Arguello/Blackburn
Posted: 09 Dec 2009, 15:45
For some closure...
Jack Blackburn vs Alexis Arguello
Fight info: Caesars Atlantic City, Atlantic City, NJ, United States, 2009-12-01, announcer is Ray Connelly, referee is Gary Ritter, the bout will be scored by three judges: Chalerm Prayadsab (Thailand), Lloyd Scaife (United States) and Robert Watson (United States), ring card girl is Amy Longlegs, the fighters will compete for the IBF, WBA, WBO title(s), the bout is scheduled for 12 rounds, Unified-rules are in effect, three KD rule is not in effect, save by the bell is not in effect, only the referee can stop the fight, mandatory 8 count is not in effect, fight stopped due to an accidental head butt: Tech. Draw through 4/Scorecard after 4, game will check for injuries, game will not adjust ratings for weight class, use judges bias is set to 'use bias rating', Scoring System is 10 Points
In the red corner: Jack Blackburn - Record: 2-0-1 - Career Stage: Prime - Conditioning: Top Condition - Trainer: Emanuel Steward - Cut Man: Bill Gibson
In the blue corner: Alexis Arguello - Record: 3-0-0 (1) - Career Stage: Prime - Conditioning: Top Condition - Trainer: Jeff Fenech - Cut Man: Leo Flynn
Round 1
Time Commentary Points
0:00 The bell for Round 1 sounds and the fight is on. 0:0
0:08 Blackburn moves into the near corner. 0:0
0:08 Arguello fires a punch over the jab of Blackburn and gets it in for points. 0:2
0:18 Blackburn is trapped in his own corner... 0:2
0:18 Arguello throws consecutive hooks to the ribs. He really sunk that second one in there. 0:5
0:33 Arguello feels his back touch the ropes and immediately moves away. He doesn't want to get trapped there. 0:5
0:38 That punch actually went behind Blackburn's head as he moved inside of a looping shot from Arguello. 0:5
0:46 Both fighters are being cautious and keeping out of range. 0:5
0:57 Arguello tries to double up on the jab but neither hit the mark. 0:5
0:59 Both fighters are pawing with the jab, trying to find an opening. Blackburn digs a quick hook into the exposed side of Arguello. 2:5
01:08 As high as Blackburn is holding his gloves he is leaving his body wide open to a damaging body punch if Arguello takes advantage of it. 2:5
01:16 Arguello has an army of supporters in tow tonight, judging by all the noise they're making. 2:5
01:19 Arguello flicks a lead right to the head of Blackburn. 2:7
01:32 Arguello pins Blackburn in the corner! 2:7
01:32 Arguello lands the jab but comes up short with a second one right behind it. 2:9
01:47 Both fighters come into this fight predicting a win... Not that you'd expect anything else. 2:9
01:53 Arguello backs into the near right corner. 2:9
01:58 The quickness and footwork of Blackburn is definitely keeping Arguello off balance. 2:9
02:03 Arguello throws the hook and connects. 2:11
02:21 Blackburn hooks off the jab and scores to the body or Arguello. 4:11
02:33 They're coming back to the center of the ring now... 4:11
02:38 Circling left, Arguello looks for an opening to fire a shot at Blackburn. 4:11
02:48 Arguello lets his hands go inside, but Blackburn protects his body well. 4:11
02:50 A lead right scores big for Blackburn. He stunned Arguello with that one. 7:11
03:00 There's the bell. That brings the first Round to a close. 8:13
Round 2
Time Commentary Points
0:00 It's Round 2 of this scheduled 12 rounder. 0:0
0:08 Bill Gibson not only gave Blackburn encouragement between rounds but also some solid advice on how to handle Arguello. Now it's up to Jack Blackburn to implement it. 0:0
0:15 Alexis Arguello leaves the jab just short. 0:0
0:17 Blackburn feints downstairs, then lands an uppercut under Arguello's chin. 2:0
0:31 Arguello fails to connect with that punch. He pushed it out there instead of cutting loose with it. 2:0
0:33 Blackburn lands a stinging jab. 4:0
0:52 Blackburn's corner is urging him on. They're really vocal tonight. 4:0
0:59 Arguello looks somewhat plodding as he tries to chase down Blackburn. 4:0
01:13 Blackburn throws a leaping shot that fails to hit the target. 4:0
01:32 Arguello backs away and hitches up his trunks. 4:0
01:40 Arguello suddenly goes southpaw and tries to find an opening. But his punches miss from this side too. Now he goes back to his orthodox stance. 4:0
01:47 Blackburn drops his shoulder as if to throw a right, then quickly rips a quick left hook to the body. 8:0
01:47 Arguello was stunned by that last flurry of punches! 8:0
02:02 Arguello traps Blackburn in the corner! 8:0
02:07 Arguello fires away but finds nothing but air. 8:0
02:09 Blackburn connects with an uppercut to the head of Arguello. 10:0
02:30 There's a pause in the action as both fighters regroup. 10:0
02:33 The action slows for the moment. 10:0
02:41 Arguello eats a left-right from Blackburn 12:0
02:56 Blackburn lands a strong cross! 16:0
02:56 Alexis Arguello is favoring his ribs, he's hurt!! 16:0
03:00 Round 2 of this scheduled 12 rounder ends as the bell sounds. 16:2
Round 3
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Ritter motions the fighters together as the bell sounds to begin Round 3. 0:0
0:07 Arguello received a pep talk from Jeff Fenech before he left his corner; we'll see if it worked. 0:0
