Gabriel Flores Jr Picks Up A Win In The Co-Main Event
In the co-main event of Top Rank’s October 30 card at the MGM Grand Bubble in Las Vegas, Gabriel Fores Jr (19-0, 6 KOs) made easy work of Ryan Kielczweski (30-5, 11 KOs) by unanimous decision (100-90, 99-91, 98-92) in a 10-round junior lightweight contest.
Things got off to a bit of a shaky start for Flores. In round one, he was rocked by a Kielczewski left hook. But once he settled down he seized the initiative, controlled every aspect of the ring, and showed his superiority.
SKILLS PAYS THE BILLS
Flores is only 20 years old, making him an intriguing prospect is his boxing ability. He has outstanding leg movement and quick hands, and he used that to great effect. While not a great puncher, the product of Stockton, California has a very good boxing IQ for someone so young.
Starting in round two, he began utilizing the jab and distance, forcing his opponent to march forward into counter right-hands and left hooks to the head and body. This was the general pattern throughout the fight. Kielczewski was tough and in no danger of being stopped. However, he simply did not offer enough resistance to seriously threaten the young and talented Flores.
For Flores, this was a much overall better performance than his last outing, a decision win over Josec Ruiz. He would win, but he was uncomfortable throughout as he was fighting with an injured back.
One main weakness for the young kid is that he needs to do a better job of fighting inside the pocket. After the fight, he acknowledged that flaw to ESPN’s Mark Kriegel, promising to get back to the gym and be even better next time out.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
