Boxing 1st December 2012

Belfast - Channel 5 Job Lot

The Eubank fight was a scheduled 8 x 3 which went the full distance. Both boxers put up a good account of themselves with Eubank controlling the fight. The judges scored the bout at 80-73, but personally I had Pryce down to win 3 rounds, but regardless - Eubank Jr deserved winner by points.

The next 36 minutes was absolute car crash. I'll give credit to Tyson for the fact he controlled the fight and didn't let Johnson cause him much trouble, but, not a sporting spectacle in any sense. Since I have nothing more productive to say about this fight other than Tyson Fury won on a unanimous points decision (119-108, 119-108, 119-110).

Madison Square Garden

Caught up with the action from the early hours of the morning from Madison Square Garden (last 3 fights).

Finally a bit of boxing that delivered good contests! First I seen was Daniel Jacobs vs Chris Fitzpatrick - This was Jacobs' second fight since recovered from Cancer. Jacobs dominated every round landing some good combo's - but to be fair to Fitzpatrick, he kept on his feet. Fitzpatrick failed to return to ring from his corner after the 5th around after deciding he'd taken enough of a beating (probably a wise move). Looks a decent super middleweight boxer and I'd imagine he'll work away some more in the US before coming over here to probably give a new up and comer a fight (James DeGale or someone similar).

Next up on the bill involved a Miguel Cotto Prodigy fighter in Jayson Velez taking on a guy who's Uncle had appeared at the MSG 30 years ago, won the title, and died 30 days later in a car crash - Salvador Sanchez. Sanchez even turned up in his uncles old Robe and Trunks - needless to say. his performance was nothing like that of the man who worn the trunks 30 years ago. Velez's power was too much for his Mexican opponent and went down in the 2nd round just before the bell. Sanchez got knocked down again in the 3rd, and got back up again, but, after another barrage of attacks the ref stood in and stopped the fight. This win sets up a title fight now for Velez.

The main event of the night at MSG was certainly worth a watch - Miguel Cotto vs Austin Trout - As the "Champion" Trout controlled the fight quite well, but both fighters went toe to toe pretty much the whole 12 rounds and it was a good brawl. Both fighters were rocked by exchanging blows - Trout was working the uppercuts well whilst Cotto used his powerful Jab to create gaps. The fight went the distance with the announced winner of Austin Trout by unanimous decision with the score cards of 119-109, 117-111, 117-111. Personally, I had it a closer fight than those score cards, but, with the same end result. Congratulations to Austin - sets up a possible fight with Saul Canelo Alvarez as I can't see Floyd taking a fight any time soon.