Last noche’s HBO “After Dark” triple header showcased legitimate jr. middleweight prospects James Kirkland and Joel Julio auditioning for better things with the winner likely upgrading from prospect to contender level. 

Not often when the pre-fight promises live up to its hype, but this one was a barn-burner hot enough to have the local firefighters readying to douse the flames before the joint would burn down. 

Opens with Kirkland out of the gate as if jet-propelled - a port side punching machine that had Julio being out worked before battling back late in the opening stanza - continues with the super conditioned Kirkland setting a pace that would eventually wear down his opponent come the halfway mark. 

Julio came prepared, and landed picture perfect right hand counters that found the mark, but not a single bomb would keep this Kirkland pugilistic mailman from his appointed rounds. 

Finally round five, and the handwriting on the proverbial wall was the Kirkland wicked pace taking  a toll on the tough Colombian - then numero six another big Kirkland stanza with a shot Julio with cut and closing right eye. 

Before the bell for round seven a visibly demoralized Joel had a visitor in referee Raul Caiz Jr who quickly made the correct call - a no mas that enters the books as TKO six. 

Post Scripts:

• James Kirkland (25-0, 22 KOs) ~ age 24 with championship potential down the pike - not in sweet science skills, but in unparalleled physical condition by lady trainer Ann Wolfe who once was a carbon copy in style, condition and toughness when an active fighter. The prior opponents to last night were less than quality, but this one pretty much told us the “rest of the story” - which certifies this Texas gunfighter is for real.      

• Joel Julio (34-3, 31 KOs) ~ age 24 - no disgrace this loss - while unable to claim a single candle he made some stanzas close - took severe punishment without being dropped and finding the Kirkland sweet spot with counters - wasn’t able to stem the tide. Will again be heard from but not before a well earned rest.

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In a jr. welter showdown leading to the Guerrero - Daud Yordan semi-final, we got ourselves another bonus in watching another hot prospect in age 22 southpaw Victor Ortiz in with tried and tested Mike Arnaoutis. 

On paper, this one a battle of southpaws looked hot - Arnaoutis a veteran at age 29 entered with credible resume` at 21-2-1, 10 KO’s, that saw  decision losses to champion Kendall Holt and Ricardo Torres. Ortiz arrived 23-1-1, 18 by KO - the debit a year 2005 DQ. 

Opening round a feeling out start - then stanza two with Ortiz abandoning the fencing for a more aggressive approach - and at one minute and change mark of round two it’s a sizzling power left hand to the temple that has Arnaoutis dazed and wobbling to the ropes.
The transplanted Greek tries to buy time to shake the cobwebs in going peek-a-boo - but not a chance as Ortiz senses a kill and a left uppercut to the chin starts a barrage of heavy duty. Referee Ray Balevic then halts the carnage at 1:27 of the round. 

Post Scripts:

• Victor Ortiz (24-1-1, 19 KOs) ~ age 22 southpaw with good technique and loaded arsenal claimed the NABO minor league strap - young enough to develop into contender in one of the sanctioning bodies. The 140 lb gang loaded, but this kid is one to keep an eye on.

• Mike Arnaoutis ( 21-3-1, 10 KOs) ~ age 29 with valid credentials and can still compete among minor league membership, but no longer considered title timber.

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Opening the card a new face to our shores from Indonesia but a stranger no more, Daud Yordan undefeated at 17-0, 12 KO’s challenged past IBF featherweight champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero with job application of 23-1-1, 16 by stoppage. 

This one ended on sour note - opening round action with both exchanging power punches it’s a clearly visible inadvertent meeting of the minds with the Indonesian leading head first and Guerrero is cut over the right eye. 

The ghost survives the stanza but a up close camera shot shows the nasty cut bleeding profusely into the eye - enter California commission medicine man - a quick look at the damage he only needed a single answer to his can you see? 

Guerrero gave the honest answer - not when the blood is running into the orbit. 

Unfortunately for the fans in attendance and those watching over the magic-lantern they missed, style wise, what was shaping up as a dandy of a minor league title scrap. 

Good news for Guerrero is he retains his NABO strap on a No Decision affair - bad news for the visitor is he was having the better in the round one exchanges. 

Post Scripts:

• Guerrero ( 23-1-1, 16 KOs) ~ age 25 and still legitimate major league prospect - tough break the inadvertent that happens when port side meets starboard in a boxing contest. He too shall return once healed and will still be wearing the NABO bauble.

• Daud Yordan (17-0-1 ND, 12 KOs) ~ age 21 - quick and willing - style is attack mode. Had the edge in round one with herky-jerky banzai style. Expect he’ll be seen again - the jr. lightweight field will provide the answers to what he really brings to the dance.

Referees report card:  Raul Caiz Jr. had the toughest assignment in the Kirkland-Julio scorcher and gets passing grades on the between round stoppage - saw it was a no-win situation for Julio. Referee Ray Balevics a new face to me and no kid, showed veteran  intelligence in timing when seeing Arnaoutis a beaten entity with Ortiz unleashing power barrage with zero return. Left coast commish should sign this guy up. They need the help. John Shorle had easiest gig when the Yordan Inadvertent closed the show early. Have seen his act before - never developed into promising man in charge as rookie referee.

HBO trio for the night: Bob Papa still stuck with oversized non-entity color commentator of little renown Lennox Lummox Lewis - former heavyweight champion is as weak as I am when wearing a catheter - a total loss for words in describing the ring action - and did I leave out a very talkative Maxie “Hysterian” Kelleran - his biggest albatross is the ring interviews - could be still suffering Post-ESPN trauma after jumping ship for bigger stipends at HBO.

 

GEL   -