Samuel Teah Defeats Sonny Fredrickson at ‘The Final Round’ of Fight Night DC

The evening’s bout served as the conclusion of a 30-year effort of Fight For Children to positively impact the lives of children in the Washington area. With the annual charity event, Fight Night DC, coming to an end the bout was deemed “The Final Round.”

Fredrickson entered bout on the cusp of vying for a world title. For Teah, an alumnus of Showtime’s ShoBox series along with the evening’s opponent, an upset versus an emerging contender would raise his stock.

Teah (16-3-1, 7 KOs) opened the fight as the aggressor as the 6-foot 1-inch Fredrickson (21-2, 14 KOs) got off to a slower start. The Ohioan landed some big right hands towards the end of round two.

Both fighters’ rhythm got off track to open the third round as an issue with the ring needed to be inspected by commission officials.

Fredrickson attacked Teah as he laid on the ropes in the fourth round. Teah defended himself sufficiently, but Fredrickson found some openings to the body. The 32-year old Teah looked fatigued in the fifth round, and the 25-year old Fredrickson started to walk him down. The round ended with Fredrickson attacking Teah on the ropes again.

Both fighters found success throughout the sixth round. Teah pushed the pace early. Fredrickson finished strong.

In the seventh Teah opened the round busy again, coming forward to work inside. His pressure quickly became arm punches. Fredrickson looked for heavier shots throwing uppercuts and mixing in some hooks.

The two fighters spent the beginning of the eighth round trading punches in the center of the ring. Teah scored with his lighter punches while Fredrickson gave up his height. The younger title holder worked from the outside at the end of the ninth round. As the fight moved into the tenth it appeared to be a close contest.

Leather flew from both men to open the 10th and final round. Teah tried to stay close. Once the action moved to the outside Teah connected with an overhand right. Fredrickson responded with several jabs, but never fully lined up his right hand. The two men fought until the final bell where suspense ensued.

The official scores of 95-95, 97-93, and 97-93 declared Teah the new champion via majority decision.

In an interview with Round By Round Boxing ahead of the fight, Fredrickson and team expressed a familiarity with Teah. The game plan was to outbox him. In fact, Fredrickson sparred quality partners like former lightweight champion Robert Easter Jr. and Albert Bell in camp. Teah fought his way inside often where he avoided standing at the end of Fredrickson’s power. His hands also remained active while at mid-range.

The USBA title is Teah’s first and he bounces back from a unanimous decision loss to Tre’Sean Wiggins back in February. This upset victory positions Teah for a solid opportunity in 2020. Conversely, Fredrickson’s second loss leaves him in a difficult spot regarding his next move. He has his youth to fall back on, and he lives and trains in a Midwest boxing hotbed. The loss makes for a more challenging 2020, but he’ll regroup and press forward.