He was in control for most of the fight, but Bahamian middleweight boxer Tureano Johnson was on the receiving end of a powerful right uppercut from Mexican Jaime Munguia that resulted in Johnson’s upper left lip splitting. It was the decisive blow in the match as Johnson suffered a knockout loss at the hands of Munguia on Friday night at Fantasy Spring Resort Casino in Indio, California.
Johnson, who came into the 12-round fight after not being in action for 469 days compared to Munguia’s 293 days, was the aggressor throughout the fight. According to Johnson, that was his plan coming into the fight. It was working and gave him control of the fight. However, Munguia also was able to land a few right uppercuts that Johnson said he was not expecting. Adjustments were meant to be made but a little too late.
The Bahamian Olympian who boxed out of the blue corner, showed his versatility as he switched his stances between orthodox and southpaw as Munguia had a tough time figuring him out. Johnson was able to fight him close and landed some clean right hooks, but Munguia connected the right uppercut from time to time.
With 30 seconds remaining in the sixth round, Munguia landed a left punch then landed the right uppercut that split Johnson’s lip as the referee, Raul Caiz Sr., paused the fight for the doctor to look at it. It looked like a Munguia headbutt was the reason for Johnson’s gash on his lip, but replay showed it was a legal punch.
“That punch came, yet not sure what is was, but my eyes became blurry, I then felt not just sweat, but a thicker fluid pouring over my eyes, I knew then that my left eyebrow was bleeding. Not from an uppercut, but a straight right that connected, splitting my lip, yet I didn’t know to what extent I was hurt. The referee came in right away and called for the doctor, I knew then, it must be very bad. I didn’t care, I told both of them to please let me continue. They did.”
The round ended after they resumed the fight instead of stopping it with under 30 seconds left. He walked back to his corner, stopped and stared straight ahead, tasting his own blood before sitting in his corner. The next few moments were ones he did not want to experience that night.
“Watching the referee come over and my coach stepping onto the ring apron without his bucket of ice and towel, it was certain that it was over – I lost. All I could think about was how was this possible. A fight that was perfect for me. How could I let all of my family friends and fans down, how I’ve let The Bahamas down. I was in shock and doubt, could not believe this is happening. I’m was sure that I was winning, this can’t be right. My eyelid and mouth both bleeding, but I couldn’t feel anything but a weight of depression,” Johnson said.
In Johnson’s corner were Andre Rozier, his trainer; Cesar Campos, cutman; and Terrence Simpson, assistant trainer.
After the fight was over, Johnson congratulated the Mexican and his corner. His team, wife, daughter and coaches then drove four miles to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital where he got a few stitches and is doing better now.
Johnson said there were holes in their armor such as not using the right shield protector for his mouth.
“Though preparations were great, it wasn’t perfect. There were holes in our armor. The shield protector for my mouth was one that wasn’t conducive for a match of that magnitude. Taking nothing away from Jamie’s performance, which was great, had I use the required gear, no doubt the outcome would’ve been different,” Johnson said.
With the loss, the 36-year-old now sports a 21-3-1 win/loss/draw record, with 15 of those wins coming by way of knockout. Munguia remains undefeated with 36 wins and 29 knockouts.
“Not my first loss,” Johnson said. “It is another painful one that I will overcome, all thanks to God. I’m in a better place in my life. Well learnt, with a wealth of knowledge on boxing, healthy lifestyle. My faith in God is the foundation of my everyday doings. I am stronger, faster and wiser than I was before.”
At the end of the match, Johnson landed 111 total punches, of which 108 were power punches. Munguia landed 158 total punches – 144 power punches. Johnson did throw more total punches, 445 compared to Munguia’s 416. The Bahamian was more aggressive.
The veteran is not considering retirement as yet as he feels he has more left in his tank. He said he will be seen again on the big stage of boxing. However, he and his team will take a break for a while so his body can heal.
It was a different atmosphere this time around at Fantasy Springs Resort for Johnson who last fought there last year July, as the COVID-19 protocols bought several notable changes such as the boxers’ corner and referee wore masks, the judges wore face shields, no spectators were allowed and the boxers entered the ring by themselves instead of with an entourage.
The Bahamian walked into the ring with a serious face on and the loudspeakers playing “I’m Still Here” by the late Bahamian gospel singer Japeth “Lyrically Blessed” Ferguson. It is a song he has used for his entrance since 2013. Ferguson was someone Johnson knew from his school days and a source of inspiration, not just by his songs but by his conduct. Johnson said that year was when he was counted out but he is still here doing what he was destined to do – boxing.
“I give God thanks for the opportunity in and of itself; most definitely my wife and daughter who are my biggest supporters and my entire family.”
Johnson also thanked the Bahamian public for the outpouring of love and support.
The 2008 Olympian acknowledged his sponsors, namely Aquapure, K.S. Moses, Transformation Landscape Development and Home Fabrics.
The post Tureano unsuccessful against Munguia appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/tureano-unsuccessful-against-munguia/
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