The ESPN FNF showcased hot featherweight prospect "American Boy" Jason Litzau and past contender Emmanuel Lucero in its feature attraction - end result a proverbial quickie with Litzau halting Lucero in stanza two.

Mismatch opens with the veteran Lucero, handicapping Litzau a physical edge of 5-10 versus 5-4 - and then attempting to make it an outside stick and move adventure - not a chance.

Lucero down late in round one courtesy of left hook body shot - then stanza two a second knockdown - this time it’s a power right hand to the head. Beats the count but then belatedly again drops to the canvas - referee correctly calls it a night at 2:48 mark.

Rest of the story: This one was a second return to ring action for Litzau following the knockout loss to Jose Hernandez back in December 2006 - a first ever blemish for the then undefeated "American Boy" - the first return a decision win over tough Aldo Valtierra.

Lucero had been undefeated in first 22 bouts - then moves up in company and is blitzed by featherweight celebrities carrying surnames Pacquiao, Pereira, Ponce de Leon, Rocky Juarez - and who, pray tell was directing the traffic?

Enter Litzau and no surprise the end result is a career ending knockout loss for the veteran war horse.

Post Scripts: Jason Litzau (22-1, 19 KO) ~ age 24 - nice size at 5-10 - well tutored in skills with punching power. Showed better technique than the prior "please the patrons" approach of the past. This one easy. Bottom line is what comes next. The future could be worth the effort if the brain trust has a game plan. Doubt the body and chin can handle the elite at 126-130.
                        Emmanuel Lucero (23-5, 14KO) ~ age 28 - announced retirement after this latest loss. To have followed unblemished 22 wins out of the gate with ugly choices of Pacquiao (twice), Pereira, Ponce de Leon, Juarez borders on the criminal. Showed for a pay check - my exclamation point is good for you Emmanuel.
………………………………..........................................................................

Ten round lightweight mismatch saw southpaw slinging Tyrone Harris (21-3, 14 KO) with a jump start unanimous decision win over journeyman Rafael Ortiz of now 14-11-2, 13 KO infamy.

The far better in skills, and less battle worn Harris, snatched most the early rounds starting with a zinger straight left hand that dropped Ortiz in stanza one - nothing much changed over most the following rounds.

Goes the distance with Harris the winner in a rout to the tune of 99-90, 99-90- 98-91 - my unofficial saw it Harris 98-92 in points and 7-2-1, under round by round method. 

Closing comments: Tyron Harris ~ age 26 - port side a nice edge … not big banger but good skills. The lightweight crowd likely too much at this time to test the waters. Still, has earned Sho-box, ESPN main event recognition.
                                   Rafael Ortiz ~ the track record resumé speaks for itself  the future is yesterday,



GEL -

8-17-2007