The ESPN2 IBF eliminator from Nova University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, had
knockouts on the mind with age 41, veteran Glen Johnson
in with Yusaf Mack age 31 entering on five bout win
streak - plus a welterweight co-feature with unbeaten
Joey Hernandez facing Ed Paredes who had battled to a
draw in prior face off.
Show opens with Johnson having the edge over the first
two stanzas that were close action rounds with spirited
exchanges - then numero tres with the "Road Warrior" in
control over a defensive Mack.
Wasn't until number four did Mack pick up the pace while
using the height-reach advantage to outscore Johnson -
again in round five Johnson looking good but for reasons
only he knows, he mixes in working from the port side.
Then stanza six - and Mack switching from port to
starboard opts to make it a fight at close quarters -
suddenly it's a Johnson counter right hand on the button
and Mack is down - no sooner on his feet another right
hand and a second knockdown - then the finis with the old
veteran closing the show with a big left hook.
Time of contest 2:21 of round six.
Post Scripts: Glen Johnson (50-13-2, 33 KOs) ~ age 41 - no
question the old veteran former share holder can still
put an effective game plan together. Yusaf Mack proved an
ideal fit. The sneak power right hand was timed perfectly
for the first knockdown - then quickly jumped on the
surprised prey with eventual left-hook finisher.
Yusaf Mack ( 28-3-2, 17 KOs) ~ age 31
- more Triple-A than major league talent. Thought for
sure he would have made it "Matador-Bull" affair - had
height, reach and displayed decent technique when on the
outside. Taking it to deep waters was a must.
....................................................................................
Paredes - Hernandez
Recap
The welter co-feature with Ed Paredes and Joey Hernandez
was a return of August meeting that went to a draw -
thus, the Tessitore-Atlas ringside reporters clued the TV
viewers that it carried bad blood - and unless we all
missed the meaning it was topped several times with
"these guys don't like each other."
Then the opening bell with the taller Paredes the
aggressor - moving forward behind the right hand - then
stanza two at the 1:53 mark with Hernandez trying to stem
the early tide by tossing both hands from the port side -
Bingo - a Paredes out of the blue counter left hook finds
the sweet spot and it's lights out.
Post Scripts: Ed Paredes ( 24-4-1, 15 KOs) ~ age 24 - took
it from opening bell to Hernandez behind the right hand -
then with Hernandez trying to turn it around he walks
into big left hook that drops the curtain.
Joey Hernandez (15-2-2, 8 KO) ~ age 25
- couldn't get off - the opening stanza pressure had him
backing away - then gives it a try in round two only to
catch a sizzling counter left hook.
Closing comments:
My first peek at Paredes - nothing much to go on. Tall
welter with punching power. No chance to see any finesse
or defensive skills but the name is circled on the
calendar.
Joey Hernandez - What to say -
missed their first one that ended all square. Last noche
he was more in defensive mode in round one - then looked
desperate in two with the aborted banzai.
Glen Johnson - Have to feel happy
over an age 41 former champ coming off decision loss to
Chad Dawson and looking in this one like he's never lost
a step. But you can't fool mother nature. We know the
chin is there and the punching power is last to go - But
he was penciled in with a beatable foe and got the job
done. Hard not to root for him but the clock is ticking.
Tavoris Cloud could be next up. Meanwhile jury is still
out.
Yusaf Mack - can still make a buck
at minor league level - just not legit title threat at
light heavy.
