Jan 8 - Showtime 10:00
pm
Jorge Eliecer Julio vs. Johnny Tapia
This will make Jorge's 3rd defense of the WBO bantam weight title he won back in
July 97. He has not lost in 16 straight bouts in a span of
six years! This will be his 9th title bout. His last and only lost was a points decision
to Junior Jones on Oct 93. In his last bout he stopped unheralded Miguel Martinez this
past Sep in 3. He hopes to continue his streak against Tapia.
Johnny was undefeated up until last June when Paulie Ayala beat him in a 12 round
unanimous nod. He considered quitting, but instead decided on moving on with his career.
Unfortunate for all that face him. Johnny is a natural fighter with much world experience
and many world title fights. This will be his 17th. His fight with Paulie last Sep was
most likely fight of the year, with each fighter going toe to toe for every second of 12
rounds. In front of his home town, Johnny is unstoppable. just ask Danny Romero. Expect
Johnny to open fast to establish his jab and set the pace of the fight. He will box his
way to a convincing decision
Tapia by Decision
Frans Botha vs. Steve Pannell
Frans Botha is on the prowl again. I wonder if his goal is to get another
shot at Mike? Anyway, he was looking good in that bout until the big overhand right in the
5th round ended that campaign a year ago this Jan. He redeemed himself in my eyes to that
grueling draw to Shannon Briggs, a fight I expected him to lose. None the less he showed
perseverance and determination. Steve, hmmm. He HAS faced some of the toughest HW
contenders like Hasim Rahman, Wladimir Klitschko, John Ruiz and Ed Mahone. The only thing
is they all STOPPED him. As a matter of fact Steve has been stopped so many times, that
head HAS to be getting soft. Expect Frans to drop bombs and stop the unsuspecting Pannell
quickly.
Botha inside 5
Danny Romero vs. Rodolfo Blanco
Danny's campaigning for a 122 pond title somewhere, and in this pursuit must fight
credible opponents. Blanco can be considered as such. A former world champion, he has some
world title experience. That looks good huh Danny? Both dropped decisions to Tapia. Blanco
was blasted out in 4 by Adan Vargas this past Aug.
One major difference between these two. Look at their records. Blanco is a 500 fighter
that is obviously a tomato can set up to lend credence to the washed up Romero and his
pointless campaign. ANY top ten contender in the 122 pound division would waste the under
confident Romero. Perhaps wins like this against nobody's will help his confidence . . .
.expect him to win, more than likely by stoppage.
Romero inside 10
In Retrospect:
Jorge Eliecer Julio vs. Johnny Tapia
As expected. What a great match against two world class pugilists! Both gave
there all in this 12 round slugfest, only difference is Johnny was the quicker. His hand
speed and blazing combinations had Jorge on the defense for most the night. Jorge
epeatedly tried to drop elbows on Johhny and was penalized a point in round 7 for just
that. None the less, Johhny brought all to the table and left with his 4th world title.
What a stellar performance for the now WBO bantam weight champion.
Next stop . . . Paulie Ayala . . . . revenge!
Frans Botha vs. Steve Pannell
As expected. Frans stepped up and stopped the loser quick. Proves NADA!
Now what Frans?
Danny Romero vs. Rodolfo Blanco
As expected, but proved a little more than Botha. He was a former world contender
on his way down. I said Danny HAD to look impressive, and he did. We'll see where he goes
from here.
