Scott Quigg was absolutely no match for Jono Carroll!
Former WBA super bantamweight champion Scott Quigg (35-2-2, 26KO) returned to the ring after nearly a two year layoff. He would elect to not take an easy assignment as he went toe-to-toe with the Irish wild-man and southpaw, Jono Carroll (17-1-1, 3KO).
Quigg (on paper) should still be considered a top level fighter in the division regardless of the layoff. His only two loses were to former unified champ Carl Frampton in 2016 and former WBO champion Oscar Valdez in 2018. In both fights, he made a great account of himself in defeat, even making Frampton work for a close split-decision.
Carroll is popular on the UK circuit. However, the one time he attempted to win a major title, he was outclassed in Philadelphia by former IBF champion Tevin Farmer in March 2019. Known as the better boxer of the two, his lack of power may cause him to have to work harder than he anticipated.
SHAKING OFF THE RUST
Quigg is known to be a pressure fighter who likes to wear his opponents down and look for a stoppage in the middle rounds. That is if he doesn’t land a big punch early!
He didn’t deviate from what he knows best, however, he seemed a bit too edgy as if his nerves were getting the best of him. He looked too jittery early on, applying unnecessary feints and seemingly forcing himself to get into a rhythm.
This would lead to improper timing, the application of ineffective aggression and leaving himself open from costly mistakes.
JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE
Meanwhile, Carroll seemed to be extremely comfortable. Actually, he looked really good! He dictated the pace of the fight early regardless of the pressure by picking his shots off his back-foot and making Quigg pay for each mistake he made.
In addition, Carroll would be the more active and accurate fighter. He targeted the body early as the former champion struggled to pin him down on the inside. If Quigg decided hesitated while within mid-range distance, he would get peppered with combinations.
Quigg tried to reciprocate the punishment but his timing was massively off! Slow, looping shots and lack of footwork to counter his opponent’s angles made Carroll feel like he was Pernell Whitaker in this fight!
Carroll did suffer a minor cut over his right eye in the fourth round (primarily due to sensitive scar tissue) but this was not indicative of how he was dominating this bout.
TOO MUCH FOR HIS OPPONENT
In essence, the footwork, rhythm, reaction time and combination punching from Carroll had Quigg looking as lost as an elementary school student showing up for a high school calculus exam!
Although the Irishman does not exude much power to do massive damage to his opponents, the sheer one-sidedness of this fight prompted many in attendance to expect the corner of Quigg to throw in the towel through the third quarter of the bout.
At 31 years-old, it was apparent the former champion was a shell of his former self. Furthermore, to be dominated in this fashion by Carroll, who at this stage is not a world class fighter speaks volumes as to where Quigg is at this point in his career.
POSSIBLY THE END OF HIS CAREER
Finally, after being hurt by a body shot in the eleventh round that had him taking some punishment against the ropes, Quigg’s trainer Joe Gallagher threw in the towel!
At the time of the stoppage, 3kingsboxing.com did not score a single round in the former champion’s favor!
It may be about that time for him to hang them up. If he decides to continue one, inactivity should be avoided if he aspires to return to the champion he used to be!
As for Carroll, he may have just put himself back on the map as pertains to the world stage!
By: EJ Williams
