Photo by Stephanie Trapp/Showtime
The third bout of the evening featured much-hyped prospect Jerry Odom (11-0, 1 NC, 10 KOs) taking on Vilier Quinonez (8-0, 5 KOs).
Odom–at only 21 years of age–came into the fight as the feared KO artist, with the Cuban boxer Quinonez representing a big step up in competition.
The fight started off in the middle of the ring, with the heavy-handed Odom winging shots from every direction.
But as is usually the case for the southpaw fighter, Quinonez found a home for his left hand early on, slightly wobbling Odom.
Odom’s pace was impressive as he threw over 100 punches in the round, but it was Quinonez who was controlling the round with more precise shots.
Unfortunately for the Cuban boxer, a clash of heads busted his eye open towards the end of the round and immediately changed Quinonez’s body language.
Odom elected to back off the pedal slightly in Round 2 and boxed more from a distance. It was a tough round to score with neither man seizing control or landing anything of note.
Round 3 cruised along much the same way as Round 2, but the major difference was Quinonez’s body work. Quinonez began walking Odom down landing combinations to the body as the round came to and end, seemingly giving him the edge.
In Round 4, the tide turned in a major way as Odom’s power finally showed up. Odom setup Quinonez with a big right hook, followed by a crisp straight right which floored Quinonez.
To his credit, Quinonez got up, weathered the storm, and even landed a few clean shots of his own to end the round.
Round 5 started with Quinonez backing Odom up to a corner and trying to smother his punches.
Odom spent long stretches just throwing one punch at a time and it’s a style that seemed to be losing him the fight. Quinonez kept focusing on the body and had a great comeback round, winning it clearly.
By Round 6, the fight seemed to be up for grabs. Quinonez’s cut was no longer an issue and Odom actually suffered a cut on his left eye.
Just as it seemed like Odom was in trouble with blood streaming down his face, he wobbled Quinonez again with a heavy combination upstairs. Odom was not able to drop his opponent, but he got the confidence to let his hands go and walked Quinonez down for the rest of the round.
Odom seemed to be ignited after suffering the first cut of his career and again found a home for a big hook in Round 7 which visibly bothered Quinonez, even if he was able to fire back and survive.
Unfortunately for Quinonez, the next big right hook Odom landed was a different story.
With blood continuing to flow down his face, Odom zeroed in on Quinonez who absorbed multiple big shots before stumbling accross the ring and dropping.
And that is it! Jerry Odom finishes the fight with a KO & breaks down in tears. #Boxing in an emotional sport. #ShoBox
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) July 26, 2014
The referee had seen enough, determining that Quinonez was too hurt to continue. Although the fight possibly could have gone on, Quinonez’s legs were pretty much gone and he did not protest the stoppage.
During the post-fight interview with Steve Farhood, Odom said, “Blood doesn’t discourage me and make me back down. I fought like a true champion.”
Exactly what you love to hear from a fighter.
With the win, Odom moves to 12-0, 1 NC, 11 KOs and Quinonez drops to 8-1, 5 KOs.
