Solo Boxeo Tecate: Jorge Rodrigo Barrios vs. Wilson Alcorro RBR

Unfortunately you can't watch both cards in real time - it's one or the other as they start almost simultaneously (Telefutura's broadcast runs from 11:30pm-1am Eastern, and Showtime's from 11:45pm-1:45am).

Honestly, ShoBox can be skipped for once. Tim Coleman isn't exactly must-see TV and Patrick Lopez doesn't have a style to force him into a war. Record this one to the DVR or check later on for highlights of Archie Ray Marquez in the co-feature.

Jorge Rodrigo Barrios, back in the ring after almost a year due to a vehicular manslaughter incident, could still emerge as a player at lightweight (especially with king JMM likely to be abdicating the throne soon enough, leaving a wide-open power vacuum). A long-desired match-up with Humberto Soto could be angled towards some time next year, if Barrios puts some decent wins together and gets ranked and Soto hangs on to his WBC belt.

The Argie's opponent is Wilson Alcorro, a Colombian journeyman who's been in with plenty of world-class names and done reasonably well against them, and sprung the odd upset here and there.

IMPORTANT NOTE: if you planned to switch channels and are interested in seeing the Barrios fight - be aware that Solo Boxeo schedules the main event first, then the undercard. So Barrios-Alcorro will be right at 11:30, give or take a few minutes. If it ends in an early KO you might even be able to watch ShoBox in its entirety afterward. That's my hope. :good

 

Sergio Martinez certainly has heart and comes to fight. Just because he employs more skill and caution than some of his wilder brawling countrymen doesn't mean he doesn't share in their other hallmark traits.

 

Check your listings for a channel called Telefutura.

Just ignore Boxrec where it says that this is airing on HBO in the US - it isn't true. It isn't even on HBO Latino - I'm looking right at the listings for tonight. Whoever it is at Boxrec that keeps including that misinformation for Solo Boxeo cards sure has got some 'splainin' to do.

 

Evenly matched, but boring due to styles (at least the main event).

Despite Alcorro's reputation as a tough nut, Barrios should crack him if he's still sharp - and it will be fun to watch.

 

Here we go!

 

Round 1

Both thirty-somethings are cautious in approaching the middle of the ring, with neither risking much for the first minute. Alcorro throws some right jabs in a tomahawk pattern while Barrios tries to land lunging right leads to the body. Both look very tight and nervous. Barrios finally leaps in with a wrecking ball hook but telegraphs it enough for Alcorro to block most of it. Alcorro pops a right jab and tries to follow with a left uppercut but ends up taking Barrios' shoulder in his face. Barrios is hopping in place in front of Alcorro, faking with the jab and finally digs a hook to the body.

Barrios 10-9 but only by a little.

 

Round 2

Barrios barges forward and throws clapping shots from both sides with his knees bent very low. Alcorro is able to easily diffuse these attacks by simply intercepting Barrios and leaning into him. They trade some quality body shots. Barrios keeps it up longer as Alcorro gets shy. Barrios swinging madly from side to side as Alcorro slips away. Alcorro isn't messing around with power punches, letting Barrios remain the active aggressor while using his right jab primarily to keep track of how near Barrios is.

 

Round 3

Barrios continues with his pattern of assault, throwing underhands and looping shots from the wings. Alcorro is still making himself a small and mobile target but is more visibly affected by the body punches that do get through, slowing a bit after each one. Alcorro tries some fancy waist work and manages to slip several shots but Barrios lands as well, inviting whistles from the back row. Barrios starts trying to lead with a jab but it looks sloppy and half-hearted. He goes back to the underhands and catches Alcorro's body a little more. Alcorro springs a trap and drives a counter lead left down into Barrios' face before clinching him up just before the bell.