- Vivian Harris -

Last noche from the Desert Diamond Casino at Tucson, Arizona, the ESPN kiddie channel delivered an after-dark travesty that nearly culminated in a calamity - ok, the clashing of heads that aborted the main event in stanza two, between victim Vivian Harris and Noe Bolanos happens, it’s part of the game - but rest of the story concerning the over all production is inexcusable in today boxing 2009.

Card opens on insulting note … no, embarrassing mismatch … with unbeaten junior middleweight Keith “One Time” Thurman at 9-0-9KOs facing and chasing one Travis Hartman that arrives at 10-13-1, 7 KOs, and sans a snazzy sobriquet. I’ll give the unfortunate pigeon one so on next assignment he won’t feel naked … how about Travis “No Chance” Hartman.

I’ll not go into the details of the mugging … “No Chance”  corner tosses in towel while oblivious referee hack in charge Bobby Ferrara is in search of body bag while Hartman is up and down like a yo-yo and looking for help.

Next the shout from the magic lantern, we’re about to be treated to the only American medalist in the 2008 Olympics … Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder 6-0, 6 KOs.

The prop, a hapless 30 year old with a dismal portfolio at 3-4-3 KOs Travis Allen quits after going down twice in opening stanza. Interested? Both weighed in as heavyweights.
 

Then, before the main event, we are “treated” to a final abomination - a heavyweight laugher with former MSU standout linebacker … ready? … Seth “MAYHEM” Mitchell (12-0-1, 7 KOs)  being showcased as he halts heavy bag Andrae Carthron who entered at 3-2-2, 1 KO, and exited at 2:36 mark of opening candle at a now 3-3-2, 1 KO.
 

What Mitchell’s football line-backer resumé has to do with pro-fight future? Easy answer is he has none.
 

I would finally wake up in time for the feature attraction - always have rooted for Guyana to B’klyn, USA Vivian Harris … felt a boy with Vivian as first name had to be a tough cookie. The resumé supported my feeling.

Noe Bolanos enters a stranger to me - arrives at 20-4-1, 12 KOs but also enters winless In past three bouts. Harris arrives 29-3-1, 19 KOs.

Sadly, the only legitimate professional contest of the night goes down the drain because of the old inadvertent meeting of the minds during stanza two.

Harris boxing nicely behind the jab grabs opening candle - looks as if Bolanas is in over his head - late in opening round Bolanos  head butt with Harris gesturing to house hack in charge - Ferrara lets it fly. No damage done.

Now numero dos - inside opening minute with Bolanos attempting to close the gap and Harris ducking to evoid the charge there’s a nasty meeting of the minds - Bolanos’ head clash connects to the temple.

Harris is seen backing to ropes with left glove pressed against left temple - tries moving towards corner before collapsing - is down and out for a scary spell while house medic and later emergency personnel assist in helping Vivian regain conscious.  With bout ending in a no-decision  Harris remains at 29-3-1, 19 KOs  - Bolanos at 20-4-1, 11 K0s.

Post Scripts:  Our hopes is that Harris, at a now age 31 will be able to resume his career - the likable pro has always given his best and is deserving of one final  shot at celebrity. Bolanos young enough at 22 to improve the skills but just may be locked into a what you see is what you get dilemma after a now 25 outings.

The Arizona Commission needs an overhaul - same old  robots working inside the ropes - Ferrara long in need of a pencil & pad in exchange for the political third hack in charge. People get hurt inside them ropes - and the need for fighter’s corner to toss a towel to have a fight stopped is ludicrous. The exceptions are minimal.

The Hartman rape a vivid example of referee incompetence - looking for help after going down several times and carrying a soiled rap sheet of 10-13-1, 7KOs there was "no chance” scribbled over the guy. Ferrara waited until towel whacked his sorry  ass in back of the head.

Ring announcer doing announcements and intros apparently felt the show was a satire of them old Abbott - Costello flicks - Announces  first round KO victim Andrae Carthron as winner when Mitchell had scored the opening round stoppage. Mitchell appeared upset.

Oh, wotta night.

GEL -