Dirrell/Bika: Best fight of the night. My section was pro-Ant, maybe because I was yelling and cheering like a madman.
Showed flashes of his power culminating with the knockdown. But he somewhat coasted and maybe took rounds off after that point. Ant allowed Bika to bully him into the ropes and unload to the body. Bika's a veteran. Experienced gatekeeper who doesn't win the major fights. Some of Bika's tactics were certainly questionable and/or dirty. He most of flown in a contingency from Australia because right in front of Section 8 in the floor seats, a group led by a woman was screaming for Bika the entire fight.
Crowd didn't respond or react well to Ant's showboating, if you call it that, at the end. Hands up in the air in victory.
Dirrell showed a good chin. Took some clean shots pinned against the ropes. Countered well selectively.
I wouldn't be opposed to a rematch.
Trout/Lara: The fans booed the entire fight. But the average boxing fan doesn't know their styles are too similar. Defensive, counter punching. Tactical. Trout never looked in the fight. Had a pained or uncomfortable expression on his face from the jump. Maybe a bad camp or weight cut? Pure speculation on my part. But this wasn't the Trout that defeated Cotto impressively or fought Canelo competitively.
The knockdown was brutal to watch as a huge Trout supporter. They showed his wife and two children reacting on the big screen. Wife grimaced. Kids were crying for their dad.
Lara showed elite defense, head movement, technique, footwork. He picked his spots and was the better man on that night.
I don't know what's next for either fighter. Back to the drawing board for Trout. Step up for Lara.
Alexander/Porter: The general consensus in my section was Dev by decision with crisp boxing. Many believed Porter wasn't ready for the bright lights.
I spoke with Freaky about this upset. Told NT'ers to bet it a $4-$5 on the dollar.
Porter showed no rattle. Got inside with ease negating any reach, height advantages. Bullied forward with no heart in his heart. Didn't respect Alexander the Great's pop one bit.
I was disappointed with Dev. Didn't use his jab or reach to keep Porter outside. Didn't even discourage Porter from advancing forward and engaging.
Alexander showed a sturdy chin. Took numerous clean, powerful shots from Porter, especially earlier in the fight. Both somewhat coasted in the later championship rounds.
Porter is very close with his dad. Just a brief observation. Like Bradley is and Judah is. Also came off religious or thankful to a higher power.
Side bar: The tall brunette was the baddest ring card girl. She must have been hurting from smiling so much, but it came off natural or maybe I'm just infatuated.
