GOOSEN NO BETTER THAN KING
LAS VEGAS (INSIDE BOXING) Forget all the talk about how fighters get the nod in matches promoted by Don King Productions. Dan Goosen showed that America Presents provides the same opportunity for any fighter affiliated with their organization.
Olympic champion David Reid (14-1) moved up to the middleweight division to take on the tough Kirino Garcia (28-20-1, 22 KO’s) in a 10 round bout. This was the first fight for Reid since his devastating loss to Felix Trinidad where Reid lost the WBC version of the junior middleweight title.
Reid started as he does in all fights, fast with a stinging left jab followed by a powerful right hand. The problem was Garcia had no problem taking both Reid strong points while drilling Reid with powerful overhand rights of his own.
The first 5 rounds had Reid well ahead but there was a distinct concern in his corner. Not only was Garcia taking the best shots of Reid but the legs of the former Olympian were "rubbery". Stamina has always been a concern of the
Reid camp but recent conditioning drills conducted by a personal trainer had quieted some detractors. More work is definitely needed as Garcia not only won the last 5 rounds but did so quite convincingly. The 10th and final round had Reid taking one knee in order to avoid what was going to be a clear knockdown. Garcia totally dominated the last round and had to be given a 10-8 scoring advantage for his efforts.
Not so, say the employees of America Presents. Not only does Garcia lose the fight but Reid wins a UNANIMOUS decision! The 3 America Presents paid judges provided scores of 96-93, 95-93 and 95-94 all in favor of David Reid.
Kirino Garcia deserved a better fate. David Reid not only lost the fight but showed he has no business in the middleweight division. The name Bernard Hopkins had been mentioned as a fighter Reid had his eyes set on. Better make a new appointment at One Hour Optical to readjust that vision problem. There are very few middleweights that David Reid can compete with. There are very few middleweight fights that last under 6 rounds. Reid has a fighting ability limit of 5 rounds. He is no longer competitive after that. With the help of his promoters he will no doubt continue on in the middleweight division until he either gets hurt real bad or that bad left eye no longer allows him to be able to fight.
Let’s hope the eye problem forces David Reid to retire. He is too nice a guy and has accomplished more than most boxers have to end up suffering severe permanent damage that could end up leaving him in a bad way.
Having already shown they can make things happen IN the ring for their fighters, let’s see if they have the same ability for their fighters OUT of the ring…as in advising David Reid to pursue a career change.
REID VS GARCIA
Round 1- Reid jabs and out-quick's Garcia. Reid moves and Garcia chases but the hand speed of Reid evident and will be a factor. Garcia lands several hard right hands which Reid seems unable to avoid. Round, Reed. (10-9, Reid).
Round 2- Garcia slow of foot and hand but still manages to land good solid right hands. Reid able to control Garcia by the stiff left jab and nice combinations. Round, Reid. (10-9 Reid). Reid 20-18.
Round 3- The hand speed of Reid dictates the round. Garcia lands 1 hard right hand but does little else. Round, Reid. (10-9, Reid). Reid 30-27.
Round 4- Good solid combinations from Reid keep Garcia at bay. Garcia unable to move forward as a result and kept off balance. Round, Reid. (10-9 Reid). Reid 40-36.
Round 5- Reid confident he can hit Garcia at will. Combinations land frequently. Garcia seems unfazed and continues moving forward. Round, Reid. (10-9, Reid). Reid 50-45.
Round 6- Garcia lands several hard overhand rights to the head of Reid both early and late in the round. Reid looks to be tiring under the relentless pursuit by Garcia. Round, Garcia. (10-9, Garcia). Reid 59-55.
Round 7- Garcia senses Reid fading and attacks. Reid able to effectively jab
And keep Garcia off of him but in trouble. Round, Garcia. (10-9, Garcia). Reid 68-65.
Round 8- Garcia rocks Reid with those hard overhand rights that have been trouble for Reid all night long. Garcia moves in as a fast fading Reid hangs on for dear life. Round, Garcia. (10-9, Garcia). Reid 77-75.
Round 9- Reid now has blood streaming from the previously damaged left eye. The legs are gone and now problems seeing put Reid in a desperate position. Garcia takes full advantage and again goes to that overhand right that Reid either cannot see or has no answer for. Round, Garcia. (10-9, Garcia). Reid 86-85.
Round10- The legs of David Reid are gone. He stands from sheer will power. Garcia punishes Reid until he can no longer remain upright and takes a knee after one last furious exchange. Garcia finishes strong as Reid finishes the fight literally saved by the bell. Round, Garcia. (10-8, Garcia). Garcia 95-94.
INSIDE BOXING scorecard has Kirino Garcia defeating David Reid 95-94.
PASTRANA VS LOPEZ
The undercard featured a 10 round featherweight bout pitting Mauricio Pastrana (24-2, 16 KO’s) against Roberto Lopez (21-11-1, 9 KO’s). The usually slow starting Pastrana surprised a few by immediately picking up the pace. Lopez remained evasive throughout the fight but was unable to mount any serious attack on the stronger Pastrana. Lopez did have his moments and never allowed Pastrana to completely overwhelm him. But in the end Pastrana was simply too strong.
Pastrana has his own shortcomings to deal with. His definite height disadvantage means he must take chances to get inside to do his work. This leaves him at times vulnerable to left hooks, uppercuts and quick combinations. Lopez showed signs of what it takes to defeat Pastrana but the strength and tenacity of Pastrana would prevail. Against stiffer competition…we’ll have to wait and see.
INSIDE BOXING scorecard has Mauricio Pastrana defeating Roberto Lopez 96-93. (1 point deducted from Pastrana for low blow in round 5).