Friday night's ESPN welterweight scrap between Delvin Rodriguez and Shamone Alvarez for the USBA minor league strap, proved closely contested, with the defending Rodriguez getting the unanimous decision by virtue of a stanza eleven knockdown.  

Had there been no Rodriguez 10-8 round, this one would have resulted in Rodriguez retaining although not winning the fight - reflective scores were Rodriguez 115-112, 114-113, 114-113 - without them two 114-113 scores it would have been a majority draw. 

Still, the draw would have seen Alvarez earning a return bout - but not to be - Shamone’s strong finishing stanza twelve saw Rodriguez hurt late and ready for the cleaners - and seeing the final numbers, if not a KO, a 10-8 with a knockdown would likely have seen Alvarez the winner via split decision. 

Neither fighter, while showing quality club fighter skills, are ready for the elite at 147 pounds - not with a loaded roster with surnames Mosley, Cotto, Pacquiao, Berto and others. Rodriguez too fragile, and Alvarez not up to the task at age 32, is pretty much a what you see is what you get entity. 

Post Scripts:

• Delvin Rodriguez ( 24-2-2, 14 KOs) age 28 - lacked fire even when out scoring Alvarez behind the jab - exception stanza eleven when nailing Alvarez with straight right hand that was the decider in the scoring. Good enough to play with the USBA level talent.

• Shamone Alvarez ( 20-2, 11 KOs) - age 32 - physically strong southpaw giving up height and reach to Rodriguez needed more of a full court press. Showed it with too little, too late in final round when he came close to closing the show. 

Commentators Dept: Bernard Hopkins as studio guest a good catch - Gatlin’ gun speed talker Brian Kenny discussing rookie Demetrius Andrade after an opening stanza TKO over hapless Tom Joseph as hot prospect - this after Hopkins echoes Teddy “book of boxing knowledge” Atlas on the target. If kid (age 21) is all that hot he doesn’t need building the resumé over hapless fighters like Joseph. Kenny in agreement, but touts the kid over the way he put his punches together. Ringside commentary with Joey Tessitore in sync with anything Atlas leads with. Ok, fine. Problem with Atlas, it’s long due he drops the weekly references of the advantage of the amateur pedigree over those without one. Doesn’t exist.  

Referee report: Dick Flaherty; earns passing grades on the opening round stoppage at 1:53 mark with age 21 rookie Demetrius Andrade going to 3-0, 3 KO’s in a blitzing of overmatched age 30, Tom Joseph  who now drops to 4-2-1, O KO’s.  Mike Ortega had decent outing by today standards in working age 19 Ray Serrano's six round decision win  over Jay Krupp that went 60-53, 60-53, 58-55. Ed Claudio also earned passing grades in main event.

 

GEL