Russell vs. Diaz - No bodies snatched

Sub Lead20-May-18by John J. Raspanti

By Allan Cerf

Russell-Diaz

Round 1: Russell,” the once a year fighter, out-jabbed Diaz who is grimacing as if,“Yikes, this dude is good.” 10-9 for Russell.

Round 2: Great round. Russell came out looking almost as fast as Loma, LOL, then SUDDENLY… Diaz took over the round mainly to the body. 10-9 for Diaz.

Round 3: Russel regained control in this round with single shots. In particular, six very heavy left hooks that make Diaz wince. Showtime’s policy seems to require commentators, save Malignaggi, to howl with delight for punches that don’t land. 10-9 Russell round.

Round 4: Another round for Russell with a concerted mix of single hard shots and combos. Diaz had some moments, but a clear Russell round – despite Showtime saying Russel just claimed it. 10-9 round for Russell.

Round 5: Close round which Russell somewhat took off. Therefore, a close round for Diaz. Showtime needs to lose one announcer. Three announcers are too ‘noisy’ as they say in England. They’re over-analyzing badly. 10-9 for Diaz.

Round 6: Very narrowly – yet clearly to Russell. I do agree with Al Bernstein that it seems as if Russell is winded much too early, but then he seems to recover and seize the round. 10-9 to Russell.

Round 7: Big round for Russell. Another wrinkle in the endless chess match that is boxing – here we have Diaz who is totally adept at cutting off the ring. But it avails him nothing as he’s a step and half too slow once inside – after working so hard to cut the ring. 10-9 for Russell.

Round 8: Round for Russell, nothing extraordinary. Diaz must think about going for broke. Doubt his corner allows it. 10-9 for Russell.

Russell-Diaz

Round 9: Another big round for Russell. Diaz is out of ideas and may soon be out of luck. 10-9 for Russell.

Round 10: If Diaz won the round – and he did not in my view - it’s because Russell allowed it. Word to Showtime: there are NO CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS. No round has any more value than previous or subsequent rounds. Russell round 10-9.

Round 11: Entertaining round which concluded in a phone booth. Most corners provide mediocre advice and Diaz’s is no exception. They need to say: “If you don’t knock him out you’ll lose.” Otherwise fire every single one of those yes men. 10-9 Round for Russell.

Round 12: Diaz round because Russell ran out of gas. 10-9 round for Diaz.

My card is 9-3 for Russell.

Thoughts: Diaz needs a new corner and the willingness to go for broke or he’ll go no further than ‘solid.’

Russell is a talented businessman who fights once a year – disappointing his own father. Showtime bores with their over-analysis and shouting. Their crew must learn that not everybody is Mike McCallum!