0:12 Arguello wants to go downstairs, but can't penetrate Blackburn's defense. 0:0
0:19 The two men are bumping heads as they wrestle on the inside. Now, Blackburn lands a short uppercut to the chin of Arguello. 2:0
0:33 Arguello pins Blackburn's arms! The fighters are tied up... 2:0
0:37 Referee Ritter steps in to break it up. 2:0
0:49 Blackburn tries to muscle inside but Arguello clinches him. 2:0
0:58 Ritter has to separate the two... 2:0
01:08 Alexis Arguello tries to give angles as he continues his relentless forward motion. 2:0
01:12 Both fighters are circling, keeping their distance from each other. 2:0
01:18 Arguello shoots the jab, followed by a nice cross. 2:2
01:18 They're both coming in head first. Someone's going to get cut if this keeps occurring! 2:2
01:32 Arguello lets his hands go but his punches land on the arms of Blackburn. 2:2
01:46 Arguello sends the sweat flying with that cross to the head of Blackburn. 2:5
02:00 Blackburn scores with a brutal hook to the head. 5:5
02:14 Blackburn ends up behind Arguello as he deftly avoids a straight ahead attack moving to his right. 5:5
02:23 Arguello plods forward. 5:5
02:32 Arguello bores in determined to maul Blackburn 5:5
02:42 Alexis Arguello misses wildly with the hook. 5:5
02:44 Blackburn lands a nice jab. He tries to follow it up with a cross but it misses. 7:5
03:00 Alexis Arguello swings...and misses. 7:5
03:00 The bell ending Round 3 sounds and the fighters return to their corners. 8:7
Round 4
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Amy 'The Smile' Longlegs exits the ring to wild cheering. We await the bell, signaling the start of Round 4. There it is! 0:0
0:23 Arguello and Blackburn are in a clinch, Ritter hollers at them to break and start fighting. 0:0
0:35 Ritter separates the two fighters. 0:0
0:35 Both of these guys look just like they came out of their dressing rooms - not a mark on them. 0:0
0:45 Arguello lands a crushing hook! 0:4
0:45 Blackburn appears to be stunned! 0:4
0:59 That was a violent straight right by Arguello! 0:8
0:59 That series of punches rocked Blackburn and he looks to be in trouble. 0:8
01:13 Arguello tries to go to the body but he can't find an opening. 0:8
01:16 Jack Blackburn finds a home for his jab, keeping Arguello at bay. 2:8
01:25 Both fighters are being extremely cautious in this one. We hadn't expected such a tactical battle. 2:8
01:37 Arguello whiffs with the uppercut. 2:8
01:39 Blackburn sneaks home the right cross. 4:8
01:53 Arguello lands a wicked cross! 4:12
01:53 Blackburn's hurt, that blow stopped him cold! 4:12
02:08 Arguello slides into a neutral corner... 4:12
02:13 Blackburn misses with that combination. 4:12
02:15 A hard jab lands from Arguello 4:15
02:19 It looks like there's a bit of swelling starting under Blackburn's left eye. 4:15
02:24 Blackburn doesn't have to look for Arguello this round. He is right there in front of him. 4:15
02:34 Both fighters are being effective in this exchange of punches. 6:17
02:43 Blackburn gets inside and fires a hook to Arguello's body. 8:17
02:56 Arguello is blocked in his own corner... 8:17
02:56 Blackburn lands a rapier like jab to the head of Arguello 10:17
03:00 There was no feeling out in that round, Blackburn and Arguello really went at it. 11:16
Round 5
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Blackburn is off his stool and waiting for the bell to begin Round 5. 0:0
0:06 Jeff Fenech was really animated in Arguello's corner and Arguello was nodding in agreement. 0:0
0:11 Blackburn is probing with his jab as he tries to find an opening in Arguello's defense. 0:0
0:19 Blackburn scores with a punishing jab 3:0
0:36 Arguello clamps Blackburn's arms to his side and holds on until Ritter breaks the hold. 3:0
0:41 Blackburn tries to get free... Here comes Ritter to break them up... 3:0
0:46 Alexis Arguello has Blackburn cornered! 3:0
0:50 Blackburn does a great job of moving as Alexis Arguello tries to work inside. 3:0
01:00 Not much happening at the moment. 3:0
01:08 Arguello is still trying to find the range with his punches. He's just missing with some of his shots. 3:0
01:22 Jack Blackburn is just missing by a hair with his punches. 3:0
01:29 Ritter is doing a nice job so far. He's maintaining control yet you hardly notice that he's in the ring. 3:0
01:37 Arguello fires a shot, but it glances off Blackburn's shoulder. 3:0
01:39 A straight cross from Blackburn gets through Arguello's guard. 5:0
01:49 Jack Blackburn retreats into a neutral corner. 5:0
01:54 Arguello connects with a violent hook! 5:4
01:54 Blackburn is trying to regroup after that punch... 5:4
02:03 Arguello slides into the corner... 5:4
02:03 Jack Blackburn goes to the head and the body, though neither punch had much on it. 7:4
02:21 Arguello works himself free. Now the fighters move back to ring center. 7:4
02:28 Alexis Arguello lands a short hook to the body. 7:6
02:42 Blackburn misses with an uppercut from way outside. That's a dangerous punch to throw. You leave yourself wide open for a counter. 7:6
02:50 Arguello has Blackburn pinned! 7:6
