The last noche ESPN FNF Jr.
Middleweight twin bill designed on paper to help promote unbeaten Cuban
defectors Erislandy Lara and Yudel Jhonson, stubbed its toe in the feature
attraction when Lara struggled in a majority draw with game but rusty Carlos
Molina.
The table setter went as
choreographed with Jhonson stopping Richard Gutierrez who arrived losing 3
of last five kept appointments.
The transplanted Colombian was in
over his head, as Jhonson displayed impressive skills while working from the
port side - try as Gutierrez did the quicker hands and smooth movement of
Jhonson claimed every candle entering what would be final stanza seven.
Jhonson finished a combination with
a picture-perfect right hook that put a wobble in the walk, was followed by
a barrage from both sides that saw referee Russel Mora jumping in to call it
no-mas at the 1:09 mark.
Post Scripts: Yudel Jhonson (10-0, 7
KOs) ~ age 29 - Miami via Cuba - has to be pleased with the audition that
should put his name among the lower level IBF jr. middle standings. Win,
lose or draw Jhonson is easy on the eyes for the viewer. Maybe tad short of
TNT in the mittens - jury is out.
Post Scripts: Richard
Gutierrez(26-6-1, 16 KOs) ~ age 32 - Miami via Colombia - held up over six
one sided standings before a surprise right hook from quick-fisted southpaw
had finis scribbled over it.
The anticipated Erislandy Lara show
fell far short of expectations considering Mexican transplant Carlos Molina,
while on nine bout win streak, had last fought on June of 2009 - the rap
sheet as well, noted no more than five knockouts scored in 22 prior ring
appointments.
Then the opening bell and Molina
with the edge in stanza one - Lara grabs two and three- and the trend would
continue over ten uneventful candles - Molina the sloppier of the two and
Lara the less energized.
Fair enough to say had Molina not
taken a near two year hiatus from the ring his more aggressive style may
have had him pulling off the upset - still, one of the scoring judges had
him winning 97-93 as it was. My unofficial agreed with the two judges 95-95
in points and 5-5 under round by round method.
