Had no pre-convictions as I surfaced onto last night’s ShoBox comedy of errors
… one that highlighted light heavyweights Montell Griffin and Rico Hoye in an
advertised battle for number one IBF contender spot - but I sure came away with
an opinion or two.
The ignominy began with an egomaniac named Dale Grable in misplaced role of
third man in charge of the action -clearly a carryover from a yesteryear
vaudeville-slapstick comedy era.
Was an eight round opening prelim super-bantam duel between Al Seeger (19-1, 16
KO) and Eric Aiken (11-1, 8 KO) that dumb & blind without a clue Grable began
with his own brand of the today, stupid, referee equipped with hand signals.
Bad enough, the antics, but then the inevitable … point deduction Seeger for low
blow … then another deduction for errant elbow … but wait , there’s Grable in
what seemed a bottomless trick bag of arm gestures, headlock, and more … took
forever to explain the penalties.
Was finally made clear our lunatic in charge had penalized both fighters …
Seeger the elbow and Aiken the rabbit punch … and if I was confused, how about
the two novices with the padded résumés, who spent much of each round pausing
to peek at dumbo Dale.
Bout managed to go full distance with Seeger claiming the nod at 76-72, 76-72,
75-73 … for what it’s worth, neither bantamweight has much of a future judging
by what was shown during last nite’s respective offerings.
Then the main event … good news is the Dale Grable fool wasn’t working this one
… well, not as ref anyway. But much like a haunted house ghost, he was not only
still in the building, but now working as a judge in the Griffin-Hoye two-step.
And lest I forget, Grabe baby screwed up that assignment as well - the battle
for IBF "top spot" recognition resulted in more a you can have it I don’t want
it affair than anything meaningful.
Can understand Griffin, at age 34, wanting a slow pace … but Rico Hoye settling
for same, when his best chance would seemingly be in making it a busy one sort
of baffles the senses.
Talk about slow … this one was an insomniac’s delight … and surprisingly, not a
single chorus of "Let me call you sweetheart" from the assemblage that was
likely in a trance by the midway point.
For what it’s worth, my unofficial had it for Griffin 8-4 in rounds and 116-112
via the slanted version scoring system - and the judges saw it Hoye 116-112,
116-112 and 115-113 Griffin.
Post Scripts: Referee Frank Garza lucked out in following Grable as referee in
main event. Must credit his working from safe distance.
Rico Hoye ~ remains undefeated at a now 18 wins with 14 by
knockout. But, the résumé looks suspect judging by a careful as can be style
while facing a slowed version with limited clout in Griffin. Definitely an
unlikely title threat unless this Dale Grable is quickly cloned and results in
four Grables working the fight. Looney uno does the referee job and other three
do the scoring.
Montell Griffin ~ Jobbed last noche or not, is time to call
it a career … not enough speed or power … maybe continue in game as corner man
and tutor to new arrivals on the block.
GEL
