The Past Week In Action 14 July 2015.docx

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.

 

July 8

 

San Jorge, Argentina: Super Welter: Marcello Coceres (18-0-1) W PTS 10 Claudineli Lacerda (17-11-1). Hometown fighter Coceres has no trouble retaining his IBF Latino title. From the outset Coceres was just too big and too good for Brazilian Lacerda. He made a fast start and for a while it looked as though he was going to end it quickly. However he just could not find the punch and he then cruised through to the seventh round. From the eighth Coceres again put on more pressure but Lacerda hung on to last the distance. Scores 99-91 twice and 100-90.  Third defence for the 24-year-old FAB No 5. Lacerda, 35, is1-4-1 in his last 6.

 

New York, NY, USA: Super Feather: Bryant Cruz (15-0) W TKO 4 Martin Cardona (19-6). Super Welter: Patrick Day (11-1-1) W PTS 8 Lenwood Dozier (9-8-1). Welter: Sergey Lipinets (7-0) W TKO 3 Kendal Mena (20-2).

Cruz vs. Cardona

“PeeWee” Cruz muscles Cardona out of the fight inside 5 rounds. Cruz had Cardona on the back foot for most of the fight scoring with heavy body shots whenever he had Cardona on the ropes. The action was one-sided with Cruz banging home overhand rights and left hooks with Cardona taking beating. The Mexican “Marciano” was retired by his corner at the end of the fourth round. Cruz, a 25-year-old from Port Chester is a former NGG silver medallist. This was his first scheduled ten round fight but ended up as win No 8 by KO/TKO.

Day vs. Dozier

Former top amateur Day is rebuilding after losing his unbeaten record. Day used a well tested method for victory opening up with the stiff jab/right cross approach and as the fight progressed went more to the body. Dozier never got a foothold in the fight and was slowly broken down. He rallied briefly in the sixth but not enough to take the round and Day handed out more punishment in the seventh and the eighth without being able to put Dozier away. Scores 80-72 from all three judges. Day, 22, another former NGG silver medallist, and at one time the top rated American amateur at his weight, lost a majority decision to unbeaten Alantez Fox in January and this is his second win since then.

Lipinets vs. Mena

Lipinets blows away Mena inside three rounds. The Kazak-born Russian floored Mena heavily at the end of the second round and another knockdown in the third saw the referee stop the fight. The 26-year-old former Wrld Full Contact and MMA champion goes to 6 wins in a row by KO/TKO. He already has useful wins over Daniel Lomeli and Cosme Rivera. Dominican Mena’s is a testimony to the abysmal matchjing in his home country with only two of his victims having positive records and 11 of his opponent never having won a fight.

 

July 10

 

Lanus Oeste, Argentina: Super Light: Xavier L Castillo (14-4) W TKO 1 Mauro M Godoy (19-1). Castillo springs major upset as he stops formerly unbeaten Godoy inside a round to win the national title. Castillo came out swinging and hurt Godoy early. He then surged forward thumping home a series of rights which drove Godoy to the ropes and he was still unloading rights as the referee stepped in and pulled Castillo off to apply a standing count. After the count Castillo jumped on Godoy and drove him to the ropes again and landed a couple more rights with the referee leaping in to stop the fight. Godoy had not been off his feet and protested the stoppage which did look a tad premature. Castillo, rated No 5 by the FAB gets his fifth win by KO/TKO and in addition to winning the Argentinian title he has also halted the WBO No 9. He is now 5-1 in his last 6 fights with the loss being a very creditable majority decision against Australian Josh King in September. Godoy, 25, was making the second defence of his national title and will be looking for a chance for revenge.

 

Malvern, Australia: Super Welter: Ben Capps (12-3-2) W TKO 10 Mike Esgandari (6-2). Light Heavy: Steve Ma (7-6-1) W PTS 8 Manny Vlamis (13-4).

Capps vs. Esgandari

Capps wins the vacant WBC ABC Continental title with late stoppage of Esgandari. In a tough hard-fought match Capps just proved too strong in the end and forced the referee’s intervention less than a minute from the bell in the last round. The Melbourne 22-year-old was rebounding from a second loss to Anthony Buttigieg. He is ANBF No 7. Victoria State champion Esgandari, the ANBF No 10, had won his last three fights.

Ma vs. Vlamis

Ma gets surprise win over more experienced Vlamis. The New South Wales fighter and Australian No 14 at super middle won clearly over the formerly world rated Vlamis. Scores 787-73 twice and 79-71. Vlamis had blown his rating when he was stopped by journeyman Togasilimai Leota in March 2012 and was then inactive until March 2014. He had won his last two fights.

 

Berlin, Germany: Middle: Huhu Lawal (20-0) W PTS 12 Ronny Mittag (23-2-1).

Nigerian Lawal remains unbeaten with split decision over local favourite Mittag. It was a hard fought close fight with Mittag getting home with the harder single punches but Lawal just the busier. Mittag was handicapped by bad cuts over both eyes. Punches played a part in those cuts but so too did careless headwork from Lawal. The 33-year-old Nuremburg-based Lawal had built his record on at best modest opposition so this was his first real test and best win. Mittag, 26, is unbeaten in his last 21 fights but again not strong opposition. He had only one fight in 2014 but is aiming to be more active.

 

Ensenada, Mexico: Light Fly: Maximino Flores (17-2,2ND) W PTS 10 Josue Portales (10-3-1). Light Heavy: Julio Cesar Ortega (7-1) W TKO 6 Francisco Rios (11-6-3).

Flores vs. Portales

Local hope Flores boxes his way to points win over Portales. A clash of heads in the third saw Flores suffer a deep cut on his left eyebrow but it did not become a factor as Flores extended his current unbeaten run to six fights. Portales had lost only one of his last 12 fights.

Ortega vs. Rios

Ortega was giving away a lot in weight so he chose to stay on the outside and outbox Rios. Ortega found plenty of gaps in the defence of Rios and although too quick for Rios he did not have the power to seriously shake the heavier man. The end came after the sixth round when the corner of Rios pulled their man out due to a cut. Ortega gets his fifth win by KO/TKO in his first scheduled eight round fight. Rios came in 3kgs overweight.

 

Benalmadena, Spain: Welter: Kelvin Dotel (9-1) W TKO 8 Jorge Fortea (13-1-1). Cruiser: Cesar Cordoba (9-0) W TKO 4 Arturs Kulikauskis (16-26-5).

