Telemundo Boxing Tonight!

Friday, January 21st
At Jose Cuervo Salon, Polanco, Mexico
(Telemundo) William Urina (17-0) vs. Johnny Garcia (9-2-1)
(Telemundo) William Gonzalez (25-3) vs. Angel Aguilar (4-5)

Angel Aguilar- Can’t say I know much about the local Mexican opponent chosen to fight way above his skill level. Aguilar enters with a substantiated sub-.500 résumé of 4-5 but I have seen other references to him list a record of 10-5. Though he has less than ten fights, Aguilar does not look like a novice and having never been stopped, he seems able to ride out a punch. Might not be as bad as the record suggests but Aguilar should not be in the ring with a legitimate contender like Gonzalez, given his results. Contested five fights last year and Aguilar had a decent amateur background, given he is listed in many results pages for amateur events. Has never been stopped and two of Aguilar’s losses came via split decision while two others were a result of disqualifications. I do not know if the reason for the DQs were for offensive stuff like low blows or defensive desperation like holding, which would lend insight on Aguilar’s mindset. Has been in with good but not overwhelming competition and I could not find out Aguilar’s age or height? Stopped one opponent in four wins, so I expect his punches to loop, lack balance, or be slow enough to avoid. There is one grainy amateur fight of Aguilar’s on YouTube, which shows a tallish, wide-swinging counterpuncher.



William Gonzalez- Power-punching Nicaraguan is a world traveler (fought in Panama, Costa Rica, America, Japan, and now Mexico), who impressed many in a split decision loss to Joseph Agbeko. That was a rough-and-tumble affair, featuring a lot of wild punches and almost no jabs, with Agbeko using his head and Gonzalez throwing low blows. Since that setback, Gonzalez has scored two wins in Japan and knocked out capable power-puncher Jose Araiza in his last fight. Gonzalez was knocked out by quality bangers Jhonny Gonzalez and Ricardo Cordoba but he was thrown in against Cordoba too early (only his seventh bout) and there is no shame losing to former champion Jhonny Gonzalez. Obviously learned from both defeats and kept his focus by never losing to an inferior opponent. The southpaw has stopped 21 of 25 victims, and is particularly accurate with a straight right hand that he throws at close range. Swarmed and out-threw Agbeko, even hurt the iron-chinned African, but his offense didn’t have a framework to it, despite Gonzalez outworking the champ. If that lack of ring generalship is corrected, as it seems to be, and is combined with his power, Gonzalez is a handful for any champion. The Argentine defeated talented former champ Mauricio Martinez in Panama and I have not seen Gonzalez in a bad fight. Gonzalez manages to impress in losses; he knocked Jhonny Gonzalez down and when he sees an advantage like a swollen eye, Gonzalez targets it intensely. Has only averaged two fights a year since 2007 but is getting an early start to 2011 that I hope leads to four bouts. He looked rejuvenated the last two times on Telemundo, so that is a manageable schedule for the 29-year-old. Gonzalez is primed for one more run at a world title, which previous performances and newfound maturity merit.

Verdict- A mismatch on paper but Aguilar might be tougher than his record suggests and last some rounds. After a round to warm up, Gonzalez, who is sure to underestimate Aguilar, starts to put combinations together and stop an overwhelmed foe by the fourth round. I picked the fourth because Aguilar seems to have a good chin and survival instincts but these are just two different classes of boxer.

William Urina- I am dubious of Colombian boxers with unblemished records, usually with kayo ratios in the 80s, who have never fought outside their native land. In most instances, their power and skills mysteriously vanish when they cross Colombian boundaries and they lose to good opposition. Urina is making his first trip outside of Colombia as a pro and this performance will be telling of Urina’s future in the sport. 25-year-old is not as untested as most Colombians who fly the coop, serving an apprenticeship in the amateurs representing Colombia in many tourneys and competitions. Faltered before reaching the medal rounds of major competition but made it to the second stage of America’s Olympic qualifiers and to the world championships. I have not seen footage of Urina but pictures show an evenly proportioned body with no one area excessively muscular or conversely lacking in definition. The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds but Urina has never been past eight rounds and certainly not pushed hard by his soft opposition. Has a win over 19-0 Brazilian Genilson Dos Santos but he had an even more padded record than Urina’s. Could not stop Adolfo Ramos, who was kayoed in one by Jorge Arce, but 14 kayos in 17 bouts is indicative of natural power. The opponents Urina faced are not good enough to prepare him for Garcia; so unless Urina has natural instincts and transferable skills from the amateurs, he could be in over his head.

Johnny Garcia- Enters with a less stellar record than Urina but it is Garcia who has accomplishments more as a professional and enjoys the hometown advantage. Volume-punching brawler uses physicality to wear down opponents, through constant pressure and forward momentum, delivering the traditional Mexican hook to the liver with bending precision. Last two wins, aired nationally in Mexico, have built Garcia a fan base, dispatching Nicaraguan prospect Henry Maldonado and fringe contender Jesus Ruiz two months later. In press releases, Garcia’s record is given as 16-3-1 but more reliable resources list him at 9-2-1. Currently on an impressive seven-bout unbeaten streak, with five stoppages, including 12 hard rounds against veteran trial horse Jose Tirado. Is a mentally sturdy boxer, recovering from a 2-2-1 start to his pro career. Started to box because of bullying by others, dropping out of school because of it, finding former junior bantamweight champion Jose Luis Bueno at his local gym to train under. Has regional amateur experience, winning a state Golden Gloves title but never progressed to national or international tourneys. Most of his strength is in a big upper body, with well-rounded shoulders, but Garcia only has average reach and does not jab enough. Gained nickname of “Labyrinth” by changing his defensive stance and leaning away to draw opponents into his wheelhouse. In footage I viewed, Garcia looked hittable because he concentrated so much on offense. Constantly improving, which Garcia’s record reflects, and reports continually reference his hard work in the gym.

Verdict- An intriguing fight and the one I am least comfortable picking a winner. I am going out on a limb and with my gut, tipping the Colombian, who has not proven himself against a rough Mexican fighting on home turf. I got positive feedback, friend-of-a-friend stuff, from people who have seen Urina as an amateur and pro that were impressed with his reflexes and instincts. I also like that Urina has been consistent at the weight, whereas Garcia has moved up from 108 pounds and is the naturally smaller man. This could come into play if the fight goes the distance that Urina has not completed yet. I say this with less confidence than usual but Urina wins a hard-fought split decision.
http://www.maxboxing.com/news/main-lead/the-weekend-tv-cheat-sheet13

 

I'll be watching. Gonzalez coming off an impressive outing, his last time out. Finally get to see this Colombian prospect live.