02:54 Arguello patiently and methodically advances, steadily cutting down the ring space, giving Blackburn little room to move. 7:6
03:00 The bell sounds ending Round 5. 9:7
Round 6
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Arguello was a little slow getting off his stool this round. 0:0
0:07 Jeff Fenech was extremely upbeat during the break with Arguello providing some solid encouragement. 0:0
0:13 Arguello fires a volley of punches but Blackburn was already moving laterally and was out of harm's way. 0:0
0:15 Blackburn scores with consecutive blows to the body of Arguello. 2:0
0:32 Arguello pins Blackburn's arms. Now they move apart. 2:0
0:44 Arguello and Blackburn each take a step back. 2:0
0:49 Arguello has Blackburn blocked in! 2:0
0:53 Arguello grabs Blackburn again. If this were football, there'd be a penalty flag for holding. 2:0
0:58 Ritter separates them. 2:0
01:07 Arguello continues to come forward but he should be moving in behind punches. 2:0
01:19 Blackburn takes a heavy combination downstairs. 2:4
01:19 Blackburn appears shaken by those punches! 2:4
01:33 Arguello really buried that punch into Jack Blackburn's ribs. 2:8
01:33 Blackburn looks shaken! 2:8
01:37 That swelling under the left eye of Blackburn is definitely getting worse. 2:8
01:50 Blackburn frees himself from Arguello's clutches! They move to ring center now. 2:8
01:59 Arguello dips as if to launch a body shot, then goes upstairs with a quick hook to the head that puts Blackburn back on his heels! 2:12
01:59 Blackburn took far too many hard shots from Arguello in that flurry and he is hurt! 2:12
02:08 Arguello snaps Blackburn's head back with a solid jab. 2:15
02:13 Jack Blackburn seems to be a bit distracted by the swelling under his left eye as it has gotten worse. 2:15
02:21 Arguello feints to the head, then scores with a solid jab to the body 2:18
02:30 Some good body work by Arguello but not much on those punches. 2:20
02:44 Arguello looks to work the body, but Blackburn covers up nicely. 2:20
02:46 Blackburn lands the uppercut but there wasn't much on it. 4:20
02:58 Arguello seems really focused on what he's doing this round. 4:20
03:00 Jack Blackburn has Arguello trapped in the far neutral corner... 4:20
03:00 And another stanza comes to a close with the bell. 5:20
Round 7
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Arguello looks to be in fair shape as Round 7 gets underway. 0:0
0:06 Whatever Bill Gibson said to him in the corner between rounds must have had some effect as Jack Blackburn has some spring in his step here in the 7th round. 0:0
0:06 If the swelling was lessened by Blackburn's corner, it wasn't reduced enough to make a big difference. It's going to be a factor in this fight if it continues to worsen. 0:0
0:07 Arguello's cross finds a home in Blackburn's midsection. 0:3
0:26 Jack Blackburn gets off a nice little three punch salvo. 2:3
0:39 Arguello comes in over Blackburn's guard with a solid hook. 2:6
0:57 Arguello drops the right hand flush on Blackburn's chin! 2:11
0:57 That shot landed square and Blackburn felt it, he's in a world of hurt! 2:11
01:02 Blackburn's left eye is turning ugly as the swelling under it worsens. 2:11
01:10 Arguello just comes up short with the jab. 2:11
01:21 Alexis Arguello lands a nice cross but Blackburn turned with it, absorbing most of its power. 2:13
01:21 Blackburn was stopped cold by that punch! Alexis Arguello has a reputation as a great finisher. Let's see if he can live up to it! 2:13
01:30 Blackburn is forced into his own corner... 2:13
01:34 Arguello fires a wild overhand right and misses everything. 2:13
01:45 Arguello just landed a devastating three punch combo! 2:18
01:45 Those punches hurt Blackburn and he looks to hang on. 2:18
01:50 Blackburn is fading... 2:18
01:50 The increased swelling around the left eye of Blackburn is fast becoming a hindurance. 2:18
01:59 Arguello charges Blackburn trying to get inside 2:18
02:03 Both boxers are in the middle of the squared circle. 2:18
02:03 Alexis Arguello pops a jab home. That punch didn't hurt but it still scored points. 2:20
02:03 Arguello's last punch has given him a chance to end the fight this round. He's got Blackburn on Queer Street. Now, can Arguello finish him? 2:20
02:16 Alexis Arguello works his way in and leans on Blackburn. 2:20
02:25 Arguello looks to land a jab but misses the mark. 2:20
02:32 Blackburn takes a half step back as he tries to create some punching room. 2:20
02:42 Arguello can't find the range as he tries to work the body. 2:20
02:44 Blackburn gets the cross through Arguello's guard. 4:20
02:54 Arguello moves into a neutral corner. 4:20
02:54 Blackburn launches an uppercut from way outside, grazing Arguello's jaw. Blackburn is vulnerable to a counter throwing that punch from a distance like that. 6:20
03:00 Blackburn is clinching... 6:20
03:00 Blackburn finally lets go of Alexis Arguello. 6:20
03:00 There's the bell. That brings Round 7 to a close. 6:21
Round 8
Time Commentary Points
0:00 The bell sounds to start Round 8. 0:0
0:05 Bill Gibson seemed to pump up Blackburn between rounds. 0:0
0:05 Blackburn's corner is an experienced crew but the swelling he's suffered looks almost as bad as it did before the minute break. 0:0
