Brandon Rios vs. Mike Alvarado III RBR

Round 3

Shakhnazaryan is trading medium-long range left hook leads with Lopez. The longer arms belong to Lopez but the crisper punching form (replete with a slide-in and pivot on the lead foot, hips turning as well on the follow-through as opposed to Lopez's static reach-and-kink) is Shakhnazaryan's. Flurries put out steadily by Lopez, making some contact buzzing Shakhnazaryan's hairline. Shakhnazaryan answers with chopping rights. Lopez keeps slapping down on him. Good left hooks downstairs by Lopez from outside.

10-9 Shakhnazaryan, closer

30-27 Shakhnazaryan

 

Round 4

Shakhnazaryan is slipping with and blocking fewer of Lopez's punches, which are also increasing. Left hooks downstairs by Lopez, dug hard while leaning over to his left for extra leverage. Lopez is unfurling a jab into Shakhnazaryan's face at mid-range, backing him straight up. Flurries by Lopez, hitting Shakhnazaryan even as he turns in a Philly shell looking to roll his face behind the popped-up left shoulder. Not much countering from Shakhnazaryan

10-9 Lopez

39-37 Shakhnazaryan

 

Round 5

Lopez is now southpaw, jabbing Shakhnazaryan in the face and ripping into his closest ear with hooks. Shakhnazaryan is throwing lead rights up top on an incline and then pumping in jabs and more rights behind it after making an incision through Lopez's defenses. Lopez is slow to bring his gloves up to guard after each flurry, a bit punched out himself. Both are throwing hard, but without much speed. Lead leaping looping right by Shakhnazaryan, missing as Lopez (now orthodox again) steadies him with a tapping left jab on the arms while turning him.

10-9 Lopez, close one

48-47 Shakhnazaryan

 

Round 6

Shakhnazaryan is shooting right uppercuts falling in, missing past Lopez's head and following with jabs that also miss on the other side. Lopez is just dropping his lead shoulder in, bent slightly askew, jabbing into Shakhnazaryan's face. Lopez is frequently switching from southpaw to orthodox. Scooping body shots by Lopez while switching on the outside. Flush light right and left jabs by Lopez depending on stance. BIG LEFT CROSS ON THE GUT BY LOPEZ. Shakhnazaryan down!!! He's up at nine. That sapped all his strength. Shakhnazaryan is close to done. More body shots by Lopez. Shakhnazaryan down again! Close to a minute left! Shakhnazaryan up, frantically ducking, bobbing, rolling away from Lopez, in complete defensive mode. Lopez is swarming, digging hooks on the body. Flush left jabs on the nose by Lopez, snapping Shakhnazaryan's head back.

10-9 Lopez

57-55 Lopez

 

Abner is winning fans tonight. :bbb

This is what's called 'the opponent' NOT GETTING THE SCRIPT.

 

I wonder if the main event on Top Rank Live Stream will in hindsight end up more entertaining & competitive than HBO's? :think

 

Round 7

Shakhnazaryan is backed up by jabs and reptilian-tongue-flick rights from Lopez, shoulders curled forth, stalking and using his length. Shakhnazaryan HURT BY A STRAIGHT LEFT ON THE LIVER! Knee touch? Not ruled a knockdown. Could've been, need a replay. Shakhnazaryan is backing away, picking off jabs with a paintbrush-dab of his left glove. Shakhnazaryan loops in some punches up close against Lopez's chest. Shakhnazaryan backs away now, arms down, slipping jabs.

10-9 Lopez, close except for that one body shot.

67-64 Lopez