Tag: Angelo Leo

Fight Week: Angelo Leo vs. Stephen Fulton on Showtime

Fight Week: Angelo Leo defends his 122-pound title against Stephen Fulton on Saturday.

FIGHT WEEK

Angelo Leo defends his 122-pound title against top contender Stephen Fulton on Showtime.

MYKQUAN WILLIAMS (15-0-1, 7 KOs) VS.
YEIS GABRIEL SOLANO (15-0, 10 KOs)

  • When: Wednesday, Jan. 20
  • Where: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.
  • TV/Stream: Showtime
  • Division: Junior welterweight (140 pounds)
  • At stake: No titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Martino Jules vs. Pedro Marquez Medina, featherweights; Jose Nunez vs. Aram Avagyan, featherweights
  • Prediction: Williams UD
  • Background: Solano will be traveling to Williams’ backyard and moving up to 140 pounds to face him in a matchup that is competitive on paper. Solano reportedly had an amateur record of 118-12 for his native Columbia, where the southpaw fought his first dozen fights as a pro. He then went to Mexico for two bouts and made his U.S. debut in June of 2019, defeating Elias Araujo by a split decision. He hasn’t fought since. Williams, a former amateur standout from Hartford, Conn., has fought at 140 or above his entire pro career. He relies more on his quickness and athleticism than power. And it has worked for him, although he’s coming off a draw with Tre’Sean Wiggins in October 2019. He has been out of the ring since then. This is a big opportunity for both fighters, who moved into the ShoBox main event when a fight between Patrick Cora and Hurshidbek Normatov fell out.

***

ANGELO LEO (20-0, 9 KOs)
VS. STEPHEN FULTON (18-0, 8 KOs)

Stephen Fulton defeated Arnold Khegai by a unanimous decision in January. Amanda Westcott / Showtime
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 23
  • Where: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.
  • TV/Stream: Showtime
  • Division: Junior featherweight (122 pounds)
  • At stake: Leo’s WBO title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Fulton 1½-1
  • Also on the card: Vic Pasillas vs. Raeese Aleem, junior featherweights; Rolando Romero vs. Justin Pauldo, lightweights
  • Prediction: Fulton UD
  • Background: This matchup was set for Aug. 1 at the same venue but Fulton had to pull out days beforehand after testing positive for COVID-19. Leo fought Tramaine Williams instead, winning a wide decision and the vacant 122-pound title. Fulton, fully recovered, finally gets his shot at Leo and the belt five-plus months later. Leo, a pressure fighter with a murderous body attack, gave a strong performance against the capable Williams. The product of Albuquerque won by scores of 118-110, 118-110 and 117-111. However, most observers see Fulton as a bigger threat than Williams. The Philadelphian is a quick, clever technician who will use all of his assets – including excellent footwork – in an attempt to neutralize Leo’s relentless attack. The contrast in styles and high stakes makes for an interesting 50-50 matchup.

[lawrence-related id=17119,12445,17113]

Fight Week: Angelo Leo vs. Stephen Fulton on Showtime

Fight Week: Angelo Leo defends his 122-pound title against Stephen Fulton on Saturday.

FIGHT WEEK

Angelo Leo defends his 122-pound title against top contender Stephen Fulton on Showtime.

MYKQUAN WILLIAMS (15-0-1, 7 KOs) VS.
YEIS GABRIEL SOLANO (15-0, 10 KOs)

  • When: Wednesday, Jan. 20
  • Where: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.
  • TV/Stream: Showtime
  • Division: Junior welterweight (140 pounds)
  • At stake: No titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Martino Jules vs. Pedro Marquez Medina, featherweights; Jose Nunez vs. Aram Avagyan, featherweights
  • Prediction: Williams UD
  • Background: Solano will be traveling to Williams’ backyard and moving up to 140 pounds to face him in a matchup that is competitive on paper. Solano reportedly had an amateur record of 118-12 for his native Columbia, where the southpaw fought his first dozen fights as a pro. He then went to Mexico for two bouts and made his U.S. debut in June of 2019, defeating Elias Araujo by a split decision. He hasn’t fought since. Williams, a former amateur standout from Hartford, Conn., has fought at 140 or above his entire pro career. He relies more on his quickness and athleticism than power. And it has worked for him, although he’s coming off a draw with Tre’Sean Wiggins in October 2019. He has been out of the ring since then. This is a big opportunity for both fighters, who moved into the ShoBox main event when a fight between Patrick Cora and Hurshidbek Normatov fell out.

