Collier Stops Masters With 2nd-Round KO

Dee Collier, that destroyer of legends, is at it again.

First, the Los Angeles heavyweight scores a first-round knockout over Tex Cobb, the human punching bag famed for his ability to absorb punishment.

Then, Collier hands Alex Garcia, budding star out of the Valley, his first defeat.

And, finally, on Wednesday night at the Hollywood Palace, Collier put away a former world heavyweight champion in less than two rounds.

Collier knocked Monte Masters of Saugus down early in the first round and again at the 2:06 mark of the second round of the scheduled 10-round main event.

At that point, with Masters’ right eye closed, Dr. Robert Bitonte stopped the fight and another legend had bitten the canvas.

What, you never heard of Masters, former champion of the WAA?

What, you never heard of the WAA?

Some cynics say you never would have heard of Masters if he hadn’t married Rosie O’Grady.

What, you never heard of Rosie O’Grady?

Well, it seems Rosie’s father, Pat, formed the World Athletic Assn., in Yukon, Okla., and his son-in-law, strangely enough, became its heavyweight king.

When Monte and Rosie separated, the WAA, strangely enough, separated Masters from his title.

For three years, Masters turned to the construction business to make a living.

He left with a 30-2 record, including 26 knockouts, but the only fighter of any repute that he has beaten is Tony Fulilangi.

Masters beat Fulilangi in Phoenix in 1983 on a 14th-round knockout to get his WAA crown.

He was stripped of his title a year later.

But he couldn’t get the taste of the ring out of his mouth. So he moved to Saugus and began training for a comeback.

Against Collier (13-8, eight knockouts), Masters never appeared to have a chance.

He went down from a round-house left followed by a right to the back of the head 1:15 into round one.

Then, at the end of the round, he got caught by the punch that closed his eye.

It was more of the same in round two. Another right to the back of the head put Masters down again. He got up, but the ringside physician wasn’t willing to risk letting him continue.

Both Collier (234 pounds) and Masters (217) collected $2,500 for the fight.

The State Athletic Commission requires a 45-day layoff for a fighter who goes down.

Said Masters when it was over: “I’ll be back in 46 days.”