Chong Puts Up Little Fight in Loss

In a surprisingly docile performance, Jesus Chong’s short title tenure went up in smoke Monday.

Melchor Cob Castro swarmed Chong from the opening bell, left him torn and tattered by the end of 12 textbook rounds, and took Chong’s World Boxing Organization light-flyweight title in a dominating unanimous-decision victory before 3,604 at the Forum.

For the entire fight, Chong seemed uncertain whether to fight in his usual orthodox stance or switch to southpaw, uncertain whether to throw jabs or hooks, and uncertain about even bothering to attempt to attack the shorter Cob Castro, who is left-handed.

At times, Chong complained to the referee about low blows or possible head butts; at other times, he just looked disinterested.

Cob Castro (50-5), who six years ago held the World Boxing Council title and went the distance twice against light-flyweight legend Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez, has been criticized in the past for fighting too defensively.

But Monday, the 29-year-old Cob Castro bounced in and out against Chong, scoring with lead left hands to the chin at will as Chong struggled with his footwork.

Chong (31-8) did not appear to land a solid shot--and did not win a round on two of the three judges’ cards. His only positive moments came when Cob Castro was given two penalty points by referee Jose Cobian for low blows--in the sixth and 11th rounds--and when Cob Castro developed a cut over his right eye late in the fight.

“He didn’t hurt me at all,” Cob Castro said. “My plan was to fight more and be aggressive. I tried to win every round. I didn’t want to leave any doubt in each round.

There were no knockdowns in the bout, but Cob Castro, firing his left from wide angles as Chong, 32, wavered between left- and right-handed stances, had Chong in trouble throughout the fight.

“I know I could have fought better, but I was surprised at the decision,” Chong said. “I still am going to think like a champion. I hope he gives me a rematch.”