MIAMI, Fla. -- The Miami Gallos overcame a 2-0 deficit in the best of five bouts and rallied to secure a 3-2 win in front of their hometown fans in the World Series of Boxing (WSB) season debut for both teams.  The Gallos and Matadors squared off in the last contest of the opening week for the new global boxing tournament with the Mexico City Guerreros opening up with a 5-0 win against the Memphis Force last Friday in Mexico City.

The Matadors took the first two bouts of the evening in the bantamweight and lightweight divisions, but the Gallos would rally with three straight victories and clinched the match win in the final bout of the evening as Long Beach native and Matador David Imoesiri and Gallos Trent Rawlins fought to a draw. One judge had Imoesiri as the victor at 48-46 while the other two judges scored the bout, 47-47, 47-47.

However, WSB rules mandate that when judges at ringside score the bout a draw, the WSB supervisor, in attendance for every WSB bout, has the authority to determine the winner.   WSB supervisior Osvaldo Bisbal of Argentina ruled in favor of Rawlins and the Gallos come-from-behind victory was complete.

"We're disappointed at the official results but our athletes fought exceptionally well," said LA Matadors General Manager Jeff Benz. "We're looking forward to the next time we challenge the Miami Gallos in Los Angeles and hope the rule will be cleared up by then."

Just when a team win for the Gallos was looking out of reach down 0-2 after two bouts, middleweight (160 lbs/73 kg) William Williams (Conyers, Ga.) took to the ring against Matador Charlie Watson (Johnson City, Tenn.), where he made it clear the night was just getting started by taking command of the fight.  Williams looked impressive in his unanimous decision victory (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) and will surely be a fighter to watch as the season unfolds.

Miami Gallos Head Coach Pat Burns was pleased with Williams' performance.  "William was absolutely super in helping turn the momentum back around for the Gallos.  He showed great maturity."

Kenny Egan, a 2008 U.S. Olympic silver medalist from Ireland, defeated Long Beach native Matador Dorian Anthony in a unanimous decision, 49-46, 49-47, 48-47, to notch the team score at two apiece.

In the closing seconds of the fifth round, Egan landed a right hook stunning Anthony. Egan made quick work of the dazed Anthony landing a series of combos before the round ended.

"I knew from the beginning I was ready for this fight," said Egan. "I felt like he was fighting a lot with his head and not fighting a clean fight.  I'm very happy with my performance and I felt like I won all five rounds.  Everything is so new to me, this being my first pro-style fight, but I feel strong and I'm ready for the next one."

"I went in there with my game plan and gave it my all," Anthony said. "I didn't think about his silver medal. I felt it was a pretty fair decision for me. The momentum kept shifting both ways throughout the bout. In the last round, I kind of gave it away to some big shots."

"Kenny showcased why he was an Olympic silver medalist and was world-class against a tough opponent," said Burns. "The Matador fighter tried to take Kenny out of his rhythm but Kenny was able to maintain his composure, overcome a cut and still get the win."

Bantamweight Matador Fernando Martinez started Los Angeles off with a win defeating Jose Luis Meza Ochoa by decision, 47-47, 48-46, 48-46.

Lightweight Matador Eric Fowler notched a fourth round technical knockout against Adrian Martinez in the second bout of the evening. With 1:34 left in the fourth round, Fowler threw a right rendering Martinez defenseless against the ropes prompting referee Frank Gentile to stop the fight.

"I'm real happy for the WSB and for boxers competing in this tournament," said Burns. "This was a great success tonight. I've been in this game awhile and it's about time that we get to show fans what real boxing is about and the excitement and skill that these fighters have.

The L.A. Matadors return to Los Angeles for their home opener Sunday, Nov. 28, at the Nokia Theatre against the undefeated, inherent rival Mexico City Guerreros and hope to build momentum for the winter-long World Series of Boxing season. It will also mark the debut of two-time Olympian Rau'shee Warren for the Matadors.  The Gallos will travel to Tennessee and take on the Memphis Force Friday, November 27 at the Desoto Civic Center.