Finally caught up with the new "Versus" channel over
the VS 167 dial - was entertaining lightweight main
event with retreads Kevin Kelley and Carlos Hernandez
facing off at center stage.
Prior to the opening bell, I "red flagged" a couple
intangibles - Kelley age 39. enters with 67 prior kept
appointments and Hernandez age 35, arrives with 49
earlier journeys - also noted Kelley stopped in last
meeting by club fight talent Bobby Pacquiao of
27-11-3, 12 KO fame - and Hernandez batting one for
three with decision losses to Pacquiao and Jesus
Chavez.
Edge to Hernandez going in - wrong!
Post fight observations: No argument here Kelley
handled Hernandez with ease - punctuation mark came in
stanza four with Hernandez careless while at close
quarters - translation, a text-book right hook smack
on the target found "Famoso" down and in trouble.
Still, judging both by recent past outings, and the
respective overall performance on the night of
Thursday, Sept. 28, it would be wise they saddle up
and ride off into that proverbial sunset.
Kelley (59-7-2, 39 KO) ~ no longer the "Flushing
Flash" that once fired off impressive flurries and
combos from the port side advantage. The today version
is more a flickering flame that he utilized to the
fullest against a shot Hernandez. Kevin showed, if not
pressured, and not facing serious power threat, he
still has the mechanics to best the club fight level.
Hernandez ( 42-7-1, 24KO) ~ legitimate resume` on
paper but that was yesterday - game and willing to
walk into enemy fire, but can no longer execute an
effective offense.
Closing thoughts: The Bob Arum, Top Rank VS167
Thursday fight spot is a positive addition to the ESPN
and ShoBox scene. Bob Papa an easy listen - Wally
Matthews clearly the weak link doing color commentary.
Too much rambling rhetoric that is mostly far off the
mark.
