Sometimes the strengths that make a boxer successful can also prove to be his biggest weaknesses. Such was the case when Jason Litzau squared off against Jose Hernandez. Litzau’s biggest strength is his punching power and his offensive-based mindset. Prior to this fight, his fearlessness in the ring had made him a devastating knockout puncher, giving him 18 knockouts for his 20 fights. However, in his 21st bout his prolific offense would be his undoing as Hernandez would ultimately make Litzau’s aggressiveness work against him.

The fight began much as expected, with Litzau pressing the action and trying to bully Hernandez around the ring. For most of the first round Litzau was able to control the pace of the fight behind his jab, but in the last minute of the round his almost complete reliance on offense made him careless, and his constantly lowered left hand gave Hernandez an opening to land his right hand. Litzau’s head and torso were facing sideways as he threw a left hook, causing him not to see the short right hand by Hernandez, which dropped him to the canvas. Litzau beat the count and despite being hurt continued to throw leather, showcasing his tough mentality.

Between rounds Litzau’s corner urged him to be aware of the right hand and to rely more on his boxing skill and to not be careless. For the next six rounds Litzau would show great resilience and determination, completely outworking Hernandez. By round 6 Hernandez was in dire straights, and it appeared to be only a matter of time until he would eventually hit the canvas. He was taking a one-sided beating while largely staying defensive and offering very little in return.

Between rounds 7 and 8, each corner gave almost the complete opposite instructions to their fighters. The advice for Hernandez was to stop being so defensive and to put pressure on Litzau by throwing overhand rights. Litzau’s corner was more cautious;  realizing that he was ahead on the scorecards they advised him to be more controlled and to not get into careless exchanges.

Hernandez followed the instructions of his corner as he came out putting pressure on Litzau and landing several overhand rights. Litzau, on the other hand, chose to stand his ground and brawl. This would ultimately be his undoing, as Hernandez managed to land a perfect overhand right on the side of Litzau’s chin, the punch that would end Litzau’s undefeated streak. The knockout came at 2:52 of round number eight.

If anything, this fight had positive implications for both boxers careers. Hernandez got  much needed publicity and a chance to show off his skills in front of a wide audience. For Litzau it was a good learning experience, which exposed his vulnerabilities in the ring, specifically his poor defense and the tendency to drop his left hand.

I expect Litzau to go back to the gym, work on all his weaknesses and come out a much better boxer. This fight was a crowd pleaser and I, for one, would like to see these two face each other again.