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Why not?

Palmer steps back into the ring for 41st time; wins by KO

By Jonathan Guth 4 min read
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Albert Gallatin graduate Eric Palmer has his hand raised after scoring a first-round knockout last Saturday at “Real Fight Night 10” in Morgantown, W.Va.
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Albert Gallatin graduate Eric Palmer stands next to his wife, Nancy, after scoring a first-round knockout last Saturday at “Real Fight Night 10” in Morgantown, W.Va.
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Albert Gallatin graduate Eric Palmer is surrounded by his family after earning a first-round knockout last Saturday at “Real Fight Night 10” in Morgantown, W.Va.

When Albert Gallatin graduate Eric Palmer was presented with the opportunity to step back into the ring for his 41st professional boxing match, he didn’t hesitate in accepting the fight.

“It was a pretty easy decision because I was able to fight locally and have a full six-week training camp,” Palmer said. “I have been a little more selective in taking fights, but when this one came about, I figured, ‘Why not step back in the ring?'”

Palmer was also able to fight at 154 pounds, which made it much easier when he stepped on the scale for weigh-ins. The owner of Throwback Fitness in Uniontown competed at 140 during his last bout on April 19.

“It was a big difference being able to fight at 154 this time,” Palmer said. “In my last fight, I had to focus more on making weight than actually training. The cut was so much for me that I spent more time in camp working on that. This time, I only had to cut on the final day. I felt 100 times better at 154. I also felt super strong.”

Palmer took advantage of fighting at a more comfortable weight and having a full training camp in earning a knockout over Steven Brabson at 1:49 of the first round last Saturday at “Real Fight Night 10” in Morgantown, W.Va.

The bout was the main event of an event that Real Fight Promotions held at the Morgantown Event Center inside the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place.

The fight was scheduled for six rounds, but Palmer came out strong and took it to Brabson in front of a crowd that was in his favor.

“I felt like half of Fayette County was in the building,” Palmer said. “It definitely pushes you a little more and gives you that adrenaline rush. I am used to being the underdog and fighting against guys in their hometowns, so it was refreshing to have people cheering for me.

“I have no pressure when I go on the road, but it feels so much better to have people in your corner.”

Brabson was able to land some hard punches, but Palmer didn’t allow that to affect him.

“He did throw some hard punches, and I was a little worried, but I was able to jump right back on him and finish the fight,” Palmer said. “People talk about not leaving the decision in the judges’ hands, but it is not easy to finish a fight. My opponents are not there to just lie down. They want to win, too.”

Brabson was not PalmerĢƵ original opponent, but he didn’t deviate from his training regimen.

“The guy I was supposed to fight broke his hand, so he couldn’t go, but I was able to stick with my original game plan,” Palmer said.

Palmer was pulling double duty last Saturday, as he was in the corner for his fighters from Throwback Fitness, including Albert Gallatin graduate Marques Moore, who earned a TKO over Angel Mena of Newark, Ohio, in an amateur bout.

“Marques was in a battle, and in between the second and third rounds, I told him that we train differently at our gym and are in much better condition,” Palmer said. “He went to work in the third round and was able to get a stoppage. I believe Marques is 7-0 as an amateur.”

PalmerĢƵ brother, Justin Filippone, was scheduled to be on the card in Morgantown, but a back injury prevented him from competing.

“Justin had a little bit of a back injury, so we didn’t want to risk further injuring it,” Palmer said. “Justin is going to do some big things in the sport. We have some good fighters in Fayette County. I am honored to be able to help people at my gym, especially the young kids. I want to be a good role model for them.”

Palmer is scheduled to return to action in Morgantown in February.

“Morgantown is my ‘home away from home,'” Palmer said. “It is only 20 minutes away for me and my family, and I sold a ton of tickets for this past fight, and I expect to sell just as many the next time out.”

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