The Past Week in Action 19 August 2014

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 sport.

                        The Past Week in Action 19 August 2014

August 13

 

New York, NY, USA: Feather: Elio Rojas (24-2) W PTS 8 Robert Osiobe (14-10-4). Super Middle: Derrick Findley (21-13-1,1ND) W PTS 8 Lamar Russ (14-2,1ND). Super Bantam: Rafael Vazquez (12-1) W TKO 5 Derrick Wilson (10-7-2). Super Middle: Junior Younan (6-0) W TKO 1 Marlon Farr (4-7). Light Welter: Jonathan Alonso (1-0) W TKO 3 Jose Gomez (3-8).

Rojas vs. Osiobe

Rojas returns to action with unanimous decision over Osiobe. The former WBC champion had the superior skills and outboxed the tough Nigerian in every round. Both boxers committed a few indiscretions as Osiobe tried to hustle Rojas out of his stride. Rojas was dominant on both the inside and the outside and a frustrated Osiobe lost a point in the in the fifth. Scores 80-71 twice and 79-72. Injury saw 31-year-old Brooklyn-based Dominican Rojas effectively lose his title and become WBC “champion in recess” When he returned he lost for the title to then champion Jhonny Gonzalez in April 2012, his last fight. Osiobe has lost 4 in a row, all on points.

Russ vs. Findley

Findley upsets the apple cart with a unanimous decision over favourite Russ. The 6’2” (188cm) Russ had big edges in height and reach over the 5’6” (168cm) Findley and in the earlier rounds he used those advantages to fight on the outside and also showed a willingness to trade shot for shot on the inside to build a small lead. The fight changed in the fourth when Findley scored a dubious knockdown and although there was also trouble for Findley as a large swelling on his forehead worsened, he was having the better of the exchanges. The fifth and six were close but the seventh was a disaster for Russ as he lost a point for holding and was then put down by a right from Findley. Russ tried hard to swing things his way in the last but to do that had to go toe-to-toe which suited Findley. Scores 77-72, 76-73 and 75-74. “Superman” Findley, 30, was without a win in his last 7 fights but in the distant past had beaten Andrzej Fonfara and Ronald Hearns both inside two rounds. Russ, 27, also needed a win after putting up a strong fight in losing to Matthew Macklin in December and then seeing his fight with Tony Hirsch end as a no decision in one round due to a cut.

Vazquez vs. Wilson

Vazquez halts Wilson in a fight that sees both fighters having to fight back after being on the floor. Wilson made the running in the early rounds but Vazquez showed his vaunted power by flooring Wilson late in the third. There was not enough time for Vazquez to capitaslise on that. In the fourth it was Wilson’s turn and he put Vazquez down with a series of hard shots and Vazquez only just survived the round. In the fifth both were trading heavy shots when a right/left combination unhinged Wilson and Vazquez kept on throwing hard shots until the referee stepped in to save Wilson. Brooklyn-based Puerto Rican Vazquez, 36, makes it 10 wins by KO/TKO including a ninth round kayo of world rated Leon Moore. Wilson has now lost 5 of his last 6 fights

Younan vs Farr

Teenage prospect Younan dismisses Farr in just 26 seconds. A couple of left hooks did the job with the referee stopping the fight. The 18-year-old prodigy has won 5 of his fights by KO/TKO, all 5 of those wins in the first round and in those KO/TKO wins no one has gone past 69 seconds. He won a bunch of Junior and Silver Gloves titles and although the opposition thus far has been very low quality he has to be one to watch. Farr has now lost inside the distance four times with the other three to promising youngsters Radivoje Kalajdzic, Jesses Hart and D’Mitrius Ballard.

Alonso vs. Gomez

Another former Olympian turns pro as Alonso halts Gomez in three. Alonso scored with hard punches to head and body over the first two rounds and in the third with Gomez on the ropes and not fighting back the fight was stopped. The 23-year-old “Maravilla” , born in the Dominican Republic, fought for Spain as an amateur twice winning the Spanish title and competing at the 2011 World Championships and 2012 Olympics. Four losses in a row for Gomez.

 

August 15

 

Santa Ynez, USA: Light: Denis Shafikov (34-1-1) W TKO 9 Rustam Nugaev (27-7-1). Super Feather: Jose Pedraza (18-0) W TKO 6 Juan Carlos Martinez (20-15-1). Light Middle: Francisco Santana (21-3-1) WTKO 5 Luis Alfredo Lugo (13-22-1). Feather: Khabir Suleymanov (17-4-1) W PTS 6 Rufino Serrano (14-6).

