The Past Week In Action 10 March 2015

  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 10 March 2015

March 4

 

Panama City, Panama: Super Bantam: Liborio Solis (19-3-1) W PTS 10 Ronald Barrera (30-13-2). Super Fly: Keyvin Lara (14-1-1) W PTS 8 Iwier Hernandez (9-5-1).

Solis vs. Barrera

Solis gets unanimous decision over experienced Barrera. Solis had Barrera down in the first but the Colombian southpaw made it to his feet and fought back hard using his additional weight to make things difficult for Solis. The Venezuelan lost a point for a punch to the back of the head with the referee giving Barrera five minutes to recover. Solis had the skills but Barrera pressed him all the way and Solis had to fight hard for his victory. Scores 99-89, 97-91 and 96-92. Now ten wins in a row for the former WBA super fly champion. Solis, 32, lost his title on the scales when he failed to make the weight for a fight with Daiki Kameda in 2013. He is WBA No 2 at bantam and is aiming for a fight with WBA champion Juan Carlos Payano. “El Indio” Barrera, 30, a former Colombian minimum and light fly champion, did not make it to the weigh-in as he was still travelling. When he did arrive he was well over the 118lbs limit so it went ahead as a super bantam fight.

Lara vs. Hernandez

Lara wins the vacant WBC Latino title with unanimous decision over Hernandez. Lara just outworked Hernandez he was too busy just throwing punches in bunches and Hernandez had trouble getting any punching room. He was also being slowed by body punches and even when Lara lost a point in the last for one that slipped too low he already had the decision sown up. Scores 79-72, 78-73 and 77-74. The 20-year-old Nicaraguan was having his first fight outside his country. He lost and then drew in his first two fights so now has a 14 bout winning run. He has said he will fight back down at flyweight in future. Panamanian-based Venezuelan Hernandez was 3-0-1 in his last 4 fights.

 

March 5

 

Tokyo, Japan: Feather: Satoshi Hosono (27-2-1) W PTS 10 Rikiya Fukuhara (30-8-1). Super Fly: Ryo Matsumoto (14-0) W KO 2 Thanuthong (0-1).

Hosono vs. Fukuhara

Hosono retains the JBC title with unanimous decision over his No 1 challenger and former victim Fukuhara. Hosono found himself under pressure over the first two rounds but showed his power when he put Fukuhara down in the fourth. The challenger increasingly found himself dragged inside where the strength of Hosono gave the champion a big edge. Fukuhara staged a strong finish but could not make up the leeway. Scores 98-91, 98-92 and a 95-94 from one judge who saw a very different fight. The 31-year-old “Bazooka”, who is also a former OPBF champion, was unsuccessful in title fights against Pornsawan for the WBA super bantam and both Celestino Caballero and Chris John for the WBA feather title. He is rated WBA 5/IBF 9(8)/WBO 14 so another title shot is not impossible but not likely. This was win No 20 by KO/TKO. Fukuhara, a former JBC super bantam champion, had lost in seven rounds against Hosono in a non-title fight in 2012 but had scored four wins to climb to the No 1 challengers spot with the JBC

Matsumoto vs. Thanuthong

In a very poor bit of matching heavy hitting Matsumoto disposes of Thai debutant Thanuthong. It was a one-sided fight and ended early in the second round when a body punch sent Thanuthong down in distress and he was counted out. The 21-year-old from Yokohama, the OPBF champion, is rated IBF 10(9)/WBO 10/WBC 11 so has a bit to do before he gets a title shot but it could happen in 2016 if he continues to progress. Nothing you can say about a guy having his first traceable fight being thrown in with a world rated fighter except that it should not happen.

 

Manukau, New Zealand: Heavy: Joseph Parker (13-0) W KO 4 Jason Pettaway (17-2).Heavy: Izuagbe Ugonoh (11-0) W TKO 2 Thomas Peato (2-3).

Parker vs. Pettaway

Easy win for Parker as he pounds Pettaway to defeat in four rounds but is lucky not to get disqualified. The New Zealander was always in control with Pettaway unable to match Parker for power. A right cross and a left hook had Pettaway covering up in the second and right hook shook him when he was on the ropes. In the third a pair of hooks to the body had Pettaway backing across the ring to the ropes and three head punches saw Pettaway slumping to his knees. He was up at eight and looked a beaten fighter. The end came in the fourth when a right sent Pettaway stumbling into the ropes. A left to the body sent him into a corner and Parker unleashed a series of punches that had Pettaway down on his right knee. The knee was on the canvas when Parker landed another right and then the referee counted to eight and waived the fight over as Pettaway was struggling to his feet. The 24-year-old 6’4” (193cm) Parker now has 11 wins by KO/TKO but Pettaway was no real test and a step back from past victims such as Brian Minto and Sherman Williams. Parker retains the PABA title for the fourth time and the WBO Orient title for the third time. He is rated WBO 9/WBA 10 (9) and is now heading for Florida to spar with Wlad Klitschko. Pettaway, 34, had built his record on the West Virginia/Kentucky circuit so it was meaningless in terms of quality. His only other fight outside the circuit was in New York in 2012 when he was halted in four rounds by Magomed Abdusalamov. How a fighter from West Virginia qualifies to fight for an Orient title only the WBO know and I would not describe New Zealand as part of the “Orient” either.

Ugonoh vs. Peato

Parker’s sparring partner Ugonoh halts Peato in two rounds. The Pole landed a left to the ribs that had Peato down in agony and unable to continue. Now 9 wins by KO/TKO for the 28-year-old 6’4” (193cm) who was having his second fight in New Zealand. New Zealander Peato took the fight at a week’s notice and has lost 3 of his last 4 fights.

 

Bangkok, Thailand: Minimum: Knockout CP Freshmart (10-0) W PTS 12 Muhammad Rachman (65-12-5). Bantam: Panomroonglek (44-2) W KO 8 Mateo Handig (13-9).

CP Freshmart v. Rachman

CP Freshmart retains interim WBA title with unanimous decision over seasoned oldie Rachman. After a cautious opening round the champion landed a good overhand right at the start of the second and began to force the fight more letting his hands go. Rachman was boxing cleverly using his jab to break-up CP’s rhythm and occasionally standing and trading in short bursts. From the fourth Rachman was continually forced onto the back foot as the strength of the younger champion told. CP was scoring with meaty hooks to the body and the challenger resorted to negative tactics tying CP up inside and the fight was untidy for a while. Rachman was warned in the sixth for ducking too low and now it was more of a pursuit than a fight with CP coming forward throughout the whole of the seventh and eighth rounds with Rachman in survival mode and being lucky not be penalized for holding and ducking low.  The chase continued in the ninth but CP was doing a poor job of cutting off the ring and getting frustrated with Rachman sliding home counter jabs and quickly little flurries of shots. The tenth saw a change in the fight. The 43-year-old Rachman was expected to tire but in the tenth he stayed off the ropes and took centre ring trading with CP scoring with quick little combinations and ending the round with a three-punch combination for his best round so far. Surprisingly Rachman used the same tactics in the eleventh and CP was thrown out of his stride by the change in the fight pattern stepping back a couple of times to refocus on having a live opponent in front of him. They traded punches again in the last round with CP increasing his activity level and Rachman standing with him and punching but with the strength of the younger man giving him the edge. Scores 117-112, 119-111 and 119-109. First defence for the 24-year-old Thai since winning the title with a close decision over Carlos Buitrago in October. He showed strength but was not quick and it was disappointing to see how he failed to shut down Rachman and spent round after round on the chase. There were a number of good reasons why Rachman “The Rock Breaker” should not have been given this title fight but the former IBF and WBA minimum champion fought a clever fight and showed good pacing in being able to scrap so hard over the final three rounds.

Panomroonglek vs. Handig

Panomroonglek wears down game and talented Filipino with the sheer power and strength of the Thai just too much in the end in this all-southpaw battle. Panomroonglek just kept walking forward behind a ramrod stiff jab and thumping to the body. Handig showed great hand speed catching Panomroonglek in every round with head-jerking right uppercuts and digging left hooks to the body. For round after round Panomroonglek continued his attrition tactics absorbing punches that might have stopped others in their tracks and although Handig was getting through with spectacular punches he could not stop the juggernaut. Handig scored spectacularly well in the fifth landing a six-punch combination at the start of the round and then tripling his right uppercuts-and Panomroonglek just rolled on banging home the jab and working the body. Handig finally disintegrated in the eighth. A pair of hooks to the body had him badly hurt and after he retreated across the ring to his own corner a couple more body punches saw him go down on his knees looking out into the crowd. He stayed there as the referee counted the ten. Third defence of the PABA title for Panomroonglek and 26 wins by KO/TKO. There is nothing fancy about the 30-year-old Thai but he has a powerful jab and great strength. He lost to Koki Kameda on a split decision for the WBA bantam title in 2013 and this was his eighth win since then. ”Waray Warrior” Handig, 25, showed great hand speed and dazzling combinations but in the end just could not last the pace. He reached the No 1 spot in the IBF ratings when he beat current IBF/WBO minimum champion Katsunari Takayama in 2012 but blew that rating by losing to Ganigan Lopez in 2013 and has lost his last three fights, all in Thailand, against fighters with combined records of 93-2! It’s tough on the road.