Dotel vs. Fortea

Dotel finds the punch to win a fight he was losing and lifts the vacant Spanish title. Fortea, the bigger fighter physically, was on his way to a convincing points win after dominating the first six rounds. In the eighth he decided to go for an inside the distance win and left himself open. Dotel crashed home a counter and with Fortea suddenly on shaky legs Dotel kept punching until the referee had no choice but to stop the action to save Fortea from punishment.  The Mallorcan-based Dominican-born Dotel, 24, was No 7 super light in unofficial Spanish ratings and had lost on points to unbeaten Nicolas Gonzalez in March so he was the outsider in the betting here. Fortea, also 24, the Spanish No 3 will want a return as he threw this title fight away with carelessness.

Cordoba vs. Kulikauskis

Local fighter Cordoba hits too hard for Latvian southpaw Kulikauskis and halts him in four rounds. Now 8 wins by KO/TKO for the 34-year-old former Spanish amateur champion who was good enough to beat Brit Callum Johnson on his way to winning the prestigious BoxAm amateur tournament. Kulikauskis is 1-4-1 in his last 6 fights.

 

Barcelona, Spain: Super Feather: Juli Giner (17-1-1) W TKO 4 Ivan Ruiz Morote (17-6-1). Super Welter: Isaac Real (12-1-1) W TKO 6 Michael Mora (11-3).Light: Jerobe Santana (7-0) W PTS 6 Innocent Anyanwu (22-12-3). Super Welter Julio Garcia Roche (16-4-1) W PTS 6 Miguel Aguilar (11-17).

Giner vs. Morote

Giner win the vacant EU title with stoppage of fellow-countryman Morote. Giner came close to ending it in the first when he scored with a hard right that had Morote struggling and only the bell prevented a quick finish. Giner was much too fast-handed for Morote and continued to score with quick combinations in the second and third rounds. In the fourth a series of punches put Morote down and although he climbed to his feet he was still very shaken and the referee stopped the fight. The 31-year-old “The Rock” a former top amateur had drawn with Ruddy Encarnacion for the Spanish title and then lost to Encarnacion for this same EU title which Encarnacion has since relinquished. He is now hoping for a shot at the European title but is behind Encarnacion in the queue. Morote, 35, was rated No 1 feather in Spain and has had a tough road recently with losses to Kid Galahad, Encarnacion and Dennis Ceylan.

Real vs. Mora

Real wins the interim WBC Latino title with stoppage of Nicaraguan Mora. Real took a round to study Mora then brought his skills into play in the second clearly outboxing Mora. Real was still showing his superior skills in the third and fourth and now targeting Mora’s body. The Nicaraguan was becoming desperate and lost a point for a deliberate butt. Real turned up the heat in the fifth and by the end of the round Mora was soaking up continuous punishment. His corner wisely retired their man at the end of the round. The 33-year-old former undefeated Spanish champion had pulled off a major upset when he halted Italian Emanuele Della Rosa (33-1) in May last year to win the vacant European title. He lost the title in August to German star Jack Culcay but ran Culcay close. This is his second win this year. Mora, just 19, had a good run back home as he won six on the bounce but in April last year was knocked out in ten rounds by Edwin Palacios for the national title and this was his first fight since then.

Santana vs. Anyanwu

Santana remains unbeaten with easy decision over Nigerian-born Anyanwu. Santana had a big edge in skill boxing cleverly and scoring with quick accurate punches whilst Anyanwu fought only in spurts and was wild at times. Santana took the unanimous decision. The clever 22-year-old from Las Palmas, the Spanish No 7, looks promising. Anyanwu, 36, looked to have real potential when he went 20-0-2 in his first 22 fights but 2-12-1 tells a story of a lack of dedication and wasted talent. In fairness he came in as a very late substitute for this fight.

Roche vs. Aguilar

Roche gets revenge for split decision loss in February. Aguilar started as though he was going get a repeat win as he edged the first two rounds with some clever boxing. From the third Roche took over forcing Aguilar on to the back foot pressurising all the way. Aguilar made a big effort in the last as they swapped punches but Roche had the edge and got his revenge. The 33-year-old from Barcelona, the Spanish No 7, had lost to Roberto Santos in December so snapped a two bout losing run. Nicaraguan Aguilar, 28, is 1-13 in his last 14 so his win over Roche in February was quite an upset.

 

Chaiyaphum, Thailand: Feather: Thong Sithluangphopun (13-0) W KO 5 James Mokoginta (27-17-3). Thong retains PABA title for fifth time but given a quartet of tough rounds by Mokoginta. Both fighters established their jab in the first round with Thong mixing his work with good combinations to head and body and Mokoginta scoring with a couple of good right crosses. The second round went to Mokoginta after he landed a long hard right cross and right uppercut and drove Thong to a corner and kept the Thai trapped there until the bell. The third was also a close round with Thong going for left hooks to the body but again rights from Mokoginta had the Thai on the back foot for most of the round. In the fourth they were toe-to-toe with both scoring with hard shots Thong going to the body and Mokoginta using right uppercuts. Thong was getting on top in the fifth getting through with double left hooks to body and chin and suddenly a long straight right to the body sent Mokoginta down on his hands and knees in agony. He just looked at his corner and shook his head and the referee stopped the count and waived the fight over. Now 9 wins by KO/TKO for the 22-year-old Thai. Indonesian Mokoginta loses inside the distance for the ninth time. He is 24 and turned pro at the age of 13.

 

July 11

 

Tandil, Argentina: Feather: Matias C A Rueda (23-0) W TKO 5 Jimmy Aburto (16-6-2). Light: German A Benitez (12-0,1ND) W TKO 3 Diego Baez (9-6).

Rueda vs. Aburto

Rueda goes to 23 wins on the bounce as he halts Nicaraguan Aburto in five rounds. This was almost over in the first round when “Cobrita” Rueda floored Aburto twice with left hooks to the body. Rueda then seemed to go off the boil in the second and third but blasted back in the fourth to put Aburto down again from a left hook to the body. In the fifth a straight right unhinged Aburto’s legs and he was badly shaken with the referee stepping in quickly to save him from further punishment The 27-year-old hometown fighter, the Argentinian champion, makes it 20 wins by KO/TKO including 14 in his last 15 fights  and retains his WBO Latino title. He is No 5 with the WBO. Aburto. 23, loses by KO/TKO for the fourth time and is 2-4 in his last 6 fights.

