and retains his WBC 175lb crown. Pascal looked shocking in the first 5 rounds, even though he won 3 of them on my card. He was just too relaxed and almost lazy. From round 6 onwards the Pascal we know started to show. Branco's corner threw in the towel after he was down twice in the 10th with about 40 seconds remaining. I had the score 87-84 after 9 rounds, but there were two counts by the ref (aka idiot); one for Branco's role play after he got hit behind the head, in round 4 and a push knockdown, even though Branco was stunned by an uppercut beforehand, in round 7. So if my card was official I would've had it 87-82 after 9 rounds, with 2 of the 3 of the rounds I gave Branco being close (only round 1 wasn't - where Pascal looked his worse). Overall Pascal wasn't that impressive but came away with his belt and will fight a rematch with Diaconu on December 11th.
I didn't see the first two rounds but from what I saw it looked like his plan was basically to move backwards and luar Branco into throwing a punch. Then he'd try to use his reflexes and speed to throw a massive bomb and hope his shot got there first. Morronic stratagy and probably cause he was predicting an early KO and Branco was just a little too sharp to play ball right off the bat. He got on his toes a bit as the rounds wen on and that seemed to work a bit better but his strategy never really cheanged up that much.
The Branco corner throw in the towel. The old italian warrior would have been battered. I think it was a wise move.
First, go **** yourself... Your racist comment are of no need on this boxing forum. Second, even thoe I had Pascal winning this bout on my card, the refereing was bad as hell. Two of the knockdowns we're shot behind the head and one was a slip... This kind of refereing won't help Montreal's bad reputation for their choice of referee for a championship bout
I know people will think I'm crazy but I'd take Marlon Wright anytime over Gerry Bolen. He lost control of the fight.
I was ringside tonight and I can say without a doubt that the three knockdown counts were justified especially the last one where Pascal hit him flush on the ear. The second one...yes Pascal barely hit him behind the head and push him. The ref was indicating a pushing, but the actor Branco pushed his luck too far by whining and putting a knee down. So the ref said...hey don't laugh at me....here is a count.