0:11 Arguello drives home a wicked hook to the midsection! 0:4
0:11 Blackburn was shaken by those blows! 0:4
0:16 Blackburn's punches are losing their steam as he looks beat. 0:4
0:25 Blackburn usues his legs to avoid Arguello's punches. 0:4
0:36 Arguello smothers Blackburn's attack with a clinch! 0:4
0:41 Jack Blackburn pushes Arguello away. 0:4
0:45 Blackburn steals a quick glance at his corner. 0:4
0:54 Blackburn telegraphed that shot and Arguello ducks under it easily. 0:4
0:56 Arguello scores with three hard shots in a row! 0:7
01:00 The swelling under Blackburn's left eye can't get much worse, as it has now ballooned substantially. 0:7
01:05 Blackburn backs into a neutral corner. 0:7
01:09 There's a hard shot off the top of Blackburn's head! 0:11
01:09 Blackburn looks shaken! 0:11
01:21 Blackburn retreats into the lower corner. 0:11
01:26 Jack Blackburn is protecting the body nicely as Arguello fails to score inside. 0:11
01:28 Arguello tastes Blackburn's jab 2:11
01:40 Blackburn backs into his own corner... 2:11
01:45 Arguello shuffles slowly forward, constantly pressuring Blackburn. 2:11
01:49 Arguello forces his way inside and he lands a nice uppercut to the chin of Blackburn. 2:13
02:04 Alexis Arguello just delivered a wake-up call!!! He really caught Blackburn with a sharp combination! 2:17
02:04 Blackburn was shaken by those blows! 2:17
02:08 The swelling under Blackburn's left eye is growing to a point where the eye could end up shut if his corner can't reduce or at least control it. 2:17
02:16 Arguello lands the hook downstairs as he continues to find openings in Blackburn's defense. 2:20
02:20 Ritter is staring intently at Blackburn. He may stop this fight... 2:20
02:25 Blackburn continues to pop the jab 4:20
02:42 Arguello cuts loose with a combination and the crowd roars, but the truth is none of those punches landed. Blackburn had his elbows tucked in nicely. 4:20
02:44 Blackburn lands a jab to the midsection 6:20
02:58 Arguello misses with the left and then fails to connect with the right as well. 6:20
03:00 It looks like Arguello has a pretty solid lead at this stage of the fight. 6:20
03:00 Ritter motions the fighters to their corners as the bell sounds to end Round 8. 6:21
Round 9
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Arguello looks to be in excellent shape as Round 9 gets underway. 0:0
0:05 Arguello's corner men did their job with quiet efficiency and confidence. 0:0
0:05 A minute wasn't enough to eliminate or even significantly reduce Blackburn's swelling. They'll have to keep a close watch on it and make sure Blackburn's vision doesn't become a major problem over the next few rounds. 0:0
0:11 Arguello is jockeying for position as he tries to force Blackburn back into the corner. 0:0
0:16 Arguello has Blackburn trapped! 0:0
0:20 Alexis Arguello lands a devastating hook! 0:5
0:20 Blackburn is gasping for air!! 0:5
0:30 Blackburn is trying to avoid shots to the body. He'd better look out for shots to the head! 0:5
0:33 Blackburn has Arguello pinned! 0:5
0:37 Blackburn is in constant motion. He is a hard fighter to corner. 0:5
0:44 The fighters are jockeying for position as both men try to gain the advantage here in the 9th. 0:5
0:47 Arguello cranks a hard cross to the body of Blackburn. 0:8
0:52 Blackburn is going to have to protect his continually swelling left eye or it is going to become an issue in this fight! 0:8
01:02 Alexis Arguello's misses as Blackburn backpedals away. 0:8
01:04 Blackburn flicks three quick jabs and at least one got through. 2:8
01:18 Arguello works free! He backs to ring center, with Blackburn following. 2:8
01:28 Blackburn picks off the jab thrown by Arguello. 2:8
01:34 Blackburn scores with a tremendous right just above the waistline! 6:8
01:34 Arguello in on unsteady legs after those punches. 6:8
01:48 Blackburn is giving Arguello a lot of side-to-side movement. 6:8
01:53 Arguello is receiving a lot of encouragement from his corner. If this helps win fights, he has a real good shot tonight. 6:8
01:56 Blackburn is pinned in his own corner... 6:8
01:56 Arguello is doing great work inside as he jars Blackburn with an uppercut. 6:11
02:16 Arguello just landed a three punch combo! 6:16
02:16 Jack Blackburn appears shaken by those punches! 6:16
02:29 Arguello is keeping away from the ropes. 6:16
02:34 That hook by Arguello jarred Blackburn! 6:21
02:34 Blackburn looks like he was hurt by that punch! 6:21
02:38 Blackburn is nearly out on his feet and not defending himself at all, this fight has to be on the verge of being stopped. 6:21
02:38 Blackburn's left eye is now in terrible shape as his corner has not been abel to curtail the swelling. 6:21
02:51 Blackburn just absorbed a terrifying shot to the body. 6:25
02:51 Blackburn was hurt by those blows! 6:25
02:56 * Thats it!! Ritter has stopped the fight!! The winner by TKO in the 9th is Arguello!! 6:25
Fight Result
Here's Ray Connelly with the call...
Ladies and Gentlemen! The winner, new IBF lightweight champion, and still WBA, WBO lightweight champion, by technical knockout at the 02:57 mark in Round 9 is...
Alexis Arguello!