***

ANGELO LEO (20-0, 9 KOs)
VS. STEPHEN FULTON (18-0, 8 KOs)

Stephen Fulton defeated Arnold Khegai by a unanimous decision in January. Amanda Westcott / Showtime
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 23
  • Where: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.
  • TV/Stream: Showtime
  • Division: Junior featherweight (122 pounds)
  • At stake: Leo’s WBO title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Fulton 1½-1
  • Also on the card: Vic Pasillas vs. Raeese Aleem, junior featherweights; Rolando Romero vs. Justin Pauldo, lightweights
  • Prediction: Fulton UD
  • Background: This matchup was set for Aug. 1 at the same venue but Fulton had to pull out days beforehand after testing positive for COVID-19. Leo fought Tramaine Williams instead, winning a wide decision and the vacant 122-pound title. Fulton, fully recovered, finally gets his shot at Leo and the belt five-plus months later. Leo, a pressure fighter with a murderous body attack, gave a strong performance against the capable Williams. The product of Albuquerque won by scores of 118-110, 118-110 and 117-111. However, most observers see Fulton as a bigger threat than Williams. The Philadelphian is a quick, clever technician who will use all of his assets – including excellent footwork – in an attempt to neutralize Leo’s relentless attack. The contrast in styles and high stakes makes for an interesting 50-50 matchup.

[lawrence-related id=17119,12445,17113]

Stephen Fulton relishes his second chance to fight Angelo Leo for title

Stephen Fulton said he relishes a second opportunity to fight Angelo Leo for a major title.

Stephen Fulton is adept at adjusting to challenges he faces in the ring. Turns out he can do that outside the ropes too.

Fulton was devastated when he tested positive for COVID-19 and had to pull out of his Aug. 1 fight with Angelo Leo for the vacant WBO 122-pound belt days before what would’ve been his first title shot.

The 26-year-old Philadelphian felt sorry for himself for a day or two and then he adjusted. He gets his shot against Leo on Jan. 23 (Showtime).

“I was very disappointed,” Fulton told Boxing Junkie. “I felt I let a lot of people down, including myself. Then I realized it was part of God’s plan. And I looked at it in a positive way. … I thought, ‘This happened for a reason.’

“Angelo Leo had his dream of becoming a world champion come true and I’ve had more time to prepare for the fight. It worked out for both of us.”

Stephen Fulton (left) is coming off a unanimous-decision victory over Arnold Khegai on Jan. 25. AP Photo / Frank Franklin II

Fulton (18-0, 8 KOs) had to maintain that positive attitude as he battled the coronavirus, which hit him with the full spectrum of symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, you name it.

He never thought his life was in jeopardy but he suffered. And he gained an appreciation of what tens of millions of people worldwide have experienced.

“I saw what it was doing to me,” he said. “The changes in your body, the emotions. I wasn’t scared for myself. I thought about older people who have been dealing with this, some who didn’t make it out. I feel for them.

“It’s a life-changing situation. Your body is just pushed to the limit.”

Fulton recovered after a few months. He said he was 100% healthy “in October, November,” which allowed him to get back to work. His focus was his second opportunity to fight Leo, who had outpointed fill-in opponent Tramaine Williams to win the title.

Fulton saw what he expected to see from Leo that night, a pressure fighter who suffocates his opponents. That’s nothing new to him, he said. The quick, clever boxer saw a variety of styles in his substantial amateur career and has faced tougher opposition than Leo (20-0, 9 KOs) as a pro.

The way Fulton sees it, his opponent will be walking directly into his punches.

[lawrence-related id=12445,17113]

“His style is tailormade for me,” Fulton said. “… He’ll get hit with shots he won’t be able to see because he’ll be so busy pressuring me, trying to hurt me. That’s it. And I’ve been hurt before and got through it. I’m still undefeated.

“I’m a slick style of fighter, with good defense, good footwork, good movement. My jab is awesome. The only thing he has to rely on is pressure.”

Fulton was told that Floyd Mayweather, Leo’s promoter, suggested that his protégé attack Fulton the way aggressive Marcos Maidana did against him.

