The Past Week In Action 23 February 2016

ERIC ARMIT | February 23, 2016 | 0 Comentarios/ Comments

Miss any of this week’s action in the sport? Get caught up with “The Past Week in Action” by Eric Armit; with a review of all major cards in the boxing for the past week.

The Past Week In Action 23 February 2016

February 16

Las Vegas, NV, USA: Super Bantam: Alexis Santiago (21-3-1) W PTS 10 Erik Ruiz (15-5). Cruiser: Paul Parker (8-1) W PTS 8 Lionell Thompson (16-4).Super Middle: Lanell Bellows (15-1-1) W KO 5 Antowyan Aikens (10-1-1).

Santiago vs. Ruiz

Santiago gets another win with a wide unanimous decision over Ruiz. Both boxers were looking to control the action up close and in centre ring. Both were scoring with hooks and uppercuts inside with neither taking a backward step. Santiago had the edge throwing and landing more and having the superior firepower. Ruiz hardly moved out of the pocket and scored with some heavy punches of his own but Santiago also had a stiff accurate jab which gave him the edge over Ruiz who hardly threw a straight punch. Santiago rocked Ruiz in the fifth with a right hook/ left uppercut combination and they just stood upright and traded shots in the sixth with not much defence on show. By the seventh Ruiz had slowed and he was throwing less and less punches as some earlier body punching from Santiago took effect. Santiago worked Ruiz over with both hands in the ninth scoring with left hooks to the body and rights upstairs but Ruiz continued to try to punch with him. Ruiz scored with a hard right cross at the end of the last round but was well beaten. Scores 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92. The 25-year-old Phoenix “Beaver” moves to 10 wins in a row with useful victories over Angel Rangel, Hanzel Martinez (20-1) and Antonio Tostado Garcia. Ruiz, 24, is 2-4 in his last 6 fights but the opposition has been very tough in Jesse Magdaleno, Manuel Avila and Daniel Roman. He gave a gutsy effort and never took a backward step but could not match the power or work rate of Santiago.

Parker vs. Thompson

Coming off an inside the distance loss Parker was a slight underdog but he edged out Thompson on a very tight split decision that swung on one punch. Parker had height and reach on his side and made good use of those assets to collect the early rounds. In the third a hard right counter rocked Thompson who briefly touched the canvas with his glove and was given a count. That proved decisive as Thompson still seemed to be feeling the effects of the punch in the fourth. He began to find a way inside from the fifth and was actually out-jabbing the bigger man as he closed the points gap. Unfortunately he ran out of rounds and the decision went to Parker. Scores 76-75 twice for Parker and 76-75 for Thompson with that 10-8 third round the difference between a loss and a draw for Thompson. Parker, 31, a former NGG bronze medallist from Toledo had been stopped in three rounds in his last fight in June by Vyacheslav Shabranskyy so this was an important win. “Lonnie B” Thompson, 30, seems to be on a bit of a roller coaster. He won his first 12 fights and then lost back-to-back fights to Nelson Poulard and Sergey Kovalev. He rebounded in some style with victories over Chuck Mussachio (18-2-2) unbeaten Yathomas Riley and Ryan Coyne (21-1) after which he was inactive for 15 months before dropping a split decision to unbeaten Radivoje Kalajdzic. Now the 5-time New York Golden Gloves champion has another rebuilding job.

Bellows vs. Aikens

Bellows makes it nine wins in a row as he knocks out overmatched Aikens in five rounds. This time the guy with the height and reach edges lost as Bellows was able to brush aside the ineffective jabs from Aikens and use a strong jab of his own to keep Aikens off balance and basically out of the fight. Bellows stepped up the pace in the third and dominated the fourth. He ended things in the fifth with a right to the head that put Aikens down and although he made it to his knees he made no attempt to go further and was counted out. The 30-year-old Las Vegas based Bellows has 8 wins by KO/TKO and has reversed his only loss. He was a good class amateur but just came up short in the Last Chance Qualifier series for a place at the US Olympic Trials. His win made it 2-1 on the night for the Mayweather Promotions team with Thompson being the only loser out of the three Mayweather fighters. Aikens was in his first eight round fight and never looked like winni

February 17

Tokyo, Japan: Super Bantam: Shingo Wake (21-4-2) WKO 5 Waldo Sabu.

Just a keep busy fight for Wake. The tall Japanese southpaw just had too much of everything for the poor Indonesian. Wake had the speed, skill, power and experience and with Sabu only having the most basic raw technique this was not going to last long. The 28-year-old former OPBF champion ended it in the fifth trapping Sabu in a corner and whaling away until Sabu’s corner threw in the towel. Wake won an IBF eliminator over Mike Tawatchai in June and is their No 1 in line for a fight with the winner of Carl Frampton vs. Scott Quigg. Sabu is a former Indonesian bantam champion but I am sure there are lots of fights not showing on his record so I have left it blank.

February 18

Pasay City, Philippines: Super Bantam: Joe Noynay (10-0-1) DREW 12 Alie Laurel (14-4-1). Super Fly: Eranio Semillano (12-7-1) W TKO 11 Kyota Otsuka (5-1-1). Minimum: Toto Landero (8-0-2) W PTS 12 Rolly Sumalpong (9-2-1).

Noynay vs. Laurel

These two Filipino southpaws may have to do this all over again after drawing in a contest for the vacant WBC International title that was exciting to the end. It was close all the way with Laurel slightly ahead after ten rounds but Noynay scoring an eleventh round knockdown which allowed him to save the fight. Scores 114-113 for Noynay, 114-113 for Laurel and 114-114. Noynay, the GAB No 3 and WBC No 40 already holds the WBC EPBC title but victory here would have pushed him further up the ratings. Second attempt to win a WBC International title for the “Demolition Man” Laurel, the GAB No 5, he lost to Ernesto Saulong for the vacant bantam title in December,

Semillano vs. Otsuka

Semillano wins the vacant WBC EPBC title with late stoppage of Philippines-based Japanese fighter Otsuka. The 24-year-old fighter from the Elorde stable has shown improvement and is now 9-2-1 in his last 12 fights with the two losses there coming in fights in Thailand including a loss to WBO champion Pungluang. First loss and first fight past eight rounds for Otsuka but his previous six opponents had combined records of 11-32-6 so this was his first real test.

Landero vs. Sumalpong

Landero wins the WBC EPBC title with majority verdict over fellow-Filipino Sumalpong. This was a tough, close fight with the physical strength of Landero giving him the slight edge. Scores 116-112 and 115-113 for Landero and 114-114. The 20-year-old Landero was in his first fight scheduled for more than eight rounds. He specialises in close contests with 3 of his fights being decided on majority verdicts and one on a split decision and his two draws also being majority verdicts including a fight with Sumalpong in 2014. Sumalpong loses his title in his first defence.