 

March 6

 

Liverpool, England: Super Fly: Zolani Tete (20-3) TKO 8 Paul Butler (17-1). Super Bantam: James Dickens (19-1) W PT 12 Josh Wale (17-7-2). Fly: Kevin Satchell (14-0) W TKO 1 Walter Rojas (24-6-1). Super Welter: Liam Smith (19-0-1) W TKO 8 Robert Talarek (10-9-2). Light: Derry Mathews (37-9-2) W TKO 5 Gyorgy Mizsei (21-14). Super Light: Jack Catterall (11-0) W TKO 5 Cesar D Inalef (18-5-1). Light:  Tom Stalker (10-1) W PTS 6 Mike Mooney (8-14)

Butler vs. Tete

Tete proves a revelation as he outboxes and then crushes talented Butler to retain his IBF title. The South African had height and reach over Butler and made good use of both. After a slow opening round southpaw Tete was boxing with real class using his right jab to control the fight. Butler just could not get past that jab and was constantly caught with straight lefts. When he did get inside Tete tied him up and then pushed him away before Butler could get any useful work done. Tete was warned a couple of times for those tactics but was clever enough to avoid a point deduction. The challenger was being frustrated at every turn and just could not get into the fight until the fourth round. He had a good fifth and scored his best punches of the fight in the sixth but the success was momentary and not really enough to give Butler either of the rounds and by now his nose was leaking blood. Tete was setting himself more in the sixth and scoring with heavier shots thrown with speed and accuracy. Despite the dominance of Tete the finish when it came was a surprise. The South African produced a thunderous left uppercut which put Butler down. He struggled to his feet but the referee saw he was finished and waived the fight over. The 26-year-old “Last Born” (he comes from a large family and his mother decided enough was enough) has spent much of his career under the radar. He was stopped in five rounds by fellow-South African Moruti Mthalane for the IBF fly title in 2010. He lost a very debatable majority decision to Juan A Rosas in Mexico in 2011 in a IBF title eliminator and an equally questionable split decision to Roberto D Sosa in Argentina in yet another IBF eliminator. It was third time lucky as he took no chances with the judges in Mexico in November 2013 as he climbing off the canvas to kayo Juan Carlos Sanchez in a third IBF eliminator. He had to travel to Japan to fight for the now vacant IBF title and won it with a wide unanimous decision over unbeaten Teiru Kinoshita. This was his first defence and you have to cheer for a guy who says he is fighting to buy a prosthetic leg for his mother. No longer a case of Zolani who? Butler, 26, a former IBF bantam and CBC and British super fly champion had relinquished the IBF title to chase a title at his natural weight of light fly but the gamble failed. Despite this loss Butler is a talented youngster who will fight for a world title again in the future.

Dickens vs. Wale

Dickens wins this battle between two good young prospects for the vacant British title. The local southpaw’s crouching style gave Wale problems from the outset and Dickens pocketed most of the early rounds. Wale found a solution over the middle rounds and his pressure saw Dickens forced to shoulder him off to get some room. He did it too often and lost a point for this sin in the fifth round. It was however mostly an open fight fought at distance with Dickens showing excellent counter punching skills and Wale forcing the fight and concentrating on a body attack. Dickens was probably 2 or 3 points in front going into the tenth, but he gifted Wale a point when he again found it necessary to shoulder Wale off and suffered his second point deduction. Wale put in a big eleventh but Dickens pulled out a good last round to be a clear winner. Scores 115-112 twice and 116-110. Dickens, 26, wins the British title at the second attempt having lost to Kid Galahad for the vacant title in 2013. Three wins since then for the EBU No 6. Wale, also 26, had a 1-3 run in 2012/ 2013 losing to Kid Galahad, future IBF champion Stuart Hall and world rated Gavin McDonnell. He bounced back to fight McDonnell to a split draw last May and with McDonnell now No 9 with the WBO that was an excellent result. He was EBU No 6 before this fight and will come again.

Satchell vs. Rojas

EBU and CBC champion Satchell makes short work of Argentinian Rojas. Body punches did for Rojas. He was down twice from wicked left hooks and it was all over with six seconds left in the round. After four points wins in a row the 26-year-old Satchell showed he has power. He is rated IBF 8(7)/WBO 9/WBC 11. Rojas does not do distance fights so when he comes on it is probably a safe time for the judges slope of for a crafty drinks break. He has 23 wins by KO/TKO and 6 losses by KO/TKO so only 2 of his 31 fights have lasted the distance which in each case was four rounds.

Smith vs. Talarek

Smith well on top when a cut ends this fight. The Liverpudlian, one of the four fighting Smith brothers, was well on the way to a win before the cut. He was wearing down the tough Pole with stiff jabs and a variety of body punches in every round. The fourth and fifth both saw Talarek wilting from hooks and uppercuts but he gamely stayed in the fight only really looking to survive. He might have made it to the last bell but in the eighth a right from Smith opened a bad cut over the left eye of the Pole and after examining the cut the ringside doctor advised that the fight be stopped. The 26-year-old “Beefy” the British champion has 9 wins by KO/TKO and four wins over good level opposition have seen him world rated IBF 5/WBO 6/WBA 13. He is No 4 with the EBU. He has the ability to win a major title perhaps in 2016. Talarek, 31, was unlucky to lose his record of never being beaten inside the distance. He had won on the road in each of his last two fight.

Mathews vs. Mizsei

Mathews gets in some useful ring time as he prepares for his shot at the WBA title. Mizsei provided the type of work Mathews needed as he was able to come forward in every round and get through with hard punches from both hands with Mizsei putting up some stiff resistance but never really being a danger. Mathews had been scoring with his right for four rounds and ended it in the fifth when another straight right slammed through Mizsei guard and he went down and was counted out. At 31 Mathews knows that his 18 April fight with Richar Abril for the WBA title is likely to be his only chance to win a world title. It is not good for his chances that he has lost 7 fights inside the distance but he has been in fine form lately being 7-1-1 in his last 9 fights. His WBA No 6 rating is due to him winning their Continental title against inexperienced Brit Adam Dingsdale but no matter how he got there the Abril fight will be the biggest in his career. Mizsei, 21, is 0-5 in fights in Britain including losing every round against Anthony Crolla in November. He has been thrown into some tough matches for such a young fighter. He won the EU title with a massive upset victory over Cuban/Italian Brunet Zamora (25-1-2), but lost his EU title on a stoppage against Jean Pierre Bauwens and was twice beaten by IBF No 3 Emiliano Marsili in challenges for the EBU title. He did his job here ok.

Catterall vs. Inalef

Excellent prospect Catterall picks up a second title with stoppage of Inalef. The Chorley southpaw always looked likely to end this one early. He put Inalef down in the second round. A right caused the Argentinian’s gumshield to come out and he stopped fighting only for Catterall to land a heavy right that put Inalef down. Catterall ratched up the pressure in the third and fourth and was landing with a series of punches in the fifth when Inalef turned away and the referee stopped the fight. The 21-year-old college graduate wins the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title and now has 7 wins by KO/TKO. His WBO European title win over Tom Stalker has him a too early No 13 with the WBO but he is an outstanding prospect. Southpaw Inalef, 29, had an eight bout winning run ended when he lost to Mauro Max Godoy for the vacant Argentinian title in September and this is his first loss inside the distanced.

Stalker vs. Mooney

“The Captain” Stalker makes a fresh start with a points win over Mooney. Referee’s score 60-55. The 30-year-old southpaw was a very successful amateur three times winning silver medals at the European Championships and getting gold at the European Union Championships and Commonwealth Games. He stayed amateur to try to get a gold at the 2012 Olympics but lost in the quarter-finals and turned pro. The stoppage loss to Catterall in October leaves him a lot to do in the pro ranks. Fellow-Brit “Mad Man” Mooney had won 3 of his last 4 fights including a stoppage of prospect Sam O’maison so deserved respect.

 

Las Vegas, NV, USA: Super Welter: Tony Harrison (20-0) W TKO 2 Antwone Smith (23-6-1). Middle: Ievgen Khytrov (9-0) W TKO 8 Jorge Melendez (28-5-1). Bantam: Rau’shee Warren (13-0,1ND) W TKO 1 Javier Gallo (21-11-1,1ND). Super Welter: Erickson Lubin (10-0) W TKO 1 Ken Council (8-1).Welter: Phil Lo Greco (26-1) W PTS 8 Rafael Cobos (15-6-5). Light: Jamel Herring (11-0) W PTS 8 Hector Marengo (7-9-4). Middle: Caleb Plant (6-0) W TKO 1 Den Henry (2-3-3).

Harrison vs. Smith

Harrison wins a fight of fighters going in opposite directions. Harrison used his physical advantages to rule the early part of the first round and then detonated a big right which sent Smith down. He made it to his feet but another right had him reeling and down just as the bell went. Smith came out for the second but it did not last long. Another massive right from Harrison had Smith tottering and the referee stopped the fight. If this was Harrison’s biggest test so far then he passed with ease as he moved to 17 wins by KO/TKO including eight in a row. The lanky 24-year-old product of the Kronk team and grandson of Henry Hank, one of my favourites from the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, is rated No 13 by the IBF and will be a real danger by 2016. Smith, 28, looked a prospect when losing only one of his first 20 fights but he is 5-5 since moving up in quality of opposition with losses to Lanardo Tyner, Kermit Cintron, Roberto Garcia and Jermall Charlo.

Khytrov s. Melendez

Ukrainian Khytrov again shows the potency of his punches as he beats down and halts game Puerto Rican Melendez. Khytrov was banging home left jabs and hard rights in every round.  Melendez did well to stand up to the big rights but it always felt like it was just a matter of time until he caved in. Khytrov was forced to pace himself as Melendez proved more durable than his other victims and he settled for slowly breaking down Melendez’s resistance. Melendez had some success with body punches but could only delay and not cancel the inevitable. A right from Khytrov in the sixth had Melendez in dire straits and but for the bell Khytrov might have ended then. It took him until the eighth round to close the fight out. He punished Melendez with overhand rights and body punches in the seventh and when another body punch put Melendez down in the eighth the referee stopped the fight just as Melendez’s corner signaled their man’s surrender. Nine wins by KO/TKO in nine fights for the 26-year-old “Ukrainian Lion”. Not yet world rated he will be by the end of 2015. He has good amateur credentials winning a gold medal in the European Junior Championships, a bronze medal at the European Senior Championships and a gold medal at the World Championships but the big one passed him by as he lost to Brit Anthony Ogogo at the 2012 Olympics. Melendez, 26, got up to No 4 in the WBO ratings after a run of 13 wins, 12 by KO/TKO but fell away after points losses to Nick Brinson and Javier F Maciel. He was a cut above Khytrov’s past opposition but not quite good enough to go the full ten rounds.