His reaction? “Mayweather can’t fight for him.”

This is Fulton’s moment, the opportunity he lost in late July. He was motivated then, as the stakes were high. Now? After what he went through – physically and emotionally – a victory on Jan. 23 will mean that much more to him.

And he believes it will be more dramatic.

“There’s a better story behind it now,” he said. “The kid from Philadelphia loses his title shot but comes back around and picks it right back up.”

Good story, indeed.

Stephen Fulton relishes his second chance to fight Angelo Leo for title

Stephen Fulton said he relishes a second opportunity to fight Angelo Leo for a major title.

Stephen Fulton is adept at adjusting to challenges he faces in the ring. Turns out he can do that outside the ropes too.

Fulton was devastated when he tested positive for COVID-19 and had to pull out of his Aug. 1 fight with Angelo Leo for the vacant WBO 122-pound belt days before what would’ve been his first title shot.

The 26-year-old Philadelphian felt sorry for himself for a day or two and then he adjusted. He gets his shot against Leo on Jan. 23 (Showtime).

“I was very disappointed,” Fulton told Boxing Junkie. “I felt I let a lot of people down, including myself. Then I realized it was part of God’s plan. And I looked at it in a positive way. … I thought, ‘This happened for a reason.’

“Angelo Leo had his dream of becoming a world champion come true and I’ve had more time to prepare for the fight. It worked out for both of us.”

Stephen Fulton (left) is coming off a unanimous-decision victory over Arnold Khegai on Jan. 25. AP Photo / Frank Franklin II

Fulton (18-0, 8 KOs) had to maintain that positive attitude as he battled the coronavirus, which hit him with the full spectrum of symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, you name it.

He never thought his life was in jeopardy but he suffered. And he gained an appreciation of what tens of millions of people worldwide have experienced.

“I saw what it was doing to me,” he said. “The changes in your body, the emotions. I wasn’t scared for myself. I thought about older people who have been dealing with this, some who didn’t make it out. I feel for them.

“It’s a life-changing situation. Your body is just pushed to the limit.”

Fulton recovered after a few months. He said he was 100% healthy “in October, November,” which allowed him to get back to work. His focus was his second opportunity to fight Leo, who had outpointed fill-in opponent Tramaine Williams to win the title.

Fulton saw what he expected to see from Leo that night, a pressure fighter who suffocates his opponents. That’s nothing new to him, he said. The quick, clever boxer saw a variety of styles in his substantial amateur career and has faced tougher opposition than Leo (20-0, 9 KOs) as a pro.

The way Fulton sees it, his opponent will be walking directly into his punches.

[lawrence-related id=12445,17113]

“His style is tailormade for me,” Fulton said. “… He’ll get hit with shots he won’t be able to see because he’ll be so busy pressuring me, trying to hurt me. That’s it. And I’ve been hurt before and got through it. I’m still undefeated.

“I’m a slick style of fighter, with good defense, good footwork, good movement. My jab is awesome. The only thing he has to rely on is pressure.”

Fulton was told that Floyd Mayweather, Leo’s promoter, suggested that his protégé attack Fulton the way aggressive Marcos Maidana did against him.

His reaction? “Mayweather can’t fight for him.”

This is Fulton’s moment, the opportunity he lost in late July. He was motivated then, as the stakes were high. Now? After what he went through – physically and emotionally – a victory on Jan. 23 will mean that much more to him.

And he believes it will be more dramatic.

“There’s a better story behind it now,” he said. “The kid from Philadelphia loses his title shot but comes back around and picks it right back up.”

Good story, indeed.

Angleo Leo aims to prove doubters wrong vs. Stephen Fulton

Angleo Leo aims to prove doubters wrong in his title defense against Stephen Fulton on Jan. 23.

Angelo Leo relishes the biggest victory of his career, a wide decision over late replacement Tramaine Williams on Aug. 1 that allowed him to realize a dream of winning a world title.

Knowledgeable observers evidently aren’t convinced that Leo is the real deal, though. He’ll have to beat the man who he was supposed to have fought that night at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., to get their respect.

That opportunity comes on Jan. 23 in the same ring, where he’ll make the first defense of his WBO junior featherweight title against Stephen Fulton.

