By: Sean Crose
Boxing returns to Showtime on Saturday as Tim Tszyu makes his US debut in a fight with Terrell Gausha at the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. First, however, Elvis Rodriguez 12-1-1 appeared in the scheduled 10th round match against Juan Velasco 23-2-0 in the Korean junior weight division.
Velasco was after his man the whole time. Nampaw Rodriguez remained patient in the second half, although he shot more at himself than in the first half. Rodriguez tagged Velasco early in the third half. Velasco continued to pursue. However, by the fourth round, Rodriguez started to control the tempo, standing in the middle of the ring and landing well.
Rodriguez looks set to break Velasco in the fifth inning. In the sixth round, the Dominican punches landed very clearly and hard, causing Velasco to wobble at times. Early in season seven, Rodriguez sent Velasco onto the field. In recognition of his merits, Velasco stood up and fought bravely. Rodriguez, however, was not denied, having beaten his men later in the round. Velasco got up and fought amazingly, but he suffered a terrible blow. After going down a third time before the bell rang, he was finally counted out.
Next, 22-0 Michel Rivera faced Joseph Adorno 14-0-2 in a scheduled 10th round match in lightweight. Rivera – looking a lot like Muhammad Ali, hit his long shot for the first time. The second inning saw Rivera continue to maintain range. By season three, Rivera began to pursue Adorno. The fourth match was rather slow, as Rivera methodically worked for his men while Adorno made no real effort to get past Rivera’s stab.
In the fifth installment, it becomes clear that Adorno simply can’t ABLE to get through that stab. Things improve a bit in season six, as each man lands hard. By the seventh minute, however, Adorno was on his bike, hoping for a counterattack that might not land. Adorno became more aggressive in the eighth round and could have moments against the taller Rivera. Things get somewhat fast and interesting in season nine.
The tenth and final round was also fast and competitive. Adorno certainly played better in the second half of the game than he did before, but it ultimately proved to be a bit too little, too late. River was rewarded with the decisive win unanimously through the referees.
