Photo by Marilyn Paulino/RBRBoxing
Let’s add another name to the saturated list of highly talented 140-147 pounders.
Mike Reed is likely here to stay after a solid performance against Abraham Cordero (13-1, 7 KOs) leading Reed to improve his perfect record of 19-0 with 11 of those victories coming by way of stoppage.
The fight began slowly and methodically as both southpaws adjusted to each other and felt each other’s rhythms, but by the end of the first round, Reed landed a series of blows to Cordero’s chin sending him back first to the canvas with mere seconds left in the round.
Upon getting up, the bell rang, saving Cordero’s chances at the time, but ultimately only extending the punishment he’d receive.
Cordero fought back valiantly but he didn’t have enough power in his hands or cleverness in his head to give Reed any problems.
The fifth round turned into a slugfest that seemed to sap Cordero of any energy he had left.
By the sixth, Reed was landing shots at will and Cordero wasn’t going down, even though very visibly hurt. The accumulation of punishment led referee Johnny Callas to stop the bout to save Cordero from himself.
After the fight, Reed took the chance to call out Top Rank stablemate, Jose Ramirez.
“I want to fight Jose Ramirez. That’s the fight I want,” said Reed. “I can beat Ramirez!”
Reed is a fast-rising prospect and a TV-friendly fighter—certainly one to look out for in the coming years.
