HBO and Showtime combined to televise a total of five bouts last night but only one was truly memorable: Timothy Bradley Jr. retaining his WBO junior welterweight title via 12 round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Lamont Peterson. Bradley, who continues to improve with each fight, dropped Peterson in round three with a right hand behind the ear. Peterson fought with determination in each and every round but simply could not match Bradley's speed and skill. Scores of 120-107, 119-108 and 118-110 accurately reflect the fact that Bradley did enough to win nearly every round, but also suggest a completely one-sided bout, which was definitely not the case. A unification bout between Bradley and Amir Khan would be a treat for fight fans.
In the co-feature WBC/WBA super flyweight champ Vic Darchinyan and Tomas Rojas appeared evenly matched until Darchinyan landed a short left in round two and suddenly the fight was over. The one-punch KO may land Darchinyan a rematch with Nonito Donaire, who KO'd Darchinyan in five rounds in 2007.
Elsewhere, WBC heavyweight champ Vitali Klitschko dominated previously undefeated Kevin Johnson for 12 dull rounds. Unlike the scores in the Bradley-Peterson bout, the one-sided scores in the Klitschko-Johnson fight (120-108 twice and 119-109) tell you all you need to know about this dreadful bout. Klitschko did what he needed to do against the defensive-minded Johnson, who seemed completely satisfied with becoming only the second fighter to go the distance with Klitschko (Timo Hoffmann also went 12 with Vitali in 2000). Unfortunately, the heavyweight division doesn't currently offer any compelling opponents for either Klitschko . . .
The rematch between Paulie Malignaggi and Juan Diaz resembled their first meeting ... only this time the judges got the scoring correct with all three seeing Malignaggi a 116-111 winner.
Finally, hot prospect Victor Ortiz bounced back from his loss Marcos Maidana to stop veteran Antonio Diaz. Diaz suffered a bad cut over his left eye and could not come out for round seven.
Comments
It was a mixed series of events. Malignaggi finally got his due. He proved hard work, no messing around in the ring, and using your talents can win. A good set of judges helps too. Pauli was vindicated. He is talented and smart in the ring, but he just has no real punch. Against an aggressive hard hitter, he will lose, but not because he did not try. If Hatton does come back, I hope Malignaggi will not fight him; why get hurt.
I have never been impressed by either Klitschko and don’t think they are good for the division or the sport. The amazingly dull fight against Johnson was about as uninteresting as any fight could be. The smaller Johnson did survive by moving and getting out of the way of the uninspired, slow and ponderous Klitschko. In the end it was Klitschko that had bruised eyes and cuts, not Johnson. The division is weak, and the Klitschko brothers only pick opponents they know will not fight much. Just maybe a real talent like David Tua will come back. Tua has power in either hand and stands with the best of them, and can beat both Klitschko bothers if he gets the shot.
The first fight was wrong. Judges scored it wrong that it favored Diaz. Paullie really bounced back from his sorry loss thanks to the judges though.