Lightweight star Floyd Schofield Jr. secured a wide-unanimous decision over Haskell Rhodes in San Antonio, Texas.
The pressure was on the pair to deliver after their bout was moved to the main event following Virgil Ortiz Jr.’s hospitalisation that prevented his fight with Eimantas Stanionis.
But rather than be fazed, Schofield stepped up to the plate. In the opening round, Schofield landed a combination, showing his intention as he nearly put Rhodes on the canvas.
A near knockdown by @KidAustin11 😲#SchofieldRhodes pic.twitter.com/PRJ6aFlVvW
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 9, 2023
Schofield’s aggressive approach proved successful, as he got the better hand in the exchanges despite being tagged in the third round.
But it was that power advantage that allowed Schofield to take risks. In the fourth, a solid jab sent Rhodes onto the ropes.
And it all came to a head in the seventh round. A solid left hook caught Rhodes, as he hit the floor, with things looking bleak.
DOWN GOES RHODES!!!!#SchofieldRhodes | LIVE on DAZN pic.twitter.com/uZpJmO1UuX
— Golden Boy (@GoldenBoyBoxing) July 9, 2023
While he did manage to beat the count, this was followed up by more combinations as he hit the deck once again.
The second knockdown of round seven from @kidaustin11 💪
Can the show be closed in round eight? 🤔#SchofieldRhodes pic.twitter.com/oQ7HticJr6
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 9, 2023
However, Rhodes rose up once again as he somehow survived the round. Unsurprisingly, the eight round followed with more attacks.
Schofield cut off the ring and landed another left hook that caught Rhodes’ chin. The latter took a knee, which scored Schofield another knockdown, only to get up again.
OUCH – what a body shot from Floyd Schofield!! and down goes Rhodes again!#SchofieldRhodes | LIVE on DAZN…tune in! pic.twitter.com/fXlWG9cL5M
— Golden Boy (@GoldenBoyBoxing) July 9, 2023
That was met by more left hooks to the midsection and right hands to the head. Rhodes became more desperate as a headbutt connected with Schofield in the ninth, as the latter hit the deck.
And that left a mark!! Deep cut on the left cheek of Floyd Schofield. OUCH!!!#SchofieldRhodes | LIVE on DAZN…tune in! pic.twitter.com/zAWQEws6wh
— Golden Boy (@GoldenBoyBoxing) July 9, 2023
The cut above Schofield’s left cheek poured with blood, but it didn’t stop the result.
After Schofield was checked out by the ringside doctor before the tenth, he came out to close the victory on points: 100-87, 100-87 and 100-87.
“I aint gonna lie. The man can take a helluva punch. I’m surprised he got up from that first knockdown….he’s tough dude. It’s boxing. You’re going to face adversity, but I got it done,” Schofield said
Full Card Results
Floyd Schofield def. Haskell Rhodes via a unanimous decision: 100-87, 100-87, 100-87
Joseph Diaz def. Jerry Perez via a unanimous decision: 97-93, 97-93, 98-92
Marlen Esparza def. Gabriela Celeste Alaniz by majority decision: 99-91, 95-95, 97-93
Eric Tudor def. Reggie Harris Jr via a unanimous decision: 78-73, 78-73, 77-74
Tristan Kalkreuth def. Joe Jones via a second-round KO
Darius Fulghum def. Jeremiah Curtright via a third-round TKO