Benitez vs. Baez

Benitez hits too hard for Baez and hands him his first loss inside the distance. From the opening action Benitez was a class above Baez and easy cruised through the first two rounds. A right cross floored Baez early in the third and the fight was virtually over. Baez made it to the vertical but a series of head and body punches had the referee stepping in to give Baez a standing count. A couple of hefty thumps to the head saw Baez slump down on to the second ropes and the referee had seen enough and stopped the fight. Fifth win by KO/TKO for 24-year-old Benitez who needed an impressive win after just scraping by with split decisions in his last two fights. Fourth loss in a row for Baez.

 

Woden, Australia: Heavy: Peter Graham (9-3-1) W PTS 10 Ben Edwards (5-1-1).

Graham wins the Australian title with a split decision over Edwards. Graham did not seem to be effected by ring rust in his first fight since February 2013 and ran out the winner on scores of 97-93 and 97-94 to 97-95 for Edwards. Graham, 39, who over an extended period is now 9-0-1 in his last 10 fights, had spent some time in MMA action before returning to boxing. Edwards, 30, was making the first defence of the title he won by beating Hunter Sam in February.

 

Magdeburg, Germany; Heavy: Ruslan Chagaev (34-2-1) W KO 1 Francesco Pianeta (31-2-1). Heavy: Mike Wallisch (15-0) W TKO 2 Fabio Tuiach (27-5). Heavy: Apti Davtaev (9-0-1) W KO 2 Jakov Gospic (15-13). Heavy: Edmund Gerber (25-2) W KO 5 Lubos Suda (33-10-1). Heavy: Tom Schwarz (13-0) WPTS 8 Konstantin Airich (21-12-2). Heavy: Alex Dimitrenko (36-2) W TKO 2 Zoltan Csala (8-3).

Chagaev vs. Pianeta

Chagaev retains the WBA secondary title as he clubs a disappointing Pianeta to defeat inside a round in a battle of southpaws. A cautious start from Pianeta who was trying to use his advantages in height and reach to keep Chagaev out. Pianeta scored with quick short right and then went back to boxing on the retreat. Chagaev bulled him to the ropes and landed two chopping lefts to the side of the head and Pianeta slumped to the floor on his hands and knees. Up at 5 he was bouncing on his toes and stepped forward when asked to do so by the referee. For a short while Pianeta seemed to have recovered as he tied Chagaev up inside and landed a couple of light rights but Chagaev again bundled Pianeta into a corner and landed a clubbing left which saw Pianeta drop to the canvas on his side. He tried to get up by grabbing the rope and pulling himself but the referee waived the fight off as Pianeta was still struggling to rise. First defence of the WBA title for the 36-year-old Uzbek “White Tyson” and win No 21 by KO/TKO. Chagaev’s two losses have been a stoppage by Wlad Klitschko in 2009 for the IBF/WBO/IBO titles and Alex Povetkin for this same WBA title in 2011. He won this WBA title with a hotly disputed decision over Fres Oquendo last July and as  a result of a court judgement Chagaev is now obliged to give Oquendo a return. Thirty-year-old Italian born Pianeta had just take out a German passport and was hoping to be the first Germany to win a heavyweight title since Max Schmeling 85 years ago but was crushed here. His only other loss was also to Wlad Klitschko in six rounds in 2013 and this was his fourth fight since then.

Wallisch vs. Tuiach

Wallisch wins the vacant WBO Europe title with early stoppage of Italian Tuiach. Wallisch put Tuiach down twice in the first and another knockdown in the second round ended it. Local resident Wallisch, 29, a 6’5” (196cm) is continuing to rebuild after being released from prison after a 26 month sentence for assaulting three Dutchmen. His SES team stuck by him and he is now hoping this WBO title title will give his career a big boost. This is his tenth win by KO/TKO. Former Italian champion Tuiach, 35, lost in two rounds to Marco Huck for the EBU cruiser title in 2008 and is now 2-3 in 5 fights at heavyweight also losing to Matteo Modugno and Salvatore Erittu in Italian title fights. He came in as a substitute for Steffen Kretschmann who pulled out with an injury.

Davtaev vs. Gospic

Davtaev easily disposes of Gospic inside two rounds. In the second with Gospic on the ropes the Russian landed a series of hard punches which saw Gospic sink to the bottom rope which was holding him up. The referee started to count and Gospic got up just before the eight but was cut over his left eye and started walking to his corner on unsteady legs and as he had turned his back the referee rightly continued the count to the out. The 26-year-old Russian has 9 wins by KO/TKO as he tries to put behind him a split draw with Ante Verunica (3-1) in his previous fight in October. Croatian Gospic has lost 6 of his last 7 fights so a safe choice.

Gerber vs. Suda

Gerber just too big and heavy for the Czech veteran. The size and weight differences had Suda on the back foot from the start. He used his considerable experience to survive the first four rounds but Gerber cornered him in the fifth and two heavy rights put Susa down and he stayed there for the count. The 26-year-old Kazak-born Gerber has 15 wins by KO/.TKO. He had his balloon punctured somewhat in losing to Mike Sprott and Dereck Chisora and was then inactive for almost a year before returning with a win in July last year. This is his first fight since then. He is No 14 with the EBU. Suda, 39, had won his last two fights but is too small for these big guys.

Schwarz vs. Airich

Germany’s heavyweight prospect Schwarz has a good learning fight as he outpoints experienced Airich. The tall (6’ 5 ½” 197cm) German had Airich on the back foot for most of the fight scoring with jabs and straight rights and pocketing the rounds. Airich came to life briefly in the seventh but was always second best. Scores 80-72 for all three judges. The 21-year-old Schwarz has 7 first round wins so gets some much needed ring time out of this one. Airich, 36, has lost his last four fights with Denis Bakhtov, Anthony Joshua and Mariusz Wach his other conquerors.

Dimitrenko vs. Csala

Dimitrenko halts Csaba in two rounds. There was a great disparity in height here. Csaba’s tactics in the first round were to rush in like a bull with his head down. Dimitrenko needed a cape sword but in the absence of those it was an untidy mauling round with the best punches being a double left hook to the body and right uppercut from Dimitrenko. More bull rushes and wrestling from Csaba in the second round until Dimitrenko landed a left uppercut to the body of Csaba. The Hungarian was bent double and the referee gave him a standing count. As the action continued a shot from Dimitrenko landed low and Csaba was given time to recover and then Dimitrenko shoved Csaba over backwards to the canvas. The end when it came was the one real mome4nt of quality as a straight right from Dimitrenko landed flush on Csaba’s chin and left the Hungarian spread-eagled on the canvas as the referee needlessly counted ten. The 33-year-old giant lost two big fights to Eddie Chambers and Kubrat Pulev and was inactive for just over two years returning in March with a victory. He gets win No 23 by KO/TKO but still looked the same fighting by numbers Dimitrenko who just does not have what it takes to be a real threat. Csaba was halted in four rounds by Gary Cornish in May.

