Takeaways from an Exciting Weekend of Boxing

A distinctive Latino flair along with sensational knockouts and mind-numbing upsets were on display on the second weekend of November. Before the Munguia vs. Rosado main event, home boy Alexis “Lex” Rocha (18-1) methodically and relentlessly battered and pot-shotted outmatched Colombian Jeovanis Barraza (23-2) at will, going upstairs and downstairs like he was hitting a heavy bag. After a discussion with the Colombian’s corner between rounds 8 and 9, a number of “important looking” people including long-time referee Ray Corona and a concerned inspector, it was decided to allow the fight to continue. If you are a conspiracy type, maybe they needed to extend the time so that a late-arriving Jaime Munguia could properly warm up, but whatever the reason, the fight should have been stopped right there and then. Barraza was visibly tired and ready to go before Corona mercifully pulled the plug early in the ninth. This is how bad things happen in boxing, especially when it’s lost in the hype surrounding bigger fights to follow.

Across the Pond

“I knew I’d get the KO!… I see Terri Harper on the canvas and my hand being raised” — Alycia Baumgardner

“Great refereeing” — multiple posters

Over at the Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, WBC Female Super Featherweight title holder Terri Harper (11-0-1) defended her title against classy American Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (10-1). This one promised fireworks and it delivered with the American dropping most of the heavy artillery as she waited patiently for her opportunity.

It came in round 4.

The two were engaged in a mini firefight when all of a sudden “The Bomb” landed a malicious right that knocked Terri stiff—still standing but nevertheless stiff and with her back turned dangerously to Baumgardner. She was literally unconscious standing up. As Baumgardner moved in to land what could have been extremely damaging blows, quick-thinking referee Mark Lyson jumped in and protected Terri from unnecessary damage; he saved her for another day. It was bizarre and very, very scary. Brits, of course, were gutted – Terri is one of theirs — but they also praised Alycia for her class and humility.

This writer has seen some great refereeing over the years but this likely will never be topped.

 TED SARES can be reached at tedsares@roadrunner.com

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