In a busy affair for IBF jr. middleweight honors it was Uganda’s Kassim "The Dream" Ouma leaving nothing for the imagination in an impressive one-sided decision win over game, hard punching fellow African Kofi Jantuah.

Late money had Jantuah drawing close at the betting windows, but come show time, it would be all Ouma with a dazzling display of offensive skills that left the tough Jantuah with no answers.

My unofficial had Jantuah claiming the opening round … was the busier in the offense department … Ouma used the three minutes to find what Jantuah was all about, staying on the inside while Kofi fired away with both hands.

From numero two on to the finish line it would be all Ouma … superior condition, speed and a rock solid chin belonged to the one with the sobriquet "The Dream" as he dictated the pace in take charge fashion.

Ouma is a now age 26 southpaw with quick hands coupled with defensive skills when needed … makes up for shortage of clout with flurries, combinations and energy conserving style with minimal movement.

Yes, Ouma is for real at jr. middle … and with only a Winky Wright a cut above at this time the kid from Nigeria could be in position to earn some serious pocket money under a HBO contract.

Late in last noche’s fight commentators Merchant and Lampley were already discussing Ouma’s chances at full middleweight. Amazing today how quickly the demands are made on young stars of the game.

Post Scripts ~ Ouma prepared and ready for whatever comes his way. Has the skills to compete with any of the top ten. Should remain for now where he’s at … find it a bit amusing hearing the "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas name dropping during last night’s action. Ferocious? Pray tell what year was that anyway?

                         Jantuah: Tough and can punch. Is also another well conditioned one that refused to consider calling it a nite while on receiving end of volume punching foe. Deserves another peek … maybe HBO "After-Dark" would be ideal regrouping point.

GEL

1-29-2005