Tiger Johnson’s second professional fight was harder than his pro debut.
Johnson beat Xavier Madrid by unanimous decision Saturday night in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but the previously undefeated Madrid made him work for it. Before dominating Madrid during the fourth and final round of their welterweight bout, Madrid was more than competitive with the highly touted prospect from Cleveland.
Ultimately, the 23-year-old Johnson (2-0, 1 KO) still won by scores of 40-36, 40-36 and 40-36 in a fight ESPN televised as part of the Xavier Martinez-Robson Conceicao undercard from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The 29-year-old Madrid, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, slipped to 3-1 (1 KO).
Johnson blasted Madrid with a right hand that landed with just over two minutes to go in the fourth round. Madrid seemed tired by that final round, when Johnson unloaded an array of power punches that landed flush with between 1:30 and 1:05 to go in it.
An aggressive Johnson landed several more power punches toward the end of the fourth round.
Johnson landed an overhand right with just under two minutes remaining in the third round. Madrid continued to press the action throughout the third round, though, which caused Johnson to tie him up numerous times.
Severe swelling developed beneath Madrid’s left eye during the third round as well.
Madrid drilled Johnson with a right hand when there was just over 1:40 to go in the second round. Johnson landed an overhand right with just over a minute left in the second round, but Madrid countered with a right of his own.
Johnson’s left to the body connected with just over 15 seconds to go in the second round.
Johnson landed a left hook with just under 1:50 to go in the opening round that turned Madrid’s head. Later in the first round, Johnson connected with two right hands when there was between 50 and 40 seconds to go in it.
Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.