No surprises were in store for spectators attending last night’s Lara vs Rodriguez card at the UIC Pavilion, Chicago. At least for the headlining and chief support big names. The event exceeded that of last Friday’s Guerrero vs Martinez card but, due to it’s uncompetitive nature, will have likely left fight fans with little to chew on.
Erislandy Lara successfully defended his WBA Junior Middleweight crown against journeyman-esque Delvin Rodriguez. Lara didn’t put a foot wrong in the main event, repeatedly scoring with straight shots, particularly the left, time and again. The Cuban technician’s domination lead to absolute shutout scores from all three judges who turned in 120-107.
Boos could be heard at several times during the fight, and they seemed to be directed at Lara. For a boxing purist, Lara looked sensational. No doubt. But the simple fact is that Lara could have likely won this fight well inside the distance had he entered the higher gears. Especially following a hard knockdown in the 6th round.
It’s true Lara, despite being a supremely talented boxer, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. He seemed to do everything right as far as smart pugilism is concerned here. But everything wrong as far entertainment. It shouldn’t matter – but unfortunately in boxing, the two often have to go hand in hand to pave the way to big fights.
Lara’s robotic style may have been frustrating at times, but he would certainly give any top Junior Middleweight problems. Lara now extends his record to 21 wins, 2 losses, 2 draws, 12 knockouts, while Rodriguez’s drops to 28 wins, 8 losses, 4 draws, 16 knockouts.
Check out PBC’s Lara vs Rodriguez Highlights:
Artur Beterbiev also produced a predictable victory – especially as his opponent was a a late stand-in. Beterbiev looked dangerous throughout, dropping outgunned and classed opponent Alexander Johnson four times en route to a 7th round TKO.
Beterbiev now climbs to 9 wins, no losses, 9 knockouts, while Johnson falls to 16 wins, 3 losses, 7 knockouts.
Let us know your thoughts on Lara vs Rodriguez and the rest of the PBC card.
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