After a successful run in the Lightweight division, former IBF champion Robert Easter Jr. (22-1-1, 14 KOs) decided that it was time to move up to the Super Lightweight division.
In his first test, he would be matched up against the rough and rugged Adrian Granados (20-8-2, 14 KOs). There contest took place at the Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Easter needed to make an impressive debut to make a name for himself in his new home. The former champion was coming off a defeat at the hands of Mikey Garcia as well as a poor showing against Rances Barthelemy.
Easter wasn’t the only one who needed a win in the worst way as Granados was coming off a stoppage loss at the hands of Danny Garcia, a fight that took place at 147 pounds.
From the very beginning of the contest, both fighters came out aggressive. Although Easter carried a two-inch height and reach advantage into this contest, it wasn’t surprising to see that he didn’t use it.
Easter has always been afforded certain physical advantages, but he has never fully used them. Granados was hoping that Easter would abandon the jab and instead fight on the inside. He got his wish, but he didn’t get the results he was expecting.
Granados was the busier fighter throughout, but he just didn’t have the power to gain the respect of Easter. It was a fight that was contested from close quarters for much of it and Granados did find moments of success.
If you simply took a look at the CompuBox numbers, it would give the impression that Granados won this fight going away.
Easter was out thrown, 821 to 994, and out landed 239 to 391. All of these factors would seem to point to a victory for Granados, but the judges saw it differently.
Final Grade for Easter: C
Judges scored the bout, 97-93, 98-92 and 100-90, all in favor of Easter.
Easter may have won his first fight in his new weight class, but it was far closer than what the judges scored it.
It is difficult to understand why Easter enjoys making his life more difficult. With his absurd height and reach advantages, he should be able to box circles around his opposition.
At this point, Easter is who he is. He isn’t changing his fighting style no matter what. That will ultimately be his downfall in his new division.
