Cruzing Into The Pros
A big fight took was had and a big fight was touted, however it was a certain debut that had boxing fans gushing.
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It was never going to be a quiet introduction to the professional scene for Andy Cruz, whose aptitude for the sweet science is authenticated by his sensational medal haul as an amateur.
But many an undeniable talent have failed to succeed once the chequebook begins to talk.
Why would this one be any different?
Well, in Detroit on Saturday night, boxing found out why.
Ten rounds against former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos for a professional debut lends credence to the widely held belief that Cruz is a special fighter.
And it was a special performance. For the full 10, the Cuban demonstrated poise and rhythm that could well have been mistaken for an art performance rather than a fight.
But it all began with boxing’s most simple weapon, the jab. Cruz’s established straight left briefed Burgos from the opening bell.
As the rounds ticked up, so did Cruz’s productivity. The right hand would land at will, with Burgos almost shy to advance in fear of being countered.
When Burgos chose to tuck up, Cruz threw in combinations, many of which finding a way through.
It was a superb 10-round display. In fact, I may seem over-the-top about it. But, it is very easy to wax lyrical about a fighter when they give you innumerable reasons to do so.
So, all the way to the top? You’d be mad to bet against it.
Debutant Cruz wasn’t Detroit’s main attraction, however, as the city played host to its second undisputed fight in six weeks.
For the 130lb Queen Alycia Baumgardner, Saturday wasn’t just about defending, but also avenging.
Her 2018 defeat to Christina Linardatou sits as the only blemish on her record, meaning there was an added weight to this four-belt clash.
It would be a near perfect vengeance.
The champion dominated proceedings, using her jab to set up some hefty power shots from early on in the fight. Consistent bodywork seemed part of the plan too.
And it was the bodywork that was clearly chipping away at an inactive Linardatou.
A switch in stance in the fifth from Baumgardner bought with it a flurry of uppercuts, rocking back Linardatou’s head. Backed against the ropes, she had little room for escape.
Seemingly a glutton for punishment, the challenger tucked up and ate even more of Baumgardner’s work.
It was a pattern that continued until the final bell. And still.
For Baumgardner now, there are three worldly names in Katie Taylor, Chantelle Cameron and Amanda Serrano. These women really do not waste any time.
There was a first win in over a year for Jermaine Franklin in Detroit too, after back-to-back defeats to Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua.
He didn’t dazzle, but he did drain his battery, almost crawling over the 10-round finish line against sluggish Mexican Isaac Munoz.
He will, of course, have plans of his own, but may do well to avoid being used as a tool to one-up both Whyte and Joshua.
Finally, we had the action from Newcastle, as Josh Kelly fought his way through 12 rounds against Gabriel Corzo.
The less said about that action, the better.
With the Argentine well out of his depth, Kelly decided to spend time admiring his single shots and showboating to his home crowd. With a little more authority, he could well have blitzed the overmatched Corzo.
Moving forward, names such as Conor Benn, Chris Eubank Jr, Kell Brook and Tim Tszyu are of interest to Kelly. No doubt he will have to better his performance against any of those.
Oscar Bevis
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