BoxRec

Unbeaten 21-year-old Colombian welterweight prospect Joel Julio (18-0, 17 KOs) won TKO3 over durable Argentinian Carlos Vilches (43-6-2, 25 KOs) this evening at Miccossukee Casino in Florida (broadcast on ESPN Friday Night Fights). Julio landed some big shots with both fists and to both the body and head in the 1st, put Vilches down late in the round and had him in real trouble. Julio had a point deducted in the 2nd for a dubious low blow call - looked like a clean, vicious beltline shot to me, right over where Vilches' navel would've been under his somewhat-high belt. Vilches made some good defensive adjustments and seemed to have somewhat steadied the ship in the 3rd, but then Julio landed two big rights at the bell ending the round, and apparently Vilches thought better of coming out for the 4th and taking more punishment.

Coming into the fight there were questions about Julio's talent, based on the quality (or lack thereof), which I'd say he answered in resounding fashion. Dynamite in both hands, and I was especially impressed by the wicked body attack he mixed in with headshots vs. Vilches. True, he's a full-blown welter, but this was a MUCH more impressive beating than Ricky Hatton was able to put on Vilches, and Julio is just a relative kid.

Floyd Mayweather (who was this week's in-studio guest host on FNF) said Julio reminded him of a young Felix Trinidad.

Got around to watching this fight last night, Julio needs a bit more refining but he's got a lot going for him. The way he decked Vilches with that counter right in the first was very impressive, and the final punch at what proved to be the end of the fight was absolutely nasty. I'm not surprised Vilches wanted no more of that.

What the hell happened with Anchondo? I hadn't seen him before but I got the impression his apparent lack of condition was really hindering his upper body movement. He appeared to be a shadow of the super slick boxer I'd read about, or was he just exposed? Very disappointed.

Kilburn wrote: What the hell happened with Anchondo? I hadn't seen him before but I got the impression his apparent lack of condition was really hindering his upper body movement. He appeared to be a shadow of the super slick boxer I'd read about, or was he just exposed? Very disappointed.

Exposed big time I'd say. Amazing to think he came in so overweight in his FIRST defence!
Checking his record before the fight it seemed he'd had it pretty easy opponent wise. Facing Chacon for a vacant title, he couldn't ask for an easier pass to a world title in what was recently, a very tough division

Major kick in the teeth for his trainer Buddy McGirt - he must be seriously pissed off.

Mighty Mike looked like he wanted to be anywhere else but in that ring with Barrios.

Anyone entering the ring against Barrios in anything less than tip-top condition is a pillock and deserves what they get. Anchondo probably saw tapes and though 'this guy's crude as hell, I can whup him with one hand'

I'm sure Freitas thought the same thing until he went on his arse twice.