Last noche’s ESPN FNF from upstate, NY tank town Salamanca, tossed up veteran “Contenders“ graduate Cornelius Bundrage in with past junior middleweight belt holder Kassim Ouma.  

Ouma arrives on decision losses to Saul Roman and Jermain Taylor -  while Bundrage enters off TKO win over stranger Nelson Manchego of 12-7-1 infamy. 

With “K9” Bundrage at a now age 34 club fight level talent and Ouma a slowed version of the once busy fighter he was at prime time, we pretty much got the best of what both have left in the tank. 

Ouma the southpaw, and Bundrage of single right hand power celebrity - and we had an ongoing battle of mutual inadvertents - the Ouma head had the early edge as it opened a cut over the Bundrage left eye in stanza four. 

Still, Bundrage, the physically stronger of the two, claimed most the early rounds by smothering any Ouma flurries - and while it would evolve into a sloppy affair, it was clear both were in it looking for the win. 

Referee Steve Smoger was busier than his usual self - and the holding/hitting, elbows, head-butting and punches landing below that proverbial 38th parallel, would finally catch up to him - debits Bundrage a point in stanza seven for holding.                

The final numbers after ten stanzas of mauling went unanimous to Bundrage 96-93, 96-93, 95-94 - good news was the point deduction would not cost him the win. 

Post Scripts:

• Bundrage (28-3, 16 KO) ~ Bad news: age 34 and limited to right hand punching power will no longer get it done. Good news: showed true grit battling through round four nasty cut over and alongside left eye. Excellent corner work kept bleeding under control. The win should get ol’ K-9 more work at small club venues.

• Ouma ( 25-5-1, 15 KO) ~ age 29 and a solid chin keeps him in business if choosing partners with care. The shortage of punching power has been a career albatross. No longer appears to be able to get off them title winning barrages and flurries to overcome the lack of clout.

Closing comments: My unofficial saw it all square at 94-94 in points; 4-4 under round by round method. Nice seeing Brian “No Clue” Kenny back for the night doing commentary with Teddy “Book of knowledge” Atlas.  Only kidding.

 

GEL