by : Matthew N. Becher
In the week leading up to the ‘Fight of the Century’ between Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao, boxing fans are being treated to a slew of boxing cards to get ready before Saturday’s main event.
Tonight, Golden Boy Promotions put together a card in Indio, California featuring young prospects to champion contenders.
Jason Quigley (5-0 5KO) vs. Joshua Snyder (9-11-1 3KO) Super Middleweights
The young prospect Jason Quigley came into this fight after flying into California to do some extra sparring with Shane Mosley Jr. What he ended up doing was getting some extra rounds in with the living legend, “Sugar” Shane Mosley.
The beginning of the fight was momentarily delayed due to Snyder’s elbow sleeve, very similar to the one that NBA basketball players wear, and the commission had to make sure it was approved at ringside.
As soon as the bell rang, Quigley came out throwing heavy power punches. The 23-year-old Quigley showed his dominance in power immediately and it didn’t take long for him to end this fight.
Snyder was able to last through the first round, but was hit by a big left hook, right cross combination that brought him crashing to the canvas 44 seconds into the second round, giving Quigley his 6th professional win and knockout.
Result: Jason Quigley KO 2 0:44
Jeffrey Fontanez (15-1 11KO) vs. Jose Hernandez (15-9-1 7KO) Lightweights
Jeffrey Fontanez is a 22-year-old Puerto Rican prospect with a great amateur background, who is just coming off of his first loss, last year to Gilberto Gonzalez. Jose Hernandez is a 28-year-old veteran, who may be on his way out of the sport. This fight may have ended up making that decision for him.
Hernandez came out very aggressive, throwing wildly and not accurately. Fontanez took advantage of this by countering his opponents missed shots. Fontanez began working the body, which immediately had his opponent drop his arms, leaving Hernandez completely opened for a 3-punch combination that dropped him to the canvas.
After getting up at the eight count, Hernandez looked very dazed, and was quickly attacked with a barrage of punches by Fontanez when referee Pat Russell jumped in to stop the fight in round one.
Result: Fontanez TKO 1 1:43
Mercito Gesta (28-1-1 16KO) vs. Carlos Molina (17-2 7KO) Super Lightweights
Mercito Gesta and Carlos Molina are both in need of a win. They are both trying to get back into title fights.
Gesta coming off of back to back wins, looks to continue his streak after losing in an IBF title fight in 2012 against Miguel Vazquez. Carlos Molina is coming off of back to back losses, the only of his career, against two world champions: first to Amir Khan and then again last year to Adrien Broner.
From the opening bell, Gesta came out of his corner with his hand raised to touch gloves with Molina, and was welcomed with a strong straight jab to the face. The fighters skipped the “feeling out stage” and began throwing heavy shots immediately, with Molina landing more punches.
Both fighters continued the power punches into the second round, Molina stalking the mobile Gesta, who used his footwork to his advantage until both fighters met with a flurry in the center of the ring.
The third round started to turn Gesta’s way, the latter moving in and out with his shots, while Molina was looking to land a really big punch. Both fighters landed with a flurry of punches towards the end of the round.
In the fourth, Gesta began switching from an orthodox to southpaw stance and connecting with his speedy combinations. Molina became more stationary and started to get confused by Gesta’s new stance and speed.
The fifth had Gesta bouncing on his feet, continuing his in-and-out game plan, getting out of the pocket after his flurry. Molina slowed down a bit, but started to sit down on his punches more.
The sixth was a much better round, as Molina starting to move his body more, and pumping out his jab. Gesta continued bouncing around the ring, and controlling the tempo. Molina’s face was swelling and both men continued to throw flurries at the end of each round.
Molina continued coming forward in the seventh, eight and ninth rounds, while Gesta moved laterally, picking his shots and moving out. Molina was landing his shots cleaner, while Gesta was landing the flashier shots.
The final round had both fighters come out swinging. Each man’s corner told their respective fighter that they would need the final round to win.
Gesta moved in for a quick flurry of shots, while Molina landed a couple of power rights to Gesta’s head.
Result: 98-92 Molina, 96-94 Gesta, 95-95 Split Draw
