Clay Collard's remarkable boxing year 2020 ended on a slightly down note on Saturday in Las Vegas, in The Bubble, as he lost an 8-round decision to taller New Orleans boxer Quincy LaVaillas, It was a rematch of a 2019 draw between Collard (9-3-3) and LaVallais (10-0-1).
It was a close middleweight fight. Two judges scored it an acceptable 77-75. Another erred in a too-wide 78-74 margin. This blog scored the bout a draw, giving the more aggressive Collard (seen above on the left) rounds 1, 2, 5 and 7. However, there's no doubt that the judges were impressed with repeat right hands that LaVallais landed on Collard's head/ They didn't seem to hurt the Burley, Idaho, boxer, but he rarely could get out of their way.
In the latter half of the fight, LaVallais also had success slipping punches when the more aggressive Collard pinned him in a corner. Collard was often effective, however, when he followed a retreating LaVallais, landing hooks to the head and body. In the final round Collard started strongly but LaVallais excelled in the final moment.
It's been a remarkable two years for Collard, who merits great respect for barnstorming around the nation, taking on local favorites in their home locations and usually pulling out a win or a draw. Things improved even more this year when Top Rank took notice of his talents and fan appeal. He was 5-0 in this Covid-19 year until Saturday's loss.
Collard, who until recently fought out of Utah, is well known as an MMA pro with UFC experience. He will be taking a year off to compete in the Professional Fighter League MMA tournament for 2021 that promises weight class winners a $1 million prize. We wish him the best and thank him for providing us a lot of cheers in the boxing ring.
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