By Daxx Kahn November 27th, 2009 All Boxing Articles
Can They Right Marlon’s Wrong?
Thirteen months ago, Librado Andrade, 28-2 (21), made his second career bid at becoming a World Title holder when he faced off against IBF Super Middleweight Champion Lucian “Le Tombeur” Bute, 24-0 (19), in a 12 round action packed affair that had all those in attendance at the nearly sold out Bell Centre in Montreal standing on their feet.
The bout was truly a classic boxer versus puncher affair as the southpaw champion put his technical prowess to use, utilizing every inch of ring space to his advantage. Bute landed right hand jabs and sent hometown spectators into a frenzy when he unleashed combinations, building up points on the judge’s scorecards.
In return, Andrade demonstrated why his reputation as a “True Grit” warrior was anything but exaggerated. Andrade pressured the Champion, causing him to stand his ground when he wanted to retreat.
When Bute would score flashy combinations, Andrade would punish him with hooks and overhand rights, letting the Champion know there was a price to pay for every punch unleashed even if the payback was one for every two absorbed.
In the latter rounds, it became clear Bute was not used to an opponent who was relentless, one who failed to crumble under pressure. When round 12 began, Bute ahead on all three scorecards, looked as if he could not hear the final bell soon enough, drained of all his physical energy and emotionally exhausted, the Champion’s heart was tested while the Challenger was never more ready to push his limits even further.
It became an almost “Rocky” type ending as the Challenger had Champion literally leaning on the ropes, stumbling across the ring as haymakers unleashed continuously to the temples and jaw of Bute. Straight rights would buckle his knees, the ropes saving him as he attempted a retreat to safety. Finally, as observers thought the excitement could not reach another level, Bute crumbled in the corner. More...
