Jab Hook's Epilogue on the Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 15 (DAZN)
Tevin Farmer has probably never had a harder day's work than the endless chopping of wood he endured in his unanimous decision over Jono Carroll.
Carroll came in with a somewhat better than expected defense, a chin of Wicklow granite, and the heart of a “Celtic Warrior“. The personification of the pressure fighter, what Jono lacks in accuracy of punches, he makes up for with constant activity, forward motion, and high volume output. “King Kong” kouldn't find the Empire State Building, so he klimbed the 341 meter Comcast Technology Center tower in Philadelphia. Refusing to come down to the canvas, the Celtic Gorilla hung on for dear life 12 rounds long. RESPECT.
“The American Idol“ was on his game. More accuracy and much faster punching were among Tevin's advantages throughout the bout. Despite some loud Dublin double-talk from the bearded Celt in the 1st round, Farmer was able to implement his solution to Carroll's basic punching plus forward pressure strategy. The 2nd went to “King Celtic” on Jab's card, as Jono upped the steam and in the process managed to suffer a nasty 3 cm cut over his right eye on the outer third of his brow from an accidental headbutt. His cutman Niall Byrne kept that cut under control for the entire fight. Top notch professional, not every guy in the corner can handle a deep, long cut over the eye, nice work Niall!
The next few rounds saw some very nice action with Carroll's volume punching landing some, and Farmer counter-punches and combinations landing more. “Kong's King” has a very big, very hard head, and this 'mick' can take a punch. A relentless robot of ruffian recklessness running “The American Idol“ down, and Tevin dealt with that tide of swarming hooks well, round after round. Many a good boxer would have folded under the rarefied air create by the Irishman.
Farmer took it up a gear in the 6th and 7th, while Carroll had no plan, no variation. His “I can take it” tactic is popular, but tiring for both fighters who naturally slowed it down to a grind in the 8th and the 10th. They danced well that pair of pugilists as the bout wore on to an end. But the Philadelphia Farmer wanted more for his people and he dug deep in the 11th, invigorated by 30 second “cut the damn TAPE!” break, Tevin started to place some wicked shots on the static target called “Kong”. With just 30 seconds left the accumulation of shots had Jono doing the Bo'Jangles dance. And the bell tolled for the “Celtic Warrior“ saving him for the 12th round.
At the final bell Jab had it 118:110 for Farmer. It was quite a show and a well earned victory for Tevin Farmer. But Jono Carroll was also a winner of sorts. He added to his Dublin swagger, and he certainly improved his chances of getting more and better bouts.
Jab picked the winner correctly, but underestimated the chin of Wicklow granite, and the heart of the “Celtic Warrior“. Check back later for Jab Hook's epilogue on other bouts from Philadelphia.