Photo by Marilyn Paulino/RBRBoxing
Miguel Flores (21-0, 9 KOs), a highly touted 24-year-old Houston native, maintained his pristine record with a unanimous-decision victory over Ryan “Polish Prince” Kielczweski (25-2, 7 KOs) in the 10-round PBC on ESPN main event from Verona, NY on Friday.
Flores, who struggled against the power-punching Kielczweski in the middle rounds, slugged it out until the finish of Rounds 9 and 10, providing a crowd-pleasing finish to his 21st pro victory.
A talented Super Featherweight prospect in his own right, the 27-year-old Kielczweski can hold his head high after landing flush on his opponent multiple times.
Exploiting Flores’ underwhelming defense, Kielczweski cracked his opponent with a vicious right straight in Round 5; a brutal shot that appeared to signal a momentum shift.
Watch! | Kirlczweski cracks Flores as he moves straight back into the corner in Round 5. #Boxing #PBConESPN pic.twitter.com/2qx0DdElTC
— RoundByRoundBoxing (@RBRBoxing) August 13, 2016
After starting off slow, the Polish Prince wasn’t able to make up enough ground against the unbeaten Flores.
“I thought we fought a great fight tonight for the fans. I started a little slow, but I really picked it up in the fifth round,” said Kielczweski.
Flores would rebound, however, finishing the fight with a significant advantage in power punches landed.
Kielczweski provided a unique challenge to Flores, who entered Friday’s bout with only pro fight outside of Texas.
“I was gaining steam in the second half of the fight. I can’t say that I won, but I thought it could have been a draw. It was a good fight though, and I will be back,” said Kielczweski.
As is the case with many talented prospects, Flores has been brought along at a moderate pace; compiling two straight decision wins over durable journeymen prior to Friday.
Provided he’s able to shore up some of his defensive deficiencies, the Al Haymon-signed Flores should be ready for a step-up in a loaded division.
“We are used to tough fights like this. I like it like that. This is fun to me. We will watch the video and correct what I know were a lot of mistakes, but I believe I’m ready for the next level. I’m ready for the top contenders,” said Flores.
Miguel Flores remains unbeaten, defeating Ryan Kielczweski in an entertaining #PBConESPN main event bout. #Boxing pic.twitter.com/0NUkbJAxHc
— RoundByRoundBoxing (@RBRBoxing) August 13, 2016
