HBO Latino: Johan Pérez vs. Dmitry Mihkalenko & Yoandris Salinas vs. Manuel Avila RBR

Yeah, but not all Cubans are master boxers. Hell, not even the ones that had decorated amateur careers. Salinas definitely falls in the "exceptions" category, along with most of the Barthelemy family. (all except Rances, who is the best of the bunch and yet still not exactly rubbing shoulders with Rigondeaux or Lara, or the greats of the past like Casamayor)

Lots of fans got snookered into believing Salinas was some mythical unicorn heading into the Quigg fight, too, based on just his nationality and credentials from before turning pro, even though most of them hadn't seen any pro footage of him - and then when it wound up a draw were all like "See!!!? He's really good".

He really isn't.

 

Round 4

Farmer is flashing the quick right jab and sending the left hand sailing up top, pounding on Prescott's third eye. Prescott is forced to brawl inside and mostly just succeeds in brushing the inner edge of his gloves along the nape of Farmer's neck. Left uppercut and right hook by Farmer. Prescott down, lying flat on his back under the bottom rope for a moment before gathering himself up. Farmer comes at him like a pit bull throwing flurries off the jab and pendulum body shots, but Prescott is saved by the bell.

10-8 Farmer

40-35 Farmer

 

Farmer is kind of striking me as sort of a southpaw Tim Bradley here tonight.

I've seen him before numerous times but this is the first time I've been struck by that comparison.

 

Farmer knows he doesn't have power, yet is throwing his full weight into his punches. (just like Bradley)

He knows he is surrendering lots of height and reach, yet is alternating between frenetic infighting and just willing his way to victory on the outside with a quick jab. (all vintage Bradley)

He doesn't exactly worry about being cute or slick, knowing full well that his aggressive style is going to result in getting hit, yet is still aware enough to keep his dome moving and slip quite a bit. (yep..)