By Amílcar Barnett-
Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield faced the proverbial “step up” test in his latest outing against Rene “El Bravo” Tellez Girón, a contest that highlighted the challenges and unpredictability inherent in charting the career of a blue chip prospect. With an undefeated record of 18 victories, including 12 knockouts, Schofield entered the ring with high expectations. However, as the bout unfolded at The Theater at Virgin Hotel, the 22-year-old fighter found himself amidst a struggle that required grit and resilience to ultimately secure a unanimous decision victory.
Schofield’s performance was not without its obstacles; notably, he was knocked down in the 11th round after absorbing a solid left hook from Girón, who boasted a respectable record of 20 wins, 4 losses, and 13 knockouts prior to their match. This pivotal moment undoubtedly shook Schofield’s confidence and momentarily disrupted his rhythm within the ring. Despite this setback, he demonstrated impressive tenacity by rising from the canvas and regaining control over the fight, eventually earning the judges’ favor with scores of 118-109, 116-111, and 118-109.
Despite the victory, the nature of the fight raised several questions about Schofield’s readiness for elite competition. The boxing community and fans expected a more dominant display from a young fighter who has been eyeing matchups with the likes of lightweight champions Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis. The knockdown not only highlighted his vulnerability but also illuminated the potential dangers he may face against higher-tier opponents. The need for improvement was recognized by many, including Golden Boy Promotions’ Oscar de La Hoya, who graded the performance a lackluster “C minus.” Such a critique can serve as a crucial learning point for Schofield moving forward.
Additionally, Schofield’s father and trainer, Floyd Sr., appeared to struggle with providing clear, strategic guidance throughout the fight. His constant shifting of instructions seemed disorganized and likely added confusion to an already challenging bout for his son. Moving ahead, it may benefit Schofield to refine his corner dynamics, ensuring that he receives coherent advice that he can effectively implement during the heat of competition.
Positively, Schofield managed to stave off significant physical damage, avoiding cuts that had plagued him in previous fights. Nevertheless, his success in this regard may have been more fortuitous than strategic, as Girón connected with him on multiple occasions throughout the match. Schofield himself assessed his performance post-fight, attributing it a B+ due to the challenge presented by Girón’s punching power and his endurance in lasting the full 12 rounds.
As Schofield reflects on this fight, it could serve as a pivotal moment in his career—a moment filled with hard lessons on the importance of preparedness, both mentally and strategically. As he aims for higher-profile bouts in the future, the experiences gathered from this match will likely prove invaluable. Ultimately, resilience in the face of adversity signifies not only a fighter’s spirit but also sets the path for growth within the fierce landscape of professional boxing.
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