Bayan Jargal Goes Down On ESPN, Delvin Rodriguez Wins

Bayan Jargal file photo by Gautham Nagesh for StiffJab.com

by Gautham Nagesh 

Local favorite Delvin Rodriguez stopped the previously unbeaten George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah and lightweight Chris Howard crushed Arlington’s Bayan Jargal (above) on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights from Mohegan Sun.

Jargal started out looking comfortable in the TV opener, stymying Howard with his jab and controlling the first two rounds. Things changed quickly in the 3rd, when Howard beat Jargal to the punch with a straight right hand that sent the Mongolian transplant down to the mat. Jargal, who had previously never been stopped, rose and tried to continue, but the ref waved the fight off anyway.[[MORE]]

Thing were more decisive in the main event, where Rodriguez was simply a cut above the unproven Tahdooahnippah. The Comanche fighter was welcome to the ring by a fellow Native American performing a ceremonial war dance, but had little protection once he stepped between the ropes. Tahdooahnippah was plenty game and brought pressure from the outset. But he was there to be hit, and by the 2nd round Rodriguez had figured him out.

Delvin began winging looping right hands around the Oklahoman’s guard, and following them up with sharp left hooks that couldn’t miss. Tahdoonippah took plenty of hard shots, which would have felled other fighters, but refused to go down. Rodriguez, for his part, didn’t put his foot on the gas until the 6th round, when he finally opened up and forced the ref to stop the fight with Tahdoonippah still on his feet.

Regardless, the ref made the right choice. Despite coming into the fight with a record of 31-0-1 (23 KOs), Comanche Boy was out of his league. Rodriguez is 32 and was schooled by Austin Trout last summer in his previous shot at the top. Announcer Teddy Atlas was probably correct in deeming him a B+ fighter, though that’s hardly an insult with so few A-grade pugilists around these days. I’d still give him a good shot against all but the elite at 154 lbs.

Howard has lost a couple decisions, but looks like he has more pop than his low KO-rate indicates. He might be a good test for an up-and-coming lightweight. Jargal has settled into his role as a trial horse, after previously serving as a sparring partner for Paul Williams. He does nothing spectacular, but has the heart and durability needed to make a living in the fight game. Not exactly the easiest way to cash a paycheck, but it beats training housewives at LA Boxing.