By Paul Strauss: Cornelius “K9” Bundrage certainly wasn’t a show dog, but he got the job done in a close fight. Normally Ouma is non-stop action, throwing many more punches than his opponents, but tonight the difference was only slight, and Bundrage landed the harder punches, which earned him a close unanimous decision over “The Dream.”
The former soldier from Uganda seemed to come alive in the fourth round after Bundrage sustained a cut over his left eye. Ouma’s punch volume increased, and he started moving to his right, away from Bundrage’s right hand. He even had Bundrage backing up, but it didn’t last.
The fight action soon returned to what it had been. In the early rounds, Ouma was tentative, and was leaning in without first throwing a jab. He paid a price too, repeatedly getting caught with hard rights.
Bundrage isn’t pretty to watch. There’s not much style or technique. In fact, he appears muscle bound. His biceps are so big on his 5’6″ body, it gives you the impression he cannot bend his arms sufficiently at the elbow to bring his gloves up for protection. His quick feet usually get him out of danger, though.
When that doesn’t work, Bundrage will use a high left elbow, a push, or a wrestler’s hold. Ouma, normally a good inside fighter, wanted to take a half-step back, but couldn’t because of Bundrage’s tight grip. Referee Steve Smoger warned Bundrage several times, finally taking a point in the 8th round for excessive holding.
Bundrage could double for a Gene Fullmer look-a-like if he started using the crossed-arm defense once in a while. His best combo seems to be a push, then a one two.
Ugly or not, Bundrage came away with the decision, and Ouma blew a big chance to get back in the title picture. He has two wins over Verno Phillips, who just beat Cory Spinks, so a win tonight might have launched him right back into the mix.
The under-card was very exciting with something unusual……..two fights where three judges had identical scores! The first contest showcased two undefeated lightweights in a four round fight. Henry “Hank” Lundy came in at 10-0, and Darnell Jiles, Jr at 8-0. Jiles enjoyed a substantial height and reach advantage at 5’11,” and sported an eye catching “mohawk” type haircut. He exhibited very good head movement, and seemed to be the more explosive of the two southpaws.
However, Lundy took advantage of Jiles’ willingness to mix it up, landing his most effective punches during those exchanges. It appeared if Jiles would have stayed outside and used his long jab, he probably could have come away with the decision. He didn’t, and as a result, all three judges scored the fight 38-38 draw.
The next eight round contest was a disappointment for 38 year old birthday boy Germaine Sanders. His opponent Mike Jones wanted a KO to add to the twelve he already had, but it was not to be. Sanders made a good impression in more ways than just the fight. He added sartorial spender to his repertoire, coming into the ring in a pair of stylish grayish color shorts with black accents, pockets and I believe a “fly”!
But, his receding hairline, and the beginnings of a bald spot told more about him than his get-up. The fact that he is a natural left hander, fighting orthodox, gave him enough of a surprise to inflict a few damaging punches, but it was not enough. All three judges scored the fight 78-74 for Jones. All in all, a good fight night.