 

Kingston, Jamaica: Middle: Kemahl Russell (7-0) W TKO 4 Richard Holmes (9-5).

Russell beats Holmes to claim the title of Jamaica’s Ultimate Middleweight Contender Champion and takes the prize of JMD 2 million ($17,000). Russell was stronger faster and more skilful than Holmes. After dominating the first two rounds Russell really poured on the punishment in the third and late in the fourth Holmes corner threw in the towel. Holmes took the second prize of JMD 500,000 ($4,000). Now 5 wins by KO/TKO for Russell who has won 7 of his last 8 fights. Second loss by KO/TKO for Holmes.

 

Tijuana, Mexico: Light: Armando Robles (29-4-2,1ND) ND 1 Carlos Parra (14-11-2,1ND). Former Mexican super light champion Armando Robles was hoping to use this fight to put the nightmare of a 44 seconds kayo loss to Jesus Zepeda behind him but it was not to be. A clash of heads in the first round saw Robles suffer a bad cut and the fight was over as a no decision. The 37-year-old Mexicali southpaw had a 21-0-2 run at one time but is 5-3-1ND in his last 9. Parra was having his first fight since August 2013.

 

Acapulco, Mexico: Super Light: Marcos Villasana Jr (16-6) W TKO 3 Jesus Cruz Bibiano (15-11). Super Feather: Andres Gutierrez (32-0-1) W PTS 10 Jhon Gemino (12-4). Super Feather: Juan Jose Martinez (22-2) W TKO 1 Juan Aparicio (27-10).

Villasana vs. Bibiano

Villasana wins this battle for local bragging rights with stoppage of Bibiano. This was a wild scrap from the outset. Both exchanged hard punches in the first round with little to separate them. Bibiano came out fast in the second but left himself open and a series of hard punches from Villasana put him down. He was up quickly and went back to the attack only to by floored by a hard right. He stood up and the bell went before Villasana could follow up his advantage. Villasana scored another knockdown in the third and although Bibiano made it to his feet the fight was halted.

Gutierrez vs. Gemino

Gutierrez keeps on track for a world title fight as outpoints Gemino over ten hard rounds. The Filipino visitor made a promising start scoring with uppercuts and hooks and a hard left which immediately started a swelling by the left eye of Gutierrez. By the start of the second round that left eye was almost closed but Gutierrez landed a right to the chin that put Gemino down. The Filipino got up and lasted out the round but was outboxed by the “Jaguar” in the third. The fourth and fifth were close rounds but Gemino had a good sixth slamming home shots to the chin due to the restricted vision of Gutierrez. Gutierrez went back to basics over the remaining rounds using a stiff jab and quick combinations and took the deserved decision. Scores 97-92 twice and 98-91. Tough night for the 22-year-old Gutierrez (he turned pro at 15) the WBC No 7. His draw was with experienced Jesus Ruiz and he has wins over Salvador Sanchez and Ray Perez. Gemino, 23, the GAB champion, had good domestic wins over Rey Juntilla and JR Magboo and made it an uncomfortable night for Gutierrez

Martinez vs. Gonzalez

Martinez blows away Aparicio inside a round. Aparicio came in as a very late substitute and never had a chance as Martinez jumped on him quickly and hurt him early to force the stoppage. The 29-year-old from Mexico City has 17 wins by KO/TKO, six in the first round. After an early career loss he is 21-1 in his last 22 fights with the loss being a split technical decision against Rey Bautista in Dubai in September. Now 4 losses in his last 5 fights for Aparicio.

 

Cebu City, Philippines: Light Fly Donnie Nietes (36-1-4) W PTS 12 Francisco Rodriguez (17-3-1). Feather: Mark Magsayo (11-0) W TKO 5 Rafael Reyes (16-5). Feather: Roli Gasca (23-6-1) W KO 2  Rasmanudin (19-10-3).

Nietes vs. Rodriguez

Nietes retains the WBO title with points win over Mexican Rodriguez. The challenger tried to set a fast pace and take the fight to Nietes. The Filipino star is a great counter puncher and was scoring with counter hooks and uppercuts. Rodriguez had the edge in hand speed but Nietes was more accurate and more powerful. Rodriguez continued to come forward in the second and scored with some good punches of his own but it was Nietes who was impressing with his counters and Rodriguez ended the round with a small cut by his left eye. The pattern remained the same over the next three rounds with Nietes piling up the points with a sharp jab and hooks and uppercuts but Rodriguez battled back to make the seventh close. It was in this round that Nietes said he damaged his right hand but he was still in control. The punches from Nietes were starting to distort the features of Rodriguez but the Mexican kept battling back although Nietes was slowing him with body punches. Rodriguez put in a big effort over the last three rounds to try to turn the fight around but apart from opening a cut over the right eye of Nietes in the eleventh when the Filipino slowed he was unsuccessful and he paid for his efforts as Nietes had the challenger bleeding from the nose and mouth and chasing in vain in the twelfth. Scores 119-109, 118-110 and 115-113. The first two were too wide and the third too close but Nietes was the clear winner. Fourth defence of his WBO title for Nietes who is 25-0-3 since losing a split decision in Indonesia against Angky Angkotta in 2004 a fight in which Angkotta came in 6lbs over the contract weight. The 33-year-old “Ahas”-that nickname comes from him being given the job of looking after the gym’s pet python when was the junior member in the gym-made seven defences of his WBO minimumweight title and sits up there just behind Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire as top boxer in the Philippines. Rodriguez, 22, will probably win this title or another in a few years. He relinquished his IBF/WBO minimumweight titles due to weight problems and his only other loss in his previous 12 fights was against the great Roman Gonzalez.
Magsayo vs. Reyes

Prospect Magsayo gets another inside the distance win as he floors and halts Mexican Reyes. Magsayo was willing to stand and trade with Reyes in the first round with both having some success. From the second Magsayo used quick movement and fast hands to score and get away before Reyes could fire off any effective counters. Magsayo scored a knockdown in the third when Reyes momentarily dropped his guard to complain of a low punch and Magsayo threw a quick punch that put Reyes down. Magsayo was gradually eroding the Mexican’s resistance and when a hard combination put Reyes down in the fifth Reyes spat out his mouthguard and the referee stopped the fight. Now 7 wins by KO/TKO in his last 8 fights for the 20-year-old “Magnifico” the GAB No 8 who wins the vacant IBF Youth title. Reyes drops to 2-4 in his last 6 fights.

