Last noche’s Showtime Saturday Special from the lone star state of Texas, was originally slated as part three of Jose Luis Castillo vs. Diego Corrales trilogy - but injuries to Corrales reduced it to half a loaf, with little known Rolando Reyes in the role of pinch hitter.

On that note, the half-loaf lightweight prelim battle for the NABF minor league strap featuring defending Jose Armando Santa Cruz and Edner Cherry, easily claimed stars of the show recognition with a sizzling, barnburner that went to the scorecards.

Santa Cruz entered at 21-1-1, 12 KO’s while the Cherry job application was 19-3-2, 8 KO’s - and then the opening bell with Cherry in counter punch mode and the taller at 5-10, Santa Cruz forcing the action albeit with caution - advantage Cherry.

Then stanza two it’s Cruz the aggressor scoring with both hands - taller and lean in physique than the compactly constructed Cherry, he showed willingness in firing away while on the inside.

Things become interesting in candle three - Cruz once again on the offense when Cherry disrupts the flurry with a counter left hook/ straight right  combo that drops Cruz to the canvas.

From that point on, it was Cruz claiming most rounds with the busier output while Cherry was wearing the puncher’s chance label - and the plot would thicken from time to time.

Round six Cruz appeared ready to close the show when hurting Cherry with big  right hands to body and a late round left hook that had Cherry turning his back before becoming entangled in the ring ropes.

Cruz continued in control thru stanza seven - then eight, and a Cherry right hand  bomb turns things around as Cruz begins a California version of the hucklebuck - but he manages to survive the stanza on shaky legs.

The joint is now alive with the sound of fistic music, as a recharged Cruz has himself a big stanza nine - then numero ten with Cruz early and Cherry late in a scorcher of a round.

Number eleven with a desperate Cherry behind on the scorecards - clearly in need of a Hail Mary finish with the clock ticking to a precious few - the door opens when a counter left hook has Cruz out on his feet with a full minute left on the clock.

But not on this night, as Santa Cruz somehow survives eleven, and holds Cherry to a spirited standoff in the final candle twelve.

The scoring went unanimous to Santa Cruz 117-110, 115-112, 114-113 - my unofficial agreed with Cruz earning the nod 115-113 in points and 7-4-1 via the round by round method.

However, the scoring aside, the drama & excitement in this one, earned both  these kids - Cruz 25, Cherry 23 -  a rematch at the main event level of Sho-Box, HBO or ESPN.
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Then it was Castillo-Reyes time - and with the paying clientele prepped and ready by the tantalizing semi-final appetizer, the top dogs had itself one tough chaw to swallow - and did it ever translate to more choke than chew.

Whatever the reason - too complex for this dropout of decades past - maybe a Castillo let down, or age coupled with 61 kept appointments - or perhaps a simple matter of "tune-up" time.

Then there’s Reyes at a young age 25, and a bit out of place with a celebrated and proven warrior -  and suddenly a bit shy once the ring lights brightened - whatever, it was best described as a yawn-provoking sparring session.

Still, it was Castillo in role of dominant, as he methodically pursued a reluctant prey that only countered during moments of survival - didn’t help matters that El Paso, Texas has a Laurence Cole as "man in charge" - a hack that stands equal to many of the today political practitioners that pollute the game with incompetence.

Regardless, old news now, that Castillo was in control from start to finish - and to borrow the mail carrier slogan, "neither rain, snow, sleet, or unhappy sounds from the cheap seats, could keep Castillo from his appointed rounds."

He did show flashes of his patented body bashing with Reyes assuming the peek-a-boo defense over much of the mismatch - and while the exchanges were few and uninspiring, the seasoned veteran at age 32, displayed there is still plenty in the tank.

Reyes appeared pleased to remain among the living after the 39 minutes of fistic exercise, and could well benefit from the experience when again returning to the club flight venue.

Closing Comments: Castillo ~ the talk was more about weight, and word is after the slated springtime Corrales bashing he will move up in class. Spoke of possible Cotto fight. Not sure if the gusty trouper can get away with the next rung of the ladder. Time will surely supply answers.
                                   Rolando Reyes ~ looked like the kid knew better than the brain(less) trust that had him take this mismatch - especially on short notice - commissions these days must be filled with former referees of little consequence.
                                  
                                        Jose Armando Santa Cruz ~ kudos to this age 25 crowd pleaser for his part in a thriller with Cherry. The body and the late round rubbery legs not conducive, if the thought is NABF strap translates to step up in opposition. Working at close quarters, without more in-out quickness, should could carry surgeon general health warning.
                                       Edner Cherry ~ Win, lose or draw I still like this 23 year-old - has punching power and body strength. Believe a solid tutor with small changes in current style should improve the end results. Just once would like seeing the kid work from a crouch and toss combinations.
                                       Laurence Cole aka referee of little renown - thought he had been sent to pasture based on shortage of  job skills - my first reaction, a knee-jerk shout to an empty room was, "Oh bleep, not this $%# again."
Enuf said.

GEL-

Questions? Comments? Email George Elsasser

2-04-06