Darmani Rock Rolls in Pro Debut

Darmani Rock may have had a little jiggle above his waistline for his pro debut, against Carlos “The D.C. Diamond Cutter” Black on Friday at the D.C. Armory, in Washington, D.C.

But Rock did have a purpose and that was to show dominance.

He did, stopping the journeyman at 1:54 of the first round.

Black (1-4) may have had a chiseled frame, though little else in trying to deter Rock, the promising 6-foot-5, 246½-pound heavyweight and former United States Olympic hopeful.

Black, 31, entered the fight on a three-fight losing streak. The 6-3½ Black, from nearby Rockville, Maryland seemed like he had genuine intentions in the scheduled four-rounder.

After some initial clumsiness, and some nervous jitters, Rock began settling in within the first minute. He showed very good dexterity in averting the punches from Black, who came in at 231½ pounds. He tried bum rushing the younger fighter in the first 10 seconds of the fight, but Rock braved the assault easily. Rock showed a poise somewhat beyond his 20 years, which no doubt derives from an extensive amateur background that saw him take the U.S. National Amateur super heavyweight championship last year.

Why Rock opted to turn pro came from stunning upset by Marlo Moore in the super heavyweight semifinals at the U.S. Olympic Trials in December. Rock was a favorite to head to the Olympics, where he was believed to be a medal contender.

On Friday night, his leap as a pro was okay.

Black got his shots in. He landed a left to the head and right to the body that had no effect on Rock.

Steadily, Rock began to settle. He stabbed forward with his jab, and it earned the respect of Black who began backing up. With around 2:00 left in the opening round, Rock again avoided an onslaught of Black flails. About 16 seconds later, Rock nailed lack on the top of the head with a right, sending him backward. Rock then followed with a left hook and right on the jaw, and Black was in trouble.

A left hook caused more trouble for the withering Black, and smelling blood in the water, Rock closed in smashed Black with a right hand on the chin. Black fell back into the ropes, and then bounced back off them, where Rock greeted with a left hook. Black went down in a heap and referee Michelle Myers should have stopped it there.

But when Black got his feet and stumbled backward, she knew enough to wave it over at 1:54.

Rock showed he’s a little raw here and there, yet showed good upper movement in getting out of the way of Black’s punches. He wasn’t too concerned with Black’s early charge, and his amateur experience served as a great base for his patience.