Gasca vs. Rasmanudin

Gasca gets welcome win over experienced Indonesian. The hard puncher from Cebu City took the first round and then ended it early in the second with a thunderous left hook to the chin. The 26-year-old “Zuma” was coming off back-to-back losses to South Africans Thabo Sonjica for the vacant IBO super bantam title and Lusanda Komanisi for the IBO feather title. Rasmanudin, 28, now has 6 losses by KO/TKO and is 1-6-1 in his last 8 fights.

 

Mandaluyong City, Philippines: Super Fly: Jonas Sultan (9-2) W PTS 12 Rene Dacquel (14-5-1). Light Fly Richard Claveras (13-1-2) W PTS 12 Benezer Alolod (16-8-5).  Super Fly: Michael Dasmarinas (21-2) W PTS 10 Jhalel Payao (11-1). Fly: Ardin Diale (29-9-3) W TKO 6 Heri Amol (35-24-4).

19

Sultan vs. Dacquel

Sultan wins the GAB title with unanimous decision over champion Dacquel.  The Cebu fighter won clearly. A stunning overhand right in the third forced Dacquel to hold on to the ropes to keep himself up and the referee gave him a standing count. Dacquel escaped a point deduction in the seventh round when a clash of heads left Sultan with a small cut. Apart from that the fight was quite close but a clash of heads in the ninth caused a cut by Sultan’s left eye and that was spotted by the referee and as Sultan was cut a point was deducted from Dacquel. With the standing count and the deduction for the cut Dacquel had a mountain to climb but did not make it. Scores 117-109, 115-111 and 114-111. “Zorro” Sultan 23 was the GAB No 5 going into this one and has now won his last 5 fights. His two losses were both split decisions. “Commander” Dacquel, 24, was making his first defence having won the title in April with a good win over Melvin Gumban (19-0).

Claveras vs. Alolod

Claveras gets down to domestic business again as he gets unanimous decision over fellow-Filipino Alolod. Once again the WBC style rule regarding cuts in head clashes came into play with Alolod losing a point in the second round after a clash of heads saw Claveras emerge with a cut. Claveras went on to take the decision on scores of 117-112, 116-111 and 115-112. First fight for Claveras, 26, the GAB No 3 since losing inside a round to Pedro Guevara in a WBC title fight in April. He retains his WBC ABC title. Southpaw Alolod, a former GAB champion has lost his three fights this year all on points.

Dasmarinas vs. Payao

Dasmarinas wins the WBC Youth title with victory over fellow-southpaw Payao. Dasmarinas outboxed the unbeaten Payao comprehensively over the first four rounds to be 40-36 up on all three cards and although Payao had more success in the middle rounds Dasmarinas always had  his nose at least a couple of rounds in front.. Again the WBC head clash rule came into force when a clash of heads in the sixth saw Dasmarinas suffer a cut on his right eyelid he comfortably boxed his way to the unanimous decision. Scores 96-93 twice and 97-93.  The 22-year-old Dasmarinas, the GAB No 2, has lost only one of his last 19 fights which was a split decision to Lwandile Sityatha for the IBO title in December. Payao, 21, was making the first defence of the title he won by outpointing Dacquel in December. He has 15 wins by KO/TKO.

Diale vs. Amol

Diale continues his good run as he forces a sixth round retirement by an outclassed Amol. The 26-year-old Jackal, a former GAB fly champion lost to Julio Cesar Miranda for the WBO title in 2011. He has now won 8 of his last 9 fights with the loss being to IBF No 3 Koki Eto in June last year. Amol on the slide with 10 losses in a row.

 

Las Palmas, CI, and Spain: Welter: Ceferino Rodriguez (18-1) W Aitor Nieto (17-3).

Rodriguez wins this battle between the two top welters in Spain and collects the vacant WBC Latino title. Rodriguez, known as “Ferino V” was in charge from the start as he used an educated jab to and superior technique to control the fight. Nieto was never in the fight over the first six rounds and although over the last six he threw more punches he was in contention only on rare occasions and had to fight with the handicap of a cut on his left eyebrow, Rodriguez boxed sensibly taking no risks and with Nieto forced to be more aggressive Rodriguez was able to land hard counters as Nieto left gaps in his defence. Scores 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110. The 26-year-old from Las Palmas, a former undefeated EU champion, slipped up badly in April when he lost every round against Frenchman Mohamed Mimoune. That saw the Sergio Martinez managed fighter fall to No 9 with the EBU but a European title fight is his aim now. Nieto, 31, lost to Ahmed El Mausaoui for the vacant EU title in December and had run up two wins since then.

 

Manchester, England: Light: Terry Flanagan (28-0) W TKO 2 Jose Zepeda (23-1). Light: Liam Walsh (19-0) W KO 6 Isaias Santos Sampaio (23-11). Super Fly: Paul Butler (18-1) W TKO 5 Gustavo Molina (19-7). Heavy: Alex Ustinov (31-1) W TKO 2 Travis Walker (39-14-1). Super Light: Jack Catterall (12-0) W TKO 6 Gabriel F Punalef C (22-6-3). Super Light: Thomas Stalker (10-1-1) DREW 8 Tommy Carus (7-2-1). Super Feather: Jon Kays (21-4-1) W TKO 3 Mike Stupart (4-26-2).

Flanagan vs. Zepeda

Flanagan wins the vacant WBO title as Zepeda is forced to retire with a shoulder injury. The first round saw Zepeda showing a quick jab and Flanagan looking to counter. There were a couple of bouts of trading but it was a close round with Zepeda’s jab probably giving him the edge. In the second Flanagan was timing his shots better and Zepeda was reaching with his jab and Flanagan was quick to counter. As the round progressed Zepeda stopped using his left completely and gave it a shake but did well not to show any other sign of the problem before the bell. However as he returned to his corner he was holding his left shoulder awkwardly  obviously hurt and it was quickly established that he was unable to continue. “Turbo” Flanagan, 26, wins a world title. Not in the way he would have wished but that’s not his fault and in boxing you take any break you can get. The local fighter, a former British champion will now be looking forward to some defences in his home city. Unlucky Zepeda, 26 will have to wait until his shoulder heals and then try to fight his way back into contention.