Warren vs. Gallo

Warren has the skill now he needs to show this power a lot more. The Cincinnati fighter, one of the most successful amateurs in US domestic competitions, bombed out Gallo in just 52 seconds. Warren floored the experienced Mexican early and after Gallo made it to his feet a barrage of punches crashed through his guard and the referee halted the fight. If I tried to list all of the successes Warren enjoyed in the various US Championships as an amateur it would fill a page. He won a World Championship’s gold medal but never progressed beyond the early stages of the 2004, 2008 or 2012 Olympics. Hopefully he has not left it too late to turn pro.  He and Gallo clashed literally in December and that also ended in one round but as a no decision due to a clash of heads. Gallo has been in with tough opposition. He lost the Rodel Mayol on a majority decision but was stopped by Drian Francisco and Vic Darchinyan.

Lubin vs. Council

Lubin is already showing power but he took 41 seconds longer than Warren to register his win. The undefeated prospect floored Council early with a right. Council never really recovered from the knockdown and was down twice more with the referee stopping the fight.  The 19-year-old southpaw “Hammer” makes it 7 wins by KO/TKO with 5 coming in the first round. The former NGG champion had been taken the distance in 3 of his last 4 fights. Council, 30, had won his fights on the mediocre Mississippi/Kentucky circuit so his unbeaten record was meaningless.

Lo Greco vs. Cobos

Italian/Canadian Lo Greco gets his comeback off to a good start as he takes wide unanimous decision over Mexican Cobos. Lo Greco had too much skill for the limited Mexican and boxed his way to the verdict on scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73.The 30-year-old “Italian Sensation” was having his first fight since losing to Shawn Porter in May 2013. Porter helped him prepare for this fight so no hard feelings it seems. Under Al Haymon Lo Greco is hoping to land some big fights. Cobos is now 4-2-2 in his last eight fights with the other loss being to Josesito Lopez in September.

Herring vs. Marengo

Olympian Herring has been short of ring time going into this one with 4 of his last 5 having ended in the second round. It looked as though this one was going to be even shorter when Herring put Marengo down in the first. The Puerto Rican did not fold but was never a threat as Herring accumulated the points and some useful ring time. Scores 80-71 twice and 80-72. The tall 29-year-old former US Armed Forces champion was US National champion and fought his way through the US Olympic Trials and the Americas Olympic Qualifiers but lost his first fight at the London Olympics. Yet another Al Haymon signing. Fifth unbeaten opponent in a row for Marengo. He has lost to 4 but got a good win over local favourite Alan Gotay in September.

Plant vs. Henry

Plant gets another first round win. Plant floored poor Henry early with a left hook and although Henry made it to his feet he was badly dazed. Plant scored with more heavy punches and Henry was pinned in a corner when he turned away from Plant. The referee should have stopped the fight right then but he hesitated and Plant landed some more heavy head shots which put Henry out cold. Henry went to hospital after the fight. The 22-year-old “Sweet Hands” Plant was US National champion in 2010 and NGG champion in 2011 but failed to make it through the final US Trials. This is his third first round win on the bounce and his fourth in total. Texan Henry was in way over his head and could have been badly hurt.

 

Carlton, Australia: Super Middle: Zac Dunn (17-0) W TKO 2 Beibi Berrocal (14-3,1ND). Super Welter: Ben Capps (11-2-2) W TKO 7 Fred Tukes (12-2-2). Super Middle: Robert Berridge (25-2-1) W TKO 5 Togas Letoa (15-16-1). Bantam: Andrew Moloney (3-0) W PTS 4 Nibeon Lottila (0-1). Super Bantam: Jason Moloney (3-0) W TKO 3 Alvin Bais (14-5).

Dunn vs. Berrocal

Dunn marches on with stoppage of useful Colombian. The Melbourne prospect forsook his normal skillful technique and entered into heavy trading with the Colombian in the first round. Berrocal had the better of the early part of the second round but Dunn fired back with a storm of punches and with Berrocal partially dropping his hands and looking in trouble the referee stopped the fight. Some felt the stoppage was just a tad early but Dunn was landing heavily. The 24-year-old Barry Michael title hope has won 10 of his last 11 fights by KO/TKO and retains the WBO Oriental title. The WBO No 12 has good amateur credentials being a double Australian Youth champion, getting a bronze medal at the World Cadet Championships and was a quarter-finalist at the World Junior Championships. Now his focus is on the vacant IBO title. With the IBO the promoter can choose the opponent but with the IBO having the right of veto. Southpaw Berrocal loses inside the distance for the second time.

Capps vs. Tukes

Youth wins out here as Capps halts oldie Tukes. Capps had to come from behind after southpaw Tukes had built a lead. In the seventh Capps had Tukes in trouble and poured on the punches until the referee stopped the fight. The 22-year-old Melbourne fighter wins the vacant IBO Oceania title and continues to improve with only one loss in his last 13 fights. He is ANBF No 6 and hoping for a fight with national champion Shannon King. US-born Tukes, 42, was inactive from February 2013 until returning with a minor win last December. He loses inside the distance for the first time.

Berridge vs. Letoa

“The Butcher” just too strong and hard punching for Samoan loser Letoa. Berridge was in charge in this all-southpaw scrap. The relentless pressure from the New Zealander just wore Letoa down and he was finally floored by an uppercut in the fifth. He made it to his feet but Berridge bombarded him with punches until the referee stopped the fight. Now 21 wins by KO/TKO and first win for Berridge since he was thrown in with Ukrainian Vasily Lepikhin in August and floored three times and stopped.  Berridge had won 9 on the bounce by KO/TKO before the Lepikhin fight so will be looking to recover that form. Letoa, 32, usually goes the distance and this is only his fifth loss by KO/TKO.

Moloney vs. Lotilla

One of talented twins Moloney doubles his pro ring experience with win over new pro Lotilla. Moloney won the unanimous decision with the only highlight (or low if you get my meaning) coming when a punch from Moloney slipped below the line in the second and Lotilla was given a bit of rest and recovery time. The talented 24-year-old Maloney, the Victoria State champion had won his other two fights in a total of 4:29 so he extends his experience. First pro bout for Filipino Lotilla so important he go the distance to ensure he gets some more engagements.

Moloney vs. Bais

The other twin Jason also doubled his pro experience as his other two fights had both ended inside the first round. He floored Bais at the end of the second round and handed out more punishment in the third before the referee stopped the fight. Maloney, a former Australian Under-17 and Under-19 champion was a quarter finalist at the Commonwealth Games. Filipino Bais won his first 13 fights but has lost 5 of his last 6 fights but in there are fights in Thailand with world rated fighters Srisaket, Tabtimdaeng and Tepparith and only former WBC champion Srisaket got the job done quicker than Maloney.

 

San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina: Super Fly: Roberto D Sosa (26-2) W PTS 10 Carlos Ruben Dario Ruiz (20-5).  Sosa retains the Argentinian title and wins the vacant WBO Latino title with points victory over Ruiz in a close contest in front of Ruiz’s hometown fans. The former IBF title challenger was nailed by a hard right cross in the second and had to climb off the floor for the win. He recovered quickly and used his superior skills and quick hands to get back in the fight. He was making good use of the jab and punches to the body but Ruiz was making Sosa fight hard in every round. In the eighth crucially Ruiz was deducted a point for use of the elbow and although he fought hard in the ninth and tenth just could not close the gap. Scores 95-93 twice and 95-94. Important win for the 30-year-old “Incho” as he had suffered an upset loss to Diego Liriano in November and needed a victory if he was to have any chance of a second title shot. He beat current IBF champion Zolani Tete in an eliminator in 2012 but in his title shot in 2013 Juan Carlos Sanchez lost the title on the scales but outpointed Sosa. “Bad Boy” Ruiz, 29, the FAB No 5 scored a win over Liriano in 2013 but KO/TKO losses to Luis Concepcion and Javier N Chacon sent him down the ratings.

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Super Light: Jonathan G Chavez (11-1-1) W PTS 10 Diego Aguilera (9-5).  Chavez outboxes the limited Aguilera. A slow start saw Chavez cede the first round to Aguilera but then he found the slower, fighter and easy target as Aguilera walked forward in a straight line with a leaky defence. Aguilera managed to finish strongly looking to have edged both of the closing rounds, but Chavez was a clear winner. Scores 99 ½-91, 98-92 and 97-94 ½. Five wins in a row for the local 27-year-old FAB No 7. Three losses in a row for FAB No 8 Aguilera.

 

Bankstown, Australia: Light: Valentine Borg (9-1) W KO 3 Tom Ford (7-4-2).

Borg crushes Ford in three. The tall Australian had the reach and the power and floored Ford twice in the third round with the second knockdown going to the full count. Borg wins the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. A former top amateur the local prospect makes it five wins by KO/TKO and his third in a row since losing on a shock kayo against Filipino Joebert Delos Reyes in March last year. He is ANBF No 4 and has a good win over Dennis Tubieron (16-2-1) who is to fight Brit Josh Warrington for the WBC International title next month. Thai Ford (real name Weerachit Kitee, but I will stick with Ford) is 2-3-1 in his 6 fights in Australia.

 

Saint Quentin, France: Heavy: Tony Averlant (21-8-2) W PTS 12 Shawn Miller (14-2-1). Super Feather: Guillaume Frenois (36-1) W PTS 10 Jacek Wylezol (11-7).