Costa Mesa, CA, USA: Heavy: Sergey Kuzmin (6-0) W PTS 10 Rodney Hernandez (9-4-1). Light Heavy: Dmitry Bivol (6-0) W TKO 4 Cleiton Conceicao (22-9-2). Super Feather: Bekman Soylybayev (8-0) W PTS 8 Moises Delgadillo (15-14-2).

Kuzmin vs. Hernandez

Former top amateur Kuzmin gets another win as he builds in the background. Kuzmin made the fight here with Hernandez not aiming to trade and just being too quick for Kuzmin to catch and finish but the Russian wins wide unanimous decision. Scores 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93. The beefy 28-year-old 6’3” (191cm) from St Petersburg was Russian champion in 2010 and 2012 and European champion in 2010 beating the great Italian Roberto Cammarelle on the way to the gold medal. Hernandez keeps his record of not losing by KO/TKO having previously taken Mike Hunter the distance.

Bivol vs. Conceicao

Another former top Russian amateur gets a win as Bivol blows away Brazilian Conceicao. After taking the first round to see what Conceicao had to offer Bivol opened up and put Conceicao down twice in the second. Conceicao managed to duck and dive his way through the third round but Bivol punched too hard for the Brazilian. He scored an early knockdown and then drove Conceicao to the ropes with a left hook to the body and with Conceicao cowering on the ropes two right crosses sent Conceicao slumping to his knees and the referee just waived the fight over. The 25-year-old Kyrgyzstan-born Russian has won all of his fights by KO/TKO. No big names but some useful journeymen. As an amateur he won gold medals at the European and World Cadet Championships, was Russian Junior champion and won a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships and was Russian champion at 81kg in 2012 and 2014. At 25 one to watch. Conceicao, 36, had gone the distance with Sean Monaghan in May but never looked like lasting the distance in this one.

Soylybayev vs. Delgadillo

Soylybayev wins the vacant WBA-NABA title with points victory over Mexican Delgadillo. Scores 80-72 from all three judges. The 25-year-old from Kazakhstan splits his fight time between Ukraine and the USA. He does not quite have the amateur credentials of Gennady Golovkin, only winning two bronze medals in the National Championships but he is quick and clever. Delgadillo is 4-7 in his last 11 fight and has been in with high class opposition such as Gamaliel Diaz and Luis Ramos.

Dallas, TX, USA: Feather: Ray Ximenez (13-0) W KO 3 Eric Anton (4-3).

The 23-year-old local switch hitter finds an easy touch in overmatched Anton and wins the vacant State title. Ximenez put Anton down twice, once in the first round and then for the second and last time in the third. He breaks a run of 5 points wins in a row and since he only won two of those on very close decision he needed to impress. He is a former US Junior champion and World Junior’s quarter-finalist but has stuttered a bit as a pro with only one fight per year in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and this was his first fight for 13 months. Three losses in a row for Anton.

February 19

Puerto Madryn, Argentina: Bantam: Omar Narvaez (45-2-2) W TKO 7 Jesus Vargas (14-4-1). Narvaez continues his drive towards winning a tile in a third division with stoppage of overmatched Venezuelan Vargas. Narvaez made a slow start with Vargas doing well in the first round. As usual Narvaez was giving away height and reach but without power Vargas just could not keep the little Argentinian out. Narvaez was continually marching forward weaving his way inside and scoring with combinations of short clubbing punches from both hands. He was relentless in his pressure and in the fourth and fifth it looked as though Vargas was ready to quit but he bit down and kept going. Despite his age Narvaez just kept coming and coming and after a one-sided seventh round Vargas retired. The 40-year-old former WBO fly and super fly champion is now focusing on the bantamweight division in an attempt to become the first Argentinian to win titles in three divisions. Vargas, 23, was 10-1 in his previous 11 fights but just did not have the skill or the power to threaten Narvaez.

Junin, Argentina: Super Light: Luis Rueda (12-0) W PTS 10 Mauricio Munoz (31-6).

Rueda remains unbeaten as he outpoints experienced Munoz in a non-title fight. As expected Rueda was too quick and mobile for Munoz who just could not find a way to combat Rueda’s southpaw style over the first half of the fight. The expectation was that the South American champion Munoz would put his familiarity with long fights to good use and pace himself to come on strong in the second half of the fight. It did not work out that way as Rueda stayed strong and stayed in charge and Munoz never really made an imp[act. Scores 99-93 ½ twice and 98 ½-96 ½ all for Rueda. Important win for 30-year-old Rueda as Munoz was No 2 with the FAB. He gets his third win in two months after being inactive for four years. Munoz lost on points to Evgeny Gradovich for the IBF feather title in 2013. He was 5-3 in his last 8 fights going into this including good domestics triumphs over Bruno Godoy and Daniel Brizuela.

Saint Quentin, Franca: Light Heavy: Tony Averlant (23-8-2) W PTS 12 Daniel Wanyoni (22-9-2). Light Heavy: Hakim Chioui (31-5-1) W PTS 6 Robert Halas (7-14). Super Feather: Guillame Frenois (40-1) W TKO 7 Miguel Gonzalez (13-7).

Averlant vs. Wanyoni

Averlant retains the WBFed title with unanimous decision over Kenyan Wanyoni. The fight was even after three rounds but Averlant scored heavily in the fourth and fifth. Wanyoni tried hard to get into the fight but Averlant was too mobile although the African landed some good punches in the ninth. Wanyoni continued to look for one big punch and in the last round the Frenchman toned down his activity playing it safe as he already had the fight won. Scores 118-110, 117-111 and 117-113. The 31-year-old local fighter, a former EU champion, lost to Eduard Gutknecht and Juergen Braehmer in challenges for the EBU title. He was making the second defence of the WBF title and has won his last five fights. After the fight Averlant revealed that he had reinjured his right wrist. The wrist already has a plate and seven screws inserted but he may need another operation. Former ABU champion Wanyoni, 32, has now lost 3 of his last 4 fights including a poor fourth round kayo by Bob Ajisafe for the CBC title and to Hungarian hope Richard Baranyi but he was competitive here.

Chioui vs. Halas

Former French champion Chioui gets a needed win as he takes unanimous decision over Serb loser Halas. In his two fights in 2015 Chioui lost to Igor Mikhalkin for the EBU title and to Kevin Thomas Cojean for the French title so he will be looking to get some wins to climb from the EBU No 15 position. Halas, 34, has yet to win outside of Serbia.

Frenois vs. Gonzalez

Frenois gets a rare inside the distance win. He had the Honduran down in the second round from a left hook and kept up the pressure on the static Gonzalez. In the seventh a body punch put Gonzalez down on one knee and his corner threw in the towel. Just one last warm-up fight before 32-year-old southpaw challenges Julie Giner for the EBU title on 1 April. Frenois’s only loss came in a challenge to Devis Boschiero for the same title in 2013. Five losses in a row for Gonzalez since moving his base to Spain.

