Bradley breezes, Kirkland struggles in decision wins
by George Elsasser
The SHOBOX FNF twin bill from California’s Chumash Casino highlighted
young undefeated age 23 prospects middleweight James Kirkland and jr.
welter Tim Bradley - both would remain unbeaten.
Bradley gets the first call and quickly proves too tough a nut for
Donald Camarena, a southpaw short on clout and will, as he goes
"turtle" for most the ten rounds - scoring goes unanimous Bradley at
100-90, 99-91, 99-91.
The shorter but rock solid Bradley quickly took control with speed and
power from both sides - message delivered and received by the
defensive in mode Camarena.
Bradley ups to 20-0 with 11 KO’s and is one to watch down the
proverbial pike - speed, decent power and mucho energy. Plenty room to
grow … jury still out but will be heard from again.
Camarena displayed negatives in a now 18-4, 9 KO’s resume … short on
clout and no stomach to wage battle with the bigger puncher. Club
fighter of little consequence at best.
Referee: David Mendoza - Pretty much let the flow go without
interruption - better than most we’ve seen working the left coast land
of make believe.
………………………………..........................................................................
Main event a tough one to call once settling down to business -
undefeated James Kirkland opened quickly in role of port side power
puncher facing light hitting age 30 veteran Ossie Duran.
A stanza one right hook catches Duran behind the left ear and he’s
down - still, easily beats the flash knockdown and is back in the game
- a 10-8 score for Kirkland.
Still Kirkland as the Texan fires away with both shootin’ irons in
search of another of his early knockouts - but the Accra, Ghana
veteran isn’t going anywhere - and we’re treated to an action affair
from start to finis.
The scoring a bit tilted in Kirkland favor with two of the three
judges mesmerized by power over finesse to the tune of 97-92 - the
third judge had it 95-94 - my unofficial agreed Kirkland 95-94 using
points method, and 5-5 standoff under the round by round system.
Rest of the story: James Kirkland (19-0, 16 KOs) ~ age 23, very strong
physically and works from the southpaw side - forfeits the lefty-righty
advantage by virtue of constant attack mode. Output slowed a little
once Duran survived the early onslaught - a jab could help in style
when stepping up another rung at middleweight.
Ossie Duran (23-6-1, 9KO) ~ age 30, good
skills and toughness helps the cause of being cheated at birth of
punching power. The opening round knockdown of flash variety -
recovered and made for a valid test for the new kid on the block with
the glittering resume.` Has plenty left in the proverbial tank but no
threat to the respective champions at middleweight.
Referee Raul Caiz Jr. had himself a good
outing … the ruled opening round knockdown the correct call - and he
let them do battle without becoming overly involved.
GEL -
6-2-2007
