Action opened on the hot side with both having their moments ... Boz looked the better in the skills department and McCline the bigger banger ... still, it would go nip-n-tuck thru eight competitive candles.
Then, a between rounds camera shot of Boswell's corner hinted of fatigue ... and the McCline gang had taken notice ... come stanza nine it was all "Big Time" - a monster candle saw Boz ready for the cleaners but for a temporary reprieve courtesy of round ending bell.
Not a soul in the joint saw this one going to the cards - Boswell down early from a McCline flurry ... could have been halted at that point with Cedric floundering about on shaky underpinnings ... eventually referee Kenny Bayless came to the rescue with Boswell exhausted and defenseless at the 2:07 mark.
McCline improves to 30-3-3 with 18 stops while Boswell drops to 21-1 and 16 KO's.
Observations:
McCline: ~ Was a good move swapping body-builder nutritionist for fite trainer ... the bulked muscles did little to enhance the fite skills ... maybe a tad too heavy at 269 but punches seem quicker with new look. Now shouting for those among top five in the heavy listings. Whoa baby ... upper echelons carry surnames of Lewis, Byrd, Jones Jr., Sanders, Klitschkos, Tua, Tyson, etc. Think better role is one of roadblock for new-face hopefuls ala Mesi, Guinn, Dokiwari types.
Boswell: ~ Is very game and has boxing skills ... problem seems them 16 knockouts in 21 priors not only fib a little, but have also denied Cedric the learning process of handling the distance come busy affairs. Had this one in the pocket thru 8 candles ... translates to club fight distance. Age 34 isn't a plus.
ESPN2 FNF card highlighted heavyweights Monte Barrett facing Eric "Stone Kold" Kirkland ... came up short in the action department ... thru five opening candles this one was a listless standoff ... Barrett then took charge over rounds six thru nine before chilling "Stone Kold" in number ten. Barrett improves to 29-2 and 16 KO's while Kirkland drops to 17-2 and 13 KO's.
Post Scripts: Barrett another good name for the new breed to build on ... or be exposed.
Kirkland as well fits nicely in that element.
Semper fi,
GEL
The Friday nite Showtime pairing saw Jameel McCline snaring a previously undefeated Cedric Boswell at the proverbial wire - a dandy of a duel in style with two aggressive counter-punchers in quest of better things down that pugilistic pike.
10-03-2003