This was in late 89", on the under card of the of Meldrick Taylor against a fellow named.... Jaime Balboa. Any relation to Rocky, I wonder? I'd seen this result over the years and once wondered how a puffed up welterweight in Ismael Negron was able to stop the usually stern and durable Tony Thornton... Well, the fight shows you why. Negron's name of "The Mongoose" seemed to be an accurate and apt one, with him landing a picture perfect right hand at the end of one to nearly take Thornton out in spectacular fashion. Negron was stopped a half dozen times by fighters of varying quality over the years but proved capable of thrillers more than once and seemed dangerous given his relative obscurity. This is definitely a fun fight with some serious momentum swings. A fun little fight that I had never seen before before earlier today, and it was uploaded by one Sara Negron... perhaps a proud relative of Ismael? Interesting if true. It's certainly a performance to be proud of, but has only been viewed a couple of hundred times on Youtube. Anyway, enjoy, and happy new years! This content is protected
He was tough. I know I saw him several times but I can't remember who he was fighting. His nephew was very proud that his uncle fought Chavez.
On paper, I would have picked Thornton. My only memory of Negron is him getting pole-axed by Julian Jackson.
I just watched it on youtube: My take is very different from yours. Thornton was dominating the first round, getting inside of Negron's superior reach, until getting caught. It looked like a flash knockdown. He rose looking unhurt and the bell rang. Thornton dominated the second round and hurt Negron on the ropes. Negron failed to use his reach and allowed Thornton to engage in phone booth warfare throughout the first two rounds. The third and fourth rounds were close, but Thornton had the more effective punching in both rounds. He couldn't miss with the jab. Thornton got cut over the left eye in the fourth round Thornton dominated the fifth round, punishing Negron on the ropes The sixth round was about even Then they stopped it between rounds as it was a nasty gash and was bleeding in his eye throughout the sixth round. Basically, Thornton was solidly ahead when the fight was stopped. I had Tony ahead 59-56 Thornton controlled the fight except for the flash knockdown he suffered near the end of the first round. He was not a power puncher. He was a distance type fighter. Thus, he couldn't end the fight after the cut and ran out of time. Without the cut, Thornton would have undoubtedly won this fight. This fight is an aberration. 9/10 times Tony Thornton would beat Ismael Negron.
What did I say that we actually disagree on? Negron being able to punch a bit? I agree Thornton was unlucky and also looked to be the superior conditioned fighter. It was just how it worked out that night, certainly not in his favor. A fun fight though regardless, correct?
Well, you said Negron "nearly took Thornton out in spectacular fashion." In reality, it was a flash knockdown. Also, I didn't see many shifts in momentum. Thornton basically dominated other than the knockdown. He was even winning after getting cut. The cut is the only reason he lost.