Averlant vs. Miller

Averlant retains the WBF title in front of his home crowd. The Frenchman boxed a cautious fight using his more extensive experience and with plenty of respect for Miller’s punch power. Averlant made good use of height and reach to spear the stubby Miller with jabs and cracked in straight rights and uppercuts. Miller kept bulling forward banging hooks to the body but too often was standing in front of Averlant behind a high guard whilst Averlant planted punches through Miller’s guard. The American was looking for a brawl so that he could work the body and slow the more mobile home fighter. After five round an amusing error saw the ring card girl walk round the ring with a card declaring that the next round would be the second which must have made the fighters wonder if they had strayed into a Groundhog Day cycle. The error certainly stirred Averlant he ended the seventh with seven consecutive rights leads to the head of Miller all of which landed. Averlant had a big tenth as he landed combination after combination and when Miller tried to get inside he was coming in head down and paid the price with a point deduction. The pace dropped in the eleventh with Averlant using the full perimeter of the ring to stay outside and Miller not having the stamina to up his pace. The last round was Averlant’s as he was firing his combinations and could not miss Miller with right crosses. Miller was wild with a couple of swings which were more lie you expect for a fight in San Quentin California than Saint Quentin France. Scores 116-111 twice and 115-112. For me Averlant was a much clearer winner. Averlant, 31, is 4-3 in his last 7 fights. He lost a split decision to Eduard Gutknecht for the European title in 2012 and was halted in two rounds by Juergen Braehmer for the same title in 2013. He won the WBFed title with a decision over Serdar Sahin (22-1) last May. Having achieved his aim of defending his title in front of his own fans he is now considering retirement. Troy’s Miller, 32, had 12 wins and a draw in his last 13 fights so a live opponent.

Frenois vs. Wylezol

Typical performance from talented southpaw Frenoise as he outboxes travelling Polish loser Wylezol but lacks the punch or the inclination to step up a gear and win inside the distance and settles for a unanimous decision. The 31-year-old southpaw suffered his only defeat when beaten by Devis Boschiero in a challenge for the European title in September 2103 and this is his fifth win since then. He is No 2 with EBU so hoping to get another title shot later this year. Wylezol is 2-7 in his last 9 fights with 6 of those losses on his travels.

 

Dole, France: Super Middle: Roman Shkarupa (27-4-2) W KO 2 Bilel Latreche (17-5-1). Shkarupa sends Latreche and his home fans away filled with disappointment. Latreche had been in good form and it was thought he stood a good chance here but it was not to be. The visitor from the Ukraine outboxed the local fighter in the first round taking the round on all three cards. In the second he drilled home a thunderous overhand right that put Latreche down on his back by the ropes and there was no way he was going to beat the count. Now eleven wins by KO/TKO for Shkarupa as he rebuilds and lifts the vacant WBA Continental title. Losses to Nikola Sjekloca, Max Vlasov and Giovanni De Carolis saw him retire in 2012. He returned in November last year and won the GBU world title by beating Georgian George Kandelaki. Hometown fighter Latreche, 28, a former undefeated French champion was 10-1-1 going into this fight.

 

Lyon, France: Feather: Oktay Takalak (13-0) W TKO 3 Sofiane Bellahcene (4-9-3). Middle: Michel Soro (25-1-1) W KO 2 Anderson Clayton (43-10-1).

Takalak vs. Bellahcene

Takalak wins the vacant French title as he outclasses and halts Bellahcene. From the start it was obvious this was not going the distance as the tall, slim Takalak was driving Bellahcene around the ring scoring pretty much as he pleased with punches to head and body and he shook Bellahcene with a right near the end of the first round. The tale of the round was in the redness on Bellahcene back where he had been trapped on the ropes for so much of the round and his flushed face which had taken punch after punch. It was more of the same in the second with Takalak stabbing home his long jab, taking Bellahcene to the ropes and belabouring him with wicked body shots. Bellahcene tried to fire back but was wild. It ended in the third. Takalak was landing some vicious uppercuts and straight rights and suddenly blood was pouring down the face of Bellahcene due to a gash on the bridge of his nose. The referee took him to his corner and after examining the damage with Bellahcene’s second the fight was stopped. A former undefeated French champion the 24-year-old from Lyon was inactive from June 2013 to October last year. He is a tall rangy fighter with a good jab and a vicious body puncher, but this fight was too one-sided to be any test of his potential. First loss inside the distance for Bellahcene but he is 1-5-2 in his last 8 fights.

Soro vs. Clayton

Soro wins but Clayton pathetic. Soro established his jab early and Anderson tested every foot of the ring during his constant retreats. Soro was able to get home some thumping body shots and right crosses with Anderson resorting to wild swings and clinching. Anderson’s balance was so bad in the second that he lunged with a left and almost landed on the canvas with his face. Soro got the job done. He caught the rushing Anderson with a right and the Brazilian went down. He got up and Soro took him to a corner and landed 3 or 4 punches with Anderson slumping down to sit on the bottom rope. The fight again continued after the eight count and a right to the temple put Anderson down and out. The Ivory Coast-born Frenchman now has 15 wins by KO/TKO and will rarely have an easier one. The former undefeated French Champion’s only loss was a unanimous decision against Zaurbek Baysangurov for the WBO/IBO titles in 2012. He has scored seven wins and had a draw with unbeaten Antoine Douglas since the Baysangurov fight. He is official challenger for the European title and with Billy Joe Saunders having relinquished the title he is waiting to see who he is matched with. Former WBFed champion Clayton, 36, has slipped a long way down from his last visit to France in 2013 when he halted Sebastien Madani (34-1) in two rounds to retain his WBF title.

 

Santa Rosa City, Philippines: Feather: Eden Sonsona (33-6-2) W TKO 1 Rex Olisa (10-28-1). Bantam: Ernesto Saulong (17-1-1) W TKO 4 Jaderes Padua (9-5-1).

Sonsona vs. Olisa

Sonsona blows away experienced Olisa inside a round. It took Sonsona just 106 seconds to pour on enough power for the referee to have to step in to save Olisa. The 26-year-old southpaw a former GAB super fly and bantam champion took a year out after a kayo loss to Jonathan Oquendo in a WBO eliminator in 2010. He is 5-0-2 in his last 7 fights with the two draws being of the technical type and unfortunately one was against Bernabe Concepcion in July which was to have been his road back to the ratings. “T-Rex” Olisa has now lost 10 of his last 11 fights but only two of those have been inside the distance.

Saulong vs. Padua

Hometown fighter Saulong continues his road back with a stoppage of Padua. The 24-yea-old “Chocolate” was unbeaten in his first 15 fights before suffering a kayo loss to journeyman Rey Megrino last May. He has eased back with three wins against modest opposition. Padua has lost 4 of his last 5 now, all by KO/TKO but to opposition such as former champions Tomas Rojas and Fernando Montiel.

 

Madrid, Spain: Welter: Ceferino Rodriguez (18-0) W PTS 8 Renald Garrido (13-9-1).Super Light: Nicolas Gonzalez (11-0) W PTS 8 Kevin Dotel (6-1). Super Feather: Ruddy Encarnacion (33-23-4) W TKO 5 Ramaz Bebnadze (11-1).

Rodriguez vs. Garrido

Garrido tries hard but in the end a comfortable win for the Canary Islander. The visitor was pressing trying to take Rodriguez out of his calm measured boxing but had very little success. “Ferino V” had the fight under control evading the Frenchman’s attacks counter-punching and controlling the fight with his jab. Garrido kept pressurising but was punished for it and the only thing missing was a finishing punch from Rodriguez. Scores 80-72 twice and 79-73. The 26-year-old Rodriguez, the EU champion and EBU No 2 is looking to get a shot at the winner of the Frankie Gavin vs. Gianluca Branco fight which is for the vacant EBU title. “Le Lion” Garrido, 31, was 3-2-1 in his last 6 fights and lost on points to Sandor Martin in Spain in December.

Gonzalez vs. Dotel

Local prospect Gonzalez gets a unanimous decision but the scores do not reflect the tough time Dominican Dotel gave Nico. Dotel totally dominated the first round and was on his way to winning the second when a hooked counter put him on the canvas. From then on Dotel was a bit more cautious but not a lot. He was still taking the fight to Gonzalez and they were trading hard in every round. Gonzalez got through with heavy punches late in the fifth and Dotel was badly shaken but saved by the bell. Dotel was hurt again at the end of the seventh but responded by going right back into Gonzalez and exchanging punch for punch. The fought like tigers in the last right to the bell in a great little contest. Scores 79-72 twice and 78-74. The 26-year-old Gonzalez is considered one of the best prospects in Spain. Dotel “The Black Pearl” was having his first eight round fight and the 78-74 was probably the best representative of the effort he put in.

Encarnacion vs. Bebnadze

“The Black Wolf” feeds again. Encarnacion took the first round and most of the second but then the Georgian began to get through with punches of his own and it suddenly became a harder fight. It was even through the third and fourth but then Encarnacion moved up a gear. He was landing punch after punch as the Georgian faltered and a hard combination shook Bebnadze. With nothing coming back the referee stopped the fight. Now 10 wins and a draw in his last11 fights for the 36-year-old EU champion who keeps knocking on the door for a European title fight but no one seems to hear him. After eleven wins at home, 8 by KO/TKO, this was the first true test for Bebnadze-a fight outside Georgia.

 

Bangkok, Thailand: Feather: Chonlatarn (53-2) W KO 7 Jason Redondo (10-3-1). Bantam: Pungluang (49-3) W KO 6 Petchchumpol (5-4). Fly: Kwanpichit (28-1-2) W TKO 4 Thaminkhao (4-11-1).

Chonlatarn vs. Redondo

Chonlatarn halts game Filipino after a slow start. For the first three rounds Redondo was quicker to the punch than a flat-footed Chonlatarn and was throwing and landing more and setting a fast pace. Chonlatarn refused to speed up and after those first three rounds Redondo was feeling the pace and Chonlatarn was starting to let his hands go. Redondo was still getting through with plenty of punches but was unable to hurt Chonlatarn and was beginning to wilt under the thumping uppercuts and body punches. It was a disgrace but Chonlatarn was landing low punch after low punch with no warning from the referee or complaint from Redondo. The sixth saw Chonlatarn finally up on his toes and he slammed three consecutive right had leads through the southpaw guard of Redondo. In the seventh  Chonlatarn was landing those thumping uppercuts and body shots above and below the belt and drove Redondo into a corner the Filipino tried to fire back but Chonlatarn drove him to the canvas with sweeping punches from both hands and then landed two more as Redondo was on one knee on the canvas. The referee picked up the count. Redondo was up at three but at seven he just turned his face out into the crowd and shook his head. Chonlatarn wins the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title and makes it 34 wins by KO/TKO. First fight for Chonlatarn since his loss to Vasyl Lomachenko for the WBO title in November. He was just too strong for Redondo but benefited from a referee who seemed to think Redondo’s belt line started at his knees and anything above that was okay. The 20-year-old Redondo showed quick hands and good skills but lacked power. He had won 5 of his last 6 fights.

