No thread so I’m starting one, fight about to kick off. I know Jack well and sparred him in the amateurs so I’m really rooting for him here. A really tough fight this one but Kerman has looked poor since the Ava fights - going down twice against Jez Smith too. I’ll pick Flatley for the upset but he is a rightful underdog. War Flatley!!!!
Round 1: 10-8 - Kerman looks solid. His jab is really strong and he snaps Jack Flatley’s head back regularly. Flatley has some success with the double jab but Kerman is bossing it. Flatley starts looking sharp towards the end of the round with good counters but then Kerman drops Flatley with a solid jab! Flatley looks in big trouble. He was down early against Williamson and came back but it looks like man vs boy here.
Round 2: 10-9 Kerman (Close) Kerman carries on to look imposing and his shots have real meat on them whereas Flatley’s don’t. Flatley starts to land really well however and is having success when he lets his shots go. Closer round but Kerman’s tough single shots nicked it. Matvienko giving good advice in the corner - telling Jack to box and wait for Kerman to tire. Good watch so far. 20-17 Kerman.
Round 3: 10-9 Kerman. Jack somewhat listened to his corner that round moving a lot, but his activity dropped a little bit too much. Kerman looking very much the boss in there, his left jab is solid - as good as I’ve seen in the last few years at these weights. Jack is having success with a cuffing right hand over the top but a solid left hook with 30 seconds left stops Flatley for a second. 30-26 Kerman
Round 4: 10-9 Flatley. Good round for the Bolton lad. Kerman started off in charge but now Flatley is fighting back landing double jabs and his right hand is looking good. Kerman is marked up (as it Jack) but more promising stuff here. If Lejerranja does start to blow this could get really interesting. 39-36 Kerman
Round 5: 10-9 Kerman (Close.) After 2 minutes it was a Flatley round, who had landed his combinations really well. Kerman landed a solid left uppercut that briefly stunned Flatley who went to the ropes and stayed still which allowed Kerman to unload and steal the round at the end. Good action fight this. 49-45 Kerman.
Round 6: 10-9 Flatley (Close.) Could have gone either way that round, Kerman landed the meat but Flatley landed the classier shots. Jack is looking good but he has to stay at distance then attack in bombing raids. If Kerman does start to blow (not certain he is yet) this will get very interesting. 58-55 Kerman
Round 7: 10-9 Kerman. The Spaniard is holding a bit more and does look to be slowing, but the issue is so does Flatley. The damage under the brits right eye from those jabs is getting bad now. Kerman looking steady and Jack has a few moments but nothing to trouble the champ. Jack stunned by a jab at the end of the round. 68-64 Kerman.
Round 8: 10-8 Kerman. Both fighters having success early as they decide to trade - Flatley having success with his right Kerman with his left - namely that left hook. Another ramrod double jab puts Flatley to one knee. Kerman hunts him down at the end of the round but to Jack’s credit he fires back and survives the round. 78-72 Kerman.
Big knockout in the 9th. Flatley starts the round well and aggressive but the issue is his shots don’t dent the Spaniard. Kerman is patient and hunting his man down. A huge right ends it and stiffens Jack who was letting his hands go too much and got caught clear and cleanly. Good effort from Jack but he just didn’t have the power to get the champs respect. Good fight.
