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It was evident to everyone watching last Thursday night - those in attendance at the Main Street Armory in Rochester, New York and the national audience viewing it on the 'Versus' Network - that Miguel Huerta had thoroughly whipped Almazbek Raiymkulov.
On this night, 'Kid Diamond' was reduced to a cubic zirconium.
Huerta put on a switch-hitting display that would've made Eddie Murray or Mickey Mantle proud, consistently beating his foe to the punch from both the orthodox and southpaw stances. He had out-fought and out-thought Raiymkulov over 12 conclusive rounds. Surely, the NABF lightweight title - and a possible title shot in the near future - were in his grasp.
To most observers he had won eight or nine rounds (at the very least) and he punctuated the night by sending Raiymkulov to the canvas in round 11.
As the bell sounded after the 12th round, everyone knew who the winner was. The ring announcement would be just a mere formality, with Huerta getting his hand raised in victory.
But then a few minutes would go by - always an ominous sign. No, they couldn't, or wouldn't, right? Not on national TV. Not when it's this clear and decisive. It's not like Raiymkulov is even a marquee attraction. There's just no way.
But it happened.
On this night, 'Kid Diamond' was reduced to a cubic zirconium.
Huerta put on a switch-hitting display that would've made Eddie Murray or Mickey Mantle proud, consistently beating his foe to the punch from both the orthodox and southpaw stances. He had out-fought and out-thought Raiymkulov over 12 conclusive rounds. Surely, the NABF lightweight title - and a possible title shot in the near future - were in his grasp.
To most observers he had won eight or nine rounds (at the very least) and he punctuated the night by sending Raiymkulov to the canvas in round 11.
As the bell sounded after the 12th round, everyone knew who the winner was. The ring announcement would be just a mere formality, with Huerta getting his hand raised in victory.
But then a few minutes would go by - always an ominous sign. No, they couldn't, or wouldn't, right? Not on national TV. Not when it's this clear and decisive. It's not like Raiymkulov is even a marquee attraction. There's just no way.
But it happened.
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