Emmanuel Rodriguez vs Reymart Gaballo, Dec 19, on Showtime

[powerpuncher]

I’ve never seen this Russell fight. I don’t know how good he is.

They just said that his 26 year old brother suddenly died 9 days ago so that could definitely affect him. Payano is a solid and crafty fighter so we will see

[TitoFan]

Spirited 1st round. Both are southpaws. I think Russell's reach and good jab gave him the edge in Round 1.

[TitoFan]

Payano's overhand left is a bit slow and misses the mark most of the time. Lots of clinches and potential clashing of heads. Russell's round again, I feel.

[TitoFan]

Now it just became a clinch fest. I gave the round to Payano... but it wasn't pretty and was fairly close. 2-1 Russell

[TitoFan]

Clinch fest continues. The ref is busy... but he needs to be a LOT busier. I gave this round to Payano also although I feel like I'm judging a wrestling competition.

[TitoFan]

Geez... what a mess. Bring on the octagon.... lose the boxing ring. Ref's useless. 3-2 Payano

[TitoFan]

So they FINALLY got into some exchanges and I thought Russell got the better of them. He seemed to slightly stagger Payano at the end. I see it 3-3... obviously not agreeing with the commentators, one of whom has it 5-zip for Russell.

[Spicoli]

Lots of mauling. Refs looking in only one direction after he lets it go for a bit. Solid 4th Payano minus the Greg The Hammer Valentine headlock.

[Spicoli]

Thought Payano edged 5th. One of the more really ugly but interesting fights

[Spicoli]

Russell getting off real well. Rocked Payano at end. Wth Doctor stops it?

[powerpuncher]

And don’t worry @TitoFan, I joke around about your bias but I know that you are a logical fan overall

[TitoFan]

Ahh... no worries, powerpuncher. Most of us have some biases, no matter how large or small... and I'll be the first to admit my anti-Canelo bias.

However it doesn't carry into all Mexican fighters, regardless of the rivalry that has always existed.

[Spicoli]

Payano with the ballerina toe dip to slip the punch. That was interesting . Real rough and tumble fight this early.