NBC Sports: Gabriel Rosado vs. Charles Whittaker & Ronald Cruz vs. Antwone Smith RBR

Yeah, we're definitely going to conflict with ShoBox at this rate. :cus

 

Kovalev is really, really sharp.

I actually would have slightly favored him over Gabriel Campillo, the originally scheduled opponent here.

That should tell you something.

After the tragedy where he killed Roman Simakov (which was a terrific performance, but obviously overshadowed by the aftermath) he completely wrecked Darnell Boone. They showed highlights of it on the last NBC Sports card in Pennsylvania.

 

Round 1

Kovalev steps in and jabs at Thompson's head. Thompson skirts away, sidestepping on the outside. Lead hook stepping in by Thompson, caught with a bend of the right arm by Kovalev. Jab and right hand delivered powerfully over the top by Kovalev, almost pinning Thompson on the ropes. Stiff jab to the body by Kovalev. Right hand followed by a jab by Kovalev. Thompson is flitting to the ropes and pecking back with jabs. Thompson dives forward and ties up, through Kovalev's arms. Right hand by Kovalev, grazing. They jab together and Kovalev's snaps harder and reveals his great advantage in reach. Short 1-2 by Kovalev. Thompson gets jabbed in the body and tries to counter with an up-jab from the hip. Left hand by Thompson circling off the ropes but Kovalev nails him with a 1-2. Kovalev opens up with a straight power volley and Thompson backs up and ducks low. Jabs flung out by Kovalev, leaning back when Thompson counters. Kovalev walking him down.

10-9 Kovalev

 

Yuuuup.

 

:yep Stick around, dude. Get your grub after the KO. There'll be a bit of time before the main event (smelling salts for Thompson, then pageantry, ring walks, etc)