Last nite's ESPN FNF main bout
s/bantam offering was entertaining enough, with IBF #7 ranked Teon Kennedy
entering a slight favorite over IBF #10 Chris Martin.
Toss in puncher versus
counter-puncher that goes the distance and we get a tough one come the
scoring department - in this one, it was Kennedy the bigger banger and
Martin in role of stick, move, counter role.
On my unofficial it was Martin
with the edge over opening two stanzas before Kennedy having the better over
numbers three thru eight, albeit more than a few close encounters.
Neither fighter was seen in
trouble, but the Las Vegas paying customers got its dollar worth with the
more physical Kennedy and game, countering Martin having their moments.
My unofficial had it Kennedy
97-93 in points and 7-3 under the yesterday round by round scoring method.
Official scoring went Kennedy
97-93; 95-95, 95-95 for the majority draw.
Post scripts: Teon Kennedy
(17-1-2, 7 KO) ~ age 25 - Philadelphia, PA - Physically strong with decent power,
young enough to upgrade the skills but not as yet ready for a healthy field
at 122 with surnames Arce, Donaire, Ramos, Nishioka to name only a few.
Chris Martin (23-1-3, 6 KO) ~
age 25 - San Diego, CA. - Strong points are good chin, heart, condition -
but lacks needed clout to go with the counter punch game plan to graduate
from career club fighter level.
…
UGAS decisions ALMARAZ in 8
round semi-final
The eight round semi-final saw
Cuban transplant Yordenis Ugas now calling Miami home, remaining unbeaten
with a lopsided unanimous decision win over club fighter Esteban Almaraz
that arrived on rap sheet seeing him losing three of last four bouts.
Still, to his credit Almaraz
managed to hang tough over the full eight stanzas after being dropped
courtesy straight right hand early in opening candle.
Post Scripts: Yordenis Ugas
(11-0, 5 KOs) ~ age 25 - too early to predict what the future may be at tough
jr. welter, fcr the former Cuban Olympian. This one was first at eight
rounds - jury still not selected.
Esteban Almaraz (10-5, 4 KOs) ~
age 31 - tough Texan a career club fighter but safe selection for the new
kid on the block.
Commentator department:
Somebody, please gag blow by blow fraud Teddy Atlas… the ESPN FNF summer
season hiatus must have charged the Atlas vocal chords.
Babbles on in rat-a-tat
machine gun fashion ala past radio fight commentator Don Dunphy, that never
worked a Garden fight that wasn't a thriller. Even when the listener could
hear the crowd version of "Let me call you sweetheart" in the background.
