Jean Pascal shocks Marcus Browne in Brooklyn!
Prior to their locking horns, the co-main event for many was a foregone conclusion. Most thought that the younger, taller and fresher “Sir” Marcus Browne (23-1, 16 KO’s) would overwhelm Jean Pascal (34-6-1, 20 KO’s), the Haitian veteran.
Unfortunately for him, Browne gave Pascal every opportunity he could to keep him in the bout. Following a horrific head collision in the eighth, Pascal would be awarded an unlikely points victory.
The Breakdown
The first few rounds were rather uneventful affairs that saw Browne fighting off the back foot, looking for chances to counter-punch. Both men threw lackadaisical jabs, occasional hard shots and clinched a whole lot.
Sir Marcus opened the fourth period in firm control, but was laid flat on his back by a monstrous right hook that he never saw coming. The Brooklyn native rose and completed the period without any more mishaps.
Browne commanded the next three rounds through use of his legs and landing periodic hard punches. Out of all his blows, the shots to the body gave the impression that they were really slowing the Haitian down.
These rounds were also characterized by an overabundance of clinching.
Seemingly back in control, moving his hands down in the seventh, Browne gets dropped by the same right hook again. This time, when the Brooklyn darling found his feet, he was still a bit groggy.
So much so that within seconds, he was back on the canvas. Had the second knockdown of the round not occurred so close to the conclusion, he certainly would have been stopped.
Browne left his stool for the eighth round as if he had recovered enough of his faculties. In the end, it wouldn’t make a difference.
With his back against the ropes, Marcus Browne came up on the wrong end of a tremendous head butt. The collision instantly ripped out a nasty gash along his eyelid. Referee Gary Rosato wasted little time calling in the doctor, who immediately halted the bout.
The Conclusion
When the cards were read, the former WBC champion was announced to be the surprise victor. With the win Pascal, is now the interim WBA light heavyweight champion of the world.
There is little doubt that Browne will be looking for a rematch, but we will have to see what is next for both men.
By: Bakari Simpson
