By Gary Purfield
This time the outcome was clear with no controversy. Mike Jones dominated the game but overmatched Jesus Soto Karass to a unanimous decision by scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 117-111 (I had it even wider feeling Jones won every round except one and twelve for a score of 118-110).
Last November on the Pacquiao vs. Margarito undercard Jones and Soto Karass fought a thrilling fight with Jones getting the controversial decision victory. With a close disputed decision to an exciting fight an immediate rematch was a natural decision and the two game fighters were on board.
Mikes Jones was looking to have a clear and decisive victory. Soto Karass was looking to pressure Jones and come out on top this time. Jones was the man who got his way.
Soto Karass took the first round by applying pressure and being more active. From that point the majority of the fight was simply dominated by the faster more talented fighter from Philadelphia. Jones was constantly circling the ring not allowing Soto Karass to back him into the ropes. While moving Jones used a stiff jab to keep his distance. Working off that jab Jones landed power shots with both hands to the head and body.
The commitment to the body paid dividends and was the key to the fight for Jones. He pounded Soto Karass to the body taking his stamina and pressure. Soto Karass who is as tough and game as any fighter never stopped pushing forward and giving his all but the body shots had the intended effect slowing his ability to throw constant punches.
In round three cuts were opened over both of Soto Karass’s eyes that seemed to come from head butts but at least one was ruled from a punch. The cuts poured blood throughout the fight and Jones was happy to oblige the bleeding by pounding the cuts with punches. At the end of the fight Soto Karass was covered in blood and most of his body was red from being absorbing body shots. The final punch stats were overwhelming for Jones who landed 408 to 229 for Soto Karass.
Despite the one sided outcome and more controlled effort from Jones it was a highly entertaining fight. Jones was impressive and exciting while staying smart, disciplined, and fighting his fight which meant keeping it a boxing match instead of a brawl. Several times in the fight Soto Karass tried to bait Jones by taunting him, dropping his hands, and various tactics to draw Jones into a brawl. Jones never took the bait and continued executing his plan. He landed jabs and power shots throughout the fight that would have stopped any fighter who does not have the iron chin of his proud Mexican opponent. Again to the credit of Soto Karass he gave his all and makes for exciting fights which mean despite the loss he could certainly get more TV fights because of his style.
With the win Jones did what he wanted to do last November. He had his first impressive win on the big stage and sets himself up for bigger fights in his future. Jones will likely either get a title shot in his next fight or in the near future.
While Jones looked very good he would probably still benefit from a continued step up in competition over two or three more fights before jumping into the ring with the elite of the sport. He has all the talent and physical attributes to be a champ. Continued seasoning and experience in the late rounds will make all the difference if and when he gets his shots against the best in the sport.
Question, comment, agree, disagree, or anything at all, send it to gpurf3@hotmail.com
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