Last noche’s ESPN FNF production from the Paradise Theater, Bronx, New York bombed like an off Broadway show - feature attraction aborted following stanza two because of meeting of the minds.

Once upon a time in the bad old days of pro boxing, the fighters lived with the good, bad and ugly of it all - and if the today "inadvertent" clash of heads caused a serious injury, the bleeder of the two suffered the agony of defeat via TKO loss.

The Delvin Rodriguez- Keenan Collins welterweight main event opened with Collins nipping the favored Rodriguez, who coming off a KO loss in last outing was playing it cautious.

Then stanza two and Rodriguez quickly on the offense and scoring with two handed barrages to both body and head - clearly a big round - and all square after two candles.

Then, awaiting the bell between rounds two and three, enter commission medic to do a survey - with help from Collins corner people, it was deemed the cut over the left eye was too serious for fight to continue.

Goes into the books a "No Contest" since it never went to the halfway mark in rounds - on that note Rodriguez now stands at 20-2-1NC, 12 KO and short notice Collins at 12-2-1NC, 8KO).

Personally, with Collins given time to prepare for Rodriguez return, a rematch could well be interesting for both, as to where they are at this point of career.

Collins in need of polish - the right hand when finding target is potent - tall and lean but apparently untutored in getting the most of it.

Rodriguez - not exactly the "rising prospect" that "No Clue" Kenny referred to - the 147 elite clearly too much for the Dominican to deal with at a now age 27 - fun watch at club fight venues.

Collins at a now age 30 after late start more than likely a what you see is what you get - as in ESPN-Sho-Box level. Coulda been at best with qualified brain trust and tutoring.
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Eight round semi saw son of former champion Alfredo Escalera scoring unanimous decision over 9-day short notice Harvie Jolley aka "Candy Man" in a cruiserweight battle that  opened on a surprise note.

It’s stanza one and the Brian "No Clue" Kenny filling in for the usual company hack Joe Tessitore and insulting the viewer with repeated references of Escalera the son of the former champion.

Would in some way be relevant in reference, had it been over daddy once being a quality featherweight, and junior a today cruiserweight - other than that omission the only relativity is senior was solid gold - and junior still in diapers.

Opens with "rising prospect" Escalera down from a zinger of a right hand - still, recovers and has the edge over Jolley who entered with half a tank, and was slowing down with each passing stanza.

Goes the distance with Escalera remaining undefeated at a now 15-0, 11 KO’s and Jolley dropping to 6-5-1, 3 KO’s - the official ballots went Escalera 77-74, 76-75, 76-75 - my unofficial had it Escalera 77-74 in points and 6-2 in rounds.

Closing comments: Escalera ~ at a now age 27 and nurtured on pugilistic pabulum, the time is now to step up in competition. Faced a short notice late arrival to the pro game that had gimme branded over him and couldn’t put the guy away. Not a good sign for a "No Clue" Kenny certified rising prospect.
                                  Jolley ~ age 30 and late start - 6-5 in win-loss and phone call ready pretty much sums it up.

Post Scripts: Kenny - Atlas more vaudeville than Atlas-Tessitore - the keys to victory by any other name strictly carnival - last nite  Teddy uses restaurant owners up the street from the Paradise Theater as props.
Closing thoughts after the two stanza "no contest" main event would have been on cue to offer freebie at the theater for adults only, to remain seated for some X-rated flick to soothe the injured feelings.

GEL   -  

8-24-2007