Mayorga Takes Two, Casamayor decisions Campbell
By Phillip Przybylo
26.01 - It was a night eerily similar to a year ago for Vernon Forrest. Probably too similar for his liking. A heavy underdog took on one of the best boxers in the world, pound for pound, and shook up the boxing world again with a monumental upset. Ricardo Mayorga took his second title Saturday night in Temecula, CA, USA, on his second true title fight. In the aftermath of his conquest, the unified champion proved he is second to no one.
Pre-fight festivities featured both men appearing confident. Judging by his commentary leading up to the fight, Mayorga was sure he would notch his 22nd knockout victory. Forrest believed this to be his first of many successful defenses featured on HBO, from whom he just received a big contract. Even when music artists and rapper friends led him out to the ring, "The Viper" exuded a self-assuredness as he sung along with a smile. Someone should have told the American star that level of confidence should only be had when the fat lady sings (or, in this case, raps).
The first round started off innocently enough, with no telling blows being landed for the majority of it. The Nicaragua native swung wildly with dangerous intent, but he was unable to land. Forrest controlled most of the action, popping a precise jab and an occasional right. Moreso to his credit, the former WBC champion moved well and made his and Mayorga's talent levels look like night and day. With the final minute winding down, it was clear that the WBA strap-holder was not going to be deterred easily, though. He landed a wide left that captured Forrest's attention.
With few seconds remaining, Mayorga came in with another flurry of wild punches. A left may have hit Forrest's shoulder, neck area, or maybe both. Forrest was off balance and took the blow wrong enough to slip to the canvas. Referee Marty Denkin ruled it a knockdown. Quite suddenly, a probable 10-9 Forrest round was owned by Mayorga. The boxing bout was about to be turned into a real fight.
The second stanza saw explosive fireworks being set off by both men. Once again, Forrest had the edge. "1-2" combinations, head-rocking uppercuts, and right hands that refused to miss their target were unloaded by the 1992 Olympian. It may have been Vernon Forrest's most impressive round of his career--"The Viper" was actually spewing forth his venom. In his words after the bout, Forrest noted that he was trying to establish respect with a wild fighter. However, Mayorga did not falter. He almost appeared thrilled that so much action was taking place. By the end of the round, Forrest, who had thrown jaw dropping combinations, now could not keep his mouth closed from being so winded.
The two champions gave and took even more in the third round. To the surprise of critics and oddsmakers alike, the punishment was being dealt out evenly. Once again, Vernon was showing the effects of fatigue with a jaw that seemingly could have dropped to the floor if it had the capability. Vernon had plenty left in the tank to fire off more assaults of his own, but he was too tired to muster enough energy to jump away from Mayorga's rights, which were landing regularly for the first time in the bout. The crowd may have been stunned by the turn of events, but what happened next could only be described as shocking.
One minute and forty-five seconds into the round, the 6-1 underdog launched a left after connecting with consecutive rights. The punch threw Forrest back into the ropes. Mayorga saw his opening and unleashed a crushing overhand right that wilted Forrest (now with a record of 35-1). A rather unpowerful left connected as well when Vernon was dangling on the second rope. After Forrest returned to his feet, Marty Denkin administered an eight count, did an impromptu eye exam, and stopped the bout. Although the stoppage may have been premature, the end was inevitable. It would be a fair assessment to say that the call was solid and fair enough.
After lighting up the odds-on favorite, Ricardo Mayorga (24-3-1) celebrated his crowning victory by lighting up a cigarrette in the middle of the ring. Boxing saw a new star born with the upset. Better yet, boxing may have found a true character. At least, until their unpredictable rematch. Result: Mayorga TKO3 Forrest.
In the semi-main event of the evening, former WBA junior lightweight champion Joel Casamayor took on rising prospect Nate Campbell. Controlled professionalism took on youthful exuberance in a tale of two fights.
The first three rounds were dominated by the 30-year old Campbell, who is still in only his third year as a professional. He kept the veteran Casamayor off balance with an energetic and bouncy style. When Casamayor would close in, Campbell would jump in with a right hand. Many of the right hands he threw stunned the Cuban amateur star. Even when the battle was within close quarters, the prospect seemed to get the better of the action and was brimming with confidence. The in-fighting gave Casamayor a chance to assert himself, though.
By the fourth round, Joel had felt comfortable to let go on some of his punches and had adjusted his defensive gameplan. Campbell's rights were no longer landing efficiently, if at all. Counter lefts gave the southpaw a chance to re-enter the fight in the fourth. By the end of round five, it was clear that Casamayor had taken over the fight. Combinations and effective aggressiveness were in abundance for the former champ. After starting off slow, he was now in a groove, much like in his landmark bout with Acelino Freitas.
Campbell had his moments in rounds seven and nine. He may have even had enough to take one or both of those particular rounds. But Joel Casamayor (29-1) carried the day with an impressive final round in the tenth. The westside of Eastside scored it 96-94 in favor of Casamayor. The judges had the bout scored a little more lopsided and questionable. Nate Campbell (falling to 23-1) gained much respect tonight. Moreover, he may have gained the proper experience to be victorious next time around. Result: Casamayor UD10 Campbell.
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