MARCO FINALLY FINDS THE WELL DRY!
Las Vegas, NV- Juan Manuel Marquez picked up his first win at super featherweight, 130 lbs., winning a unanimous decision over Marco Antonio Barrera, to take the WBC championship from the three-division ex-champion.. It was an exciti9ng battle as Marquez, a bigger man naturally, (Marco started at 115 lbs., Juan 126), utilized his youth and the fact he had far less miles on his boxing body than did Barrera, who turned professional at 15 years of age.
DID FIGHT BOIL DOWN TO THE SEVENTH?
The highlight of the bout occurred in the seventh round, when Marquez hurt Barrera repeatedly, especially with right hands. And yet, the new champion found himself on all fours after eating a stunning Barrera right hand. However, Barrera threw a punch while Marquez was down and referee Jay Nady called off the knockdown and deducted one point from Barrera, causing a huge three-point swing. That didn’t matter anyway because Marquez dominated the last four rounds for the unanimous win. The scores were 118-109 and 116-111 twice.
SLUGGER DE LEON OUTBOXES PENALOSA
When Daniel Ponce De Leon realized he could not blow out Gerry Penalosa in two rounds, he proceeded to use his superior height and reach to outbox Penalosa over twelve rounds. The Filipino did have some moments in the bout, but he could not maintain the pace that the 26-year-old WBO 122lbs titlist sustained. Scores were 120-108 and 119-109 twice. I gave Penalosa a bit more credit, scoring it 117-111 for De Leon. The Filipino has nothing to be ashamed of, but needs to back down to 118 lbs., or even 115 and fight Jorge Arce.
HOPKINS WIN VIA WIDE MARGIN?
Demetrius Hopkins won a 12-round unanimous decision over former IBF champion and “Contender” finalist Steve Forbes. It appeared to these eyes that Forbes out hustled Hopkins at many points during the fight. but Hopkins did land the harder cleaner blows. The scores did not merit what happened in the bout: 118-110 twice & 117-111. “The Pinoy’s card had this USBA bout a draw at 114-114.
