The February 25th,  ESPN FNF from Tulsa, Oklahoma saw the dual commentator pre-fight expectations batting .500. Teddy & Tessie got it right in the Burgos call to remain prospect/contender, but dropped the pelota in their expectations of Russian super middleweight Maxim Vlasov to continue undefeated after his meeting with South African Isaac Chilemba.

The Burgos-Archuleta main event went as choreographed, with Archuleta arriving for the stipend, Burgos takes quick control during stanza one as Archuleta assumes a defensive posture.

Round two it’s Burgos on the attack, near the midway mark of the stanza the Albuquerque veteran is on the canvas courtesy of a Burgos two-punch combination that went right hand/ big left hook.

No sooner upright it’s another power hook and Archuleta down, a third Burgos left hook would quickly drop Archuleta that closed the curtain at the 2:33 mark.

Post Scripts: Juan Carlos Burgos ( 26-1, 19 KOs) ~ age 23 from Tijuana, MX, coming off decision loss to Hasegawa for vacant WBC title, he quickly regained the hot prospect label with display of quick handed combinations and decent punching power. Questionable if ready for rich field of talent at top of featherweight division.

                      Frank Archuleta (27-8-1, 14 KOs) ~ age 35  pretty much sums it up, tried  couple counter punches in opening candle that had no impact on the younger opponent. Job application had him losing 2 of last 4 outings via stoppage. Should call it no mas at this point.

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The Maxim Vlasov – Isaac Chilemba co-feature went the full ten stanzas in a closely contested affair of s/middleweights,  the expectations was Vlasov remains undefeated, “underdog” Chilemba didn’t buy it.

Opening bell it’s the South African showing better skills but Vlasov quickly getting back into the fray to draw even after four stanzas on my unofficial.

Highlight of this one comes during stanza eight with Chilemba on the canvas twice from Vlasov right hands, showing true grit the South African manages to  close the stanza on his feet.

Surprise here, comes with the scoring going unanimous in favor of Chilemba to the tune of 95-94, 96-92, 96-92; my unofficial had it all square at 94-94 in points and Chilemba winning 6-4 under round by round method.

Post Scripts: Chilemba (16-1-1, 8 KOs) ~ age 23, entire game is strong heart, not enough skills and short on major league punching power. Still, if opposition chosen carefully can remain entertaining club fighter. Super middle and light heavy major leaguers too complete for him.

                      Vlasov ( 19-1, 10 KOs) ~ age 24, comes to wage war but not the banger the rap sheet would imply. In need of serious skills upgrading.

GEL