Popo Salinas is headed for bigger roads soon, real soon.  The Youngstown native and future East High School senior had a tough opponent in Lucian Clinkscale, but he was able to still impress the standing room only crowd at the Saxon Club with a convincing first round knockout.

Salinas entered the ring in a full camo outfit (below), and fought like he was in a war.  Salinas knocked Clinkscale down three times in the first round.  The third time, right at the three-minute mark, would end the fight.

“Lucian Clinkscale has probably fought the top four or five kids in the country, and he has never been stopped like this”, said Jack Loew.  “For a young 17-year old to come in here and knock him out cold says a lot not only about his strength, but where he will be in this sport very soon.”

Salinas is headed to Kansas City to compete in the Ringside National Tournament later this year.  If this fight was a tune-up, Salinas ran great.

Legendary Youngstown former champion, Greg Richardson, is Clinkscale’s uncle.  Richardson, who I have gotten to know better as a teammate in a nine-ball league, sat with us at ringside for the quick win.  After the first knockdown, Richardson leaned over and quietly whispered, “Man, this Salinas kid is good, it’s gonna be a long night for my nephew.”

Chronologically, Richardson could not have been any more off as the fight only went three minutes.

“It was a great night”, said Salinas.  “I really feel good right now and tonight makes me proud of how working hard at the gym is paying off.  I will continue to work as hard as I can to get ready for the Ringside Tournament and I will do my best to make Youngstown proud.”

Salinas has developed quite a following for a 17-year old amateur.  The crowd reacted almost every time he landed something and the three-minute battle provided plenty of electricity.

If Loew had his way, Salinas would be on HBO next week.  “The kid hits harder than most 30-year olds, he is ready to face men as he makes the transition to manhood.  His skills are so well developed and I can’t wait to see what his limits really are.”