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By Cliff Rold - On November 10, 2007, Mexican-born and California-based Jose Armando Santa Cruz (25-3, 14 KO) beat World Lightweight champion Joel Casamayor (35-3-1, 21 KO) of Cuba for the vast majority of the bout’s 36 minutes. The 27-year old Santa Cruz is not the champion today because the scorecards of Frank Lombardo and Ron McNair said differently. It was a sinful decision on boxing’s holiest ground, Madison Square Garden; a decision that further evaporated what credibility Casamayor’s reign had left in the wake of an over 12-month layoff. During the layoff a new warrior filled the void. Houston, Texas’ Juan Diaz emerged in the eyes of many as the true “man” in the division, his youth and all-action style having left tested veterans Acelino Freitas and Julio Diaz in no mas mode.
Two weeks ago, the “man” got manned up by wily veteran 36-year Nate Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KO), the “Baby Bull” symbolically tamed in a Mexican bull ring. Over twelve thrilling rounds, Campbell used his speed, power, shoulders and experience to rough up and overcome the heavy favorite. It doesn’t hurt his current status that many felt he deserved the nod in a non-title affair with Casamayor in 2003. [details]
Two weeks ago, the “man” got manned up by wily veteran 36-year Nate Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KO), the “Baby Bull” symbolically tamed in a Mexican bull ring. Over twelve thrilling rounds, Campbell used his speed, power, shoulders and experience to rough up and overcome the heavy favorite. It doesn’t hurt his current status that many felt he deserved the nod in a non-title affair with Casamayor in 2003. [details]
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