Last evening's ESPN2 FNF
card shuffled a mixed bag of club fight action that saw ranking jr.
welter Ruslan Provodnikov claiming the night as his own with a sterling
performance in the main event.
Provo entered at 18-1, 12
Kos - his opponent Ivan Popoca arrived unbeaten at 15-0-1 with ten by
stoppage - the opening stanza was a close one to score with both looking
to take command.
The Russian quickly showed
the better skills over the transplanted Mexican now residing in Chicago
town - and what we got was a text book Provodnikov working off the jab
with combinations that kept the aggressive Popoca scoreless over the
front side.
Then numero six with
Provodnikov using it for a pit stop to recharge the battery, and Popoca
takes advantage over the entire three minutes as he tosses everything
but the proverbial kitchen sink with more than a few finding the mark.
But to no avail, as the more
complete Provodnikov is once again in control over round seven - and the
Popoca solid chin with strong heart alone would not be enough on this
night.
Come the midway mark of
numero ocho a Provodnikov text book "1-2" finds the mark and sends
Popoca on his back - the suddenness not only caught Popoca flatfooted
but also those in attendance and yours truly watching over the magic
lantern.
Still, aware or not, the
gallant Mexican is back on his feet before the full count - he's also in
no condition to continue - is quickly on receiving end of a barrage of
punches before slow moving referee in charge Pat Russell jumps in to
call it no-mas.
Time of TKO 2:16 of stanza
eight.
Post Scripts: Ruslan
Provodnikov (19-1, 13 KOs) ~ age 27 - my first peek at the Russian in
action - but hearing new addition to the corner team, former welter
champ Buddy McGirt saying Ruslan was lacking a left jab, and then
watching the kid put the left stick in action to set up combinations, we
just may have something here. For now, fun club fighter with "finisher"
qualities.
Ivan
Popoca ( 15-1-1, 10 KOs) ~ age 29 - this one was too big a step in
opposition - tough and strong but in serious need of upgrading the
skills.
Referee Pat Russell - waited too long to pull the plug in what was a
no-win situation come stanza eight. I have two options for "veteran" man
in charge future: A) accept a pencil and work outside the ropes from
this moment on. B) better yet, pick up second hand violin with bow, and
hunt down an orchestra looking for help.
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Closing comments: Just when
ESPN2 has itself a can't miss feature attraction, they go and include a
terrible mismatch in the semi-final. No problems with Marvin Quintero
who was prepared in the condition department - but last minute
substitute Juan Santiago not only arrives on three day notice but with
rap sheet showing he has lost 4 of last 6 with two by stoppage.
Quintero a quick handed
southpaw has the edge in opening round that sees both swapping power
punches - then stanza two it's all Quintero scoring from both sides -
finally round three with the Tijuana terror landing a barrage of punches
and referee Tom Taylor quickly jumping in for the "save."
Time of stoppage 12 seconds
into the round.
