Last nite’s ESPN “Contenders” special featured past series graduate Alfonso Gomez besting veteran Ben Tackie over ten busy rounds of entertainment. 

Normally, I avoid anything connected to the kiddie channel doctored version of professional boxing - but with the popular Gomez coming off the Gatti TKO win, and in with legit opponent in Ben Tackie, I watched and took notes. 

The local favorite was the far quicker out of the gate as he grabbed the opening stanza with assorted combinations -  the ever pressing age 34 Ghanaian much too slow in the reaction department. 

Then, as if choreographed, the following four rounds was a repeat - still, the Tackie chin and body held up to the incoming. Eventually, the scorching pace would  catch up to Gomez - and come round seven through ten saw Alfonso  much of the time in retreat and more fatigued in appearance than his elder foe. 

Goes the full route with Gomez the unanimous winner by exaggerated scores of 98-92, 98-92, 97-93 - the lopsided numbers for the local Californian by way of Guadalajara, Mexico translated to hometown flavor or, if not, them early candles remained indelible when the tide shifted just a bit as it went to the deep water end of the pool. 

Post Scripts: Alfonso Gomez (18-3-2, 8 KO) ~ age 26 - comes prepared and shows good skills. Not the banger he seemed to be when in with a washed up Gatti - early rounds saw him tagging Tackie flush - but never once produced a hint of concern from the old veteran. Fun watch at club fight level is the future.
                       Ben Tackie (29-8, 17 KO) ~ age 34 - tough as nails but age has slowed the reaction time to dangerous levels - his best was at lightweight and jr. welter - today, once squeezing off a round, the target is no longer available. Retirement knocking at the door.
                       Tessitore-Atlas: Nothing changes in Tessitore the company man - touted Gomez as if the kid has a future. Atlas saw this one from the start - Gomez early and Tackie late.
                        Talk now is possible Gomez-J C Chavez Jr. pairing in the near future. Sounds good here - Double A ball is where both are at for now. 

GEL  -