Fulton had to pull out of the earlier fight after contracting COVID-19 but is healthy now. And the slick, athletic boxer from Philadelphia is a slight favorite to beat the new titleholder.

“Fulton has been on TV a lot more than I have,” Leo told Boxing Junkie. “A lot more people have seen him fight, they know his name. I’m the new kid on the block. That will change with time.

“If I keep winning, people will recognize who I am.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3AG4w1Azvg

Leo (20-0, 9 KOs) certainly made the most of opportunity presented to him on in August.

The product of Albuquerque learned only a few days before the fight that Fulton was out and Williams was in, which required adjustment. He had been preparing for Fulton, who fights from an orthodox stance. Williams is lefthanded.

Still, Leo, who relies on relentless pressure, a brutal body attack and conditioning, dominated his capable opponent. He won by scores of 118-110 (10 rounds to two), 118-110 and 117-111.

And it didn’t matter to him that it was Williams who he defeated to win his coveted trinket at 26 years old. He never dreamed about who would be across the ring from him, only having the shiny belt wrapped around his waist after the fact.

At the same time, he understands that the realization of one goal leads to another. He’s just getting started.

“It was a dream come true,” he said. “It’s something I worked my whole life for. Ever since I was 10 years old I dreamed of becoming a world champion, to have the strap around me. That’s not the end of it, though.

“They has everyone will be gunning for you after you win a title. That being said, I’m training harder. I have to keep my foot on the gas pedal.”

Leo understands that Fulton (18-0, 8 KOs) poses a significant challenge, which is why every oddsmaker Boxing Junkie could find had Fulton as the favorite.

They don’t seem to care too much about the victory over Williams or the fact Leo has the type of style – pressure, body attack – to slow down an opponent who relies on technique and his quickness.

Leo is promoted by Floyd Mayweather, a master boxer who understands the problems a fighter with Leo’s style can create. Marcos Maidana, whose style was similar to Leo’s, gave Mayweather fits at times by staying on top of him in their two-fight series in 2014.

Is that the blueprint for Leo against Fulton?

“That’s what Floyd told me,” Leo said. “He said, ‘Watch my fight against Maidana. That’s how you have to go in there.”

Leo insists he’s a better boxer than people might realize but, yes, Fulton can expect the titleholder to be in his face from beginning to end.

“It just comes up with has a better style, who can adapt the most,” Leo said. “It’s two contrasting styles. You have a boxer and you have a pressure fighter. One can beat the other. It all depends on the details.

“That being said I think the pressure will make him uncomfortable.”

Just as it did against Williams.

[lawrence-related id=12445,12316]

Angleo Leo aims to prove doubters wrong vs. Stephen Fulton

Angleo Leo aims to prove doubters wrong in his title defense against Stephen Fulton on Jan. 23.

Angelo Leo relishes the biggest victory of his career, a wide decision over late replacement Tramaine Williams on Aug. 1 that allowed him to realize a dream of winning a world title.

Knowledgeable observers evidently aren’t convinced that Leo is the real deal, though. He’ll have to beat the man who he was supposed to have fought that night at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., to get their respect.

That opportunity comes on Jan. 23 in the same ring, where he’ll make the first defense of his WBO junior featherweight title against Stephen Fulton.

Fulton had to pull out of the earlier fight after contracting COVID-19 but is healthy now. And the slick, athletic boxer from Philadelphia is a slight favorite to beat the new titleholder.

“Fulton has been on TV a lot more than I have,” Leo told Boxing Junkie. “A lot more people have seen him fight, they know his name. I’m the new kid on the block. That will change with time.

“If I keep winning, people will recognize who I am.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3AG4w1Azvg

Leo (20-0, 9 KOs) certainly made the most of opportunity presented to him on in August.

The product of Albuquerque learned only a few days before the fight that Fulton was out and Williams was in, which required adjustment. He had been preparing for Fulton, who fights from an orthodox stance. Williams is lefthanded.

Still, Leo, who relies on relentless pressure, a brutal body attack and conditioning, dominated his capable opponent. He won by scores of 118-110 (10 rounds to two), 118-110 and 117-111.

And it didn’t matter to him that it was Williams who he defeated to win his coveted trinket at 26 years old. He never dreamed about who would be across the ring from him, only having the shiny belt wrapped around his waist after the fact.