Walsh vs. Sampaio

Walsh has too much of everything for Brazilian Sampaio. From the opening bell Sampiao was in full retreat circling the perimeter of the ring and only stopping occasionally to throw an ineffectual jab. Walsh patiently stalked after Sampiao and you knew that once Walsh cornered him it would be over. It is difficult to fight someone who only has one gear and that is rapid retreat so after four rounds of being patient Walsh switched to southpaw. Sampiao was now tiring and holding more. Walsh was just as comfortable as a southpaw and a confused Sampiao was getting caught by hard punches from both the Cromer fighter’s left and right and to confuse him even more Walsh effortlessly switched back to orthodox before the end of the round. In the sixth Walsh was back to southpaw and digging into Sampiao’s ribs with hard right hooks. In close Walsh landed a couple of body punches and as Sampiao slumped forward Walsh helped him down to his knees. The Brazilian was up immediately and protested the eight count. Walsh walked Sampiao to the ropes and landed a left hook to the chin and then to the body and Sampiao was down and counted out.  Walsh, 29, wins the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title and makes it 13 wins by KO/TKO. The British and Commonwealth champion has wins over Scott Harrison, Gary Sykes and two victories over Joe Murray. He is rated WBO 3/IBF 10(9) and joins Flanagan, Derry Matthews, Anthony Crolla, Kevin Mitchell, Tommy Coyle, Ricky Burns, Luke Campbell and Scott Cardle in a sparkling list of British lightweights. Sampiao, who came in as a late substitute, had won his last 4 fights but both Jack Asis and Billy Dib beat him inside two rounds last year and this is his tenth loss by KO/TKO.

Butler vs. Molina

Butler showed no ill effects from his crushing loss to Zolani Tete as he overcame an aggressive start from Molina to win inside the distance. Butler was happy to get in some rounds and looked sharp scoring with a variety of punches to head and body with his usual dazzling hand speed but Molina gave him an uncomfortable first two rounds before Butler got into the groove. He shook Molina with a left in the third but chose to box on the back foot and counter as Molina came forward. In the fifth a right counter stunned Molina and then Butler poured in some flashing left hooks that saw the referee stop the fight to save Molina. Now 9 wins by KO/TKO for the 26-year-old former undefeated IBF bantam champion the “Baby Faced Assassin”. He has started his rebuilding and I can see him fighting for a title again in 2016 although at domestic level there are real challenges available in Khalid Yafai and Jamie Conlan. Mexican champion Molina had won his last 3 fights and this is his fifth loss by KO/TKO.

Ustinov vs. Walker

Too easy for Ustinov as Walker looks like he would rather be somewhere else. The big Russian towered over Walker and had a big advantage in weight. He used that to bull Walker to the ropes and landed two clubbing rights to the chin that put Walker down. He got up and tried to hold and wrestle but he was on the ropes again and two cuffing rights to the side of the head put him down for the second time. Again he got up and was in survival mode trying to get inside and grab the towering Ustinov and as he did so he went down for a third time but it was from a push. In the second round Walker was lunging and holding with Ustinov using his weight to push the American around. A left hook from Ustinov sent Walker staggering back into the ropes and the refereed had seen enough and immediately waived the fight over. The 38-year-old 6’7 ½” (202cm) Russian-born Belarus fighter has 22 wins by KO/TKO. His only loss was an eleventh round knockout defeat against Kubrat Pulev in 2012 for the EBU title. After easily outpointing David Tua in November 2013 he did not fight again until decisioning Chauncy Welliver last December and this was his first fight since then. He is big and strong but fast-no! “Freight Train” Walker 36 has now lost 7 fights in a row.

Catterall vs. Punalef

Catterall retains his WBO Inter-Continental title in bad tempered foul-filled win over Punalef (that’s his designation in the FAB ratings not Calfin). Catterall had a big edge in skill and Punalef was doing everything he could to stop Catterall using that advantage. Catterall quickly lost his temper with the holding and spoiling tactics of Punalef and he lost a point in the second round for a blow to the back of Punlalef’s head and another in the third for trying to launch Punalef out of the arena. As Catterall settled down he began to slot home hard punches from both hands. Punalef’s spoiling increased and he was deducted a point in the fourth and for dangerous use of the head in the fifth. Catterall’s punches were on target now which rapidly lead to Punalef’s right closing. The doctor took a look at Punalef’s eye injury before the start of the sixth and again early in the round but let the fight continue then Catterall launched a furious attack landing a series of hard lefts. With Punalef trapped on the ropes and being punished the referee stopped the fight. The 22-year-old Chorley southpaw will want to forget this one but he came through a messy fight with a spoiler and finished it well. The WBO No 10 has 8 wins by KO/TKO. Punalef, the FAB No 2 lightweight was 13-1 in his last 14 fights but could not handle the classy skills of Catterall.

Stalker vs. Carus

Despite outstanding amateur credentials Stalker just can’t seem to get his pro career off the launch pad. This should not have been too tough a test but he was unable to convince the referee that he had done enough to deserve the verdict. Carus showed good movement and good stamina but Stalker had big rounds in the fourth and fifth and seemed to have done enough to just edge the fight. At 31 the Liverpool southpaw, a former captain of England’s amateur team is running out of time to break through. Fellow southpaw and fellow scouser Carus had won 3 of his last 4 fights.

Kays vs. Stupart

Kays halts Stupart in three rounds for rare inside the distance win. Kays used a vicious body attack to weaken and then stop Stupart. Those body punches accounted for two knockdowns which saw the fight stopped. The 32-year-old Kays a former English champion now has four wins by KO/TKO. He has lost inside the distance to Liam Walsh for the CBC title and twice, once on points and once inside the distance, to Gary Sykes in English and British title fights. Scot Stupart goes to 12 losses by KO/TKO

 

Cannock, England: Welter: Rob Hunt (22-3-2) W TKO 3 Amir Unsworth (15-9-1).

 

Hunt halts Unsworth but Unsworth comes in overweight so no title on the line. Hunt had height and reach over the heavier Unsworth and worked the jab well. Unsworth had some success in the second when he jumped in and landed a hard overhand right that shook Hunt but other than that Hunt was in control. In the third Hunt’s stiff jab had opened a cut over the left eye of Unsworth who was fading quickly. Hunt took Unsworth to the ropes and was driving in punches when the referee stopped the fight. Now four wins in a row for the 29-year-old Midlands Area champion. Unsworth, 34, a former Midlands Area light champion, gets his fourth loss by KO/TKO.

 

Los Angeles, CA, USA: Super Light: Mauricio Herrera (22-5) W TEC DEC 5 Henry Lundy (25-5-1). Feather: Joseph Diaz (17-0) W PTS 10 Rene Alvarado (22-5). Light: Michael Perez (23-1-2) W KO 6 Luis Sanchez (17-4-1). Super Middle: Jason Quigley (7-0) W TKO 3 Tom Howard (8-4).

Herrera vs. Lundy

Herrera gets technical decision over Lundy in bloody battle. Things started badly for Herrera when he was cut over his right eye in the first round in a clash of heads. That may have thrown him out of his stride as Lundy was banging home hard counters as Herrera tried to get in close to work. It looked even worse for Herrera in the second when another head clash opened a cut over his other eye. It was obvious the fight was not going to go the distance and Herrera upped his punch rate and was working Lindy’s body. Lundy was still getting through with some good punches but Herrera was simply outworking him. Herrera had survived a couple of inspections by the doctor but in the fifth round Herrera’s cuts had worsened and this time when the referee consulted with the doctor the fight was stopped and went to the scorecards where two judges had Herrera in front 48-47 and the third had it even at 48-48 so Herrera gets the majority decision and wins the vacant NABF title. Herrera 35 is a former interim WBA champion who seems destined to be in close fights with a majority decision loss to Danny Garcia for the WBA/WBC titles, a majority decision win over Johan Perez for the interim title and a close but unanimous decision loss to Jose Benavidez which cost him the title. This one was also very close but the win preserves Herrera’s WBO 3/WBA 6 rating and keeps him in the title picture. Former NABF and NABO champion Lundy, 31, could also do with some luck as he has lost big fights to Ray Beltran-majority decision-and Thomas Dulorme-split decision with both of those fighters going on to challenge for the world title. He is at No 10 with the WBC but a long way from even a sniff of a world title fight.

Diaz vs. Alvarado

Diaz gets controversial verdict over Alvarado. The former Olympian seemed on his way to a win when he put Alvarado down in the first with a left hook but the Nicaraguan veteran was by no means finished and got up and started taking the fight to Diaz in the second and third rounds. As the fight progressed it was a case of the speed and skill of the younger man allowing Diaz to find a home for his southpaw jabs and right hooks but Alvarado forcing the fight and employing a higher work rate although no so accurate. That was making it a hard fight to score as despite that first round knockdown neither man seemed to have the power to take out his opponent. Diaz was doing the more eye-catching and cleaner work countering the aggression of the Nicaraguan but Alvarado was just walking forward and throwing lots of leather. Any lead Diaz had was endangered over the late rounds as he seemed to be feeling the pace more than a still strong Alvarado and an upset seemed a possibility. The Judges did not see it that way giving Diaz the decision on scores of 98-91, 96-93 and 95-94 which Alvarado had a right to feel aggrieved about and was not popular even with Diaz’s local fans. The 22-year-old “JoJo” has an impressive amateur background twice being US national Champion, competing at the 2012 Olympics and in the WSB and having a victory over Oscar Valdez. This tough, close fight will be a valuable lesson for the pro game. Alvarado, 26, a former WBC Silver title holder had been knocked back by losses to Rocky Juarez and Eric Hunter and his showing here was in line with his record of never losing by KO/TKO and fighting hard all the way. He deserved a better outcome.

Perez vs. Sanchez

Perez gets stoppage win in a messy fight. The styles did not gel here and despite having height and reach over Sanchez Perez did not really make full use of those advantages.  He was doing enough to keep Sanchez out but was hurt by a left in the second round and also suffered a cut in a clash of heads. The fight never caught fire and a restive crowd was showing its displeasure. Perez was winning but not impressing and he suffered another cut in the fifth and only then started to let his hands go and take full command. The end in the sixth was a puzzle as Sanchez went down from an innocuous looking jab and although he made it to his feet he was on unsteady pins and the referee stopped the fight. The Roberto Garcia trained Perez, 25, wins the vacant NABO title and now has 11 wins by KO/TKO. He was beaten by Omar Figueroa in 2012 and is now 8-0-1 since then including victories over Jorge Romero and Miguel Acosta and is rated WBA 8. Sanchez had won his last 6 fights including a victory over previously unbeaten Adan Mares in April.

Quigley vs. Howard

Hot Irish prospect Quigley crushes Howard inside two rounds. Quigley had Howard hurt and cut in the first round and wasted no time in finishing the fight in the second. A right hook accounted for the first knockdown and although Howard got up and tried to bang back he was nailed by another right which sent him tumbling into the ropes. He again made it to his feet but a couple more bombs from Quigley and the fight was stopped. The 24-year-old Californian-based fighter from Ballybofey had won all 7 of his fights by KO/TKO talking less than 12 rounds to blow the opposition away. For me he is a sure fire future world title contender. Three losses in a row for Howard and his first loss by KO/TKO.

 

Tampa, FL, USA: Welter: Keith Thurman (26-0) W TKO 7 Luis Collazo (36-7). Middle: Willie Nelson (24-2-1) W TKO 9 Tony Harrison (21-0). Super Light: Walter Castillo (26-3) W KO 3 Ammeth Diaz (32-12). Light: Edner Cherry (34-6-2,1ND) W KO 9 Luis Cruz (21-4). Super Light: Anthony Peterson (35-1) W TKO 6 Ramesis Gil (8-12-5). Super Welter: Patryk Szymanski (14-0) W TKO 1 Maurice Louishomme (8-3-1).

