Last night's ESPN2 card from Buffalo Run Casino at Miami, Oklahoma spawned a pair of “upsets” with Ashley Theophane claiming a majority decision win over favored Delvin Rodriguez in the main bout- and Francisco Sierra scoring a stanza seven technical decision over a touted Don George. 

Opens with undefeated Chicago town Super Middleweight Don George (20-0-1, 17 KOs)  in with young, age 22, Francisco Sierra (21-3, 20 KOs)  of south of the border down Mexico way. 

Round one sees both fighters in search of early knockout - action give and take affair with the Mexican having the edge - late in the stanza it’s George wobbled by a solid left-hook. 

The visiting Sierra continues with the advantage over numero tres - key is a stronger chin and a power left hook that quickly answers the George right hands. 

Round four may have been claimed by George with Sierra taking the stanza off -  then it is all Sierra - handwriting on the proverbial wall surfaces in candle six with George again in trouble, has look of one searching for a fire exit. 

Then the finale during round seven with Sierra first dropping George with right hand, and late in the closing seconds the Mexican displayed excellent finishing qualities - the closer a big right hand that followed a combination and George is out on his feet before falling backwards into hack in charge Gary Ritter’s arms. 

Seems the right hand finisher had found the questionable George chin a second or two after the round ending bell. 

A meeting of the alleged minds conversed over how the fight should be played out - to the extent during the discussion the TV viewer heard from unqualified ring commentators “No Clue” Kenny looking for a “DQ,” and Joey Tessitore opting for the 2-point penalty - as did fight “Book of Knowledge” Teddy Atlas. 

End result it went into the books, with Sierra winning by way of technical decision to the tune of 68-53; 69-62, 69-62.   

Post Scripts: Francisco Sierra ( 22-3, 20 KOs) ~ age 22 - arrived unranked, and while he showed vital qualities of strong chin, top of the line fighting heart - the 168 pound gang is loaded with more complete members at this time. For now, a solid club fighter - but unfinished in technique department. Stay tuned.                

Don George ( 20-1-1, 17 KOs) ~ age 25 a plus - time to upgrade from one dimensional entity to a more complete boxer-puncher. Guess here is Don “Da Bomb” was carelessly mishandled taking the Sierra fight, when seeing the Mexican rap sheet showed a round one KO at hands of Edison Miranda. Overlooked is something even skills upgrading is not enough - George has inherited a "china chin” at birth. 

P.S. George was supposed to go against "Chin Checker" Curtis Stevens. However, Stevens pulled out of the engagement 9 days before the actual date. Props to Sierra for taking the assignment on such short notice, which he won handily.

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The Rodriguez-Theophane main event on paper had showcase scribbled over it - I mean, in one corner we have the Connecticut Yankee nestled at IBF number three ranked, while his opponent from the United Kingdom still unranked.

 

Toss in Rodriguez enjoying the size advantage at 6’ - to Theophane at 5’8 - and then the opening bell, and all Rodriguez over the first three candles - outscoring the visitor, while willing, much too wild with the counters.

 

On my sheet it continued Rodriguez with the better skills - still, Theophane wasn’t going anywhere as he pressed the action - then number seven with Rodriguez looking tired - suddenly the legs had gone AWOL.

 

The critical closing championship rounds of 8-9-10 became all Theophane with a full court press that had the favorite wobbling and holding to survive - through true grit the favorite made it to the final bell.

 

Then the official scoring: Theophane 96-94; 96-94; 95-95 for a majority decision - my unofficial had it Rodriguez 96-94 in points and 6-4 under round by round method.

 

Post Scripts: Rodriguez (25-5-2, 14 KOs) ~ age 30 - while my sheet had him holding on by virtue of them early stanzas, he showed a serious stamina problem over them championship rounds - had it been a twelve round bout he would have been stopped. The loss a likely other side of the coin than what would have been awaiting the likable young veteran - like maybe a Pacquiao, Mosley, Berto mismatch.’
                   Theophane (27-4-1, 7 KOs) ~ age 29 - should earn spot among one of the sanctioning bodies - crowd pleaser with decent power left hook coupled with strong chin and stamina. Still, more club fight level than hot prospect. 

Referee report card: The Ritter twins (Gary & Gerald) more qualified as circus clowns than ring officials. Had seen their act before - have also seen Abbott & Costello. Liked the movie version better.

Undercard Results:

Andy Lee KO5 James Cook
Jonathan Gonzalez TKO6 Abel Perry
Rances Barthelemy TKO1 Cody Harless
Yordenis Ugas TKO1 DeJuan Jackson

 

GEL -

7-31-2-010