At the same time, he understands that the realization of one goal leads to another. He’s just getting started.

“It was a dream come true,” he said. “It’s something I worked my whole life for. Ever since I was 10 years old I dreamed of becoming a world champion, to have the strap around me. That’s not the end of it, though.

“They has everyone will be gunning for you after you win a title. That being said, I’m training harder. I have to keep my foot on the gas pedal.”

Leo understands that Fulton (18-0, 8 KOs) poses a significant challenge, which is why every oddsmaker Boxing Junkie could find had Fulton as the favorite.

They don’t seem to care too much about the victory over Williams or the fact Leo has the type of style – pressure, body attack – to slow down an opponent who relies on technique and his quickness.

Leo is promoted by Floyd Mayweather, a master boxer who understands the problems a fighter with Leo’s style can create. Marcos Maidana, whose style was similar to Leo’s, gave Mayweather fits at times by staying on top of him in their two-fight series in 2014.

Is that the blueprint for Leo against Fulton?

“That’s what Floyd told me,” Leo said. “He said, ‘Watch my fight against Maidana. That’s how you have to go in there.”

Leo insists he’s a better boxer than people might realize but, yes, Fulton can expect the titleholder to be in his face from beginning to end.

“It just comes up with has a better style, who can adapt the most,” Leo said. “It’s two contrasting styles. You have a boxer and you have a pressure fighter. One can beat the other. It all depends on the details.

“That being said I think the pressure will make him uncomfortable.”

Just as it did against Williams.

[lawrence-related id=12445,12316]

Big-time boxing goes on hiatus until later this month

Big-time boxing has gone on hiatus until later this month.

Boxing junkies are going to have a hard time finding a fix temporarily.

No big fights are scheduled for the next few weeks, in part because the sport has been shut down in the U.K. until at least the end of the month amid a spike in coronavirus cases.

The next notable event is on Jan. 23, when Angelo Leo defends his 122-pound title against Stephen Fulton at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. (Showtime).

Then comes a busy Jan. 30. Caleb Plant, a prospective opponent for Canelo Alvarez, defends his 168-pound belt against Caleb Truax on Fox. The site hasn’t been announced.

And former light heavyweight champ Sergey Kovalev faces Bektemir Melikuziev in Moscow (DAZN).

A matchup of 154-pound prospects is set for Jan. 20, when Patrick Cora (10-0, 7 KOs) will face Hurshidbek Normatov (10-0, 3 KOs) at the Mohegan Sun (Showtime).

The Leo-Fulton fight is compelling. Leo (20-0, 9 KOs) used a vicious body attack to easily outpoint last-minute replacement Tramaine Williams in a fight for a vacant title on Aug. 1.

Joseph Diaz Jr. (left) outpointed Tevin Farmer to win his first major world title in January. Lester Silva-Hoganphotos-Golden Boy

Leo was supposed to have fought Fulton that night but Fulton had to pull out after testing positive for COVID-19 a few days before the fight. Fulton (18-0, 8 KOs) is a slick boxer who many see as championship material.

Alvarez, a newly crowned 168-pound titleholder, has said that he wants to unify all the belts this year. Plant (20-0, 12 KOs) holds one of the titles the Mexican star covets, which means that fight could take place in May or September.

Plant, who will be making his third defense on Jan. 30, must beat Truax (31-4-2, 19 KOs) first. Truax, 37, is a former super middleweight titleholder.

The 37-year-old Kovalev (34-4-1, 29 KOs) will be fighting for the first time since he was knocked out by Canelo Alvarez in November 2019. Melikuziev (6-0, 5 KOs) is a former amateur star from Uzbekistan, although he’s based in California. He stopped Alan Campa in three rounds in October.

The boxing schedule for February is robust.

A big double-header is set for Feb. 13, when Joseph Diaz Jr. defends his junior lightweight title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov and Patrick Teixeira defends his middleweight belt against Brian Castano in Indio, Calif. (DAZN).

On the same day, Joe Smith Jr. fights Maxim Vlasov for a vacant light heavyweight title on ESPN. No site has been announced.

Then, in an intriguing junior lightweight bout, Miguel Berchelt defends his title against Oscar Valdez on ESPN. Again, no site has been announced.