Pungluang vs. Petchchumpol

Pungluang has to fight hard but finally gets the win. Southpaw Petchchumpol gave Pungluang a torrid time over the first two rounds with his two-fisted attacks showing no respect to the former WBO champion. Pungluang came awake in the third and was the one throwing fast combinations to head and body with little Petchchumpol happy to go head-to-head and just walk through everything. Petchchumpol began to tire and his work rate dropped with Pungluang starting to walk him down. Suddenly after a light jab to the face from Pungluang Petchchumpol just turned away and started walking to his corner. Pungluang reached around and landed a punch but Petchchumpol just kept walking. The referee came over to his corner and started counting at seven Petchchumpol nodded his head and started to raise his gloves but the referee completed the count and Petchchumpol climbed out through the ropes and disappeared to the dressing rooms. Pungluang lost his WBO title to Paulus Ambunda and failed to regain it when Tomoki Kameda kayoed him in seven rounds in July last year. This is his third low level win since then. He is No 2 with the WBO so another title fight is there if he stays unbeaten. Petchchumpol was giving away height, reach, experience and power and just decided he was done for the day but he showed plenty of fighting spirit.

Kwanpichit vs. Thaminkhao

Kwanpichit ends this mismatch early. He was having his first fight since losing on points to Zou Shiming in November and went to work early thudding home body punches. Thaminkhao tried a few wild swipes but that was all. In the second Kwanpichit was doubling and tripling his hooks to the body with Thaminkhao just retreating and covering up. The third saw Thaminkhao somehow survive three minutes of thudding body shots and uppercuts. In the fourth Kwanpichit cornered him and put Thaminkhao down with a right cross. He was up quickly and took a sustained beating. He did not seem to know how to get close and clinch and paid for his ignorance when a sweeping left hook and right cross put him down again and the fight was stopped. Just a standard pay day for Kwanpichit as he moves to 13 wins by KO/TKO. Thaminkhao 1-10-1 in his last 12 fights.

 

Los Angeles, USA: Super Bantam: Joseph Diaz (15-0) W TKO 3 Juan L Hernandez (17-4-1). Super Middle: Jason Quigley (4-0) W KO 1 Lanny Dardar (2-3-2). Light: Chris Gonzalez (9-0) W TKO 6 Julio Sarinana (3-3-1).

Diaz vs. Hernandez

Olympian Diaz marches on with another impressive display of skill and power. He was on top of Hernandez from the first scoring with quick, hard combinations and targeting the body. Having softened Hernandez up in the first and floored him with a body punch at the end of the second he ended it in the third. A body punch forced Hernandez to go down on one knee early in the third and on the bell another body shot put him down. Hernandez was on the canvas in agony but the referee did not apply a count as he was unsure whether the blow had landed after the bell. When Hernandez was unable to recover the referee decided that the punch had landed after the bell but accidentally so declared Diaz the winner on a stoppage.  The 22-year-old “JoJo” now has 10 wins by KO/TKO and already has victories over good level opposition in Raul Hidalgo and Roberto Castaneda. The Californian southpaw was US National champion in 2010 and 2011 and competed at the World Championships, the 2012 Olympics and the WSB. The 32-year-old Hernandez, “The Black Pearl” was inactive for four years before returning to the ring last November with a win. Last month he went twelve rounds with WBO No 1 Genesis Servania so an impressive performance by Diaz

Quigley vs. Dardar

Quigley, the next Irish star, made it 4 wins by KO/TKO by dumping Dardar in 94 seconds. Dardar came forward throwing punches with Quigley backing up. The Irishman then landed two right crosses the second of which put Dardar down on one knee. He was up quickly and ready to continue after the eight count. Dardar tried to march forward again but shipped a hard right cross left hook combination. When he came forward again a right to top of his head sent Dardar stumbling sideward with his glove brushing the canvas. He was given another eight count and again tried to come forward but Quigley landed a right and then a left to the chin. Dardar try to hold but his legs were gone and after another couple of head shots had him staggering back to the ropes the referee stopped the fight. Third first round win in four pro fights for 23-year-old Quigley. He won gold medals at Youth, Under-23 and Senior level in European Championships and took a silver at the World Championships in 2012. That loss at the World Championships to a local fighter broke a run of 33 fights without a loss in all amateur competitions. Dardar had lost inside the distance to Esquiva Falcao in five rounds in December.

Gonzalez vs. Sarinana

Gonzalez keeps his record of 100% wins by KO/TKO in a fight with quite a few incidents. After taking the first round things started to go off the rails for Gonzalez. Sarinana, who has yet to win a fight inside the distance, dropped Gonzalez in the second with a left/right combination. Gonzalez was not badly hurt and took control again in the third only for a clash of heads in the fourth to leave him with a cut on his left eyebrow. Floored and cut, not in the script. Gonzalez was on top in the fourth when a butt from Sarinana resulted in a point deduction. Sarinana was suffering from a swelling which was gradually closing one eye restricting his vision. Late in the seventh the referee asked the doctor to look at the eye and the doctor recommended the fight be stopped. The teenager keeps that 100% but he won’t want too many victories like this. Three losses in a row for Sarinana but first loss by KO/TKO.

 

Kissimmee, FL, USA: Feather: Jonathan Oquendo (25-4) W PTS 10 Gabino Cota (17-4-1) Oquendo wins his comeback fight with wide unanimous decision over Mexican Cota. In his first fight since losing to Abner Mares in July the Puerto Rican wound things up slowly against a strong but limited opponent. He had Cota badly shaken in the second and although his work rate dropped a bit in the middle rounds he came through a good test of his stamina. As Cota tired badly he tried hard for a knockout over the last two rounds but the Mexican has a good chin. Scores 99-91 twice and 98-92. The 31-year-old Oquendo has lost the big fights being halted by Juan Manuel Lopez and Wilfredo Vazquez when a win in either would have landed him a world title shot. The loss to Mares was in the same category so now he is easing his way back. Cota did well to stay the distance but has now lost three tough ones in a row losing in 2014 to Leonilo Miranda and Andrey Klimov.

 

Concord, NC, USA: Cruiser: Roy Jones Jr (59-8) W Willie Williams (14-8-2).

A fat, out of condition Jones gets rid of poor Williams in two rounds. Jones had nothing in front of him and he rarely raised his pace above a plod allowing Williams some leeway in the first. It was over in the second. Jones just stood and let Williams land 4 or 5 hooks to the body without even bothering to try to block them. He then shook Williams with a left hook. That knocked Williams into the ropes and Jones drove him along the ropes landing 8 or 9 head punches with Williams slumping to the floor face down. He got up on shaky legs and the referee stopped the fight. The 46-year-old once great Jones is a cert for the Hall of Fame five years after he stops fighting. Now would be a good time to stop. He is only hanging around for a fight with Marco Huck and in our sport that is unfortunately not out of the question. What next? Jones trying to do a Shannon Briggs on Huck? Williams is 2-6-1 in his last 9 fights.

 

Philadelphia, PA, USA: Heavy: Joey Dawejko (14-3-3) W KO 1 Enobong Umohette (9-3). Super Feather: Jason Sosa (14-1-3) W TKO 4 Bergman Aguilar (12-2-1).

Dawejko vs. Umohette

Dawejko makes it four first round wins in a row with this one being the quickest. There was hardly enough time for the seconds to climb out of the ring before a pulverising right from Dawejko put Nigerian Umohette face down out cold after just 27 seconds. After a rocky start as a pro the 24-year-old “Polish Thunder” a former World Youth champion has now won 6 straight including a victory over Derric Rossy. Next he takes a big step as in May he faces Amir Mansour who is 21-1 and had Steve Cunningham down twice before losing on points to the former world cruiser champion which is Mansour’s only loss. Umohette, 35, had a run of 9 wins but was then inactive for a year. He returned to the ring in November losing inside the distance to former victim Lyle McDowell.

Sosa vs. Aguilar

Sosa makes it nine wins on the bounce by KO/TKO as he halts Aguilar in three rounds. The power was with the Camden hope and although Aguilar tried hard and at times seemed to give Sosa some problems a left from Sosa ended the fight in the third. A crunching left landed on Aguilar’s chin and the Costa Rican suffered a jaw injury which made him turn away in pain. The referee immediately stopped the fight with Aguilar suffering a suspected broken jaw. The 26-year-old Sosa was 4-1-3 in his first 8 fights but a run of ten wins illustrates his improvement. Aguilar was 8-0-1 in his previous 9 fights going in but against poor opposition.

 

Dallas, TX, USA: Super Light: Maurice Hooker (17-0-2) W TKO 2 Santos Banavides (23-6-2). “Mighty Moe” too quick for grizzled veteran Benavides. The young Texan had a some problem finding his distance against the Nicaraguan due to the difference in their heights. He solved the problem in the second with a right that put Benavides on the floor. Benavides got up but a storm of punches from Hooker had Benavides floundering and the fight was stopped. The lanky 25-year-old local was held to a draw in his first pro fight and then again by fellow unbeaten prospect Abel Ramos in January last year. He has added 5 wins since then and he usually takes his victims out in the first two rounds or goes the distance. Benavides, 33. lost only two of his first 27 fights but those heady days are gone. He was  outpointed by Bryan Vasquez for the interim super feather title in 2011 and has been thrown in with top opposition in Denis Shafikov, Jose Felix Jr, Amir Imam and now Hooper and lost all four of those fights by KO/TKO.

