Javier Gallo vs Rodel Mayol
Decent 10 round super flyweight matchup between the Filipino Rodel Mayol (27-5-2, 21 KOs) (trained by Freddie Roach with Buboy in his corner) and Javier Gallo (17-3-1, 9 KOs) out of Tijuana, who will play the underdog.
Round 1: The shorter, more squat Gallo has advanced throughout the first while the rangier Mayol tries to stay outside and counter. Gallo lands a nice right hand after leading with the left hook. Pretty sporadic action for a flyweight bout, both fighters showing healthy respect for each other. Gallo probably takes it on the scorecards.
Round 2: Still not a lot landing from either fighter, though Mayol looks to have a bit more spring in his step this round. The Mexican looks like he’s trying to get inside but Mayol is doing a better job this round of keeping him at a distance and tying up when they get close.
Things heating up over the second half of the round and Gallo still looks to be landing more blows in close. Mayol trying to avoid getting punished to the body and isn’t landing enough punches to win these rounds.
Round 3: Mayol landing his lead left more to start the round but looks a bit frustrated by Gallo’s physicality. Now Mayol digging to the body and head alternatively with the left, he appears to be solving the problems presented by the stocky Gallo. The Mexican comes back inside to settle things towards the end of the round but score it for Mayol.
Showtime Extreme just cut out to show Bob Arum and Inez Sainz before going off=air completely, so we’re picking up the action in the sixth round via Top Rank’s live-stream.
Round 6: Mayol appears to have the fight more in hand, he’s landing more and forcing Gallo back. His left hook has been especially effective as Gallo tends to drop his right a bit. Gallo steadied things a bit towards the end but Mayol probably earned it on the scorecards.
Round 7: More back-and-forth action this round, neither fight really maintaining the upper hand. Mayol’s greater athleticism helps him evade Gallo’s punches but he hasn’t done anything too impressive in this round either. Quick flurry ends with a left that pushes Gallo back.
Mayol looks to be growing stronger while Gallo may not have enough to carry the last few rounds. But there is no quit in the Mexican and this round may be too close to score. Call it a tie.
Round 8: Both fighters looking more lively this round but again neither landing much. This is easily the most boring fight of the evening. Mayol lands a left, then is pushed back into the ropes by Gallo. Gallo putting up a good effort but he looks to be losing.
Round 9: At this point I’m just waiting for this to be over so I can run and grab something to eat before the Pay Per View card begins. Mayol will probably win a decision unless something dramatic happens in the next two rounds. The most interesting part of the fight is Buboy’s advice to Mayol.
Gallo comes out punching to start the 9th, he must realize he needs a knockdown to make it close. Both men fighting well on the inside and punching their way out. As the round continues there’s more grappling, fatigue is starting to set in.
Round 10: Final round, looks like Mayol has this fight under control barring a late KO. Mayol comes out swinging, looking to leave a good final impression on the fans. Gallo showing a lot of heart, he’s never stopped punching the whole fight but he just doesn’t have enough variety to trouble the Filipino.
Final minute and both fighters look exhausted but still trading, refusing to pack it in. Gallo hurt by a shot from Mayol and the bell sounds an end to the contest. We’d be shocked if it’s not a points win for Mayol, but then again we missed almost three rounds due to problems with the telecast.
Majority decision win for Mayol, two judges score it 98-92 and one scores it 95-95. The draw was questionable but not egregious, the rounds were close and could have been scored the other way. Quick run to Five Guys and then it’s time for the TV portion of our program.