Last nite, ESPN FNF from out California way, tossed up a
twin-bill dandy with relative strangers Ji Hoon Kim of
South Korea facing veteran Tyrone Harris of Lansing, MI
in a feature lightweight barn burner, along with
undefeated Siberian Ruslan Provodnikov and veteran Javier
Jauregui in a Jr. Welter scorcher.
On that note, let's go to the ring action - opens with
the younger Siberian Provodnikov having the better in a
sizzling candle that saw Provo scoring with power combos
to both body and head.
Nothing much changes over the early going with the
Siberian's non-stop aggressive style in control, while
the game but age 36 Mexican warrior Jauregui displayed
solid chin while picking spots to counter.
Jauregui finally manages to steal numero seven as
Provodnikov takes the stanza off - however, the strong
counter punches seemingly had no affect on the Russian.
Then, with the handwriting on the wall in round eight,
it's Provodnikov all over Jauregui with unanswered
barrage - enter referee Jack Reiss calling it a no-mas at
the 2:10 mark of the round.
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Post Scripts: Ruslan Provodnikov (14-0, 9 KOs) - age 26 -
the undefeated Siberian displayed a bag loaded with
assorted combinations - tough with good chin has earned
prospect credentials. Other side of the coin, is not yet
ready for the 140 lb field of predators. But worth the
peek.
Javier Jauregui ( 53-17-2, 36 KOs) -
age 36 with a now tainted resumé was ideal choice to
help showcase the new kid on the block. Seventy one kept
appointments is more than enough to call it a career.
.....................................................................................
The Tyrone Harris-Ji Hoon Kim feature that followed had
itself a tough act to follow - but for fistic action,
although aborted, proved another thriller.
The Lansing, MI veteran southpaw had himself a good
opening stanza as he brought it to the Korean in a rush -
again in numero dos it’s Harris looking good as he claims
the candle with effective port side edge.
Then number three with Kim coming alive to grab the round
- again all Kim in number four who goes on the offensive.
Stanza closes with Harris cut over the right eye.
Finally, the tie-breaker on my card, round five with a
Kim right hand/ left hook combination and Harris is down
- once up, Kim jumps on the former champion with a volley
of heavy artillery along the ropes, and referee Wayne
Hedgepeth quickly calls it off at the 1:25 mark.
Tyrone Harris (24-6, 16 KO) - age
28 - southpaw - still at prime age. Was upset with Hedgepeth stopping the fight while still on his feet.
Still, when backed to the ropes in "Turtle" fashion and
remaining there with barrage of incoming leather it
passes for waving the white flag.
Referee report card: Both Reiss and Hedgepeth scored
passing grades in letting the action flow with minimum
interference, and making timely calls to pull the
plug.
Studio guest: Was a pleasure seeing former heavyweight
champion Buster Douglas looking healthy. His comments
while viewing clips of his KO win over Mike Tyson were
accurate and straightforward. Kenny came across in usual
gatlin' gun rambling rhetoric style. Easy for the
listener to tune out and head for the proverbial ice box.