Score Cards
Chalerm Prayadsab Round Total
Thailand 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Jack Blackburn 9 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 76
Alexis Arguello 10 9 10 9 9 10 10 10 77
Lloyd Scaife Round Total
United States 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Jack Blackburn 9 10 10 9 10 9 9 9 75
Alexis Arguello 10 9 9 10 9 10 10 10 77
Robert Watson Round Total
United States 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Jack Blackburn 9 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 76
Alexis Arguello 10 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 76
Round Totals Round Total
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Jack Blackburn 27 30 30 29 30 27 27 27 227
Alexis Arguello 30 27 28 28 27 30 30 30 230
Statistics
Categories Jack Blackburn Alexis Arguello
Knockdowns scored 0 0
Jabs / Round 5.22 5.78
Hooks / Round 3.67 4.33
Crosses / Round 3.56 8.89
Combinations / Round 5.11 4.67
Uppercuts / Round 4.11 3.78
Punches Landed / Round 21.67 27.44
Punches Missed / Round 17.44 96.78
Punching Accuracy 55.4% 22.1%
Total Number of Fouls 0 0
Suffered Accidental Head Butt 1
Bouts with eye swelling resulting from punches 1
No cuts occured
Strategies (demanded/followed)
Cover Up 1 / 1 0 / 0
Fight Inside 0 / 0 4 / 4
Fight Outside (Offensive) 1 / 1 0 / 0
Fight Outside (Defensive) 4 / 4 1 / 1
Go for KO 0 / 0 1 / 1
Go All Out for KO 1 / 1 0 / 0
Protect Cut 0 / 0 0 / 0
Take a Round Off 1 / 0 1 / 0
Jack Blackburn vs Alexis Arguello
Fight info: Caesars Atlantic City, Atlantic City, NJ, United States, 2009-12-01, announcer is Ray Connelly, referee is Gary Ritter, the bout will be scored by three judges: Chalerm Prayadsab (Thailand), Lloyd Scaife (United States) and Robert Watson (United States), ring card girl is Amy Longlegs, the fighters will compete for the IBF, WBA, WBO title(s), the bout is scheduled for 12 rounds, Unified-rules are in effect, three KD rule is not in effect, save by the bell is not in effect, only the referee can stop the fight, mandatory 8 count is not in effect, fight stopped due to an accidental head butt: Tech. Draw through 4/Scorecard after 4, game will check for injuries, game will not adjust ratings for weight class, use judges bias is set to 'use bias rating', Scoring System is 10 Points
In the red corner: Jack Blackburn - Record: 2-0-1 - Career Stage: Prime - Conditioning: Top Condition - Trainer: Emanuel Steward - Cut Man: Bill Gibson
In the blue corner: Alexis Arguello - Record: 3-0-0 (1) - Career Stage: Prime - Conditioning: Top Condition - Trainer: Jeff Fenech - Cut Man: Leo Flynn
Round 1
Time Commentary Points
0:00 The bell for Round 1 sounds and the fight is on. 0:0
0:08 Blackburn moves into the near corner. 0:0
0:08 Arguello fires a punch over the jab of Blackburn and gets it in for points. 0:2
0:18 Blackburn is trapped in his own corner... 0:2
0:18 Arguello throws consecutive hooks to the ribs. He really sunk that second one in there. 0:5
0:33 Arguello feels his back touch the ropes and immediately moves away. He doesn't want to get trapped there. 0:5
0:38 That punch actually went behind Blackburn's head as he moved inside of a looping shot from Arguello. 0:5
0:46 Both fighters are being cautious and keeping out of range. 0:5
0:57 Arguello tries to double up on the jab but neither hit the mark. 0:5
0:59 Both fighters are pawing with the jab, trying to find an opening. Blackburn digs a quick hook into the exposed side of Arguello. 2:5
01:08 As high as Blackburn is holding his gloves he is leaving his body wide open to a damaging body punch if Arguello takes advantage of it. 2:5
01:16 Arguello has an army of supporters in tow tonight, judging by all the noise they're making. 2:5
01:19 Arguello flicks a lead right to the head of Blackburn. 2:7
01:32 Arguello pins Blackburn in the corner! 2:7
01:32 Arguello lands the jab but comes up short with a second one right behind it. 2:9
01:47 Both fighters come into this fight predicting a win... Not that you'd expect anything else. 2:9
01:53 Arguello backs into the near right corner. 2:9
01:58 The quickness and footwork of Blackburn is definitely keeping Arguello off balance. 2:9
02:03 Arguello throws the hook and connects. 2:11
02:21 Blackburn hooks off the jab and scores to the body or Arguello. 4:11
02:33 They're coming back to the center of the ring now... 4:11
02:38 Circling left, Arguello looks for an opening to fire a shot at Blackburn. 4:11
02:48 Arguello lets his hands go inside, but Blackburn protects his body well. 4:11
02:50 A lead right scores big for Blackburn. He stunned Arguello with that one. 7:11
03:00 There's the bell. That brings the first Round to a close. 8:13
Round 2
Time Commentary Points
0:00 It's Round 2 of this scheduled 12 rounder. 0:0
0:08 Bill Gibson not only gave Blackburn encouragement between rounds but also some solid advice on how to handle Arguello. Now it's up to Jack Blackburn to implement it. 0:0
0:15 Alexis Arguello leaves the jab just short. 0:0
0:17 Blackburn feints downstairs, then lands an uppercut under Arguello's chin. 2:0
0:31 Arguello fails to connect with that punch. He pushed it out there instead of cutting loose with it. 2:0
0:33 Blackburn lands a stinging jab. 4:0
0:52 Blackburn's corner is urging him on. They're really vocal tonight. 4:0
0:59 Arguello looks somewhat plodding as he tries to chase down Blackburn. 4:0
01:13 Blackburn throws a leaping shot that fails to hit the target. 4:0
01:32 Arguello backs away and hitches up his trunks. 4:0
01:40 Arguello suddenly goes southpaw and tries to find an opening. But his punches miss from this side too. Now he goes back to his orthodox stance. 4:0
01:47 Blackburn drops his shoulder as if to throw a right, then quickly rips a quick left hook to the body. 8:0
01:47 Arguello was stunned by that last flurry of punches! 8:0
02:02 Arguello traps Blackburn in the corner! 8:0