Paris, France: Heavy: Adrian Granat (11-0) W TKO 2 Evgeny Orlov (15-13-1). Bantam: Nordine Oubaali (9-0) WPTS 6 Rey Cajina (14-30-5).

Granat vs. Orlov

Swede “Pike” Granat takes only two rounds to halt Russian giant Orlov in a contest of big men. The Russian tried hard to intimidate Granat in the first as the Swede made a careful start. In the second Granat went to work as he opened a bad cut over the Russian’s left eye with a savage uppercut the doctor examined the injury and indicated the cut was too bad for the fight to continue so as it was the result of a punch Granat was declared the winner. The 24-year-old 6’7 ½” (202cm) German-based Swede now has ten wins by KO/TKO. He knocked out Brit Michael Sprott in his last fight in December and is No 17 with the EBU. Orlov, 37, is 6’9 ½” (202cm) but is slow as you would expect from a guy who weighed 315lbs (143kg). This was his first fight for almost two years.

Oubaali vs. Cajina

Mark-time fight for talented Oubaali as he gets unanimous decision over Cajina. Oubaali won every round but the experienced Cajina did his job and gave Oubaali six rounds of work. The 29-year-old French southpaw had won each of his last 4 fights inside the first round. He is EBU No 8 but the former elite amateur, he competed at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, has the talent to win the European title. Nicaraguan Cajina, 33, is 1-13-2 in his last 16 fights but only 6 of his 30 career losses have been by KO/TKO.

Managua, Nicaragua: Fly: Felix Alvarado (23-2) W TKO 5 Noe Medina (5-5).

Alvarado makes it 20 wins by KO/TKO. He launched furious attacks from the start and Medina tried to stand and trade but Alvarado scored heavily with left hooks and combinations and Medina was hard pressed just to get to the bell at the end of the first round. Alvarado continued to punish Medina in the second and third with the Mexican somehow staying in the fight. In the fourth Medina had nothing left and late in the round the referee had seen enough and the fight was halted. After winning his first 18 fights Alvarado, one of twin brothers who are both top class pros, lost decisions to Kazuto Ioka for the WBA secondary light fly title and to Juan Carlos Revco for the WBA secondary fly title. He has scored four wins by KO/TKO since then and is No 10 with the WBA. Medina had just one fight in 2015 being stopped in nine round s by novice Ricardo Perez for the WBC Silver light fly title in August.

Walsall, England: Light Heavy: Lennox Clarke (10-0) W TKO 1 Richard Horton (9-7). Middle: Sergey Rabchenko (27-1) W RTD 3 Miguel Aguilar (11-23,1ND).

Clarke vs. Horton

Impressive power show from Clarke as he halts Horton inside a round. Horton was much taller and with a longer reach and was looking to use his jab to get on the front foot. After some prelim sparring the smaller Clarke scored with a straight right that put Horton down. Horton got up and took the eight count. Horton scored with some straight rights but Clarke put him back on his heels with a right to the head. Horton shook that off and had Clarke on the back foot as he banged home some good punches from both hands. Clarke then landed a left hook and a right to the head which saw Horton totter back and go down on one knee. Horton made it to his feet but a follow-up barrage from Clarke saw him go down on one knee again and the fight was stopped. The 24-year-old local fighter Clarke gets his fourth win by KO/TKO including three first round finishes. Horton, 34, was coming off a loss in an exciting war with Tony Dobson last month but this is his third first round loss.

Rabchenko vs. Aguilar

Rabchenko returns to action with an inside the distance win over competitive Nicaraguan Aguilar. Rabchenko was looking to get this over early and landed some heavy overhand rights in the first only for Aguilar to get home with some thudding left hooks of his own. They were trading in mid ring when a left hook to the body forced Aguilar to turn away and go down on one knee. He was up at eight and gained some more time as his gumshield had to be replaced. Rabchenko was forcing Aguilar back with ramrod jabs but a straight right from the Nicaraguan set Rabchenko back on his heels as the round ended. In the second Rabchenko was using his strong jab and reach advantage to force Aguilar to lunge in and countering the Latino with left hooks, uppercuts and long rights but Aguilar was still punching back. Rabchenko launched a ferocious attack in the third and Aguilar was just trying to survive the storm . He went down more from the pressure than a punch and again he “lost” his gumshield getting a stern warning. A barrage from Rabchenko had Aguilar over again and Aguilar was taking punishment right up to the bell and his corner pulled him out of the fight. Rabchenko, 29, a former EBU and WBC Silver title holder, looked sharp despite a lack of recent activity. He was unlucky to lose his Silver title to Anthony Mundine on a split decision in November 2014 and this is only his second fight since then. He can be a force in the crowded middleweight ranks. Spanish-based Aguilar has won only one of his last 20 fights but did not fight like a perennial loser here and Rabchenko did well to subdued and then force the Nicaraguan out of the fight.

Los Angeles, CA, USA: Super Feather: Carlos Morales (13-1-3) W PTS 10 Omar Tienda (14-3). Super Bantam: Diego De La Hoya (14-0) W KO 4 Arturo Badillo (21-10).

Morales vs. Tienda

Morales extends his unbeaten streak to 16 fights with wide unanimous decision over Tienda. It was a tough test for Morales as fellow-Mexican Tienda was willing to trade standing and swapping punches with the quicker and busier Morales but Tienda came out of the first round with a cut under his right eye. To even things up Morales was hampered by a cut over his right eye from the fourth but he had Tienda under heavy pressure in the fifth. When Tienda showed no sign of fading Morales settled down to box his way to victory over the second half of the fight. Scores 100-90 twice and 99-91 for Morales. The 26-year-old Morales “The Solution” was in his first ten round fight and paced it well. He lost his first pro fight and was 0-1-3 in his first four fights so has 13 wins in a row. Tienda, 28, was 13-1 in his first 14 fights before losing on a majority decision against Brazilian double Olympian Everton Lopes in December with Lopes having to get off the floor twice to win.

De La Hoya vs. Badillo

De La Hoya too quick and accurate for experienced Badillo. With De La Hoya having height reach on his side Badillo had to try to get inside in the first round but de La Hoya was scoring with fast accurate combinations. A left/right/left series had the sweat flying from Badillo’s head and he was forced back by a right uppercut before De La Hoya closed the round with quick punches to head and body. At the start of the second a right from De La Hoya went very low and Badillo was given some recovery time. De La Hoya was bringing his right into play more and Badillo tried to relieve the pressure by walking in swinging wild punches and De La Hoya banged in hard counters and again finished the round with a series of combinations but also with a small cut by the corner of his left eye. Badillo was more cautious in the third no longer coming forward. He managed to land a cracking right inside but De La Hoya responded with a right cross and a left hook both of which shook Badillo and now De La Hoya was walking his fellow-Mexican down. Badillo was in survival mode in the fourth but not for long. With Badillo on the ropes De La Hoya landed a vicious left hook to the body. Badillo went down on his knees and he was still there gazing out into the crowd as the count was completed. There is no denying that the 21-year-old “Golden Kid”, cousin to Oscar, has talent. He moves to 8 wins by KO/TKO and could be fighting main events by the end of the year. Badillo, 28, looked shop worn. He won his first 17 fights but is now 4-10 in his last 14 with 9 of those 10 losses by KO/TKO.

