For the first time in her career Jelena Mrdjenovich has lost 2 fights in a row. After losing to Olivia Gerula in April and now tasting defeat for the second time against WBC Lightweight champion Ann Marie Saccurato (15-4-2, 4KOs). The card at the Edmonton Shaw Conference Centre was labeled “Redemption” and although Jelena’s fought gallantly for her own redemption, she would come up just short on each of the three scorecards.

Saccurato, fighting out of White Plains NY, dominated Mrdjenovich (23-5-1, 11KOs) over the first five rounds by pushing and overpowering her physically smaller opponent. The fight started to turn into a street fight early on which best suited the American. Mrjenovich was dropped to the canvas in rounds 3 and 4 but was able to regain her footing before the referee's count hit the mid point.

The bout began to turn in Jelena's favor in round 6. Saccurato began backing up as the Canuck started to apply her will. Round seven saw Mrdjenovich, now swollen around both eyes, increasing the pressure, and landing the harder shots which , in turn, bloodied Saccurato’s nose.

Round eight was another Mrdjenovich round as she continued to land the better of the quality shots. Round nine had both contestants tangled up and hitting the mat hard which left Saccurato with a cut on her forehead. Both fighters continued to slug it out until, after many complaints from Mrdjenovich and her corner, Saccurato lost a point for hitting behind the head. In the tenth and final round, both women looked like they had been in a war, both battled hard until the bell sounded. Each, battered and bruised, did not looked confident as the scores were being tallied. When the scores of 96-94, 95-93 and 95-94 (which was originally announced as 94-94) were announced for the winner, Ann Saccurato had duplicated her previous victory over the former WBC Super Featherweight champ and retained her own WBC title as well.

Unfortunately for Edmonton boxing fans Canadian Cruiserweight champion Frank White was injured in his last sparring ession and was unable to participate in his rubber match against Saskatoon’s Ryan Henney. Stepping in for White on short notice was Quebec’s David Whittom. Henney was able to break through Whittom’s defense and cut him up under his right eye and above his left. Before Henney had a chance to do anymore damage to his opponent, Whittom’s corner stopped the possible carnage at the end of round three with Whittom sitting on the stool. Henney improves to 14-3 with 9 KOs while Whittom slips under the .500 mark to 10-11-1 with 6 KO victories.

Niagara Falls' Scott Paul tried his luck with up and coming lightweight Steve Claggett. Claggett, fighting out of Calgary, posted another impressive win, knocking Paul down in the 3rd round and keeping his opponent on the ropes for much of the fight. Paul (5-3, 1KO) tried his best and helped put on a good show however Claggett was constantly moving forward, not giving the Ontario boxer a chance to breathe. Claggett won the bout with a unanimous decision victory by scores of 60-53 and 59-54(twice) to improve to 5-0-1 with a KO victory.

Anthony Lessard (8-5-2, 5KOs) was also out for some redemption and he was able to obtain it with a six round unanimous decision (57-56 and 59-54 x2) over Winnipeg journeyman Darren Kenny (5-28-2, 3KOs). Kenny handed Lessard his first defeat in Lessard's second pro bout. While the bout was not the most entertaining fight of the night, Lessard did give the crowd something to cheer about after knocking down Kenny at the end of the fourth round. After the bout Lessard stated he wanted a rematch with Canadian Light Middleweight Champion Kris Andrews sometime in early 2010. Andrews defeated Lessard for the vacant title back in August.

In a six round bout Lindsay Garbatt improved to 4-2, 3KOs with a six round unanimous decision over Edmonton’s Ayana Pelletier’s (6-2, 4KOs). Garbatt had Pelletier’s nose bleeding badly in round four and while Pelletier tried to outbox her foe, she found herself brawling with the stronger Garbatt. Scores of the bout read 60-54, 59-55, and 58-56 all in favor for the "Lethal" Lindsay.

Opening the card had Brad Marks taking on Cory Lautischer in an all Edmonton battle. Lautischer was making his professional debut while Marks made his debut last month, a 24 second KO victory. Marks (2-0, 2KOs) landed beautiful combinations that had Lautischer on the canvas twice with the second knockdown forcing the referee to end the bout at 1:32 of the first round.

If you wish to contact the author of this article, email Tom Hebert at FightNews Canada