 

March 7

 

Las Vegas, NV, USA: Welter: Keith Thurman (25-0) W PTS 12 Robert Guerrero (32-3-1). Super Light Adrien Broner (30-1) W PTS 12 John Molina (27-6). Feather: Abner Mares (29-1-1) W PTS 10 Arturo Santos Reyes (18-5). Robert Easter (13-0) W TKO 2 Alejandro Rodriguez (22-16-1). Heavy: Dominic Breazeale (14-0) W TKO 4 Victor Bisbal (21-3). Middle: Terrell Gausha (14-0) W TKO 2 Norberto Gonzalez (21-7). Super Bantam Jorge Lara (270-0-1) W TKO 1 Mario Macias (26-15).

Thurman vs. Guerrero

Thurman and Guerrero put on a fight of the type needed if the Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions series is to be a success. Thurman won a wide unanimous decision effectively outclassing southpaw Guerrero but the guts and determination shown by Guerrero made it an exciting scrap. Thurman dominated from the outset getting into his grove quickly and peppering Guerrero with punches up and down with Guerrero struggling to respond. Guerrero got Thurman’s attention with a hard right in the second but was struggling to get into the fight. In the third a clash of head saw Thurman emerge with a worrying looking hematoma over his left eye and that spurred Guerrero to his best round so far. Thurman did not let the injury affect his dominance. There were plenty of exchanges but Thurman was getting through with hard punches and out landing Guerrero who was reduced to just scoring with counters as and when he could. They continued trading for round after round providing the crowd and the viewers with action filled three minutes.  Thurman took his foot off the pedal in the 7^th And 8^th rounds boxing and picking his punches allowing Guerrero a chance to be more active but it was the counter shots from Thurman that marked each round. Thurman came close to ending the fight in the ninth. He nailed Guerrero with a right uppercut that saw “The Ghost” slip to the floor. Guerrero made it to his feet and took the eight count. Thurman jumped on him and battered Guerrero along the ropes slamming rights through Gurerro’s guard. Thurman was a couple of shots away from a finish but Guerrero hung on until the bell. Guerrero then showed what a great warrior he is by coming out firing in the tenth in a rally that had the crowd on their feet. Thurman knew he was well in front and although he still did enough to take the decision the intensity of his earlier work was missing in the eleventh but they provided a stirring finish to the fight although both tired they battered way at each other to the final bell. Scores 120-108 twice and 118-110 all for Thurman. Guerrero made it much more interesting as a fight than the scores suggest but Thurman again boosted his stock and once Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao leave the scene he will be in the mix to be the next champion. This was the first defence of his secondary WBA title. He went to hospital after the fight due to concerns over the hematoma but that should be okay in 2 to 3 weeks and there was no damage to the orbital bone. Guerrero lost clearly but showed he has a great chin and lots of guts and at 31 there are still some high profile fights out there if he wants them.

Broner vs. Molina

Broner wins decision over a hesitant and too slow Molina. Broner was just too quick and his work too varied for Molina to deal with, Broner was scoring with jabs, hooks and uppercuts with Molina not letting his hands go. He seemed to be looking for one big punch to win the fight and that was never going to happen. He had some small success with a right in the second round which stopped Broner in his tracks only for Broner to regroup and end the round on top. Broner was using good lateral movement and Molina was just following him around the ring looking for and not finding an opening. It could be that the brutal fight with Lucas Matthysse took a lot out of Molina and left him a less confident and gun-shy fighter. Broner was his usual flashy, cocky self throwing quick punches in bunches and building a huge lead. What he also needed to do here was to punctuate his performance with a win inside the distance but over the closing rounds he boxed cautiously taking no chances and that drew boos from the audience but Broner stuck with that strategy. Scores 120-108 twice and 118-110. Still only 25 the former WBO super feather, WBC light and WBA welter champion just can’t or won’t do what he needs to do to become an attraction for the crowd and the viewers. He has talent but has attitude instead of charisma. Molina, 32, is 3-5 in his last eight fights with a one round stoppage loss against Antonio DeMarco for the WBC light title and points losses against Matthysse, Andrey Klimov and Humberto Soto. He was up against a talented fighter here but he no longer belongs at this level.

Mares vs. Reyes

Mares gets a win in this clash of former stars of Mexican amateur boxing but in a very lackluster fashion. He was off his game and although he made Reyes briefly touch down in the second round he was never totally dominant. Reyes was able to force the fight in many of the rounds with Mares scoring with good counters but the fight never caught fire with Reyes was often able to turn the fight a brawl. It transpired that Mares had felt unwell on the morning of the fight and considered pulling out but needed the fight to get some work in with preparation for a return with Jhonny Gonzalez as his aim. He won this one clearly but knows that he will probably need another warm-up match and box a lot better before facing Gonzalez. Scores 99-90, 98-91 and 96-93. After his first round crushing by Gonzalez in August 2013 the 29-year-old former WBC super bantam and featherweight champion was inactive for 11 months before returning with good wins over useful opposition in Jonathan Oquendo and Jose Ramirez but he did not impress here. Reyes, a World Junior Championships silver medal winner and 2008 Olympian has not had the “Golden Boy” treatment being matched with former world champions Fernando Montilla and Hozumi Hasegawa in his first 15 fights. He had rebounded from the Hasegawa defeat with 6 wins but lost on points in December to South African Simpiwe Vetyeka.

Easter vs. Rodriguez

Easter blows away late sub Rodriguez in the second roiund. After three points wins in his last four bouts Easter seemed to be finding it difficult as the opposition improved but not here. Rodriguez survived the first round but was on the floor three times in75 seconds in the second and the fight was stopped. The tall Toledo 24-year-old makes it 10 wins by KO/TKO and with his height, 5’11” (180cm) and power he will give any lightweight problems at this level. Mexican Rodriguez is 3-7-1 in his last 11 fights but has been in with Ray Beltran, Jose Pedraza, Haskell Rhodes and Jose Felix Jr. A hard way to earn some loose change.

Breazeale vs. Bisbal

Breazeale gats another inside the distance win as he halts Bisbal. The 29-year-old Olympian halted Bisbal in the fourth for win No 13 by KO/TKO. Nagy Aguilera is the only one to have taken the big Californian the distance so far. Puerto Rican Bisbal, 4, also a former top amateur, was having his first fight since being stopped in 5 rounds by Magomed Abdusalamov in March 2013.

Gausha vs. Gonzalez

Gausha, Breazeale’s teammate in London makes easy work of what looked to be his toughest test so far as he floors and stops Gonzalez with a wicked body punch in the second. The 27-year-old Cleveland fighter a two-time US National Champion and Olympic and WSB competitor continues to progress. Gonzalez 33 has now slipped to 5 losses in his last 6 fights but he has a win over highly touted Michael Oliveira and took Roberto Garcia to a split decision and went the whole  eight rounds with Erickson Lubin.

Lara vs. Macias

Southpaw Lara just batters away at fellow-Mexican Macias until the fight was stopped. The 24-year-old from Guadalajara has 19 wins by KO/TKO but has yet to face any class opposition and only scraped past Jairo Hernandez (10-4) on a split decision in January last year. Poor Macias is being thrown to the wolves He has lost 5 of his last 6 fights and the last three guys to beat him have combined records of 76-0-2!

 

Macao, S.A.R China: Fly: Amnat Ruenroeng (15-0) W PTS 12 Zou Shiming (6-1). Super Light: Ik Yang (19-0,1ND) W TKO 6 Patomsuk (29-3-1). Super Fly: Aston Palicte (17-1) W TKO 7 Ismael Garnica (13-6-1,1ND). Super Welter: Glen Tapia (23-1) W TKO 3 Daniel Dawson (40-5-1). Super Fly: Rex Tso (16-0) W PTS 10 Michael Enriquez (10-3-1). Light Jose Felix (29-1-1) W KO 1 Ray Sermona (17-5-5).

Ruenroeng vs. Shiming

The champion came, he saw and he spoiled the party. Ruenroeng retained his IBF title with a clear unanimous verdict over Chinese hero Shiming. Ruenroeng took charge from the start commanding the centre of the ring using his jab well and landing some crisp counters. The dream came alive briefly in the second round when a left hook from Shiming put Ruenroeng down but it was partly due to Ruenroeng being off balance and he was not badly shaken.  In the second Ruenroeng also introduced Shiming to the niceties of the pro game by landing a low shot and tipping the Chinese fighter over his shoulder. He was warned for both infractions but no points were deducted. The third again saw Ruenroeng using his skill to keep Shiming at the end of his left jab and the challenger did not seem to know how to get past the Thai’s defence and was throwing some wide wild punches to no effect. There was nothing pretty about some of the middle rounds as Ruenroeng was tying Shiming up inside and both were wrestling around with heads banging together.  Pretty or not it was again Ruenroeng keeping cool and outboxing Shiming. The challenger took the ninth, the tenth could have been

scored to either but Shiming needing an impressive finish but he just did not have enough fire left to seriously threaten. It was only the second time he had gone twelve rounds whereas it was the sixth time for Ruenroeng and he had paced the fight perfectly.  Scores 116-111 from all three judges. The 35-year-old Thai had lost 2 out of 3 fights with Shiming as amateurs but he showed that his greater experience of pro fighting and his better skills had given him the edge in this fourth meeting. Shiming will come again. He is such an important figure in Chinese boxing that he and his team must regroup and try again if the Chinese market for boxing is to be fully explored.

Yang vs. Patomsuk

Yang holds on to his IBF Pan Pacific title with stoppage of Thai. Yang made a fast start trying to blow Patomsuk away early. When that did not happen he settled for slowly chopping away at Patomsuk. The Thai signaled his presence with some meaty rights and also had Yang cut but the Korean-based Chinese fighter turned up the heat mixing some heavy punches with a bit of showboating. In the sixth Yang decided to end it and rattled the Thai with a barrage of punches until the referee halted the fight. The 29-year-old Yang, the IBF No 9(8) has won 12 of his last 14 fights by KO/TKO. Patomsuk, 31, had lost only one of his last 23 fights but the opposition was low level.