Shafikov vs.  Nugaev

Shafikov beats fellow Russian Nugaev in a fierce scrap. Nugaev had huge advantages in height 5’10” (178cm) to 5’5” (165cm) but made no attempt to capitalise on this but stood right in front of Shafikov in the pocket which was just where Shafikov wanted him. Nugaev was throwing so many punches that he probably edged the first two rounds but Shafikov ignoring the body and concentrating on Nugaev’s face was slowly turning Nugave’s visage into a resemblance of chopped meat. The third saw Nugaev continue to come forward throwing bunches of short punches with no real power behind them and Shafikov slamming home uppercuts and hooks. Nugaev used the same tactics in the fourth but emerged with a nose injury and a cut over his left eye which plagued him for the rest of the fight. Nugaev had no plan B and with the power shots coming from Shafikov Nugaev began to show signs of tiring. His face was a mask of blood as Shafikov scored time and again with those upper cuts and hooks. In the sixth and seventh Shafikov kept getting through with quick combinations and was now mixing them to head and body. Nugaev  had an alarming swelling on his left cheek and was bleeding heavily from the nose. By the end of the eighth the referee was discussing with Nugaev’s corner as to how much more punishment he would allow their man to take with Nugaev’s trainer wanting him to pull out but Nugaev wanting to give it one more round. Shafikov resolved that quandary late in the ninth hurting Nugaev and sending him back to the ropes with a vicious right to the body then landing a series of punches which convinced the referee to stop the fight. The 29-year-old Shafikov was having his first fight since losing to Miguel Vazquez for the IBF title in February. A return is highly possible but not guaranteed. With the first two places in the IBF ratings vacant and Nugaev No 5(3) and Shafikov 9(7) it was an eliminator and not a final eliminator. Nugaev, 31, loses inside the distance for the first time. He had won his last six fights getting him WBC/WBA 3 and his high IBF rating.

Pedraza vs. Martinez

Pedraza just too quick and powerful for Martinez who retires at the end of the sixth round. “The Puerto Rican “Sniper” was getting his punches off quicker and scoring to head and body with Martinez getting through with some right hand counters to stay in the fight. At the end of the second round Pedraza was showing some bruising by his right eye from the counters but from the third the fast handed young prospect was dominating moving around Martinez to create punching angles and throwing four and five punch combinations doling out heavy punishment and slowly grinding down the Mexican who had come in at just two weeks notice.. In the sixth with Pedroza still scoring heavily Martinez was trying to make a fight out of it but was tiring and although not really in any trouble he retired at the end of the round. Now 12 wins by KO/TKO for 25-year-old Pedraza already rated WBA 4/WBC 7/IBF 7. As an amateur he won a gold medal at the Central American & Caribbean Games, a silver medal at the World Championships beating Albert Selimov who beat Vasyl Lomachenko, and competed at the 2008 Olympics. Martinez, 32, now has five defeats by KO/TKO. He lost consecutive fights to Mikey Garcia and Edner Cherry but had bounced back well with a win over Alejandro Perez in April.

Santana vs. Acuna

Santana halts late stand-in Lugo. Santana was in charge in every round with Lugo standing up well to the punishment but never able to match the power of Santana. Santana took the first two rounds with Lugo fighting back well in the next two. In the fifth Santana was on top and after he landed a volley of punches Lugo’s corner threw in the towel much to the fighters disgust. Santana, 28, has lost twice to Karim Mayfield and once to Jermell Charlo but has now won 9 in a row including victories over Freddy Hernandez, Joachim Alcine and Eddie Gomez (16-0). Lugo, 26, is 2-8 in his last 10 fights.

Suleymanov vs. Serrano

Suleymanov beats Serrano in a fight that sees both fighters on the floor. In an exciting first round Suleymanov put Serrano down only for Serrano to get up floor Suleymanov. After that the fight settled down to a close contest with the more experienced Suleymanov staging a strong finish to earn the majority decision. Scores 58-55, 58-56 and 57-57. “Crazy Russian” Suleymanov,33, has wins over Jonathan Arias, Javier Gallo and veteran Juanito Rubillar with his losses being to high standard opposition in Chris Avalos, Alberto Guevara, Arturo Santos Reyes and Roman Morales. Mexican Serrano is 2-3 in his last five.

 

Mercedes, Argentina: Light Heavy: Walter Sequeira (10-1) W KO 2 Gaston Soria (7-12). Sequeira extends his winning run and wins the interim WBC Latino title with kayo of Soria. To begin with Soria tried to use his height and reach advantages to control the fight with his left jab. Sequeira quickly got inside and scored with a good combination to head and body and then had Soria cornered and caught him with heavy rights to the chin. In the second round home town fighter Sequeira continued his attacks and after scoring with body punches put Soria down with a right to the chin and the fight was over. After losing his first pro fight the 27-year-old FAB No 3 has won ten on the bounce 7 by KO/TKO. First loss inside the distance for Soria, 26, he had won his last 5 fights but was moving up to ten rounds for the first time.

 

Quito, Ecuador: Welter: Fernando Angulo (28-9) W PTS 10 Daniel Lopez (26-5-1). Light Welter: Oscar James (13-0-2) W TKO 4 Diego Ponce (26-9-3).

Angulo vs. Lopez

Angulo returns home to get a unanimous decision over Argentinian southpaw Lopez. At 33 he is still too good for most South American fighters in his division and wins on scores of 99-91, 99-94 and 99-92. Almost 15 years a pro “The Fire” lost to Juan Diaz for the WBA light title and Lenny Zappavigna for the IBO title but has beaten Eloy Rojas, Ammeth Diaz and Pablo Cesar Cano. Lopez, 25, had won 5 of his last 6 fights.

