On the undercard of Saturday night's Golovkin vs. Geale World Middleweight Championship Bout, rising Welterweight prospect Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (23-0, 12 KO) kept his undefeated record intact with a dominant eight-round unanimous decision win over hard-hitting veteran, Wilfredo Acuna. The Southeast Washington, D.C. native fought a well calculated contest, winning every round on the ringside judge's scorecards, 80-72.
"I am happy with my performance," Hernandez-Harrison said. "I stuck to the game plan tonight, which I don't always do. Usually I like to go in there and brawl. I am glad that I was able to get eight rounds in and my dad (trainer, Buddy Harrison) was pleased with it."
World class trainer, Billy Briscoe, who has helped in the corner for Hernandez-Harrison's fights over the last year noted the young fighter's progression."I would give Dusty's performance tonight a 'B,'" Briscoe said. "Building a fighter is like building a house. Brick by brick, you just want to make sure you're seeing improvements: big or small, every fight. This team is following that plan like a beautifully written script."
Hernandez-Harrison, a huge draw in the Nation's capital, was cheered on loudly throughout the bout by the throngs of his fans who made the trip to New York to see him in action. Hundreds of passionate fans from Washington, D.C. crowded 7th Avenue in front of Madison Square Garden before the bouts as, Dusty greeted the buses that were chartered to drive the fans to NYC.
"We actually got to the locker room a little late because Dusty wanted to make sure he greeted the buses of people that came to see him," Buddy Harrison said. "I love that my son cares so much about his fans; without the fans we wouldn't have these kinds of opportunities on the road, but now it's time to fight at home."
Dusty's Promoter, Jeff Fried of All In Entertainment, was pleased with their prospect's continued development. "Dusty's performance showed he is the best young Welterweight prospect in the World, as he used his extraordinary skill sets against a crafty, hard-hitting veteran that has been in the ring with some of the best in the World," said Fried.
"Dusty is right on schedule for major championship fights in 2015, and a continued step up in opposition throughout the rest of 2014. Every opponent steps in the ring with an enhanced drive to knock off boxing's next superstar champion. Dusty comes prepared, always," added Fried.
"I am looking forward to the challenges that are ahead and will continue to do my part working hard in the gym, studying tapes and always being prepared when I step in the ring," said Hernandez-Harrison.
Dusty is next scheduled to fight in his hometown of Washington, D.C. in September.