Sloan, Iowa, USA: Middle: John Vera (13-0) W TKO 4 Ayi Bruce (23-13). Light: Tony Luis (21-3) W PTS 8 Sam Amoako (21-8). Super Feather: Jose Silveria (17-19) W PTS 6 Kevin Lavallee (14-1-1).

Vera vs. Bruce

Vera batters away at Bruce until Ghanaian crumbles in the fourth round. Southpaw Vera had the superior skill and outboxed the Ghanaian over the first three rounds. In the fourth hard right saw Bruce go down three times and the fight was stopped. The 27-year-old Texan “The Phenom” makes it 7 wins by KO/TKO. He was moving up to ten rounds for the first time. A good level amateur Vera lost out at the US Last Chance Qualifier for a place at the 2012 Olympic Trials. Bruce, 29, is 2-7 in his last 9 fights and this is his eighth loss by KO/TKO.

Luis vs. Amoako

Luis stays busy with comfortable points win over Ghanaian Amoako. The Canadian had the winning punch in his jab and outworked and outscored the strong but limited Amoako to win every round. Scores 80-72 from all three judges. Luis, 28, gets his second win since losing a very close decision to Derry Mathews for the interim WBA title in April last year and is working his way towards another title shot. Amoako, 31, has lost four fights in a row since moving to the US but in all of the fights he has been very much the underdog.

Silveria vs. Lavallee

This one was not supposed to go this way as Canadian Lavallee was a big favourite. The veteran Mexican took the fight to Lavallee in typical Mexican style with the Canadian countering and keeping the fight close. The third saw things swing to Silveria as he floored the Quebec boxer and then maintained that impetus to the end despite a big effort from Lavallee to close the gap. Scores 57-56 twice and 58-55 all for Silveria. The 36-year-old Silveria had lost 10 of his last 11 fights going in. Lavallee, a good level amateur, had won his last 11 fights but this puts him back to base camp.

Atlantic City, NJ : Super Bantam: Adam Lopez (15-0) W PTS 10 Mario Munoz (16-1-1,1ND). Super Middle: Ronald Ellis (12-0,1ND) DREW 8 Jerry Odom (13-2,1ND). Super Middle: Chris Brooker (8-1) W PTS 8 John Magda (11-1). Super Feather: O’Shanique Foster (10-1) W TKO 7 Lavisas Williams (8-1-1).

Lopez vs. Munoz

Lopez successfully defends his WBA Fedelatin title with unanimous verdict over Munoz in a ShoBox clash of unbeaten fighters. The young Texan took the early rounds with his harder and more accurate punching with Munoz being that bit off the pace but always competitive . Munoz got some respite after a low punch from Lopez in the fifth and some encouragement when Lopez was cut over his right eye. Munoz then had his best spell in the sixth and seventh. Lopez had been ten rounds before and he had something in reserve and was back in charge over the last three rounds to wrap-up an impressive victory in a good learning fight. The 25-year-old “Mantequilla” was making the first defence of a title he won with a majority verdict over Eliecer Aquino (17-0-1) in July. As an amateur he was US-Under 19 champion, won gold and silver medals at the PAL Tournament. He also competed at the World Youth Championships but was eliminated at the US Olympic Trials. Definitely one to watch. Mexican Munoz was inactive in 2014 but had scores two wins last year.

Ellis vs. Odom

This match between two former top amateurs justifiably ended in a majority draw. There was no clear pattern to the fight as both fighters tried fighting inside and then boxing at a distance and back to the former. After an even first round Ellis seemed to be taking charge as he had Odon hurt in the second and in the third and fourth he scored repeatedly with rights and sharp left hooks. He then seemed to go off the boil and Odom used a body attack to get into the fight and his strong finish put the decision very much in doubt. Two of the judges had it all even at 76-76 but the third saw Ellis the winner by 78-74. Ellis had this one to win but let it get away from him over the closing rounds. The 26-year-old, a former NGG champion where he beat Olympian Terrell Gausha in the final, is the elder brother of unbeaten Rashidi Ellis. The No Decision on his record was a positive test result back in 2013 and he was then out for 15 months and is 6-0-1 since returning to the ring. Odom “The King’s Son” won gold and silver at the NGG’s and was runner-up in the US National Championships but did not get through the US Olympic Trials. His first loss as a pro came when he had a mad spell and was disqualified after punch away at Andrew Hernandez who was on the floor. He beat Hernandez inside a round in a return but was floored three times and stopped in three rounds by Sam Clarkson in July so he steadied the ship with the draw here.

Magda vs. Brooker

Booker gets upset win over Magda. Booker had been the most active of the two fighters by a long way and he made the more settled start even though Magda had the edge in speed. The aggression from Booker had Magda under pressure in the first and although Magda seemed to have shaken the rust and took the second with some good counters Brooker outscored Magda in the third and forth and although southpaw Magda had a good spell in the middle of the fight Brooker was busier and was landing the heavier punches and had done enough to get the verdict. Scores 78-74 and 77-74 and 76-76. Magna was having his first fight for 8 months and this was a tough one to come back on. Brooker, 24, had lost to a 1-0-1 fighter in July but had scored three wins in a seven week spell going into this.

Foster vs. Williams

This looked an even match on paper but Foster was looking to make amends for a poor showing on his previous appearance on ShoBox and he dominated this one from the start. The former highly ranked amateur was quicker and time and again was able to whip punches through the absent guard of Williams. The fight could have been stopped earlier but in the seventh round after the fourth knockdown in the fight the referee had seen enough and halted the one-sided fight. The 22-year-old Texan Foster had lost a close unanimous decision to novice Samuel Teah in November. He is a former National PAL champion and reached the last round of the US Olympic Trials but lost to Joseph Diaz for the 56kg place on the US Team. Southpaw Williams can rebuild.

Tirana, Albania: Middle: Mike Keta (20-3) W RTD 5 Turgay Uzun (40-26-2).

