By James Slater – Moments ago in Mt Claremont, Australia, 37-year-old Danny Green won a 12-round unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten B.J Flores. Retaining his IBO cruiserweight title via scores of 118-110, 118-111 (both way too wide) and a more realistic 117-112, “The Green Machine” improved to 31-3(27) as a pro. Flores, who boxed well in spots but wasn’t aggressive enough to earn enough rounds on the judges’ score cards, fell to 24-1-1(15).
The fight never really caught the kind of fire the Australian fans were hoping it would, as a tactical battle ensued. Flores landed lots of jabs and the occasional right hand, but Green was doing more – much to the delight of the crowd, who were of course very much on his side..
Green also boxed well, and despite his disadvantages in height and reach he out-jabbed Flores at times. Neither man was ever hurt in the fight, which was fought at a pretty good pace even if it saw no punch stat records broken, either for punches thrown or landed. At times the crowd grew restless, but the local man was fighting smart. At times Green found himself with his back to the ropes, but Flores was unable to sufficiently take advantage and hurt the defending champion. The fight’s standout round was definitely the 8th, which saw some good trading from the two men. Both men got home with right hands, and the crowd roared.
The judges got the right winner tonight, but the fight was no way as wide as two of the officials had it – as the defeated American challenger pointed out whilst being interviewed afterwards.
Where both men got from here will be interesting. Green won a “real” fight tonight – arguably the first time he has done so in quite a while (what with the ridiculously easy one-round blast-outs of Roy Jones Junior and then Paul Briggs) – and he may now move on towards an even bigger match-up. Never stopped, the 37-year-old is as well conditioned as he is tough. Green can also box very well when he wants to.
It might be a tough road ahead for Flores. We all know he was made to wait a very long time for the big chance he got tonight in Australia, and now that he has lost, he may not get a second shot for some time. Needing to remain active, Flores will hopefully get back in the ring as soon as he can. One loss does not end a fighter’s career, and at times Flores boxed well against Green – even if he was simply too cautious in the opinion of some.