Connect with us

Featured Articles

Boxing Odds and Ends: Thurman-Barrios, Cuadras-Rodriguez and More

Published

on

Boxing-Odds-and-Ends-Thurman-Barrios-Cuadras-Rodriguez-and-More

Boxing Odds and Ends: Thurman-Barrios, Cuadras-Rodriguez and More

Two fighters made great gains this past weekend — a veteran who recaptured lost luster and a newcomer who turned in a masterclass against a battle-hardened campaigner.

The veteran, Keith Thurman, was seemingly on the cusp of super-stardom after nipping Shawn Porter in a doozy of a 12-round fight at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in May of 1995. The riveting scrap, in which the combatants combined to throw more than 1,200 punches, was witnessed by 2.12 million on CBS – the first boxing match televised in primetime by the network since the first Ali-Spinks fight in 1978.

Rather than build on that triumph, however, Thurman became something of an afterthought. In part because of elbow and hand injuries, he fought only three times in the next five-and-a-half years. A split decision over Danny Garcia drew catcalls from the pro-Garcia crowd, he survived a treacherous seventh round to win a majority decision over Josesito Lopez, and then he fell from the ranks of the unbeaten, his record blemished by ancient Manny Pacquiao.

Meanwhile, as Thurman was becoming an after-thought, Errol Spence Jr’s reputation grew in leaps and bounds and Terence Crawford burst on the welterweight scene with a flourish after unifying the 140-pound title. For the last several years, all the talk about welterweights centered around Spence and Crawford and whether they would meet up while still in their respective primes.

Keith Thurman (pictured) was favored to turn away Mario Barrios this past Saturday, but the consensus was that it wouldn’t come easy. At age 26, Barrios was the younger man by seven years. Although he was moving up in weight, he had the bigger frame. His lone defeat had come at the hands of the formidable Gervonta “Tank” Davis – no shame in that — and this would be Thurman’s first fight in 31 months.  In theory, he would need several rounds to shed the rust and by then he might be too far behind on the scorecards to pull the fight out of the fire.

So much for theory. Thurman, whose receding hairline makes him look somewhat older than his 33 years, turned back the clock. “[He] moved around the ring like he used to, planting his feet long enough to land hard, accurate punches and then using them to dance out of harm’s way round after round,” wrote Michael Rosenthal for a story that appeared on Yahoo. He won 10 of the 12 rounds on two of the cards and nine rounds on the other, advancing his ledger to 30-1.

It goes without saying that Keith Thurman wants to fight the winner of the forthcoming title unification fight between Errol Spence and Yordenis Ugas (pegged for April 16 in Arlington, Texas, at the home of the Dallas Cowboys), but he may not want to wait around that long. A match between Thurman and Jaron “Boots” Ennis would be a delicious pairing. In fact, if the fight could be made (don’t hold your breath), it would undoubtedly attract more buzz than Spence vs Ugas.

Jesse Rodriguez

“Jesse Rodriguez scores stunning upset of Carlos Cuadras” read the headline above another Yahoo story that originated elsewhere.

Well, no.

This was no upset. Some people with deep pockets unstrapped the rubber band and chunked it in on Rodriguez who closed at better than a 3/1 favorite. Moreover, in the deepest pre-fight survey of boxing writers, the respondents were overwhelmingly in favor of Rodriguez. Someone was paying attention when the respected trainer Robert Garcia called Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez the most talented fighter in his stable.

But while this was no upset, the word “stunning” was entirely fitting because of the way the bout played out.

True, at age 33 Carlos Cuadras was exhibiting signs of being a bit shopworn, but the 14-year vet, who carried a 39-4-1 record, had been in with a bunch of tough hombres including the likes of Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez when Chocolatito was widely considered the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world. One could easily build a case for him considering that Rodriguez took the fight on short notice, had done most of his fighting at the next weight class down, and had answered the bell as a pro for only 62 rounds.

But lo and behold, Rodriguez won this battle for the WBC super flyweight title with room to spare, prevailing by a margin of 7 points on two of the scorecards (“3” on the other, which was too generous to Cuadras). The knockdown he scored in round three was a beauty, especially considering that he is a southpaw. Displaying nifty footwork, he pivoted to his right Lomachenko-style to set up the angle and nailed Cuadras with a short right uppercut that landed right on the button.

Rodriguez

Rodriguez

“Bam” Rodriguez, who hails from San Antonio and is the younger brother of another 115-pound title-holder, Joshua Franco, signed with Robert Garcia in 2016 shortly after winning the Junior Olympics in the light flyweight division. He just turned 22, making him the sport’s youngest title-holder.

Women’s Boxing

The Phoenix show headlined by Cuadras-Rodriguez was marred by a women’s bout between Jamie Mitchell and Carly Skelly that was an egregious mismatch. A glutton for punishment, Skelly bravely fought as best she could, but she was badly battered in a bout that should have been stopped well before the referee finally waived it off in the fourth stanza.

Mismatch aside, that this bout was sanctioned as a world title fight was yet another atrocity by the putrid World Boxing Association. Heading in, these ladies, both in their mid-30’s, had only 14 pro fights between them – only three against opponents with winning records.

The good news for fans of women’s boxing is that 2022 shapes up as a breakthrough year. Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are headlining an April 30 card at Madison Square Garden heralded as the biggest fight in female boxing history. Later this year, two-time Olympians Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall will square off in a rematch of their 2012 encounter at an amateur tournament in China – Claressa’s lone setback in 77 boxing matches. But it says here that the women will never achieve parity with the men so long as match-ups like Mitchell vs. Skelly remain the norm in women’s championship boxing.

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Advertisement
Boxing-Notes-and-Nuggets-from-Thomas-Hauser
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Hiruta-Bohachuk-and-Trinidad-Win-at-the-Commerce-Casino
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Hiruta, Bohachuk, and Trinidad Win at the Commerce Casino

David-Allen-Bursts-Johnny-Fisher's-Bubble-at-the-Copper-Box
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

David Allen Bursts Johnny Fisher’s Bubble at the Copper Box

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles1 week ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles1 week ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles4 days ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles7 hours ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles1 day ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles4 days ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles1 week ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles1 week ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

Boxing-Notes-and-Nuggets-from-Thomas-Hauser
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending