In a bout on Saturday night, on Leap Year Feb. 29, 2020, West Jordan featherweight professional boxer Jose Haro resumed his career after a long layoff, defeating Genaro Velarde Rodriguez at The Big Punch Arena in Tijuana, Mexico.
Haro last fought on June 10, 2017, when he knocked out Daniel Franco, in a nationally televised bout, to win the United States featherweight championship. Franco suffered injuries from the bout that hospitalized him for a long while and ended his career. Haro at one point was tabbed for a world title fight but unfortunately it did not occur.
Recently, it was announced that Haro had signed with Sheer Sport Management, and was readying to resume his career. The fight with Rodriguez was announced late last week.
The fight ended rather abruptly after four rounds, with Haro being awarded a decision win. It had been scheduled for more than four rounds. Rodriguez, a young, durable veteran, was aggressive through 12 minutes of boxing. Haro, however, had the upper hand throughout, scoring left jabs at will and occasionally following with straight right hands and a looping left hook. There were only a few body punches landed by Haro, who is known for body-punching strength. That may have been because the West Jordan boxer was anticipating a longer scheduled bout. (Photo above, courtesy of Facebook, shows Haro (left) and Rodriguez the day before the bout)
A ring card woman was preparing to enter the ring with a fifth round sign but was informed that the bout had concluded.
It was an entertaining bout and can be be viewed at SporTijuana Box at Facebook, streamed on Feb. 29. I believe Haro vs. Rodriguez is the seventh bout on the card. Hopefully, Jose will fight regularly as he works his way back into world contender status.
