Soliman was fading and becoming sloppy, and that he should “jab, jab, jab!” in retaliation. Bika, for the most part, listened and Soliman began to crumble. Soliman fought back by swinging for the fences; he was quickly shot down and refocused by trainer Buddy McGirt. Soliman threw more punches as the rounds went on providing more points and a closer match for Bika-Soliman, regardless of Soliman’s drunken aim, and Biko’s consistency.
Ultimately, the Bika-Soliman fight was one of the closest fights of the season, and aside from no knockdowns, it proved to be one of the most action-packed. I must admit, as I’m sure a number of other fans might that we were surprised to see Soliman stay in there as long as he did. Bika is simply a stronger and faster fighter than he was when he lost to Soliman, via a 12 round majority decision five years ago in Australia. Bika claims he won the bout that took place a few years prior to the Contender series, but because of the local favoritism, he was robbed a victory. Not to discredit the power of Soliman, a solid well-rounded athlete, who has an exceptional chin, and a “sold ticker”.
Following the loss, Soliman spoke to his wife in the locker room about it being time and opportunity to start a family. Let’s hope that this is not the beginning of the end of a charismatic, dedicated fighter’s 15+ year career, but rather just the beginning. Seeing his strength in the ring, and determination, complete with a few between round “Woo Hoo’s!!!”, coming from the heart of a King and the voice of a genuine professional, it would be a shame to silence such a voice and unwrap such powerful “dukes”. Right now, however, the focus shifts to Codrington and Bika. Stay tuned next Tuesday at Boston Garden, for the most anticipated Contender finale to date when two power punchers go head-to-head for the $750,000 prize.