Keita wears down experienced veteran Uzun to retain his WBC EPBC title. The German-based Albanian pressurised Uzun from the first getting in close and scoring with hooks to the body from both hands. By the fourth Uzun was shipping heavy punches with very little going the other way. In the fifth Keta just bulled Uzun around the ring. Uzun was having trouble finding the strength to keep his arms up and absorbing hook after hook and looking exhausted. At the end of the fifth Uzun, who had come in as a late replacement, had nothing left and retired. Keta had been schedules to fight German “Sultan” Goekalp Oezekler (20-1-1) and was selling the fight as a repeat of a famous victory for the Albanians over the Ottoman army back in the 1400’s but Oezekler cancelled due to illness so it reverted to a plain old WBC EPBC defence. The 32-year-old Keta has won 8 in a row 6 by KO/TKO but is not going much further. Uzun, 41, was having his first fight for eight months and with the short notice it is no surprise he faded.

February 20

Oberhausen, Germany: Super Middle: Felix Sturm (40-5-3,1ND) W PTS 12 Fedor Chudinov (14-1). Light Heavy: Konni Konrad (23-2-1) W PTS 6 Andrej Maurer (6-3-1). Heavy: Francesco Pianeta (32-2-1) W TKO 5 Hasan Olaki (6-3).Light Heavy: Alem Begic (12-0) W TKO 3 Leo Tchoula (9-14).

Sturm vs. Chudinov

Sturm becomes a champion for the fifth time as he gets a majority decision over Chudinov and yet again sparks a huge controversy as very few agreed with the decision of the judges and many disagreed vehemently. Over the twelve rounds Chudinov out-threw and out landed Sturm only for the judges to see a different fight. Sturm made a good start and was probably slightly in front after three rounds but then he tired and Chudinov took over going repeatedly to the older boxer’s body. Sturm was slow to static as the younger stronger fighter was able to work the German’s body. Sturm had made good use of his jab early but suddenly he was not using it and handing the initiative to the defending champion. Storm was scoring with some counters but from the fourth to the tenth Chudinov was fighting at a higher pace and was scoring with hooks to head and body and getting through with combinations and looked to have done enough to give himself an un-assailable lead. Sturm was cut over his right after a clash of heads in the tenth but came to life again over the last two rounds and won those but it was too little too late-except that the judges did not see it that way. The scores were announced as 115-113 twice for Sturm and 114-114. A decision that was greeted by boos and disbelief. The CompuBox stats show that over the twelve rounds Chudinov had thrown 1022 punches and landed 297 whereas Sturm had thrown 605 and landed just 184, In rounds 5, 7 and 9 the stats showed that Chudinov landed twice as many punches in each round than Sturm and yet one judge scored all three rounds to Sturm and another gave Sturm two of those rounds. If Chudinov’s edge had been narrow in those rounds a case could be made for seeing them as Sturm’s rounds but the gap was wide –round 5 20 vs. 8, round 7 23 vs. 9 round 9 28-13. Sturm was the more accurate puncher but by sheer volume of punches landed it was the Russians fight. Obviously Chudinov’s team have protested the decision. Many German newspapers and web sites saw the controversial decision as a blow to the credibility of boxing in Germany and a serious blow to the sport. Over the last five years there have been a number of dubious decisions in Sturm fights. The 37-year-old new holder of the WBA title has said this might be his last fight but is not rushing to a decision and in the background is a huge unification fight with Arthur Abraham-if Abraham gets by Gilberto Ramirez in April. Chudinov gets his first pro loss and deserves a return and hopefully the WBA will give it to him-outside Germany!

Konrad vs. Maurer

Easy win for Konrad over Russian. In his first fight since losing to Juergen Braehmer for the secondary WBA title in September Konrad gets unanimous decision. The WBA have dropped him from their ratings so he has a hill to climb but with very little chance of another title shot. Maurer also went the distance with world rated Enrico Koelling in April last year.

Pianeta vs. Olaki

Pianeta was stalking Olaki from the outset threading southpaw straight lefts through the Turks guard. Olaki had no idea of how to fight against a southpaw and his attacks consisted of wild swinging lunges which Pianeta easily avoided. Pianeta continued to score with straight lefts and occasional right hooks in the second although with Olaki still lunging in and holding the fight was untidy. Late in the third two body punches and a hard left to the head had Olaki hurt and two more body punches put him down late in the round. He was up at eight and avoided further trouble although the referee went to his corner in the interval to ask if he wanted to continue. Pianeta scored with some body punches and a sharp uppercut in the fourth but seemed to be standing back to admire his work instead of finishing the fight. In the fifth a left to the body from Pianeta saw Olaki step back to the ropes and then go down. He indicated to his corner it was a low punch but it landed just above the belt line. The referee signalled Olaki to get up and then took the Turk back to his corner and waived the fight off. First fight for Pianeta since a shock first round kayo loss to Ruslan Chagaev for the secondary WBA title in July. The 6’5” (196cm) Italian-born German makes it 18 wins by KO/TKO and there are plenty of fights for him in a division that has suddenly become interesting. Olaki, 36, just really a 4 and 6 round prelim fighter.

Begic vs. Tchoula

Unbeaten German hope Begic makes it 11 wins by KO/TKO as he halts German-based Cameroon fighter Tchoula early in the third round. Although he holds the Universal Boxing Federation European title he is yet to face anything remotely like a test. Now 13 losses in a row for Tchoula with nine of those losses by KO/TKO. He needs to be protected from himself.

Phoenix, AZ, USA: Super Bantam: Jesse Magdaleno 23-0) W KO 7 Rey Perez (20-8). Light Heavy: Trevor McCumby (22-0) W TKO 2 James Freeman (9-8). Super Bantam: Carlos Castro (15-0) W PTS 6 Rafael Reyes (6-6).

Magdaleno vs. Perez

Magdaleno folds late replacement Perez with a body punch. The WBO No 1 outboxed the Filipino not trying to rush an early finish but used his southpaw jab and hand speed to be in charge in every round. Perez is a useful fighter and may have been pacing himself due to the short notice but this fight was never going to go the full ten rounds. Once Magdaleno stepped-up his attacks Perez gradually went into survival mode. Late in the seventh Magdaleno opened the Filipino up with two light probing right jabs and then landed a left to the body and Perez took a step back and then went down writhing in agony. He was never going to beat the count so the referee waived the fight over. The 24-year-old Magdaleno is a real talent with skill and power and is a future champion but the standard of his opposition has not been top quality. Nonito Donaire is the WBO champion and also with Top Rank so if Top Rank decide he is ready then they have a clear road to making the title fight happen once Donaire gets past Zsolt Bedak. Filipino “Flash” Perez suffers only his second loss by KO/TKO having been in with Hugo Cazares, Andres Gutierrez, Chris Avalos and others.

McCumby vs. Freeman

Local hero McCumby gets a quick win. The hard puncher from Glendale put Freeman down in the first with a body punch and ended the fight in the second with another knockdown. The 23-year-old former US Under-19 champion moves to 17 wins by KO/TKO and is already No 7 with the WBO which takes no account of his opposition to this point none of whom are top 20 let alone top 10 but his potential is there with his power. Texan Freeman gets his first loss by KO/TKO but is now 2-6 in his last 8 fights.