Thurman vs. Collazo

Thurman retains WBO title but not before being shaken and stirred. Thurman was in charge for most of this fight although a brave Collazo showed good skills to offset Thurman’s dominance. Thurman was tracking Collazo who was fighting conservatively against the much younger champion but the speed and variety of Thurman’s combinations soon began to mark up Collazo’s face with the challengers left eye swelling. In the third and fourth Thurman was shifting from side to side and slotting home shots to head and body and looking comfortable if not spectacular. The fifth was going the same way when near the end of the round Collazo hooked a left around Thurman’s right arm and the punch thudded into the champion’s ribs. The effect was immediate. Thurman shrank away doubling up in obvious pain and backed around the ring on the ropes with Collazo in pursuit. When Collazo caught up he was looking to get home with another rib bender but the bell went. Who knows if Thurman could have survived if that punch had landed early in the round?  Collazo went to the body again at the start of the sixth but near the end of the round Thurman landed a couple of hard rights and a clash of heads also opened a cut over the right eye of Collazo. Thurman was in total control in the seventh scoring with a variety of punches which worsened Collazo’s cut. At the end of the round the referee went to Collazo’s corner and asked the challenger if he wanted to continue. When Collazo said he could not see clearly the referee accepted that and the fight was over. First defence of the WBA secondary title for Thurman. He got his 22^nd win by KO/TKO but we also saw in the fifth round the first chink in his armour. Former WBA light welter champion Collazo, 34, was probable having his last fling at a world title and it was typical of the WBA that he was able to get the title shot after losing by a mile against Amir Khan last May.

Harrison vs. Nelson

Nelson come from behind to score dramatic stoppage win over Harrison. The first two rounds were close with Harrison just having the edge after getting through with some tasty body punches. Despite his big height advantage Nelson was not able to use his jab to keep Nelson out and the Detroit fighter established a useful lead with some smart counters. The level of activity dropped over the middle rounds with Harrison still doing the better and more varied work and Nelson doing very little and there were some boos from a dissatisfied crowd. Harrison looked to have the decision in the bag at the start of the ninth but still chose to trade with Nelson as nothing in the earlier rounds had indicated Nelson had the power to hurt him. He was wrong. As they exchanged shots a right cross from Nelson stunned Harrison. He took a couple of steps back obviously badly shaken and Nelson pounced slamming home a series of shots to the head and then a crushing right which sent Harrison flying back down  by the ropes. He climbed to his feet well before the eight but turned away from the referee walking to a corner looking out into the crowd and shaking his head and the referee waived the fight over with just three seconds left in the round. The 28-year-old 6’3” (191cm) Nelson gets his 14^th win by KO/TKO as he rebounds from losing to Vanes Martirosyan in October. Wins over Yudel Jhonson, Mike Medina and Luciano Cuello had seen him climb to No 5 with the WBC but he was dropped after the Martirosyan loss. He will now be hoping to be back in the ratings. Harrison 24 paid the price for a momentary lack of focus. He had won his last 10 fights by KO/TKO and climbed to No 6 with the IBF but will slide down after this loss.

Castillo vs. Diaz

Castillo wins clash of Central Americans with third round kayo of Diaz. The 26-year-old Nicaraguan now has 19 wins by KO/TKO. He had a nine fight winning streak ended in April when he lost a wide decision to unbeaten Amir Imam. Diaz, 32, was having his first fight since knocking out Brit Martin Gethin in an IBF final eliminator in May 2103 and drops to 8 losses by KO/TKO. Reportedly he left Panama for this fight without getting clearance from the Panama Commission or taking their medicals but he was OK’d after having the tests done in the US.

Cherry vs. Cruz

The “Cherry Bomb” explodes again. The banger from the Bahamas had the speed and the power and out landed Cruz over the first two rounds. There was a break in the action in the third when Cruz landed a punch after the instruction to break and Cherry was given time to recover. He hammered Cruz with left hooks in the fourth and fifth but then both fighters let their work rate drop over the next two rounds. Cruz had a slight advantage in the eighth after the fighters became entangled and tumbled to the floor with Cherry coming off worst. That allowed Cruz to apply some pressure but he lacked the power to really turn the fight. In the ninth Cherry put Cruz down heavily with a right. Cruz beat the count but was in a bad way and another right put him down and out. The 32-year-old Cherry lost on points to Tim Bradley for the WBC super light title in 2008 but is 9-0-1ND since then with wins over Vicente Escobedo and Osumanu Adama. He just fights too rarely and this was his first fight in nine months. Puerto Rican Cruz, 29, won his first 19 fights but is 2-4 in his last 6 and this was his first fight for eleven months.

Peterson vs. Gil

Peterson makes one of his all too rare appearances and halts Gil in six. Peterson took a couple of rounds to get into the groove and Gil made things uncomfortable for him over those early rounds. Peterson soon found the range and began working Gil’s body. He floored Gil in the fourth and put him down again in the sixth with some vicious body punches and the referee stopped the fight. The 30-year-old brother of Lamont has 23 wins by KO/TKO. When the brothers started out it was Anthony who initially was seen as the most promising but after he loss on a disqualification against Brandon Rios in 2010 he just faded out of the picture and this is only his fifth fight in almost five years. Now 8 losses in a row for Gil.

Szymanski vs. Louishomme

Polish prospect Szymanski takes only 105 seconds to end this one. A straight right put Louishomme down and out in the first round. The promising 22-year-old who shares his fighting time between Poland and the US now has 9 wins by KO/TKO including 7 in his last 7 fights with experienced fighters such as Francesco Di Fiore and Andrei Abramenka in his list of victims. He is a former World Youth Champion and worth watching. Louishomme, 37, has now lost his last three fight by KO/TKO.

 

El Paso, TX, USA: Super Light: Miguel Roman (51-11) W TKO 3 David Martinez (18-6-1). Poor match sees Mexican warrior Roman just too strong for Californian Martinez. Roman just kept forcing and forcing breaking Martinez down and the referee halted the fight in the third when Martinez had nothing left. The 29-year-old “Mickey” goes to 38 wins by KO/TKO. A true road warrior who will fight anyone anywhere. Martinez had wisely retired in 2008 after back-to-back inside the distance losses to Antonio Escalante and Yohnny Perez and this was his first fight in almost seven years-why bother?

 

Medford, OR, USA: Cruiser: Mike Wilson (12-0) W KO 2 Juan Reyna (5-5-1).

Wilson continues his comeback with second round kayo of Reyna. Wilson found Reyna troublesome in the first as the smaller man was ducking under Wilson’s jab and scoring with rights. One of those punches opened a cut below Wilson’s left eye. Wilson got his jab working in the second pushing Reyna back to the ropes and landing a right hook to the body that saw Reyna fall to his knees and stay there for the full count. The 32-year-old 6’3” (191cm) hometown fighter was twice US Under-19 Champion, US National Champion in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and competed at the World Championships but lost at the US Trials for both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. He was inactive from August 2013 until returning with a win in April. Now 5 losses by KO/TKO for Reyna.