The second round was a closer affair but it still appeared that the challenger just shaded the exchanges with some good switch work to the body and the most eye catching moment of the round, a left-right combination to the head of Crawford which was delivered with pinpoint accuracy and with blistering speed.
The first four rounds conceivably all belonged to the challenger, who although at times was required to leap in with his shots to negate his reach disadvantage, was clearly landing the more impressive punches. Crawford switched styles from orthodox to southpaw during the third in an attempt to change the pattern of the fight and although this tactic would lead to more open exchanges suiting Crawford who was looking to counter, the champion would have to take a couple of big right hands as he enticed Gamboa on to him.
Crawford would begin to get his southpaw jab motoring in the fourth round and enjoy some success but he was still susceptible to the right hand of Gamboa.
Crawford would ultimately get the measure of his challenger and the tide of the bout would dramatically
The seventh round resembled the more cagey affairs of the opening two rounds. For the most part Crawford continued to work behind the jab and Gamboa seemingly with full movement restored following the knock down, again began slipping Crawford's attacks well, but tellingly was beginning to fall short with his own right hand which had been a useful weapon for him in the first half of the fight.
change in the fifth round. Crawford would deliver a solid right hand as Gamboa missed a right of his own and with the Cuban staggered Crawford would send his man down with a chopping left hand. Gamboa would rise quickly and take a count, managing to see out the remaining thirty seconds of the round on unsteady legs and taking another couple of punishing right hands from Crawford.
Gamboa's vulnerability to be countered when driving forward and launching his own attacks has been a staple of his career to date having been sent to the canvas six times previously as a professional. Crawford identified this frailty in the build up and this is where the champion ultimately capitalised as Gamboa's confidence grew in the fight.
It appeared at this stage a minutes rest wouldn't be enough time for Gamboa to fully re-group from the knock down and Crawford came looking for him right away at the start of the sixth but instead of seeking to hold or buy time, and typical of his fighting mentality Gamboa chose to meet the champion and exchange. Gamboa even managed to back Crawford up a couple of times during the round once his legs regained their steadiness. On his part Crawford was showing a champions maturity, after the initial burst at the start of the sixth he appeared to realise that he could bide his time and wait for more openings having already demonstrated he could hurt Gamboa, he appeared happy to remain patient behind his jab and continue to look for his moments to counter.
The patience of Crawford would once again be rewarded in the eighth as after a fairly subdued round from Gamboa he attempted to pick up the pace and launch an attack in the final thirty seconds of the round only to be countered by a well timed right hook and then a left hand which forced him to take a knee. Once again Gamboa would see out the round taking a few more heavy head shots and electing to trade with Crawford in the seconds leading up to the bell to end the round.
The ninth and final round of the fight would prove to be an exhilarating one and a fitting end to a terrific encounter. Early in the round Gamboa appeared to be on the brink of being stopped after taking a right uppercut from Crawford but he hit back instantly with a right hook which would stagger Crawford and send the champion towards the ropes. In his quest to follow up and build on his most successful attack of the fight Gamboa would be thwarted by the survival instincts of Crawford who was able to regroup by holding on to Gamboa on several occasions until his senses were fully restored. The difference between the survival instincts of both men was telling, as although nobody can question the bravery of Gamboa perhaps taking a similar approach to Crawford when hurt, albeit not necessarily a crowd pleasing option, would certainly give him the opportunity to recover without suffering further damage and taking clean shots whilst wide open.
“I was warming up, getting used to his style the first couple of rounds, just wanted to test him out, see where he was and adjust"
(Crawford to Max Kellerman Post Fight)