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kenyan_cheena · 07-27-2008, 12:05 AM

MCLARNIN HELD TO DRAW
BY ORTEGA IN VANCOUVER

Tuesday 15 October 2002

Mexico's Gaspar Ortega has spoiled the hometown debut of Canadian native Jimmy McLarnin, producing a spirited effort to hold the highly-regarded 17 year-old to a draw tonight at Vancouver's Exhibition Gardens. After a competitive six rounds none of the three judges could split the combatants, each scorecard showing a 57-57 verdict. Considered one of the favourites to emerge as the International Boxing League's inaugural Welterweight World Champion, McLarnin appeared surprised by Ortega's aggressive tactics in the opening round but adjusted quickly to take both the 2nd and 3rd rounds in convincing fashion. But just as it appeared that he was in the driver's seat the Mexican answered back strongly to claim the 4th and 5th.

McLarnin wore a frustrated countenance as he sat on his stool before the final round but he came up with a solid three minutes, Ortega shutout in the stanza until scoring with a nice combination late. It was fortunate for the hometown hero that he finished the fight so well as the effort saw him avoid what would have been a humbling defeat. Ortega is a talented fighter but, unlike McLarnin, is not expected to feature in the later stages of the World Championship tournament. His performance was an admirable one and McLarnin gave him full credit afterwards.

"I have to admit I underestimated him a little," he conceeded. "The guy was fantastic from the opening bell and I honestly thought I'd worn him down by the 4th but he never gave in. It was a helluva challenge for me to avoid defeat and it's something I'll really learn from."

Both men are now 1-0-1, Ortega having defeated the Texan Maurice Watkins on debut while McLarnin had accounted for Ortega's fellow Mexican Rene Arredondo.

***

On the undercard Fort Worth's Donald Curry and Los Angeles native Jack Thompson both scored KO victories to secure a share of 1st place in the North America West regional group. Curry decimated Oakland's Charley Shipes with a four-punch salvo midway through round three, Thompson bringing an abrupt end to his clash with Rene Arredondo when he turned his lights out with a flush right hand in the 2nd round. Mexico's Pipino Cuevas is the only other 2-0 competitor in the group. He cruised to a unanimous decision win over compatriot Kid Azteca.

07-27-2008, 12:05 AM	#609 (permalink)
kenyan_cheena Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia Posts: 4,631	MCLARNIN HELD TO DRAW BY ORTEGA IN VANCOUVER Tuesday 15 October 2002 Mexico's Gaspar Ortega has spoiled the hometown debut of Canadian native Jimmy McLarnin, producing a spirited effort to hold the highly-regarded 17 year-old to a draw tonight at Vancouver's Exhibition Gardens. After a competitive six rounds none of the three judges could split the combatants, each scorecard showing a 57-57 verdict. Considered one of the favourites to emerge as the International Boxing League's inaugural Welterweight World Champion, McLarnin appeared surprised by Ortega's aggressive tactics in the opening round but adjusted quickly to take both the 2nd and 3rd rounds in convincing fashion. But just as it appeared that he was in the driver's seat the Mexican answered back strongly to claim the 4th and 5th. McLarnin wore a frustrated countenance as he sat on his stool before the final round but he came up with a solid three minutes, Ortega shutout in the stanza until scoring with a nice combination late. It was fortunate for the hometown hero that he finished the fight so well as the effort saw him avoid what would have been a humbling defeat. Ortega is a talented fighter but, unlike McLarnin, is not expected to feature in the later stages of the World Championship tournament. His performance was an admirable one and McLarnin gave him full credit afterwards. "I have to admit I underestimated him a little," he conceeded. "The guy was fantastic from the opening bell and I honestly thought I'd worn him down by the 4th but he never gave in. It was a helluva challenge for me to avoid defeat and it's something I'll really learn from." Both men are now 1-0-1, Ortega having defeated the Texan Maurice Watkins on debut while McLarnin had accounted for Ortega's fellow Mexican Rene Arredondo. * On the undercard Fort Worth's Donald Curry and Los Angeles native Jack Thompson both scored KO victories to secure a share of 1st place in the North America West regional group. Curry decimated Oakland's Charley Shipes with a four-punch salvo midway through round three, Thompson bringing an abrupt end to his clash with Rene Arredondo when he turned his lights out with a flush right hand in the 2nd round. Mexico's Pipino Cuevas is the only other 2-0 competitor in the group. He cruised to a unanimous decision win over compatriot Kid Azteca. __________________ MLB: 1958 and Beyond... The Greatest Prize in Sports** Last edited by kenyan_cheena : 08-01-2008 at 04:53 AM.