Palicte vs. Garnica

New Filipino prospect on the block Palicte hands out a battering to Mexican Garnica. The young Filipino was too quick, accurate and physically bigger and stronger for the face-first Garnica. The brave but limited Mexican was broken and bloody when the referee stopped the one-sided fight in the seventh round. The 24-year-old IBF Youth champion has 15 wins by KO/TKO winning that way in each of his last 7 fights but the opposition has not been high level. Only the third loss by KO/TKO for Garnica who lost on points to Brit Paul Butler in October.

Tapia vs. Dawson

“Jersey Boy” Tapia takes another step towards putting the brutal loss to James Kirkman behind him. Dawson landed two good rights in the first as Tapia was taking a studied approach. Tapia was quicker to the punch in the second and beginning to open up the guard of the Australian and slot home some hard shots. Early in the third Tapia landed a heavy right that had Dawson badly rocked. He should perhaps have taken a knee to get some respite but when he did not Tapia drove him into a corner with another right and unleashed a salvo of punches forcing the referee to stop the fight. Third win for the 25-year-old Tapia since that dark night in December 2013 when he took a beating that would have ended many careers. Instead he took six months off and now with Top Rank he is showing his old form. He wins the WBO NABO title which should get him a world rating. Dawson 37 may have reached the end of his road. He lost to Serhiy Dzinziruk for the WBO title in 2010 and was beaten on points by Austin Trout last August. This loss ends his dream of another title shot but there a few domestic fights he might stay around for.

Tso vs. Enriquez

Tso gets a tough test from Filipino Enriquez and after winning the WBA International title is now hoping for a world title shot. Enriquez knew he could not match southpaw Tso for speed or skill so he tried to make Tso engage in a brawl. The tactic worked as the young Hong Kong fighter never really took control of the fight. The deciding factor was knockdown scored by Tso in the fourth.  A left hook put Enriquez on the floor but the Filipino came back from that to force Tso to fight hard in every round. Tso just never found the punching room to repeat that knockdown and the fight was close right to the end with real concern that Tso might have thrown away his chance of the title shot but the judges went his way. Scores 95-94 twice and 96-93 so that knockdown proved crucial. The 27-year-old “Wonder Boy” was lucky to win this one and talk of a fight with WBA champion Kohei Kono must be in doubt as Kono is scheduled to defend against Koki Kameda. The “Filipino Blade” Enriquez, 23, proved to be a surprise package as he had lost in five rounds to Mzuvukile Magwaca in South Africa and was only No 5 bantam with the GAB.

Felix vs. Sermona

Felix racks up another inside the distance victory. Young “Josesito Jr” need only one thumping right hand to put Filipino Sermona down and out. All over in 106 seconds. After losing a close unanimous decision to Bryan Vasquez for the interim WBA title in April the 22-year-old from Los Mochis is working his way back up the ratings for another title shot. He has scored 3 wins by KO/TKO since that major setback and has 24 wins by KO/TKO in total. Third loss by KO/TKO for Sermona who is No 6 with the GAB.

 

Hull, England: Light: Tommy Coyle (21-2) W TKO 5 Martin Gethin (25-7-1). Welter: Sam Eggington (14-2) W TKO 5 Shayne Singleton (20-1). Super Middle: Rocky Fielding (20-0) W PTS 8 Olegs Fedotovs (19-19). Light: Luke Campbell (10-0) W TKO 3 Levis Morales (11-2-1). Super Light: Bradley Saunders (12-0) W TKO 5 Stephane Benito (22-19-3). Super Bantam: Gamal Yafai (5-0) W TKO 3 Krzys Rogowski (9-13). Super Welter: Tim Knight (5-0-1) DREW 8 Erick Ochieng (16-4-1)

Coyle vs. Gethin

Gethin nearly ruins the future plans for a big local showdown when he floors Coyle early but Coyle battles back for win. Coyle took the fight to Gethin at the start letting his punches go early and being the busier fighter. It was near disaster in the second. The two boxers were exchanging punches when with his back to the ropes Coyle left his chin up in the air and Gethin exploded a vicious left hook to the jaw. Coyle went down in a heap but managed to drag himself up. As the referee was applying the count Coyle stumbled back into the ropes on unsteady legs and looked in deep trouble. Just as in his fight last February with Daniel Brizuela when he climbed off the floor to win Coyle again showed remarkable power of recovery and not only lasted to the bell but despite the knockdown and a cut on his right eyebrow he came out strong in the third and fourth rounds. The fight was delicately poised when at the end of the fifth Gethin retired having again suffered a burst eardrum. Coyle seemed to be getting on top before the end but Gethin was very much in the fight. Next Coyle wants a fight with local rival Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell who also won on the night. Coyle, 25, the IBF No 13 has good wins over John Simpson, Daniel Brizuela and Mike Katsidis but he is unlikely to get off the hook if the talented Campbell puts him down. Gethin, 31, twice a British champion, has now lost 4 of his last 5 fights and this recurring injury to his ear may be the final straw.

Eggington vs. Singleton

Eggington very impressive as he halts previously unbeaten Singleton. As expected Singleton showed some neat boxing skills to take the first round but Eggington had been showing some impressive power in recent fights and he produced another power performance here. In the second round a left hook put Singleton down hard. Singleton beat the count and managed to make it to the bell. Eggington was on top in the third as Singleton struggled to get back into the fight but he steadied himself enough to pinch the fourth but every punch Eggington landed seemed to discomfort Singleton. Early in the fifth a right had Singleton on the floor for the second time.  He made it to his feet but the follow-up attack saw him go down again and the fight was stopped. The 21-year-old “Savage” wins the WBC International Silver title. His two losses have both been in the Prizefighter Tournaments which are exciting but not indicative of the true quality of a fighter. This is the fourth win in a row by KO/TKO for Eggington including a stoppage win over former CBC champion Denton Vassell (20-1). Singleton, 25, will have some lessons to take on board after this crushing loss but he has plenty of talent and can rebound.

Fielding vs. Fedotovs

Fielding returns with a win. The former undefeated CBC champion won every round against Latvian travelling loser Fedotovs but never looked close to ending it early and got caught with a few punches he would have blocked or avoided if he had been sharp. After an extended period of inactivity the eight rounds of work will have been useful as he sheds the rust. Referee’s score 80-72. The 27-year-old IBF No 7 was having his first fight in 8 months. He is looking for a fight with local rival Paul Smith but will need to be a lot sharper for that. Fedotovs has lost 6 of his last 7 fights but is usually durable.

Campbell vs. Morales

Campbell tries to put his father’s precarious health behind him in the ring. He made a late decision to fight on the card but was his usual high quality self. He was able to hurt Morales right from the start and there was no way this fight was gong to go eight rounds. In the second a right to the side of the head had Morales tumbling forward to the canvas. The Nicaraguan made it the bell but the reprieve was temporary. In the third Campbell drove Morales into a corner and landed a series of punches that had Morales down on his knees. The last punch looked suspiciously as if might have landed just after the Nicaraguan’s knees touched the canvas but as he struggled to his feet the fight was rightly stopped. The rangy 27-year-old southpaw just oozes class and his power has brought him 8 wins by KO/TKO. He destroyed Daniel Brizuela in five rounds which is a much better job than Coyle did but when these two meet previous form will be washed away by emotion. First fight outside Nicaragua for Morales and first loss by KO/TKO. He will now probably join the traveling band of losers used around European rings

Saunders vs. Benito.

Saunders takes a while to wear down persistent Frenchman Benito but gets the expected win. The former top amateur is due to challenge Dave Ryan for the CBC title next month so this was good preparation. Benito was right there to be hit and Saunders was scoring with hard punches in each round but Benito was willing to trade and it looked as though he might go the full six rounds but the referee had seen enough in the fifth and stopped the fight. Nine wins by KO/TKO for the EBU No 11. He won a bronze medal at the World Championships, a gold medal at the European Union Championships a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games and competed at the 2008 Olympics but has suffered somewhat from injuries. His fight with Ryan should a good one.

Yafai vs. Rogowski

Yafai marches on. The Birmingham prospect is another who has suffered from injuries but “The Beast” is going to be a force. He had no trouble with Pole Rogowski with the referee stopping the fight late in the third round. Yafai has excelled at all levels being a gold medal winner at the British Cadet Championships, a silver at the European Cadet Championships, a gold at the European Cadet Championships, an ABA title and a bronze medal at the European Championships where he beat Irish star John Joe Nevin. It is a toss up to where he or brother Khalid is the more talented. Rogowski was a very good amateur but as a pro has just been a consistent loser and is 2-6 in his last 8 fights.

Knight vs. Ochieng

Knight takes a big step up in quality and gets a creditable draw. The local youngster began looking sharp with Ochieng slower but dangerous when he landed. Things were going well for Knight until the fourth when an overhand right put him down. When he made it to his feet he was under fire again and an uppercut unbalanced him so that he touched the canvas. He quickly recovered and after that second knockdown was trading on equal terms with Ochieng. In the fifth it was Ochieng’s turn to be in trouble as a furious attack from Knight sent him out through the ropes. He regained his feet and they continued to fight on pretty even terms. A great fight back by Knight but he had to settle for a draw. Referee’s scorecard 75-75. Good experience in his first eight round fight for the 22-year-old Knight against a seasoned pro. Former English champion and British title challenger Ochieng had a spell of three losses in a row but is rebuilding steadily and is 2-0-1 in his last three fights.

 

Caseros, Argentina: Welter: David E Romero (11-5) W TKO 7 Luis A Tejerina (12-3-1). Fly: Luis A Lazarte (52-11-2) W PTS 10 Carlos A Farias (12-8-2). Heavy: Marcelo Dominguez (48-8-1) W PTS 6 Nestor D Dominguez (17-6-1).

