Oshae Jones vs Elia Carranza

Oshae Jones against Elia Carranza has got unfinished business written all over it. Their first fight was close enough to demand a second look, even if one of the cards for Carranza was miles out of line with what most people saw. Jones is the champion, the Olympic bronze medallist, the younger woman, and the one with the stronger physical tools. Carranza is no mug, though. She made Jones uncomfortable before, and awkward fighters who can move, jab and change levels are never a nice night’s work.

The tale of the tape is not just 9-0 against 11-2. It is Jones’ strength, aggression and inside combinations against Carranza’s movement, rhythm-breaking and ring craft. Jones likes to get close enough to make her physicality count, letting those straight left hands and heavy combinations do the scoring. Carranza’s job is to keep the fight slippery, keep turning her, and stop Jones from planting her feet. The nuts and bolts are simple: Jones has to cut the ring better than she did the first time, not follow her around like she’s chasing a bus. Carranza has to jab, move, and nick clean moments without getting bullied on the ropes.

I think Jones gets it cleaner this time. She has already had 10 rounds to feel Carranza’s tricks, and with a proper camp for the rematch, she should know exactly where the holes are. Carranza will make it messy in spells, because that is what good spoilers do, but she has to do more than survive and look clever. Jones’ engine, strength and sharper championship pedigree should tell down the stretch. Jones retains the IBF junior middleweight title by unanimous decision, after a competitive but much clearer night than the first one.