Castro vs. Reyes

Castro extends his winning run but also has his deficiencies exposed. The unbeaten local looked to be on the road to an early finish as he punished Reyes over the first two rounds. When Reyes did not fall Castro became careless just trying to blow Reyes away and leaving huge gaps in his own defence, Despite being on a four bout losing run Reyes hit back strongly over the third and forth and although Reyes remained in control and finished strongly for a unanimous decision it was not an impressive win. Scores 59-55 twice and 60-54. Castro, 21, from Phoenix is building a good local following but he has some work to do on his defence. Mexican Reyes now has 5 losses in a row,

Slgotarjan, Hungary: Cruiser: Imre Szello (11-0) W KO 2 Walter Cabral (21-15 ). Super Middle: Richard Baranyi (15-1) W PTS 6 Bartlomiej Grafka (16-20-2). Middle: Norbert Harcsa (3-0) W KO 4 Robizon Omsarashvili (22-12-3).

Szello vs. Cabral

Szello keeps his UBO International title after brutal kayo of Cabral. In the first round both fighters scored with some good punches but Szello settled things in the second. A Barrage of heavy punches put Cabral down and out cold with Cabral needing medical attention before recovering. It is a pity that Szello, one of Hungary’s best amateur boxers, waited until he was 30 to turn pro. He won medals at every level and competed at all of the big international tournaments such as the World Championships and Olympics but time is against him as a pro. Cabral, 45, should think of hanging up his gloves. He has lost his last 4 fights including three beatings inside the distance and at 45 is putting himself at risk.

Baranyi vs. Grafka

Hungarian champion Baranyi gets unanimous decision over Pole Grafka. At times over the first three rounds it looked as though Baranyi might get a win inside the distance. However Grafka is an experienced and durable fighter and he matched Baryani over the last three rounds to give Baryani a good test. Scores 58-56 twice and 58-57. Baryani, twice a silver medallist at the national championships, suffered a shock kayo loss to Pablo Sosa in April and is climbing back slowly with this being his fifth win in a row. Grafka, 27, has only lost three times by KO/TKO and is 5-4-1 in his last 10 fights.

Harcsa vs. Omsarashvili

Former top amateur Harcsa (it translates as catfish, just though I would throw that in) floors then halts Omsarashvili. Harcsa outboxed the Georgian in the first two rounds and then floored Omsarashvili with a right in the third. In the fourth a right/left combination put Omsarashvili down again and he was unable to beat the count. Harcsa again has left it late to turn pro. He won silver and then gold medals at the European Junior Championships, two national titles and competed at the European and World Championships. Ninth loss by KO/TKO for Omsarashvili.

Monterrey, Mexico: Fly: Francisco Rodriguez (18-4-1) W PTS 10 Ramon Garcia (20-8-1). Light: Carlos Diaz R (19-0,1ND) W PTS 10 Ulises Perez (15-4). Super Bantam: Edivaldo Ortega (23-0-1) W PTS 6 Alexander Cazares (9-6). Light: Sergio Puente (24-2) W RTD 2 Brandon Acosta (0-2).

Rodriguez vs. Garcia

Garcia started well using his southpaw jab and left hooks but with Rodriguez coming forward and getting through with enough punches of his own to share the round. Garcia had a good round in the second. He caught Rodriguez with good left hooks a sweet uppercut and Rodriguez was just holding inside and not working. In the third both fighters were more cautious but a clash of heads saw Garcia with a small cut above his right eye. The doctor examined it and let the fight continue and Rodriguez finished the round with some strong attacks to even the scores after three rounds. The fourth went to Rodriguez. Garcia just could not keep Rodriguez out and Rodriguez was lunging in and landing long rights and lefts. Rodriguez was relentless in the fifth and hunting Garcia down ducking inside Garcia’s jab and landing with punches with both hands. It was an un-Mexican fight with very little body punching and few extended exchanges. Rodriguez’s attacks tended to be untidy lunges but they were effective. Gracia rallied in the sixth creating some space and scoring with some hard counters to edge the round but he was having more and more trouble keeping Rodriguez out. In the seventh Rodriguez ducked inside Garcia’s jab and landed a right hook which sent Garcia tumbling to the canvas against the ropes. Garcia stayed down until the count reached seven but did not seem badly shaken. Rodriguez rushed across the ring and seemed to put Garcia down more with a push than a punch but the referee again applied a count. Garcia then needed all of his experience to duck, dive, hold and throw occasional counters to see out the round but Rodriguez helped by being wild with his punches as he looked to end the fight. That round was probably a 10-7 leaving Garcia needing a kayo to win and that was never going to happen. It got worse for Garcia in the eighth when he was caught with a couple of punches ducked and clutched Rodriguez around his waist and was dragged across the ring holding on. His gloves did not touch the canvas but the referee decided to apply a count over Garcia’s protests. Garcia rallied again in the ninth coming forward and getting home with some hard lefts and although he took the round he was too far behind in the scoring for it to matter. War finally broke out in the tenth as they just stood and threw punches and again Garcia looked to have had the better of the exchanges so ended with some pride. Scores 99-88, 99-89 and 96-91all for Rodriguez, he won clearly but the scores were harsh on Garcia who started well and finished strongly.

Diaz vs. Perez

Guadalajara prospect Diaz overcomes early shock to outpoint Perez. In the opening round a right from Perez put Diaz down on his bottom but that was as good as it got for Perez. Although Perez was on a winning run of his own Diaz climbed to his feet and went back into the fight dominating the action the rest of the way to win the wide unanimous decision although much of the crowd chanted Perez’s nickname of Perro “Dog” in appreciation of the showing he had given. Scores 98-91 twice and 96-93. The 21-year-old “Chuko” is considered one of the top prospects in Mexico. Perez had won his last 6 fights but against modest opposition.

Ortega vs. Cazares

Ortega also remains unbeaten with a unanimous decision over Cazares. Despite his modest record Cazares has a good chin and he came to fight forcing Ortega to work hard for the decision. Scores 59-55, 58-56 and 58-57. Southpaw “Indio” Ortega from Tijuana has wins over useful opposition in Enrique Bernache, Rey Perez, former world title challenger Christian Esquivel, Dennis Contreras and Roberto Castaneda so has already shown his mettle. Four losses in a row for Cazares but all on points.

Puente vs. Acosta

Mark time fight for “Dandy” Puente as he works his way back after losses in two important fights. The local hope banged away at Acosta’s body in the first and then floored Acosta with a left hook to the body in the second. That was enough for novice Acosta who retired at the end of the round. After winning his first 21 fights and getting a world rating Puente was floored and outpointed by Fernando Montiel in 2014. His second loss cane last June when he retired after five rounds against world rated Miguel Berchelt.

