Todd McNeil 35 went through a tough heavy weight bout with then champion Andre (Killer) Morris back in April of 2012. McNeil upset then heavy weight champion Morris in Madison Square Garden. McNeil knew that he was going to have to put his title on the line because that is what champions do. McNeil has a record of 38-5 since becoming heavy weight champion. With that being said, McNeil would face an unknown (wildcard) in Caleb West 33, who has a record of 33-5.
Meanwhile, a very nervous Todd McNeil and McNeil’s trainer Vinnie discussed McNeil’s title defense against challenger West.
McNeil: Vinnie, this Caleb West guy wants a piece of me. I’m nervous I don’t know what to do. Please can you train me for this fight?
Vinnie: I don’t want to get involved kid.
McNeil: But Vinnie, you got to train me or else this guy is going to pound me.
Vinnie: Did you not understand what I said to you? I said I don’t want to get involved kid! I don’t want to have to put you in a cart while the ambulance hauls you to the hospital when this kid beats the crap out of you kid!
McNeil: Vinnie I thought that you were my friend. Now you are telling me that I have no chance at retaining the heavy weight title.
Vinnie: Let me tell you something kid. When you fought you had heart, determination, passion, and guts when you fought all of those other fighters. You have not had that heart, determination, passion, and guts anymore. I’m not here to carry you through all of your title bouts kid. The reason you’re nervous is because you became soft and that’s why Caleb West want’s what you got, that is your heavy weight title kid.
McNeil: I beat Andre (Killer) Morris in his state of New York to beat Morris for his title.
Vinnie: The kid didn’t have the heart to put you away kid. As your trainer and as a friend who looked out for you since you were 13, I saw a heart of a champion and since you’ve won your title you’ve become washed-up and like a bum. I didn’t train you to become a bum kid. I’m not going to train you against a guy that is more prepared for you and more ready for you than you are for him kid.
McNeil: Then I will fight this alone! I don’t need you Vinnie, I don’t need anybody.
When a trainer and a boxer is disconnected like Vinnie and Todd McNeil appear to be that is disaster for the boxer.
Meanwhile, Caleb West has a chance to talk with his trainer Henry before his title bout with Todd McNeil.
Henry to West: Be aggressive, be quick, most of all be smart, kid! This bout is set to go 3 rounds kid. Don’t waste your punches and remember you are a wildcard, so people don’t know your boxing skills. Stay cool and don’t engage in trash talking.
West to Henry: Thank You I will do my best and try not to let you or everyone else in my corner down.
The announcer just before he announces the fighters, there was singing of the national anthem.
First, the challenger at 6′ tall weighing at 235 LBS here from Philadelphia, PA and a record of 33-5, Caleb West. The crowd had mixed reaction of cheers and boos when West name was announced. And here is your heavy weight champion at 5′ 11″ weighing at 230 LBS and a record of 38-5 and who is originally from Scranton Todd McNeil. The sellout crowd was on their feet as McNeil got a standing ovation, probably the biggest surprise was when Vinnie came to McNeil’s locker room to show support for McNeil.
Vinnie responded, “Kid ain’t no way on earth that I’m going to let you fight and I don’t show up kid!”
McNeil answered, “Thank You, Vinnie.”
The ref announced to the fighters, “I want a clean fight. No rabbit punches, no hitting below the belt. When you come out bump gloves.”
The bell rings for round 1: McNeil is catching West with jabs to his face and head. West comes back with an uppercut to McNeil’s face and jabs to McNeil’s face. McNeil answers with an uppercut to West’s ribs. West is catching McNeil with lightning quick jabs to his face and an uppercut to McNeil’s stomach. The bell rings and it’s the end of round 1 and West wins round 1. Both fighters go to their trainers.
Henry to West: “Kid, do not trade punches with this kid. You don’t want to fight this kid style, make him fight your style.”
Vinnie to McNeil: “Kid, you are right in this fight but remember this kid wants what you have, your heavy weight title. Stay focused because this kid is.”
The bell rings for round 2: West is catching McNeil with lightning quick jabs to his face and head. McNeil tries to uppercut West in the jaw but West dodges it and uppercuts McNeil in the face. West is catching McNeil with uppercuts to his ribs and stomach and more lightning quick jabs to McNeil’s face. McNeil is trapped in the corner and West is taking advantage of it with uppercuts to McNeil’s face and ribs. West sends McNeil to the ground with an uppercut to the jaw. The ref counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 but McNeil gets back up. West catches McNeil with jabs to his chest and face. McNeil looked lost and have not been able to throw any punches since West have taken control of this second round. McNeil holds West and catches West with uppercuts to the ribs and face. McNeil tries to uppercut West in the jaw but West dodges it and uppercuts McNeil in the face that sends McNeil back to the ground. The ref counts 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and McNeil is out. The ref announces, “McNeil you are out! The winner and the new heavy weight champion Caleb West.”
Todd McNeil never thought that his title defense would end with McNeil being knocked out in the 2nd round like that. Caleb West had this to say after his victory. “I’m Caleb West, I am honored to be given a chance to face Todd McNeil for his heavy weight championship. Even though, I’m the new heavy weight champion, I would be glad to give Todd McNeil a rematch for his heavy weight title.” The crowd that once had mixtures of cheers and boos for Caleb West chanted, “Let Caleb and Todd get their rematch for the heavy weight title!”
