PBC on FS1: Alexis Santiago vs. Erik Ruiz & Lionell Thompson vs. Paul Parker RBR

Not just that, but the skill level. These guys are boxing-brawling.

 

Round 9

Santiago is throwing left hooks across Ruiz's upper lip and then barreling down the center lane with the right hand before Ruiz can even blink, let alone summon a counter assault. Ruiz is waiting until Santiago roams in close and then ambushing with the uppercut, thrust from the hip in a steep line ending high overhead. Santiago trades jabs with Ruiz and gets the best of things at mid-range until Ruiz unexpectedly casts a line with the right hand and catches him on the chin. Santiago is circling to his left and keeping the spacing of his feet perfectly even, swaying his upper frame in rhythm and working the jab.

10-9 Santiago

90-81 Santiago

 

I didn't listen to a word of Mayweather's guest commentary because I was enjoying the fight so much. Just marveling at this.

An "oh yeah, this is why I love boxing.." kind of match-up.

 

Round 10

Santiago is clanging wide alternating lefts and rights off Ruiz's temples. Ruiz is doubling his left hook and punching with him. Santiago jabs and sways away from a Ruiz overhand right. Double left hook by Ruiz lands, timing Santiago's own hook and catching him a second time in rapid succession as he flinches. Ruiz is chasing after Santiago and drilling the lead right up top, repeatedly, scoring on the brow. Santiago is circling to his left, but keeping his fists holstered for the most part outside a few towel-snaps on the body and wild & loose jabs and hooks up top. BIG RIGHT HAND BY RUIZ.

10-9 Ruiz

99-91 Santiago

 

If I rewind and he didn't say that you are SO banned..

 

Too much skillful boxing and not enough momentum shifts to be Gatti vs. Ward, but yeah, FOTY-so-far type stuff for sure. :good

 

Official cards:

Ricardo Ocasio 100-90
Dave Moretti 99-91
Patricia Morse Jarman 98-92

UD for Santiago