02:07 Arguello fires away but finds nothing but air. 8:0
02:09 Blackburn connects with an uppercut to the head of Arguello. 10:0
02:30 There's a pause in the action as both fighters regroup. 10:0
02:33 The action slows for the moment. 10:0
02:41 Arguello eats a left-right from Blackburn 12:0
02:56 Blackburn lands a strong cross! 16:0
02:56 Alexis Arguello is favoring his ribs, he's hurt!! 16:0
03:00 Round 2 of this scheduled 12 rounder ends as the bell sounds. 16:2
Round 3
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Ritter motions the fighters together as the bell sounds to begin Round 3. 0:0
0:07 Arguello received a pep talk from Jeff Fenech before he left his corner; we'll see if it worked. 0:0
0:12 Arguello wants to go downstairs, but can't penetrate Blackburn's defense. 0:0
0:19 The two men are bumping heads as they wrestle on the inside. Now, Blackburn lands a short uppercut to the chin of Arguello. 2:0
0:33 Arguello pins Blackburn's arms! The fighters are tied up... 2:0
0:37 Referee Ritter steps in to break it up. 2:0
0:49 Blackburn tries to muscle inside but Arguello clinches him. 2:0
0:58 Ritter has to separate the two... 2:0
01:08 Alexis Arguello tries to give angles as he continues his relentless forward motion. 2:0
01:12 Both fighters are circling, keeping their distance from each other. 2:0
01:18 Arguello shoots the jab, followed by a nice cross. 2:2
01:18 They're both coming in head first. Someone's going to get cut if this keeps occurring! 2:2
01:32 Arguello lets his hands go but his punches land on the arms of Blackburn. 2:2
01:46 Arguello sends the sweat flying with that cross to the head of Blackburn. 2:5
02:00 Blackburn scores with a brutal hook to the head. 5:5
02:14 Blackburn ends up behind Arguello as he deftly avoids a straight ahead attack moving to his right. 5:5
02:23 Arguello plods forward. 5:5
02:32 Arguello bores in determined to maul Blackburn 5:5
02:42 Alexis Arguello misses wildly with the hook. 5:5
02:44 Blackburn lands a nice jab. He tries to follow it up with a cross but it misses. 7:5
03:00 Alexis Arguello swings...and misses. 7:5
03:00 The bell ending Round 3 sounds and the fighters return to their corners. 8:7
Round 4
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Amy 'The Smile' Longlegs exits the ring to wild cheering. We await the bell, signaling the start of Round 4. There it is! 0:0
0:23 Arguello and Blackburn are in a clinch, Ritter hollers at them to break and start fighting. 0:0
0:35 Ritter separates the two fighters. 0:0
0:35 Both of these guys look just like they came out of their dressing rooms - not a mark on them. 0:0
0:45 Arguello lands a crushing hook! 0:4
0:45 Blackburn appears to be stunned! 0:4
0:59 That was a violent straight right by Arguello! 0:8
0:59 That series of punches rocked Blackburn and he looks to be in trouble. 0:8
01:13 Arguello tries to go to the body but he can't find an opening. 0:8
01:16 Jack Blackburn finds a home for his jab, keeping Arguello at bay. 2:8
01:25 Both fighters are being extremely cautious in this one. We hadn't expected such a tactical battle. 2:8
01:37 Arguello whiffs with the uppercut. 2:8
01:39 Blackburn sneaks home the right cross. 4:8
01:53 Arguello lands a wicked cross! 4:12
01:53 Blackburn's hurt, that blow stopped him cold! 4:12
02:08 Arguello slides into a neutral corner... 4:12
02:13 Blackburn misses with that combination. 4:12
02:15 A hard jab lands from Arguello 4:15
02:19 It looks like there's a bit of swelling starting under Blackburn's left eye. 4:15
02:24 Blackburn doesn't have to look for Arguello this round. He is right there in front of him. 4:15
02:34 Both fighters are being effective in this exchange of punches. 6:17
02:43 Blackburn gets inside and fires a hook to Arguello's body. 8:17
02:56 Arguello is blocked in his own corner... 8:17
02:56 Blackburn lands a rapier like jab to the head of Arguello 10:17
03:00 There was no feeling out in that round, Blackburn and Arguello really went at it. 11:16
Round 5
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Blackburn is off his stool and waiting for the bell to begin Round 5. 0:0
0:06 Jeff Fenech was really animated in Arguello's corner and Arguello was nodding in agreement. 0:0
0:11 Blackburn is probing with his jab as he tries to find an opening in Arguello's defense. 0:0
0:19 Blackburn scores with a punishing jab 3:0
0:36 Arguello clamps Blackburn's arms to his side and holds on until Ritter breaks the hold. 3:0
0:41 Blackburn tries to get free... Here comes Ritter to break them up... 3:0
0:46 Alexis Arguello has Blackburn cornered! 3:0
0:50 Blackburn does a great job of moving as Alexis Arguello tries to work inside. 3:0
01:00 Not much happening at the moment. 3:0
01:08 Arguello is still trying to find the range with his punches. He's just missing with some of his shots. 3:0
01:22 Jack Blackburn is just missing by a hair with his punches. 3:0
01:29 Ritter is doing a nice job so far. He's maintaining control yet you hardly notice that he's in the ring. 3:0
01:37 Arguello fires a shot, but it glances off Blackburn's shoulder. 3:0
01:39 A straight cross from Blackburn gets through Arguello's guard. 5:0
01:49 Jack Blackburn retreats into a neutral corner. 5:0
01:54 Arguello connects with a violent hook! 5:4
01:54 Blackburn is trying to regroup after that punch... 5:4
02:03 Arguello slides into the corner... 5:4
02:03 Jack Blackburn goes to the head and the body, though neither punch had much on it. 7:4
02:21 Arguello works himself free. Now the fighters move back to ring center. 7:4
02:28 Alexis Arguello lands a short hook to the body. 7:6
02:42 Blackburn misses with an uppercut from way outside. That's a dangerous punch to throw. You leave yourself wide open for a counter. 7:6
02:50 Arguello has Blackburn pinned! 7:6
02:54 Arguello patiently and methodically advances, steadily cutting down the ring space, giving Blackburn little room to move. 7:6
