Last nite’s Telefutura Solo-Boxeo offering from the Alhambra Theater at the “city of brotherly love,“ (Philadelphia), served up something of an action club fight that saw Rogers Mtagwa besting Mexico’s Aldo Valtierra over ten stanzas of close combat. 

Mtagwa the younger at age 28, the quicker out of the gate than his age 37 foe while scoring with big right hands late in stanza one - and continues in control during round two. - but then Valtierra surprises over stanzas 3-4-5 as the tempo picks up. 

What we had over the backside is a bigger punching Mtagwa finding himself in a surprising firefight - regains the lead over six and seven before getting help in numero ocho from referee Wayne Hedgepeth. 

Once again we have a ring official dropping the proverbial ball - a fight looking much closer than the official scoring would reflect, and wacky Wayne debits the Mexican brawler a point for rabbit punch in a needed round that had him winning.

 

Valtierra claims number nine on this unofficial, but with both finishing the final round fatigued and sloppy, and Mtagwa of Philadelphia via Tanzania would claim the unanimous win 97-92, 96-93, 96-93.

 

Post Scripts:

• Rogers Mtagwa ( 23-12, 17 KOs) ~ young enough at age 28 - but fairly branded a career club entity. Tough, willing, but short on technique. Needs tender fare if continuing after a now 35 kept appointments.

• Aldo Valtierra (24-9, 13 KOs) ~ résumé plus age 37 shouts need of new calling.                      

• Referee Wayne Hedgepeth ~  better suited for seat at ring apron than third hack in charge inside the ropes. Both fighters short on sweet science skills but willing - thus, the mutual missed power punches brought them to close quarters. Time for ref in charge to shout for halt and break them. Not this dummy - permits the hold and hit thing with inevitable wrap around connect with little impact. Nothing intentional - but for the referee need for attention. Visitor debited.

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Prelim featherweight eight rounder saw age 21 local, Teon Kennedy remaining untarnished at 8 wins with four by stoppage via decision over Castulo Gonzalez who dropped to 9-5, 3 infamy.

The age 30 Gonzalez lacked skills but was good tester for the kid with brawling style. Kennedy showed natural boxing talent and toughness - jury not as yet sequestered but could be a future at 126-30 level.

Referee Gary Rosato ~ not sure of spelling, but regardless, this hack should hold hands with Hedgepeth and skip out the door.