Henry Lebron Easily Outclasses Manuel Rey Rojas
Henry Lebron is an up-and-coming fighter on the Top Rank stable and has shown a lot of potential early in his pro career. However, he could be in for a tough go as he faces Manuel Rey Rojas at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California in an eight-round junior lightweight contest.
Lebron is a southpaw who likes to fight at a distance. He is not the most aggressive fighter in the world. Instead, the resident of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico is patient and relies on his ability to counterpunch and sharp-shoot. While he has the mindset of a pure boxer, don’t sleep on Lebron’s power. It’s all about timing, angles, speed, and punch placement. If he catches you right, he has shown the ability to hurt you.
He’s facing a Rojas who wants to outhustle and outwork his opponents. If you’re not in condition, he can wear you down and roll you over. An example was in his previous bout, where he overwhelmed Tyrone McCreary in June of 2021.
On paper, McCreary was the more skilled fighter. However, it was Rojas’ determination and hunger that took over as McCreary had no answers. If Lebron wants to keep the train rolling, he better be in shape both mentally and physically. Anything less could spell trouble.
SKILLS PAY THE BILLS
Lebron (14-0, 9 KOs) is a pure boxer and comfortable in all areas of the ring. He used that ring generalship along with his boxing IQ to separate himself in the early rounds.
Rojas (21-6, 6 KOs) had no clue about feinting to creating openings. He resorted to trying to land overhand rights, but Lebron has far too much guile. He saw the punches a mile away, countering with sharp left hands and right hooks.
It was much of the same during the second half of the fight as Lebron was boxing Rojas’ shoes off. It may not have been the most exciting of fights. However, to a boxing purist, Lebron’s footwork is a work of art. For his first fight in fourteen months, the conditioning was outstanding. If you can criticize one aspect of his game, he lacks an elite-level jab.
All three judges scored the fight 80-72 in favor of Lebron. He is an advanced, highly skilled prospect. For his handlers, the goal for 2022 is to make the next step and advance from a talented prospect to a legit contender.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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