Justin Rommell Pauldo vs. Miguel Ángel Madueño Angulo & Najee López vs. Marcos Rubén Escudero RBR

Whenever they say these guys' nicknames all I can think of is Ted DiBiase, and Tenacious D.

 

Round 4

Madueño is jabbing the belt line, then daubing up top with a left probing left hook. Pauldo blocking and catching him in clinches when he rushes in, but not before Madueño slams him with some body shots and sometimes clubbing blows on the side of the neck before Pauldo can contain his arms. Short counter uppercuts on the body by Pauldo, not able to pry Madueño away. Madueño leaning on him, swinging freely at his sides. Mouthpiece out. Ref didn't notice. 23 seconds left. Algieri says it wasn't the whole mouthpiece - it was a piece of it because Pauldo had bitten his in half from clamping his teeth so hard!

10-9 Madueño, closer

40-36 Madueño

 

Hot Rod vs. Sullivan Barrera? Okay, you've got my attention...

 

The prettiest punch or two in every single round has been from Pauldo, just nowhere near enough of them. He's a skilled counter-puncher but the very definition of too economical and trigger-shy.

 

Round 5

Madueño brawling his way in, happy to eat a couple of defensive push-jabs and right hands as he comes. Madueño has a point taken for a rabbit punch. Pauldo is bending deeply at his knees and trying a double hook on the body of Madueño, but doesn't buy him much room and Pauldo is tired, so he backs off. Madueño just keeps on him like white on rice (or saffron gold on pilaf), just playing tom-toms on his flanks.

9-9 (10-9 Madueño, point deducted)

49-45 Madueño

 

Round 6

Madueño is getting inside almost unopposed. Very few jabs as Pauldo circles. Madueño coming in wailing with both hands, hooking high, and Pauldo just covers up despite countering opportunities down the middle lane. Pauldo boxing very defensively - as Malignaggi says, "with his hands in his pockets". You'd think he was a journeyman trying not to get kayoed, not the A-side. Madueño thumping him with two-pieces up top in between long slashes in multiples on the body. Swelling on Pauldo's eyes. Some good exchanges in the last 15 seconds with Pauldo on the backfoot but actually throwing back.

10-9 Madueño

59-54 Madueño

 

Kid isn't listening to Ronnie Shields at all, he's staring off in La-La Land.

Oh wait, no, I get it. He probably peeped the round 7 ring card girl. Understandable, bro...