Power punching junior welter Kendall Holt went to 19-1, 12 KOs, following a 12-round split decision win over veteran Jaime Rangel (29-8-1, 25 KOs) in a interesting albeit spotty affair, at Club Cinema, Pompano Beach, Florida.

Holt, age 23 and a rangy 5' 9", entered as a prospect readying to graduate to ranking status after the expected win over age 33 Colombian, Rangel whose past hopes have come and gone with losing efforts in last three outings to Zab Judah, Edner Cherry and David Diaz.

Was in closing seconds of a slow feeling out opening stanza that Holt got caught when trying to close the stanza with a flurry - a Rangel counter combination jab-straight left hand from the southpaw stance dropped Holt to the canvas.

Rangel opened candle two by engaging Holt in a action round that saw both men having moments - Holt enjoyed the advantage over stanzas 4-5-6 when rocking the game Colombian in four and five and using the jab to claim six.

Rangel would claim seven and nine with Holt taking time off to plea bargain with referee Frank Santore over alleged low blows and rabbit punches from the smaller foe.

Helped a bit, when come final chapter 12, Santore debited Rangel for hitting behind the head … not sure whether the "infraction" was deliberate or the result of Holt turning to debate with the man with the perm in charge of the action.

Scoring went Holt 115-111, 114-112 and Rangel 115-110. This unofficial had it Holt 114-112 in points and 7-5 in rounds.

Post Scripts: Kendall Holt ~ The positives are there, youth, size, punching power from both sides, skills and quickness. However, the other side of the coin translates to soft chin, and worse yet, a hint there’s an aversion to being hit in return. Clearly a premature Duva team shout of willingness to pair their charge with anyone of the top at 140.
                      Jaime Rangel ~ at age 33, and giving all too many physical advantages to the enemy, the role for here on in, is that of road block to the new hopefuls.

GEL