The ESPN WNF featured line score pretty much went as scripted - Yusaf Mack the returning KO victim and Tessitore tout, paired with one Jose Juan Vasquez, a transplanted Puerto Rican now calling Tijuana, Mexico home.

Opens with Vasquez using the height advantage, a s/middleweight at 6-3 and Mack testing the waters as if still hung over from the Berrio KO loss of year ago - then stanza two with Mack early and Vasquez late.

Rest of the story: Mack would take control from round three to the finish line - once feeling the Vasquez punching power no serious threat the Philadelphia favorite showed some good skills.

Mack grabs the win to the tune of  97-93, 97-93, 95-94 - my unofficial had it all Mack at 98-92 in points and 8-2 in the preferred round by round method - unsure if judge (part time referee) Dick Flaherty worked this one cold or sipped a few brews prior to the opening bell to come up with a 95-94 ballot.

Post scripts: Yusaf Mack (23-1-2, 14 KO) ~ age 27 - rap sheet pretty much built on gimmes - has nice technique when doing the dictating but power not close to what the 14 by knockout would hint. Chin failed him in Berrio fight and has to be labeled suspect. Opponent was carefully selected - Jury not as yet sequestered - currently ranked #15 under the IBF body - some higher ranked Berrio, Bute, Froch, Lacy, Steiglitz. Return with Berrio should tell rest of the story.
                       JJ Vasquez ( 16-2-1, 9 KO) ~ age 26 - only positives are height, reach and date of birth. Either unable to learn needed skills or the tutors went out to lunch on school days. No snap to the jab and strictly arm puncher with no clout.

Closing observations and passing thoughts: Referee Michael Ortega had himself banner outing - earned himself kudos - saw his work when a rookie showing promise. Round six highlight; Mack hit low and quickly feigns pain while looking for help - is instantly waived off - no surprise that Mack somehow forgets the low blow and gets back into action while grabbing the round instead of the foul-proof protector.

No sooner see the venue last nite is downtown NYC at Broad & Wall St - and walking distance from the Downtown AC where them NYC GG prelims were once held - and they play this minor league event at formal attired restaurant .

Tessitore ~ actually refers to a prelim fighter of zero potential as a prospect - opponent enters on credentials that shout his arrival is on being stopped in last four outings - all via knockout. The undefeated winner remains undefeated - maybe next bout will face a body still among the living. Future not all that promising regardless of resume`.

Atlas ~ More believable than most doing color commentary - no fighter connections at this time and doesn’t leap at the company correct commentary.

GEL -

6-28-2007