Penn Hills' Latham still undefeated after draw with Philly heavyweight

Penn Hills boxer Freddy Latham Jr. remains undefeated after a draw in a Jan. 24 match, part of an NBC Sports Network undercard.

Latham, 4-0-1 with two knockouts, battled Philadelphia heavyweight Mark Rideout as part of the third season of NBC Sports Network's “Fight Night.”

The bout took place at the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, N.J., and Latham's fight came just before the telecast.

Latham's manager, Derek Gionta, said that Rideout, who weighed in at 241 pounds, was a good opponent to test his fighter.

“Before we were fighting a lot of guys who were 215, 220 pounds,” Gionta said. “This guy was a full-on 240 pounds.”

Latham fought at 257 pounds, with all three judges scoring the bout 38-38.

Gionta said he thought Latham won three of the four rounds.

“His defense was good throughout the four-round duration, and he really turned it up and had an impressive fourth round,” Gionta said.

Latham was no worse for wear following the fight.

“You look at his face afterwards, and he didn't have a scratch on him,” Gionta said.

“It was one of those slower, technical heavyweight fights.”

Being part of an NBC Sports undercard, even though his fight was not televised, was a big step for Latham, Gionta said.

“It was a good opportunity for Fred to fight in front of some big names,” he said.

Patrick Varine is an editor for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-320-7845 or pvarine@tribweb.com.