Liam Walsh will face Paul Hyland Jr. in lightweight fight on Feb. 19 in Wakefield, England (ESPN+).

And on Feb. 27, in New Zealand, Joseph Parker fights Junior Fa in a heavyweight fight on DAZN. The winner could be in position to fight for a title soon.

[lawrence-related id=12445,5709,13181,10994]

Big-time boxing goes on hiatus until later this month

Big-time boxing has gone on hiatus until later this month.

Boxing junkies are going to have a hard time finding a fix temporarily.

No big fights are scheduled for the next few weeks, in part because the sport has been shut down in the U.K. until at least the end of the month amid a spike in coronavirus cases.

The next notable event is on Jan. 23, when Angelo Leo defends his 122-pound title against Stephen Fulton at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. (Showtime).

Then comes a busy Jan. 30. Caleb Plant, a prospective opponent for Canelo Alvarez, defends his 168-pound belt against Caleb Truax on Fox. The site hasn’t been announced.

And former light heavyweight champ Sergey Kovalev faces Bektemir Melikuziev in Moscow (DAZN).

A matchup of 154-pound prospects is set for Jan. 20, when Patrick Cora (10-0, 7 KOs) will face Hurshidbek Normatov (10-0, 3 KOs) at the Mohegan Sun (Showtime).

The Leo-Fulton fight is compelling. Leo (20-0, 9 KOs) used a vicious body attack to easily outpoint last-minute replacement Tramaine Williams in a fight for a vacant title on Aug. 1.

Joseph Diaz Jr. (left) outpointed Tevin Farmer to win his first major world title in January. Lester Silva-Hoganphotos-Golden Boy

Leo was supposed to have fought Fulton that night but Fulton had to pull out after testing positive for COVID-19 a few days before the fight. Fulton (18-0, 8 KOs) is a slick boxer who many see as championship material.

Alvarez, a newly crowned 168-pound titleholder, has said that he wants to unify all the belts this year. Plant (20-0, 12 KOs) holds one of the titles the Mexican star covets, which means that fight could take place in May or September.

Plant, who will be making his third defense on Jan. 30, must beat Truax (31-4-2, 19 KOs) first. Truax, 37, is a former super middleweight titleholder.

The 37-year-old Kovalev (34-4-1, 29 KOs) will be fighting for the first time since he was knocked out by Canelo Alvarez in November 2019. Melikuziev (6-0, 5 KOs) is a former amateur star from Uzbekistan, although he’s based in California. He stopped Alan Campa in three rounds in October.

The boxing schedule for February is robust.

A big double-header is set for Feb. 13, when Joseph Diaz Jr. defends his junior lightweight title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov and Patrick Teixeira defends his middleweight belt against Brian Castano in Indio, Calif. (DAZN).

On the same day, Joe Smith Jr. fights Maxim Vlasov for a vacant light heavyweight title on ESPN. No site has been announced.

Then, in an intriguing junior lightweight bout, Miguel Berchelt defends his title against Oscar Valdez on ESPN. Again, no site has been announced.

Liam Walsh will face Paul Hyland Jr. in lightweight fight on Feb. 19 in Wakefield, England (ESPN+).

And on Feb. 27, in New Zealand, Joseph Parker fights Junior Fa in a heavyweight fight on DAZN. The winner could be in position to fight for a title soon.

[lawrence-related id=12445,5709,13181,10994]

Good, bad, worse: Joe George gave fans what they crave

Joe George gave fans a precious gift against Marcos Escudero on the Angelo Leo-Tramaine Williams card Saturday, a highlight-reel knockout.

GOOD

Joe George looked so-so at best for eight-plus rounds in his rematch with Marcos Escudero on the Angelo Leo-Tramaine Williams card Saturday.

The light heavyweight from Houston spent far too much time with his back against the ropes, where Escudero teed off. He generally threw punches one at a time, not in combination. And he was generally outworked by his Argentine rival, who led on two cards after eight rounds.

Indeed, things looked bleak for George as the bell rang to start Round 9.

Then, in one of those eye-popping moments unusual to combat sports, Escudero ducked under a right hand from George and was nailed by a perfect left uppercut that put him on his back and rendered him semiconscious.

Fight over. Viral video born.