Romero vs. Tejerina

Romero wins the vacant WBO Latino title with stoppage of Tejerina. In furious action Romero made the better start edging the first two rounds only for Tejerina to bang back to even things up over the next three rounds. As the fight progressed through the middle rounds Romero was the busier and more accurate and Tejerina was having trouble staying with him. Romero had a big sixth round and in the seventh put Tejerina down with a right. He beat the count but was down again from a right/left combination and the referee stopped the fight. The 22-year-old “Romerito” is FAB No 9 and this is his fifth win by KO/TKO.  Tejerina, 27, had won his last three fights.

Lazarte vs. Farias

Former IBF light fly champion Lazarte just scrapes by southpaw Farias on a split decision. Lazarte swept the first three rounds but then age caught up with him and Farias was able to claw back some of the lead looking to have edged the fifth and sixth. Lazarte rallied to make the seventh and eighth close rounds and Farias staged a big effort over the ninth and tenth but just not enough to get the decision. Scores 96-94 and 97 ½-96 for Lazarte and 97 ½-93 for Farias. The 44-year-old “Mosquito” took 2 ½ years out after losing to John Riel Casimero for the interim IBF light fly title and now has three wins since returning to action in July last year. He is currently No 2 super fly with the FAB. “Pancake” Farias, 28, falls to 6 losses and a draw in his last 7 fights. He is FAB No 5 at flyweight but the Argentinian title and the first three places in the FAB ratings are vacant.

1. Dominguez vs. N Dominguez

A comfortable win for M Dominguez but with a sting in the tail. After an even first round the experience of the veteran M Dominguez told as he outboxed N Dominguez comfortable. He came near ending it in the last round when a shot to the chin followed by a left hook to the body put N Dominguez down but he got to his feet and survived to the bell. The 45-year-old former WBC cruiser champion admitted that he suffered a broken finger during the fight. Fighting at heavyweight he has won 8 of his last 9 fights. He is FAB No 1 so in line for a shot at national champion Matias A Vidono who beat him on a cuts stoppage in October. Two losses in a row for FAB No 5(4) Dominguez.

 

Surfers Paradise, Australia: Light Heavy: Trent Broadhurst (14-1) W KO 1 Joe Rea (10-17-4). On a much shortened show Broadhurst floors Irishman Rea three times for automatic KO win. The 26-year-old local, a former Australian amateur champion and Commonwealth Championships silver medal winner, makes it 9 wins by KO/TKO and 7 wins since a kayo loss to Robert Berridge in 2011.  Rea, 31, is 1-5-3 in his last 9 fights. This was the main event after fights for Damien Hooper and Cameron Hammond had to be cancelled.

 

Magdeburg, Germany: Cruiser: Kai Kurzawa (36-4) W PTS 12 Dennis Ronert (23-1). Light Heavy: Dominic Boesel (18-0) W PTS 10 Timy Shala (19-1-1). Super Light: Felix Lamm (10-1) W KO 3 Ahmet Cicek (4-2). Heavy: Tom Schwarz (11-0) W TKO 3 Jakov Gospic (15-11).

Kurzawa vs. Ronert

Kurzawa wins upset decision over unbeaten Ronert. It looked as though this might be all over in the first when the beefy Ronert bulldozed his way through Kurzawa’s defence and slammed home a left to the body. Kurzawa went down in agony and was still in pain at the end of the eight count. Ronert took him to the ropes and battered away but could not repeat the knockdown before the bell. After that Kurzawa was faster with his punches and more mobile and as Ronert advanced behind a high guard he was able to thread punches through to the face and around the elbows to the body. Ronert was a tank rumbling forward and dangerous with heavy swings. In the third a body punch from Ronert landed low and Kurzawa was given time to recover. He fought back hard scoring on the advancing Ronert only to be punched half way out through the ropes as he ducked to avoid more body punches. Kurzawa was getting through with a lot more shots but Ronert just walked through whatever was thrown at him and when he closed the distance he was by far the heavier puncher. A clash of heads in then fifth saw a lump appeared under the right eye of Ronert. The sixth was a bad round for Kurzawa as Ronert first worked him over on the ropes and as he moved into centre ring landed a punch on the sash around Kurzawa’s trunks. He went down on one knee expecting a time-out but instead the referee started to count so he had to get up at eight and go back into the fight. Ronert had him on the ropes again but by the end of the round Kurzawa was straight lefts and a head snapping uppercut. It was a battle of attrition where the questions were over whether the 16 years older Kurzawa could last the pace. They both tired badly with it being a case of whether the greater quantity from Kurzawa or the hard punches from Ronert would impress the judges. Ronert nearly pulled it off as he sent Kurzawa staggering with a left hook in the last but he was too tired to capitalise on that success. Scores 114-112 twice for Kurzawa and 113-113. The 38-year-old Kurzawa wins the vacant IBF International title. He has won his last 14 fights going back to 2010 and if he is not going to give Ronert a return he will find a queue of young heavyweights looking to take him on after this win. The 22-year-old Ronert is strong and has a hard dig but is on the slow side and comes in on a straight line with little head movement which Kurzawa was able to exploit here.

Boesel vs. Shala

Boesel retains the WBO Inter-Continental title with verdict over Shala. Boesel was quicker with his jab and showed a better variety of punches. He was content to box on the back foot much of the time looking for Shala to lead and then bang home counters. The third saw Boesel suddenly take charge and on three occasions open up with 5-6 punch combinations. The fight became a bit bad tempered in the fifth as Boesel landed 4 punches which went over the stooped head of Shala and landed on the back of his neck. Shala replied in kind but the handbags were then put away. Boesel was just too quick for Shala who was constantly coming forward but hesitant to throw his punches as Boesel was setting traps to lure him onto counters. Shala landed some good right crosses behind the jab in the seventh and Boesel was showing a lump over his left eye. Shala came forward throughout the eighth but for every lead he threw Boesel paid him back with thumping right hand counters. The pace dropped in the ninth with Shala still coming forward and Boesel on his toes using his own jab but not so many counters. Both were tired in the last with Boesel taking that one countering as Shala looked for the knockout he needed. Scores 98-92 twice and 97-93. The 25-year-old German, the EBU No 11 had won only two of his last eight fights by KO/TKO and again here he never really had Shala shaken despite landing so many beefy punches. He has had trouble with the weight in the past but had no problems this time. Previously unbeaten Austrian-based Kosovan Shala showed some good skills working everything off his jab but he did not have the speed or power to win this one.

Lamm vs. Cicek

The tall slender southpaw Lamm towered over little Cicek and duly got his expected win. Neither fighter did much over the first two minutes until Lamm let his hands go with some fast combinations but did not connect very cleanly. The second saw Lamm following Cicek around the ring looking for an opening but not finding one and Cicek occasionally stopping to throw some wild swings. Lamm came out in the third with a more aggressive approach. He hurt Cicek with a good left hook to the body and as they came together Lamm threw a left which missed and followed it with a right hook that crashed into Cicek’s jaw and put him on his back. He struggled to his feet but staggered on unsteady legs and the fight was stopped. Lamm wins the vacant BDB version of the German title and makes it 4 wins by KO/TKO. German-based Turk Cicek had won his last 4 fights but was in over his head both for quality and size.

Schwarz vs. Gospic

Schwarz moves to 8 wins by KO/TKO with stoppage of overweight Croatian. Schwarz was taller, lighter and quicker than Gospic. After a cautious start in the first round he went to work. A right cross staggered Gospic who managed to cover up and avoid the next few shots, but Schwartz cut loose again near the end of the round with more big rights with Gospic happy to hear the bell. Schwarz was on his toes in the second not really applying pressure and content to just get in some paid sparring practice. Gospic landed a couple of shots to the body and a useful left uppercut but that was all. In the third a chopping right put Gospic down. He was up at six and ready to continue. Schwarz drove Gospic into a corner and just fired punch after punch as Gospic slumped into the ropes and the referee stopped the fight. The 6’5 ½” (197cm) 20-year-old German heavyweight badly needs ring time as 7 of his fights have ended in the first round and he is still showing some flaws. This one was a gift for him. Gospic, 32, was 6’1” (185cm) and weighed 266 ½ lbs (121kg) which tells you all you need to know about his fitness. He has lost inside the distance to Matt Skelton and Gary Cornish in trips the UK.

 

Tokyo, Japan: Super Light: Hiroki Okada (10-0) W TKO 3 Hayato Hokazono (18-5-1). Welter: Suyon Takayama (22-1) W PTS 10 Nobuyuki Shindo (16-3).

Okada vs. Hokazono

Okada retains the JBC title for the second time with stoppage of Hokazono. The champion was fired up from the bell and was landing hard punches to head and body and a clash of heads saw both boxers cut before the end of the round. Okada kept up the pressure and with the advantage of Hokazono’s cut affecting his vision was well on top. Hokazono survived a number of examinations of the cut. Knowing the cut was bad Hokazono became wild in his attacks and Okada floored him heavily in the third. Hokazono made it his feet but he was very shaky and the referee rightly stopped the fight. After winning his first 7 fights by KO/TKO the 25-year-old Okada had gone the full ten rounds in his next two fights so this is a return to the KO/TKO path. Second unsuccessful challenge for the national title for Hokazono who was 10-3 in his previous 13 fights.

 

Takayama vs. Shindo

Takayama makes a fifth defence of his JBC title but needs a strong finish to overcome a poor start. Southpaw Shindo had Takayama on the floor in the first and also opened a cut over the champion’s right eye all before the half way mark of the fight. Since he was also giving away height and reach Takayama could only cope by taking the fire out of the fight and closing down Shindo’s work so he could do some scoring of his own. It made for a messy untidy fight but the champion’s tactics worked over the second half of the fight. It wasn’t pretty but he did enough to get the unanimous decision. Scores 96-93 twice and 96-94. The 29-year-old JBC champion is rated No 4 by the OPBF but has no real chance of getting a world rating in this division. Shindo, 28, 6’1” (186cm) tall had won 12 of his last 13 fights.