03:00 The bell sounds ending Round 5. 9:7
Round 6
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Arguello was a little slow getting off his stool this round. 0:0
0:07 Jeff Fenech was extremely upbeat during the break with Arguello providing some solid encouragement. 0:0
0:13 Arguello fires a volley of punches but Blackburn was already moving laterally and was out of harm's way. 0:0
0:15 Blackburn scores with consecutive blows to the body of Arguello. 2:0
0:32 Arguello pins Blackburn's arms. Now they move apart. 2:0
0:44 Arguello and Blackburn each take a step back. 2:0
0:49 Arguello has Blackburn blocked in! 2:0
0:53 Arguello grabs Blackburn again. If this were football, there'd be a penalty flag for holding. 2:0
0:58 Ritter separates them. 2:0
01:07 Arguello continues to come forward but he should be moving in behind punches. 2:0
01:19 Blackburn takes a heavy combination downstairs. 2:4
01:19 Blackburn appears shaken by those punches! 2:4
01:33 Arguello really buried that punch into Jack Blackburn's ribs. 2:8
01:33 Blackburn looks shaken! 2:8
01:37 That swelling under the left eye of Blackburn is definitely getting worse. 2:8
01:50 Blackburn frees himself from Arguello's clutches! They move to ring center now. 2:8
01:59 Arguello dips as if to launch a body shot, then goes upstairs with a quick hook to the head that puts Blackburn back on his heels! 2:12
01:59 Blackburn took far too many hard shots from Arguello in that flurry and he is hurt! 2:12
02:08 Arguello snaps Blackburn's head back with a solid jab. 2:15
02:13 Jack Blackburn seems to be a bit distracted by the swelling under his left eye as it has gotten worse. 2:15
02:21 Arguello feints to the head, then scores with a solid jab to the body 2:18
02:30 Some good body work by Arguello but not much on those punches. 2:20
02:44 Arguello looks to work the body, but Blackburn covers up nicely. 2:20
02:46 Blackburn lands the uppercut but there wasn't much on it. 4:20
02:58 Arguello seems really focused on what he's doing this round. 4:20
03:00 Jack Blackburn has Arguello trapped in the far neutral corner... 4:20
03:00 And another stanza comes to a close with the bell. 5:20
Round 7
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Arguello looks to be in fair shape as Round 7 gets underway. 0:0
0:06 Whatever Bill Gibson said to him in the corner between rounds must have had some effect as Jack Blackburn has some spring in his step here in the 7th round. 0:0
0:06 If the swelling was lessened by Blackburn's corner, it wasn't reduced enough to make a big difference. It's going to be a factor in this fight if it continues to worsen. 0:0
0:07 Arguello's cross finds a home in Blackburn's midsection. 0:3
0:26 Jack Blackburn gets off a nice little three punch salvo. 2:3
0:39 Arguello comes in over Blackburn's guard with a solid hook. 2:6
0:57 Arguello drops the right hand flush on Blackburn's chin! 2:11
0:57 That shot landed square and Blackburn felt it, he's in a world of hurt! 2:11
01:02 Blackburn's left eye is turning ugly as the swelling under it worsens. 2:11
01:10 Arguello just comes up short with the jab. 2:11
01:21 Alexis Arguello lands a nice cross but Blackburn turned with it, absorbing most of its power. 2:13
01:21 Blackburn was stopped cold by that punch! Alexis Arguello has a reputation as a great finisher. Let's see if he can live up to it! 2:13
01:30 Blackburn is forced into his own corner... 2:13
01:34 Arguello fires a wild overhand right and misses everything. 2:13
01:45 Arguello just landed a devastating three punch combo! 2:18
01:45 Those punches hurt Blackburn and he looks to hang on. 2:18
01:50 Blackburn is fading... 2:18
01:50 The increased swelling around the left eye of Blackburn is fast becoming a hindurance. 2:18
01:59 Arguello charges Blackburn trying to get inside 2:18
02:03 Both boxers are in the middle of the squared circle. 2:18
02:03 Alexis Arguello pops a jab home. That punch didn't hurt but it still scored points. 2:20
02:03 Arguello's last punch has given him a chance to end the fight this round. He's got Blackburn on Queer Street. Now, can Arguello finish him? 2:20
02:16 Alexis Arguello works his way in and leans on Blackburn. 2:20
02:25 Arguello looks to land a jab but misses the mark. 2:20
02:32 Blackburn takes a half step back as he tries to create some punching room. 2:20
02:42 Arguello can't find the range as he tries to work the body. 2:20
02:44 Blackburn gets the cross through Arguello's guard. 4:20
02:54 Arguello moves into a neutral corner. 4:20
02:54 Blackburn launches an uppercut from way outside, grazing Arguello's jaw. Blackburn is vulnerable to a counter throwing that punch from a distance like that. 6:20
03:00 Blackburn is clinching... 6:20
03:00 Blackburn finally lets go of Alexis Arguello. 6:20
03:00 There's the bell. That brings Round 7 to a close. 6:21
Round 8
Time Commentary Points
0:00 The bell sounds to start Round 8. 0:0
0:05 Bill Gibson seemed to pump up Blackburn between rounds. 0:0
0:05 Blackburn's corner is an experienced crew but the swelling he's suffered looks almost as bad as it did before the minute break. 0:0
0:11 Arguello drives home a wicked hook to the midsection! 0:4
0:11 Blackburn was shaken by those blows! 0:4
0:16 Blackburn's punches are losing their steam as he looks beat. 0:4
0:25 Blackburn usues his legs to avoid Arguello's punches. 0:4
0:36 Arguello smothers Blackburn's attack with a clinch! 0:4
0:41 Jack Blackburn pushes Arguello away. 0:4
0:45 Blackburn steals a quick glance at his corner. 0:4
0:54 Blackburn telegraphed that shot and Arguello ducks under it easily. 0:4
0:56 Arguello scores with three hard shots in a row! 0:7
01:00 The swelling under Blackburn's left eye can't get much worse, as it has now ballooned substantially. 0:7
01:05 Blackburn backs into a neutral corner. 0:7
