-Photo Credit: Jose Hernandez/BRC-

Contender 1, champion Sergio Mora claimed top billing in Friday’s ESPN laugher of a boxing card from far out Sacramento town - tosses a near shutout over hapless Eric Regan, in role of boxing grade school dropout with questionable 26-2, 17 rap sheet.

Underneath 8-round semi-final saw likable, but short on needed tools for success Alfonso Gomez, halting youngster Carson Jones in final stanza - more a early holiday gift than earned, courtesy of referee "on a roll" Jackass Reiss - but more on that later.

Sergio lived up to the sobriquet "Latin Snake" as the confidence quickly grew with each passing round - and while the official tallies went 98-92, 97-93, 97-3 it could well have been a 10-0 blanking over Eric of padded resumé fame.

So, what about Mora? On the credit side, I for one like some of his work - Sergio El Snake has street smarts - takes whatever is given, and has well defined hitting on the breaks down to a science - not once, twice but three times without a single point deduction. Had young hack ref Jon Shorle figured to the letter - another left coast fraud that plays to the camera.
Sergio fun guy to watch - effective unorthodox moves, and quickness when in with the Reganites - but will not cut the mustard against the middleweight elite - not enough powder in them shootin’ irons - and the talk from the idiot box (Tessitore) is a Jermain Taylor maybe in the works. Bad move doesn’t come close.

Mora remains undefeated at a now 19-0, 4 KO’s - Regan at 26-3, 17 KO’s, and where them scalps were heisted is anyone’s guess.

Setting the stage for the Latin Snake was Contender 1 compatriot Alfonso Gomez besting Carson Jones in another unbalanced pairing - the Jones kid had just turned 20, and could be national televised exposure got to him - was unable to get off.
Still, good ol’ bundle of laughs man in charge Jackass Reiss, uncharacteristically  quiet over seven candles, finally selects 2:28 of final round eight to play the fool - pulls the plug with Jones on the ropes and not returning the pitter-patter flailing of Gomez.
The knee-jerk stoppage today when the copout "show me something" falls far short of logic - the key is the eyes and legs, but all too many hacks in charge are blind to it.

The kid instantly went near-ballistic over the blown call and only a corner person arriving on the scene helped cool Jones down.

Gomez now at 15-3-2, 6 - rest of the story, while the output consists of combination punching to body and head, the deliveries are more arm-puncher variety, and the shortage of clout sees him a run of the mill nice guy, but also career club fight material.
Carson Jones (12-3-1, 7 KO) ~ young enough to sharpen up the basics - will improve from what he showed last night - good size but failed using it - and them periods of inactivity is what got him in trouble, thus the stoppage that should not have been.

The referees in charge:  Jon Shorle ~ once was promising young third man, has gone south since the early recognition via magic lantern exposure - physically breaks clinches as last resort - today opts for the motor-mouth, slapping, arm grabbing modus operandi. Three Mora connects on break draws two warnings - guy resembles traffic cop at busy intersection with the hand signals. Earns failing grades this outing.
                                          Jackass Reiss ~  what can I say that I haven’t said before - mellowed a bit in a Gomez-Jones one-sided walk in the park piece of cake - but then the final stanza, and Jackass can’t resist playing to the red eye - jumps in for premature halt.
                                         Commentators: Atlas ~ not sure if it’s tongue in cheek humor, or Teddy the trainer, analyst, author, is serious with some of what he’s selling us. Jack Reiss a good referee? Says Reiss, unlike some others today is quick to break them clinches. Really, Teddy? How about quick as in when they are not tied up and punching. And good as in mega distracting with the non-stop verbiage?                        
                                                                    Tessitore ~ no surprises, could find a "prospect" at the local funeral parlor - the embalmed one - Joey would shout all the stiff needed is a good rest. And once falling flat on his back during ring instructions we’d hear the high-pitched screams of "wotta upset!" - last nite the stiff (live one) earning accolades is Otis Griffin in light heavy six rounder that goes the distance. First we hear "Griffin a former arena football player" - tosses in, just look at the athletic body. Then the bell and the rest of the story. Would be laughable, but for the fact this guy’s fite career is labeled short one.
                                                                   Robt. Flores ~ still on track - no shtick in sight - hopefully, Brian "No Clue" Kenny  on assignment remains there.

GEL -