The two heavyweights entered the ring at the Kansas City Golden Gloves regional finals as the main attraction. Jeremiah Graziano, who looks the part of a black-and-white movie tough guy with his square jaw, danced in the blue corner, and the underdog Kevin “K9” Todd in the red. Graziano’s career is on the rise, and he expects to turn pro by the summer. Todd brags that he has been in more than 200 fights, but only 11 in the ring, and lost a recent street scrap because the other guy had a gun. They were fighting to represent Kansas City in the national Golden Gloves championships in May. On Saturday night, the boxer beat the street fighter. Graziano won in the third round when the referee stepped in. Only one boxer on the night’s bout sheet did not have a club representing him. Under Todd’s name was the word “unattached” because he has no home. He only has Esteban Leon, a 70-year-old veteran who wants respect.

“This is the biggest opportunity you’ll ever have, this night tonight,” Leon told Todd.

Todd needed the national Golden Gloves tournament. But he really just wanted to get out of Kansas City. Todd, a Central High dropout, has lost one brother here.

“It’ll give me something more to look forward to than these problems going on in my life,” Todd said. “I’d rather die in the ring than on the curb.”

Hours before the bout, Todd scanned the darkened room and tried to spot Graziano among the 800 fans.

“Don’t get popcorn! Make sure you go use the bathroom because it’s going to be all over in a matter of minutes!” trainer Keith Shudduth said. “He’s so cold, they call him ‘Wyson’ because he’s white and he fights like Tyson.”

Graziano, 21, moved from Oregon to Kansas City to become the next great heavyweight. In 13 months, he has compiled a 23-1 record and won two national championships. Todd knew this and came out trying to throw knockout punches. Graziano only aimed at his head through the first two rounds, then found Todd’s ribs and his belly. The crowd sensed a knockout and chanted, “Wyson! Wyson!”

“He was hurting,” Graziano said. “

He didn’t like the body shots.” Graziano then connected a left and right to Todd’s head, and the referee stopped the fight. Todd walked back to his corner for Leon’s comfort, and Graziano threw his hands up, heading to a more glorious place.

To reach Candace Buckner, call 816-234-4389, or send e-mail to cbuckner@kcstar.com