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In a clash of unbeaten super middleweights, Marcus “Too Much” Johnson (19-0, 14 KOs) scored a workmanlike ten round unanimous decision over Derek “The Black Lion” Edwards (25-1, 13 KOs) on Friday night at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. Johnson began boxing behind a stiff jab as he looked to set up the big right hand. But, The Black Lion would have none of it. Edwards consistently disrupted Johnson's timing by dipping under Johnson's power shots, and returning fire when countering. However, Johnson would adapt quickly to his veteran foe by walking him down, and throwing blistering combinations from the inside. As Marcus continued to press forward Edwards became reluctant to engage. Johnson continued to find his target with a quick jab, and continuously brought the right hand behind it. The big right hand bombs began to have an immediate affect as Johnson consistently rocked Edwards' head backwards. But, Edwards remained on his feet trying to counter the much stronger Johnson. What was missing from Johnson's attack was his trademark left hook bomb to the body.

"You don't have to head hunt, son. Up and down. Up and down. Make sure you keep going to the body," said James Johnson, father of Marcus.

As the fight progressed, Johnson’s better technique and skillset seem to be the biggest factor in winning a 98-92, 98-92, 97-93 unanimous decision victory. This fight represented a step up in competition. With the victory, Johnson claimed the NABO belt which will propell him to the top of the 168lb rankings.

Undercard results:
Unbeaten Chicago super middleweight favorite Donovan “Da Bomb” George (20-0, 18 KOs) scored an eight round unanimous decision over Osumanu Adama (17-2, 13 KOs). George dropped Adama in round seven en route to a 79-72, 76-75, 77-74 win.

Unbeaten super middleweight Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez came under fire early before (14-0, 10 KOs) busting up Kevin Engel (17-3, 14 KOs) and finishing him with a vicious right hand to the body at 2:35 of round six.

Former NBA Star Kendall Gill (4-0, 3 KOs) return to professional boxing to blow away Miles Kelly (1-2, 1 KO) in a heavyweight bout. Gill dropped Kelly in rounds two and three before the bout was halted 2:54 of round three.