Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Mayer Outboxes Joseph

Undefeated Women’s Jr. Lightweight contender Mikaela Mayer scored an impressive ten round unanimous decision over former two-time world title challenger Helen Joseph on Tuesday night at the MGM Grand Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. A fight that was originally scheduled for June 9th that was postponed due to Mayer testing positive for the  COVID-19 virus, was controlled by the unbeaten former United States Olympian from the opening bell. Showing little effects from the virus, Mayer used her longer reach to work off of her jab and keep Joseph on the outside where she was unable to be effective. While this was largely the story of the fight, Mayer also displayed a well-balanced attack throughout and rarely did not through a punch unless it was part of a combination. An impressive performance by Mayer from start to finish culminated with her winning a convincing unanimous decision. Official scores were: 99-91, and 100-90 (On two scorecards) all in favor of Mayer. Mikaela Mayer advances to 13-0, with 5 Knockouts. Helen Joseph falls to 17-5-2, with 10 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

 

Lightweight  prospect Ruben Cervera scored a six round unanimous decision over Clay Burns. In the first round, Cervera dropped Burns with a short counter left hook to the jaw in the opening seconds of the fight. The pattern of the bout consisted of Burns being the aggressor, but Cervera catching him with counter punches as he came forward. This in addition to Cervera landing the cleaner, more effective punches, is what allowed him to score a convincing unanimous decision. Official scores were: 58-56, and 59-54 (On two scorecards) in favor of Cervera. Ruben Cervera advances to 12-2, with 10 Knockouts. Clay Burns falls to 9-9-2, with 4 Knockouts.

 

 

Middleweight Clay Collard scored a second round knockout over Lorawnt Nelson. Collard found a home for his straight right hand late in round one and scored a knockdown of Nelson along the ropes. A similar scenario also took place in round two when Nelson was dropped for a second time with a straight right hand. This was followed by a third knockdown of Nelson with a left hook to the head. Although Nelson was able to get up following the third knockdown, he had no answer to keep Collard off of him and the bout was stopped at 1:57 of round two. Clay Collard advances to 8-2-3, with 3 Knockouts. Lorawnt Nelson falls to 5-4, with 4 Knockouts 

 

 

In the opening bout of the evening, Super-Middleweight Javier Martinez successfully made his professional debut by outworking Jonathan Burrs over four rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory. All three judges scored the fight in Martinez’ favor 40-36. Javier Martinez advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Jonathan Burrs falls to 2-2, with 0 Knockouts.

 

As has been the case since the sport of Boxing began attempting to resume activity over the last month, this card took place under the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 virus. While Mikaela Mayer is among a select few to have had their fights postponed due to a positive test for the virus, she now stands as someone who has not only recovered from COVID-19, but has also shown at least in her case that she did not suffer adverse effects and off of this latest performance would appear to be inching closer to an opportunity at a world championship. With at least the intention of an increased presence for Women’s Boxing over the coming months, it will be interesting to see if the ongoing circumstances surrounding the virus globally will allow Mayer to possibly challenge for a world championship before the end of 2020.

 

It should not be overlooked however, that COVID-19 continues to be a determining factor in what does take place as two bouts that were scheduled for this card, a WBO Jr. Lightweight world championship bout between champion Jamal Herring and Jonathan Oquendo as well as a scheduled Featherweight bout between Eddie Vazquez and Luis Melendez were each postponed due to postive COVID-19 tests. While in the case of the Herring-Oquendo bout, it was the second time the bout has been postponed due to a positive test, it does underscore what will remain a significant issue and an obstacle in potential fights that could be made for the sport going forward especially as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in the United States as well as around the world. We will keep readers updated on any developments as they become available as to any potential rescheduling that might occur.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.

 

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