By Jeff Zimmerman at ringside
Super welterweight Blair “The Flair” Cobb (16-1-1, 10 KOs) out of Philadelphia, PA, dropped Dallas’ former world champ Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (27-3-3, 18 KOs) three times, once in round one and twice in round two to win going away with the unanimous decision 97-90 twice and 96-91 on Saturday night at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
Cobb used quick feet and a powerful left hand to dart in and out of the bigger Hooker all night. Cobb, a southpaw, landed his right hand and then followed up with two more punches as Hooker went down to score the first knockdown in round one. In round two, Cobb scored his second knockdown with a straight left through the guard and later in the round, Cobb landed another left and then a right that put Hooker down for the third time in the fight in as many rounds.
Hooker could never land his powerful right hand to change the complexion of the fight as Cobb used lateral movement and the whole ring to keep Hooker off balance. Cobb, though, landed the bigger, cleaner shots when they did exchange that seemingly left Hooker frustrated. A clash of heads in round six, forced referee Laurence Cole to send Cobb to see the doctor with a gash over his left eye. Cobb was able to continue and clearly wasn’t missing much.
In a valiant effort, Hooker went to the final bell and was on the attack to the very end, but it was Cobb’s night after taking the huge early lead with the three knockdowns. It was an emotional camp for Hooker who lost a loved one early on and then his dear friend and photographer Stacey M Snyder as camp was winding down. Snyder was Hooker’s photographer from the beginning of his career and a like a second mother. Hooker had dedicated the fight to Snyder and a ten count was performed in the ring prior to the fight.
Wow.. didn’t see that coming!!! Good win for Cobbs and probably the end for Hooker!
Hooker really hasn’t been the same since he was shot. He had a decent run when he was champ. Can’t believe he lost to Flair Cobbs. Cobbs is a rank amateur. Rocha exposed Cobbs bad. Hooker should probably get into training or promoting.
For starters, Congrats…Cobbs….
Cobbs showed some improvement…always athletic..showed excellent foot movement …better defensive skills than prior fights…expanded boxing IQ… would have kept Hooker down for the count with better punching tecnique.and shorter punches..good comeback win against tough opponent….Keep Improving!!!!
Hooker is Adrienn Broner 2.0, skilled boxer/puncher but if pressed early, goes into a shell and will not let his hands go….article stated Hooker did not make weight… conditioning showed in fight for Hooker to be a problem…Hooker needs to retire if his heart is not totally in the fight….stated “totally” cause it takes some heart to enter the ring and get off the canvas and continue fighting…heart includes being professional..well conditioned and focused..mentally and physically prepared….Hooker is a better fighter than this….be professional or retire before you get hurt!!!!
I put money on Cobbs to win! Looks like he has learnt a few things since his loss.
Good bet-I was thinking of taking him but decided that he really didn’t have much of a chance.
Okay respect to Cobbs. He is not the best but he is improving and has a good performance and acknowledged he has more to develop before he can consider himself elite. Not easy to return from such a big defeat against an even tougher opponent. I will watch him again.
congrats to Cobbs but Hooker is just a shell of what he once was he showed up out of shape, un motivated, and basically used his name for a decent paycheck and in his home area which lets you know why only his family and friends know hes even a pro boxer and former world champion
Boxing Historian …Did not want to say it that way…cause the fighters themselves read our comment….but it seems as Hooker just collected a check….Hooker
is a good fighter .,..does not seem as if he has the passion anymore to be professional at his craft… remember you don’t play boxing…Hooker definitely is at the crossroad in his career….
First, Blair Cobbs deserves credit. Coming off a devastating loss against an opponent like Hooker seemed like a fool’s errand. However, he proved his management wasn’t crazy and showed reason for optimism. If he can get that chin tucked and work on the lunging in, then he’ll be a very tough out.
Second, it seems like nobody on here heard that Hooker was fighting with a very heavy heart. Prior to the fight he admitted he couldn’t get on the treadmill without crying. I know there was a contract signed, but his team should have got him out of this fight. They clearly didn’t respect Cobbs enough and Hooker paid the price.
iF IM NOT MISTAKEN, HOOKER WAS A C ANDIDATE IN THE 140 WBSS IF IM NOT WRONG..HE HAD A FEW BIG FIGHTS INCLUDING SOME WINS THAT LED TO THE TAYLOR FINAL