The Telemundo Boxeo Friday special served up a spicy treat of welterweight action for the paying clientele at Miccosukee Resort of Miami, Florida - and when the smoke cleared after 12 rounds of hot leather swapping, it was prospect Joel Julio bringing home the proverbial bacon via split decision over defending Cosme Rivera.

Julio was coming off a career first defeat back in June of this year when in with unbeaten southpaw veteran Carlos Quintana - a lopsided decision loss that saw the can’t miss label slightly tarnished.

And so it was, at age 21, the Colombian power puncher at 27-1, 24 KO’s in something of a must winner against age 30 veteran Rivera with resumé shouting journeyman at 30-9-2, 21 KO’s.

Then the opening bell with both showing good movement and working off the jab - appeared four months of Buddy McGirt tutoring was showing in the Julio technique - still, the opening stanza was a standoff.

The pace quickened in candle two, and what we would get round after round from the respective scoring judges at ringside, is an ongoing exercise of coin flipping - it was that tough a job of picking and choosing.

Julio showed better power while Rivera displayed a rock solid chin, and the Mexican Latino champion quickly countered the Colombian assorted bomb throwing.

The pre-fite press release promised it as special - the fighters delivered the goods - combination of boxing and hot exchanges - kept the live clientele content and interested -  for those who opt for gore, it was stanza nine, and a double dip inadvertent clash of heads - and Rivera dripping red fluid from head wound.

The beat continued into the final chapter with a stunning surprise - a slowed Julio backing up and caught with a right-left-right hand to the head and dropped to the canvas.

Then the scoring: Julio 115-112, 114-113 and Rivera 115-112. My unofficial was a nail biting Rivera 116-111 in points and 8-4 under the round by round method. Still, no beef here as the contest was as tight as a drum round by round.

Post scripts:  Joel Julio ( 22-8-1, 24 KO) ~ the WBO Latino-WBA Fedecentro prizes were well earned and nice for the ego - but they also carry a two-sided sword. Only slight improvement in skills from the night of the Quintana loss - not close to being ready for the proven ones at the next level. Still a baby in age, and emphasis should now be directed to style change in the Leonard, Mayweather modus operandi of relax with hair-trigger finger at the ready.
                       
Cosme Rivera (30-10-2, 22 KO) ~ tough swallow for the age 30 Mexican warrior … thought he had done enough for the win. Understandable. Earned kudos for a solid exhibition of hard nosed work ethic. Throwback club fighter with limited skills, but has offsetting unlimited desire while arriving prepared for duty.

GEL -

10-28-06