RUMBLE AT THE ROCK RAGES ONWARD
AND UPWARD... by Ed Ludwig @ ringside
ESPN Wednesday Night
Fights “Rumble At The Rock IV” from the River Rock Casino in
Richmond, BC was packed to the rafters. The three televised
fights and the three that were off air following the ESPN
telecast made for a solid evening of boxing. The festivities
kicked off on Tuesday where the press and a large amount of
fans attended the official weigh in. After all of the fighters
were done many stayed behind to sign autographs and have
pictures taken with the large group of fans who eagerly
awaited a chance to meet their idols.
Sugar Ray Leonard was brought in as the special guest, this after the successful Joe
Frazier meet and greet for the Friday Night Fights show back
in December.
JULIO IN DECISION ROMP OVER SMITH...
by George Elsasser
Joel Julio ~ age 23, with a single debit to welter champion Carlos Quintana back in 2006, has
shown title potential at s/welter - the nine months hiatus since his July 2007
stoppage of Cornelius Bundrage, has been to balance natural power with improved
technical skills. Jury still out - still in need of seasoning.
Ishe Smith ~ age 29 not the big factor. Has the skills, and
proven chin construction, the punching power not as anemic as rap sheet may
imply. Motivation appears to be the missing ingredient.
ESPN2 APRIL 30 SHOW WORTH THE
PEEK...
by George Elsasser
Julio enters at a sparkling 32-1, 30
stoppages - and did I leave out a young age 23? The “other”
guy more known to the uninitiated by the Contenders TV sitcom
image, Ishe Smith, not exactly chopped liver at a still prime
age 29, and respectable rap sheet of 19-2, 9 by knockout.
Julio will arrive on a four bout winning
streak - scalps taken in alphabetical order go Cornelius
Bundrage (TKO8); Francisco Campos (KO3); Thomas Davis (KO7);
Mauro Lucero (KO1). True, not exactly Canastota company, but
the kid is still a baby - and the single loss by decision back
on June 2006, courtesy of WBO welter champion Carlos
Quintana.
5-2-2008
