Julian Gonzalez and Atif Oberlton victorious on ShoBox undercard

ShoBox kicked off its 22^nd year on Friday night at the Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, PA. Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions delivered a televised card that featured six undefeated boxers in pick ‘em fights featuring punchers vs boxers. Each fighter dared to be great on the stage that has become notorious for turning prospects into contenders.

The televised opener was contested in the Super Featherweight division.  Crowd favorite Julian Gonzalez (8-0-1, 8 KO) would be making his third appearance at the Wind Creek Event Center.

He obviously isn’t being paid by the round as his two previous wins ended in knockouts within three combined rounds.  Gonzalez, a native of nearby Reading, PA was set to bookend the televised card along with stablemate David Stevens, who would appear in the main event.

The corner opposite of Gonzalez was occupied by Rosalindo Morales (9-0, 2 KO), a 29-year-old former Marine currently residing in Western, PA.   Morales’ record indicated that his style would also be the opposite of Gonzalez, as he relies on his boxing skills and not power.

The question of who would be able to impose their will was answered almost immediately.  Gonzalez found a home for his straight right to Morales’ head and body almost at will.  Even though nothing clean was seeming to land early, the effect of Gonzalez’ punches started to leave their mark on the right side of Morales’ face.  At the ten second mark, Morales seemed to relax for a moment. Gonzalez took advantage and dropped him with a clean right hand.  Morales beat the count, but he didn’t exactly return to his corner on steady legs.

The minute between rounds seemed to be enough for Moralas to come out of his corner on steady legs.  Gonzalez showed patience beyond his years and stayed with his gameplan.  A plan that emphasized landing the straighter and faster punches.  Morales’ busted nose was the source of his crimson mask.

Round three proved to be no different.  Gonzalez seemed to be consciously trying to box for a few minutes before ending the round with a violent flurry.

Moments into round four,four, Gonzalez landed another straight right that caused Morales’ head to violently snap back.  At that point,point, referee Shawn Clarke had decided to take a close look at Morales, and obviously didn’t like what he saw. Clarke waved the fight off 27 seconds into the round.

Gonzalez continues to impress, and he is on the same schedule with a fan-friendly stablemate that likes to stay busy.  I’m anxious to see if Marshall Kauffman will keep his knockout artists on the same schedule moving forward.

In the co-feature, Atif Oberlton used his physical advantages and superior boxing schools en route to an easier-than-expected unanimous decision victory over Artem Brusov in a light heavyweight bout.

Oberlton, a 6’3” southpaw kept the aggressive Brusov at the end of his jab the entire fight.  When Brusov got inside, Oberlton was able to tie up his shorter foe.Oberlton is far from your typical “Philly Boxer” as he actually designed his own ring attire.  Unlike many cherishing their first pair of boxing gloves, Oberlton stated the greatest gift he received as a child was his sewing machine.

Brusov was the aggressor throughout the fight, but he never attempted to make adjustments or change his approach. He continued to try to land a big right hand, but he rarely followed up with his left.  As Oberlton continued to build on his lead, Brusov became even more predictable.  When he would land a single punch, he was either tied up or countered.

When the final bell rang there was little drama as the official scorecards were read.  The question wasn’t ‘who”, but rather “by how much”. 

That answer was provided Dewey LaRosa (78-74), Anthony Lundy (78-74), and Steve Weisfeld (79-73).

Oberlton earned another television date soon.  He is a fun fighter, and more importantly,he’s different. It would behoove him to sit down more on his jab. Turn it into a weapon rather than simply a deterrent. However, a southpaw with skills and a height advantage will be a tough out for anyone. 

Jason Pribila is a full-voting member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.  He could be reached for questions or comments at pribs2000@gmail.com