In a highly anticipated bout on Saturday night, Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield faced a significant challenge against Rene “El Bravo” Tellez Girón. With Schofield entering the ring undefeated at 18-0, expectations were high. Yet, what transpired in the 12 rounds showcased not only his resilience but also the vulnerabilities that lie beneath an otherwise stellar record. The fight, which aired on DAZN, concluded with Schofield triumphing via unanimous decision, but it was not without its dramatic twists, including a knockdown in the 11th round.
The 11th round marked a critical turning point in the match. Girón, with a record of 20-4, caught Schofield with a left hook that sent him to the canvas. While many would argue that the ability to get up and keep fighting is an essential trait for a boxer, the knockdown revealed potential chinks in Schofield’s armor. The moment was particularly embarrassing, not just because it exposed him to defeat, but due to the wide audience, including boxing luminaries like Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis, who scrutinized his performance. Getting knocked down inevitably raises questions about a fighter’s preparedness, especially when aiming for bigger challenges in the future.
Schofield’s father and trainer, Floyd Sr., appeared to struggle with his game plan throughout the fight. The corner’s chaotic instructions suggested a lack of coherent strategy, leading to confusion in Schofield’s approach. Constantly changing directions during the match may have contributed to Schofield’s difficulties in dealing with Girón’s onslaught. Although Schofield managed to secure a judge’s score of 118-109, the reality remains that he had to weather a considerable storm, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the training regimen leading up to this fight.
Post-fight reflections revealed that both Schofield and his promoter, Oscar de La Hoya, were less than satisfied with the performance. De La Hoya’s candid “C minus” grade underscores the discontent surrounding Schofield’s display, indicating that his current trajectory may not be aligned with the expectations for a rising star. Schofield himself acknowledged the knockdown, stating it was a shot to the back of the head, reflecting on it with an oddly optimistic B+ grading. However, this self-assessment seems to downplay the reality of the fight, which arguably could have been more decisive had he faced a stronger opponent.
Moving Forward: The Road Ahead for Schofield
Despite Saturday’s challenges, Schofield emerged with his undefeated record intact. However, the bout served as an important learning experience for the young fighter. As he navigates his career, it will be crucial for him to refine his techniques, work on defensive strategies, and ensure that he receives solid and coherent guidance in the corner. The boxing world will be watching closely to see how Schofield responds to this pivotal moment—whether he will learn, adapt, and ultimately grow to become the fighter his record suggests he can be, or if he will struggle against the elite fighters he aspires to face.