Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington is no stranger to the spotlight. After winning the 2020 Olympic Trials, he knew that greatness was in his future. Tonight was the next step in that journey.
The Brownsville, Brooklyn native wanted to show out in his hometown, and that’s exactly what he did. He caught his opponent, Bernard Torres, with a stunning right hand during an exchange that sent him to the canvas in devastating fashion. With only one second left in the 4th round, the referee had to call it off.
“He’s a tough competitor man. Uses angles really well, knows how to use his feet. But we was ready for anything in there. We had a great training camp.” Carrington said.
Shu Shu appeared to take a little time to figure out the more experienced Torres. During the first couple of rounds, Torres had an answer for the pressure of Carrington. By using lateral movement and circling out to his right he was able to keep Shu Shu from building and real momentum or use combinations. Even though Shu Shu was winning the rounds, you could tell that he wasn’t really comfortable, he didn’t have his opponent figured out.
By the end of the 3rd round that changed. Carrington started to step to his left and cut off the ring, essentially closing the back door on Torres. On top of that he was able to start landing left hooks as Torres was moving to his right, which really broke up his rhythm. At the start of the 4th round Carrington stepped on the gas pedal and applied pressure. He was able to land some good body shots and put together combinations that had Torres backing up and visibly hurt.
At the close of the round, Shu Shu closed the distance behind a high guard until he got in distance. He unleashed a straight right, but Torres slipped it and countered with a right hook. Carrington dodged that, and returned fire with his own right as the two started to exchange. Eventually Shu Shu was able to get underneath a left from Torres and come over it with a right hand that Torres never saw coming. He was out before he hit the canvas.
By the end of the fight it was obvious that Carrington is ready for the next level. He has all the physical talents, and his ring IQ is progressing along as well. The way he showed the ability to adapt in the ring proved that he’s not a one-trick pony, he’s a thinking fighter with a versatile game. It’s still early in the year, so hopefully we’ll see him in the ring another two times before we turn the calendar to 2025. Young fighters progress fastest when they stay active and it’s easier to build a fan base when you’re regularly performing. It ends up being a win for everyone.
I’m excited to see what’s next for Shu Shu. He has all the talent needed to go far in this game. And even though he was an overwhelming favorite going into this fight, he still had to show some wrinkles in his game that are great to see from a young guy. I’m looking forward to seeing who he fights next and how his game continues to progress.