Mazatlan, Mexico: Fly: Pedro Guevara (27-2-1) W PTS 10 Jether Oliva (23-5-2). Feather: Alberto Guevara (24-2) W PTS 8 Edward Mansito (13-4-2).

Guevara vs. Oliva

The elder Guevara brother was supposed to face a real test in Oliva but made very light work of it. He was able to outbox the dangerous Filipino right from the start. Oliva knew he could not match Guevara for skill so he came out aggressively trying to force Guevara to abandon his boxing and get into a brawl. Guevara was too quick scoring repeatedly with fast combinations from both hands and he stuck to his game plan. Oliva kept coming but was also being outfought on the inside as well as the outside and hand no answer to the clever box/fighting of the local man. Scores 100-91 from all three judges showing the clear dominance of the Mexican. As with his younger brother Alberto Pedro’s two losses have come in world title fights. He climbed off the floor in losing a split decision to John Riel Casimero for the IBF light fly title in 2012. He rebuilt from there and won the vacant WBC title with a upset kayo of Akira Yaegashi in December 2014. He made two defences before losing his title on a very debatable split decision to Yu Kimura in November. This is his first step on the road to a return with Kimura. He is No 2 with the WBC so will be in line to face the winner of Kimura vs. Filipino Jonathon Taconing. Oliva lost to Ulises Solis for the IBF title way back in 2011and was beaten on a split decision by Moruti Mthalane for the IBO fly title in 2014.

Guevara vs. Mansito

Younger brother Alberto struggles to get past Filipino Mansito and has to settle for a majority decision. Guevara found himself being outpunched by Mansito and after a couple of tough rounds he decided to box on the outside as much as he could staying out of the ring centre and avoid prolonged trading. Those tactics began to work and the superior skill of Guevara allowed him to stay out of trouble and box his way to victory, but only just. Scores 78-75 and 77-75 for Guevara and 76-76. The 25-year-old “Metro” has had two world title shots at bantam losing on points to Leo Santa Cruz on points in 2012 and to Shinsuke Yamanaka on a ninth round kayo in 2013. Right now his only rating is at No 11(10) super bantam with the WBA and in his fight in December he only just squeezed past Arturo Santos Reyes on a split decision so any chance of a third title shot is receding. Mansito, was to have fought Jesse Magdaleno on the Phoenix show but had problems with a visa for the USA so was switched to this show instead. Now three losses in a row for Mansito but the other two were against unbeaten Rey Vargas (23-0) and former WBC super fly champion Tomas Rojas.

Legionowo, Poland: Heavy: Mike Mollo (21-5-1) W KO 1 Krzys Zimnoch (18-1-1). Super Middle: Kamil Szeremeta (13-0) W RTD 5 Artem Karpets (21-1).

Zimnoch vs. Mollo

Disaster for local hope Zimnoch as he is floored twice and counted out. The Pole started confidently on the front foot using his jab to keep Mollo on the back foot. Mollo was wild with his attacks rushing forward with crude swings. After Zimnoch missed with some right crosses Mollo forced the Pole to the ropes using his left forearm in Zimnoch’s face . They both threw a couple of punches then Mollo landed a right cross to the chin that sent Zimnoch down heavily. The Pole was badly shaken and after the eight count he grabbed hold of a wildly swinging Mollo until the referee had to physically prise them apart. Mollo bulled Zimnoch to the ropes, this time using his head. As they came off the ropes confused action saw Mollo manage to land a left to the body and a glancing blow to Zimnoch’s head and although neither punch landed cleanly Zimnoch went down and could not beat the count. Important win for the 36-year-old from Illinois who had been on the shelf since his last fight in August 2013. Now the very least he will get is another visit to Poland where he will be in a better negotiation position. He lost twice inside the distance to Artur Szpilka but had Szpilka down in both fights. He wins the vacant Polish International title. Zimnoch 32, was out with injury from October 2013 until October last year and he saw beating a guy who had Szpilka down twice as a useful stepping-stone now he has to start again.

Szeremeta vs. Karpets

Pole Szeremeta wears down and then forces the retirement of previously unbeaten Polish-based Ukrainian. The pattern of the fight was set in the first round and never changed. Szeremeta was pressing Karpets with the Ukrainian moving around the ring perimeter and using his edge in reach to score with jabs on the ever advancing Pole. Karpets is not a puncher and was unable to hold off the Pole’s attacks and was badly rocked by a left in the second round. Szeremeta continued to stalk Karpets in the third and fourth and. It was one-way traffic in the fifth with a punch from Szeremeta opening a cut on the right eyebrow of Karpets and another bringing blood from the Ukrainian’s nose with his face smeared with blood Karpets retired at the end of the round. The 26-year-old Szeremeta is making steady progress. He has wins over former European champion Rafal Jackiewicz, Arthur Hermann an (16-1) and tough Patrick Mendy and is No 8 with the EBU. Karpets, 31, was inactive for almost two years before moving his base from Ukraine to Poland in April last year.

Baton Rouge, LA, USA: Super Middle: Justin Thomas (15-1) W PTS 8 Jimmy Campbell (11-12).

Southpaw “JT” wins every round and floors Englishman Campbell on his way to wide unanimous decision. Scores 80-68, 80-69 and 79-69. The tall Thomas makes it three wins since suffering an upset loss to Mike Guy in June. London-born Campbell who turned pro in the US had lost his last 9 fight inside the distance so some minor improvement by going the distance here.

Carlton, MN, USA: Middle: Caleb Truax (26-2-2) W TKO 4 Melvin Betancourt (29-4).

Truax returns with a win after 10 months of inactivity. Fighting in his home State the world rated fighter had the better of the exchanges over the first two rounds. He took over completely in the third rocking the Dominican with jolting head punches before ending it in the fourth by flooring Betancourt. The Dominican beat the count but indicated he did not want to continue and the fight was stopped. “Golden” Truax was returning for the first time since being stopped in twelve rounds by Daniel Jacobs for the secondary WBA title in April last year. He has 16 wins by KO/TKO and has cleaned up all of the local opposition with wins over Matt Vanda, Donovan George, and Cerresso Fort and also beat Derek Ennis. He is rated No 7 by the WBA. After feeding on some poor opposition back home Betancourt has found it difficult in the real world with inside the distance losses to Gary O’Sullivan in two rounds and Avtandil Khurtsidze in one.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Super Welter: Henrri Polanco (8-0) W TKO 3 Luis Tejerina (14-5-2).

Dominican Polanco wins the vacant WBO Latino title with spectacular knockout of Tejerina. Polanco took the first two rounds clearly as he made good use of his longer reach and quicker hand speed to keep Tejerina on the defensive. In the third a left to the chin put Tejerina down. He got up but as they traded punches a left hook from Polanco clipped Tejerina on the forehead. For a split second nothing happened and then Tejerina flew backwards flat out on the canvas. Third win by KO/TKO for the 24-year-old Argentinian-based Polanco who already holds the interim South American title. Local fighter Tejerina gets his third loss by KO/TKO and is now 2-2-1 in his last 5 fights.