The knockout is one of the most brutal elements of boxing. It’s also one of the most thrilling and dramatic, a violent reminder that any fight can change in an instant when a fist traveling at a high rate of speed finds its target in just the right way.

Few would’ve been talking about the George-Escudero fight had it gone the distance, except perhaps one unexplainable card (see below). As it was, George stole the first post-lockdown Showtime-PBC show with his mighty blow.

For most fans, it was boxing at its most appealing.

BAD

Marcos Escudero (right) seemed to outwork Joe George for eight-plus rounds but one judge didn’t see it that way. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

Sometimes you see or hear the scoring of a particularly fight and think, “huh?”

That was the case when the scores of the George-Escudero fight were announced. Don Trella and Steve Weisfeld had Escudero winning 79-73 and 77-75 after eight rounds, which reflected what happened in the ring. I had it 78-74 for Escuedro.

The third judge, Tom Carusone of Connecticut, had George leading 79-73, or seven rounds to one. George landed some eye-catching power shots and blocked most of the punches directed his way when his back was against the ropes.

Still, giving Escudero only one round was out of whack. The Argentine took the fight to George from beginning to end. He threw and landed many more punches than George did, which is the name of the game.

At worst, if he give George every single benefit of the doubt, a draw wouldn’t have been criminally outrageous. Seven rounds to one? No way.

Fortunately, Carusone’s scoring had no impact on the result. George took care of that. However, any highly questionable scoring should be a red flag.

I hope authorities in Connecticut review Carusone’s card with him, ask him how he arrived at 79-73 in favor of George and then take these steps: explain to him where he went wrong, require that he attend a refresher course on scoring and keep a close eye on him.

Honestly, I don’t want to be too hard on Carusone. Maybe it was just a bad night. At the same time, such scoring is damaging to the sport.

WORSE

Stephen Fulton put up a good front but he had to be crushed that he was unable to fight on Saturday. Emilee Chinn / Getty Images

I keep thinking about Stephen Fulton.

The talented 122-pounder was set to fight Angelo Leo for a vacant title in the main event Saturday on Showtime. Instead, after testing positive for COVID-19, he could only watch from a distance as Leo outpointed Tramaine Williams to realize his dream – and that of Fulton – of becoming a world champion.

Fulton put up a good front. He was all smiles and seemed to be taking his fate in stride during an interview on the Showtime telecast, but he had to be hurting.

He had to watch the fight and think, “I should be in there.” And when a jubilant Leo had his hand raised, “That should be me.”

Remember that fighters become obsessed with winning shiny championship belts from the moment they walk into the gym for the first time. And it was within Fulton’s reach … until a virus stepped in.

Fulton, only 26, is in position to challenge Leo for his new title. At least that’s the intention of the WBO, which designated the No. 1-ranked contender its mandatory challenger and gave the Leo-Williams winner 180 days to fight him.

If that happens, if Fulton gets his shot within six months, then the missed opportunity could end up being a blip in his career. One never knows, though. A lot can happen in 180 days to postpone his opportunity again.

Let’s hope that he and Leo reach an agreement to fight soon and actually step through the ropes. Fulton has earned that.

[lawrence-related id=12445,12316,12432,12501]

[vertical-gallery id=12459]

Video: Joe George’s one-punch KO-of-the-year candidate

Joe George stole the first post-lockdown Showtime-PBC card Saturday night with one punch.

Joe George stole the first post-lockdown Showtime-PBC card Saturday night with one punch.

The light heavyweight from Houston was losing to Marcos Escudero on two of three cards in the ninth of 10 scheduled rounds in their rematch when he landed a left uppercut to the chin of the Argentine, who fell flat on his back and had no hope of getting up.

At the time of the stoppage, Escudero, who had outworked George, was leading 79-93, 77-75 and 73-79. Judge Tom Carusone’s 79-73 card for George is difficult to explain.

George (11-0, 7 KOs) defeated Escudero (10-2, 9 KOs) by a controversial split decision in November.

“I was setting him up with the jab to the body and had him leaning over a little,” George said. “I wanted him to get relaxed and that’s exactly what he did. He was relaxed, I slipped over and shot it. Really, he gave it to me and I had to take it and put him down.”

Escudero ducked a right hand from George. At that moment, with his head low, George landed the fight-ending shot.

The fight took place behind closed doors at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.