01:09 There's a hard shot off the top of Blackburn's head! 0:11
01:09 Blackburn looks shaken! 0:11
01:21 Blackburn retreats into the lower corner. 0:11
01:26 Jack Blackburn is protecting the body nicely as Arguello fails to score inside. 0:11
01:28 Arguello tastes Blackburn's jab 2:11
01:40 Blackburn backs into his own corner... 2:11
01:45 Arguello shuffles slowly forward, constantly pressuring Blackburn. 2:11
01:49 Arguello forces his way inside and he lands a nice uppercut to the chin of Blackburn. 2:13
02:04 Alexis Arguello just delivered a wake-up call!!! He really caught Blackburn with a sharp combination! 2:17
02:04 Blackburn was shaken by those blows! 2:17
02:08 The swelling under Blackburn's left eye is growing to a point where the eye could end up shut if his corner can't reduce or at least control it. 2:17
02:16 Arguello lands the hook downstairs as he continues to find openings in Blackburn's defense. 2:20
02:20 Ritter is staring intently at Blackburn. He may stop this fight... 2:20
02:25 Blackburn continues to pop the jab 4:20
02:42 Arguello cuts loose with a combination and the crowd roars, but the truth is none of those punches landed. Blackburn had his elbows tucked in nicely. 4:20
02:44 Blackburn lands a jab to the midsection 6:20
02:58 Arguello misses with the left and then fails to connect with the right as well. 6:20
03:00 It looks like Arguello has a pretty solid lead at this stage of the fight. 6:20
03:00 Ritter motions the fighters to their corners as the bell sounds to end Round 8. 6:21
Round 9
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Arguello looks to be in excellent shape as Round 9 gets underway. 0:0
0:05 Arguello's corner men did their job with quiet efficiency and confidence. 0:0
0:05 A minute wasn't enough to eliminate or even significantly reduce Blackburn's swelling. They'll have to keep a close watch on it and make sure Blackburn's vision doesn't become a major problem over the next few rounds. 0:0
0:11 Arguello is jockeying for position as he tries to force Blackburn back into the corner. 0:0
0:16 Arguello has Blackburn trapped! 0:0
0:20 Alexis Arguello lands a devastating hook! 0:5
0:20 Blackburn is gasping for air!! 0:5
0:30 Blackburn is trying to avoid shots to the body. He'd better look out for shots to the head! 0:5
0:33 Blackburn has Arguello pinned! 0:5
0:37 Blackburn is in constant motion. He is a hard fighter to corner. 0:5
0:44 The fighters are jockeying for position as both men try to gain the advantage here in the 9th. 0:5
0:47 Arguello cranks a hard cross to the body of Blackburn. 0:8
0:52 Blackburn is going to have to protect his continually swelling left eye or it is going to become an issue in this fight! 0:8
01:02 Alexis Arguello's misses as Blackburn backpedals away. 0:8
01:04 Blackburn flicks three quick jabs and at least one got through. 2:8
01:18 Arguello works free! He backs to ring center, with Blackburn following. 2:8
01:28 Blackburn picks off the jab thrown by Arguello. 2:8
01:34 Blackburn scores with a tremendous right just above the waistline! 6:8
01:34 Arguello in on unsteady legs after those punches. 6:8
01:48 Blackburn is giving Arguello a lot of side-to-side movement. 6:8
01:53 Arguello is receiving a lot of encouragement from his corner. If this helps win fights, he has a real good shot tonight. 6:8
01:56 Blackburn is pinned in his own corner... 6:8
01:56 Arguello is doing great work inside as he jars Blackburn with an uppercut. 6:11
02:16 Arguello just landed a three punch combo! 6:16
02:16 Jack Blackburn appears shaken by those punches! 6:16
02:29 Arguello is keeping away from the ropes. 6:16
02:34 That hook by Arguello jarred Blackburn! 6:21
02:34 Blackburn looks like he was hurt by that punch! 6:21
02:38 Blackburn is nearly out on his feet and not defending himself at all, this fight has to be on the verge of being stopped. 6:21
02:38 Blackburn's left eye is now in terrible shape as his corner has not been abel to curtail the swelling. 6:21
02:51 Blackburn just absorbed a terrifying shot to the body. 6:25
02:51 Blackburn was hurt by those blows! 6:25
02:56 * Thats it!! Ritter has stopped the fight!! The winner by TKO in the 9th is Arguello!! 6:25
Fight Result
Here's Ray Connelly with the call...
Ladies and Gentlemen! The winner, new IBF lightweight champion, and still WBA, WBO lightweight champion, by technical knockout at the 02:57 mark in Round 9 is...
Alexis Arguello!
Score Cards
Chalerm Prayadsab Round Total
Thailand 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Jack Blackburn 9 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 76
Alexis Arguello 10 9 10 9 9 10 10 10 77
Lloyd Scaife Round Total
United States 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Jack Blackburn 9 10 10 9 10 9 9 9 75
Alexis Arguello 10 9 9 10 9 10 10 10 77
Robert Watson Round Total
United States 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Jack Blackburn 9 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 76
Alexis Arguello 10 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 76
Round Totals Round Total
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Jack Blackburn 27 30 30 29 30 27 27 27 227
Alexis Arguello 30 27 28 28 27 30 30 30 230
Statistics
Categories Jack Blackburn Alexis Arguello
Knockdowns scored 0 0
Jabs / Round 5.22 5.78
Hooks / Round 3.67 4.33
Crosses / Round 3.56 8.89
Combinations / Round 5.11 4.67
Uppercuts / Round 4.11 3.78
Punches Landed / Round 21.67 27.44
Punches Missed / Round 17.44 96.78
Punching Accuracy 55.4% 22.1%
Total Number of Fouls 0 0
Suffered Accidental Head Butt 1
Bouts with eye swelling resulting from punches 1
No cuts occured
Strategies (demanded/followed)
Cover Up 1 / 1 0 / 0
Fight Inside 0 / 0 4 / 4
Fight Outside (Offensive) 1 / 1 0 / 0
Fight Outside (Defensive) 4 / 4 1 / 1
Go for KO 0 / 0 1 / 1
Go All Out for KO 1 / 1 0 / 0
Protect Cut 0 / 0 0 / 0
Take a Round Off 1 / 0 1 / 0