February 21

Gatineau, Canada: Super Middle: Schiller Hyppolite (19-1) W KO 1 Ivan Jukic (22-8). Super Welter: Mian Hussain (14-0) W PTS 6 Juan Rivera (27-14). Ayaz Hussain (9-0) W TKO 2 Michal Dufek (18-12-1). Heavy: Simon Kean (3-0) W TKO 2 Tomas Mrazek (10-53-6).

Hyppolite vs. Jukic

Easy win for Hyppolite. The world rated Canadian floored Jukic early with a body punch. Jukic made it to his feet but another body shot put him down again and the referee waived the fight over after just 65 seconds. The 29-year-old Haitian-born “Batman” now has 14 wins in a row and 11 of those wins by KO/TKO. He is No 7 with the WBC. Croatian Jukic in way over his head and has lost 5 of his last 6 fights with three of those coming in the first round. Disgraceful match.

Hussain vs. Rivera

Southpaw Hussain wins wide unanimous decision over Mexican Rivera. The fight was a hard-fought and much closer than the scores indicate. Rivera was always willing to trade and put Hussain under pressure at times but the Canadian had the superior skills and scored two knockdowns. Despite that Rivera never looked like folding and gave Hussain some useful work. Scores 60-52 twice and 59-53. Hussain, 25, a Pan American Games bronze medal winner, is progressing well. Rivera, 35, is now 0-3 in visits to Canada but the other losses were to Dierry Jean and Sammy Vargas.

Hussain vs. Dufek

Younger brother Ayaz makes it a family double as he halts experienced Czech Dufek in two rounds. The 24-year-old “La Machine” looks to be the puncher in the family with 7 wins by KO/TKO including quick finishes in each of his last 4 fights. Dufek, 32, is now 5-3 in his last 8 fights.

Kean vs. Mrazek

Canadian heavyweight hope Kean gets taken into the second round after two first round wins. Both fighters maKe a cautious opening with Kean scoring with a couple of left jab/straight rights but Czech southpaw Mrazek untroubled. In the second Kean is patently working an opening and when it comes a big left hook puts Mrazek down heavily. The Czech gets up but is badly shaken and Kean unloads on him until the referee stops the fight. The 27-year-old 6’5” (196cm) former Canadian amateur champion represented Canada at the London Olympics beating current world champion Tony Yoka but losing in the quarter-finals against Ivan Dychko. He was also a quarter-finalist at the Pan American Games last year where he lost to American Cam Awesome. Mrazek has lost 8 of his last 9 fights.

Riga, Latvia: Cruiser: Mairis Breidis (19-0) W TKO 2 Danie Venter ( 20-8). Welter: Aslanbek Kozaev (28-2-1) W PTS 8 Nikoloz Gviniashvili (12-4-3). Light Heavy: Sergei Ekimov (15-0) W TEC DEC 4 Arturs Kulikauskis (17-28-6).

Breidis vs. Venter

Breidis goes back down to cruiser where he belongs and gets a win inside two rounds. To a large extent South African Venter handed the win to the local. At 6’4 ½” (194cm) he had big height and reach advantages over Breidis and initially made good use of them stabbing out his jab and throwing long rights as Breidis circled looking for an opening. He did not have to look far as for some reason Venter decided to punch with a puncher and was put down by a short right to the head. Venter was up quickly and again made a doubtful decision to try to punch his way out of trouble. He had some success forcing Breidis back to the ropes a couple of times but a glancing left made his legs wobble before the bell. Venter started the second again coming forward looking to dominate Breidis but was shaken and instead of trying to clinch again tried to punch with Breidis and was floored by a left hook. He made it to his feet but his second was already standing on the ring apron with the towel and the fight was over. The 31-year-old Latvian wins the vacant IBF Inter-Continental title and has now won 8 of his last 9 fights by KO/TKO including a fifth round kayo of rated heavyweight Manuel Charr in August. He is WBC 4/WBO 7 and has skill and power. Venter, 36, a former South African and WBFed champion now has 6 losses by KO/TKO and is usually stopped when he steps up in class having lost to tough opposition in Thabiso Mchunu and Olek Usyk but in view of the way Breidis flattened Charr it was strange that with his physical advantages Venter chose to punch with the bigger puncher.

Kozaev vs. Gviniashvili

Kozaev gets a win in a contest that had some swings in the action. The Russian was a big favourite and that looked a good call when he floored Gviniashvili in the first round. However the Georgian did not fold but banged back scoring with heavy punches in the second and third and opened a cut over Kozaev’s right eye. Kozaev turned the fight his way in the fifth as he initially outboxed and eventually outpunched Gviniashvili as they traded punches over the last two rounds with Kozaev a worthy winner by unanimous decision. The 28-year-old Russian ”Lion” was in the world ratings as he assemble a 26 bout unbeaten streak. He then fell away with important losses to Ray Robinson and Taras Shelestyuk and this is win No 2 since then. Gviniashvili ,26, was coming off a win in Belgium in December.

Ekimov vs. Kulikauskis

Ekimov well on his way to a victory when a cut ends the fight early and sends it to the cards. The Russian was content to counterpunch over the first three rounds. He scored with heavy shots drawing the southpaw right jab of Gviniashvili and then moving in with quick combinations. In the third he had no trouble slipping the wide swings from Kulikauskis but in the fourth a clash of heads opened a bad cut on the right eyebrow of Kulikauskis and the fight was stopped with Ekimov having won all of the completed rounds and getting a unanimous verdict. The 30-year-old Russian “Classic” had won his last 5 fights by KO/TKO and is making good progress. Kulikauskis makes a good living as a loser as he had 15 fights last year going 4-7-1 with 7 fights outside Latvia and 7 losses.

Moscow, Russia: Cruiser: Max Vlasov (33-2) W RTD 1 Nurullo Mirzaev (10-1-1). Heavy: Ruslan Faifer (14-0) W KO 1 Olek Nesterenko (9-5).

Vlasov vs. Mirzaev

Really just a bit of record padding for Vlasov here. He put Uzbek Mirzaev down late in the first and Mirzaev retired at the end of the round. Looks as though the tall 29-year-old Russian, a former world rated super middle is intending to move up. He was 170lbs when he lost to Gilberto Ramirez in January last year but has been 196lbs for his last two fights. Mirzaev was 5-0-1in his first 6 fights but was then inactive for six years before returning with a win in September last year.

Faifer vs. Nesterenko

Faifer floors Ukrainian Nesterenko twice on his way to a first round knockout win, his second in a row. The 24-year-old Russian has 9 wins by KO/TKO but is facing only very modest opposition right now so untested. Four losses in a row for Nesterenko who has had just 4 fights in almost 6 years.