James vs. Ponce

Argentinian-based Quito southpaw returns with a win. In his first fight since February 2013 “The Golden Child” makes it 12 wins by KO/TKO. Argentinian “Butcher” Ponce was 6-2 in his last 8 fights going into this one.

 

Ensenada, Mexico: Light Welter: Mario Meraz (22-4) W TKO 6 Lizandro De los Santos (22-12). Local fighter “Rocky” Meraz rebounds from inside the distance loss against Jason Pagara in June with stoppage of experienced De los Santos. Meraz had to work hard to overcome the resistance from De los Santos but floored his fellow Mexican in the fourth and early in the sixth the referee stepped in to save De Los Santos who was not fighting back. Now 18 wins b y KO/TKO for the Ensenada fighter. He had won 6 in a row before losing to world rated Pagara. Two losses by KO/TKO in a row for De Los Santos

 

Saratoga Springs, NY, USA: Light Heavy: Shawn Miller (14-1-1) W PTS 10 Frankie Filippone (16-5-1). Light Heavy: Rayford Johnson (10-15) W KO 6 Vincent Miranda (16-2).

Miller vs. Filippone

Local fighter Miller advances to 13 fights unbeaten with unanimous decision over Filippone. Miller was coming forward and slotting home good punches with Filippone on the back foot and countering. Miller was winning the close rounds and scoring well with rights against the southpaw. Miller used his right to floor Filippone in the eighth but is not a big puncher and Filippone was able to survive the round and was never in trouble again. Scores 97-92, 96-93 and 95-94. Not a great fight but it extends the unbeaten streak of the 32-year-old from Troy. Filippone, 34, had won his last two fights.

Johnson vs. Miranda

Minor upset as Texan Johnson climbs off the canvas to kayo Miranda. In his first fight since April last year Miranda showed no ring rust and used his jab and straight rights to edge the first three rounds and looked to have Johnson wilting by the fourth. On that basis it was not a big surprise when Miranda, who had won 5 of his last 6 fights by KO/TKO, dropped the aggressive Johnson with right in the fifth. The surprise was that Johnson got up and continued to take the fight to Miranda. The upset came in the sixth as Johnson staggered Miranda with a right and then put him down. Miranda got up but was on shaky legs and Johnson nailed him with a right that put him down and out. Johnson, 34, had lost 6 of his last 7 fights going in but proved a very live opponent. Puerto Rican Miranda, 29, had wins over David Telesco and Brain Barbosa but this was only his second fight in over two years.

 

August 16

 

 

Carson, CA, USA: Welter: Kell Brook (33-0) W PTS 12 Shawn Porter (24-1-1). Super Middle: Anthony Dirrell (27-0-1) W PTS 12 Sakio Bika (32-6-3). Light: Omar Figueroa (24-0-1) W TKO 9 Daniel Estrada (32-3-1). Heavy: Deontay Wilder (32-0) W TKO 4 Jason Gavern (25-17-4). Welter: Lydell Rhodes (22-0) W TKO 4 John Nater (13-7). Light: Jorge Linares (37-3) W KO 2 Ira Terry (26-12,1ND). Heavy: Dominic Breazeale (12-0) W KO 2 Billy Zumbrun (27-14-1). Welter: Alan Sanchez (14-3-1) W KO 3 Jose Luis Ramirez Jr. (7-1-1). Light: Luke Campbell (7-0) W KO 2 Steve Trumble (13-31). Super Middle: Callum Smith (13-0) W KO 1 Abraham Hernandez (5-1). Middle: Jason Quigley (2-0) W TKO 3 Fernando Najera (1-4). Welter: Fabian Maidana (2-0) W TKO 1 Philip Soriano (0-6)

Brook vs. Porter

Brook finally gets his title shots and wins IBF crown with majority decision over Porter. The British challenger edged the early rounds with superior skills and more accurate punching against the higher work rate but less accurate work from Porter. It was the excellent counter punching from Brook that was catching the judge’s eye and despite suffering a cut over his left eye from a clash of heads in the second round after four rounds he was up 39-37 on two cards and equal at 38-38 on the third. Brook was looking to control the fight using his height and reach advantages to work with the jab with Porter keeping up the pressure but also becoming untidy in his work and doing too little when he got inside. The cut count was balanced in the sixth when Porter was cut on his right eyelid in a clash of heads. After eight rounds Brook had maintained his lead on the cards being in front 77-75 and 78-74 with the British judge having it all square at 76-76. Porter needed a strong finish to save his title but instead it was Brook who was stronger and sharper over the closing rounds. Scores 117-111, 116-112 and from the British judge a generous to Porter 114-114. Although it was a majority decision it was well received by the crowd and most media. Brook, the 28-year-old “Special One” had beaten Carson Jones in an IBF eliminator in 2012, beat Hector Saldavia in an IBF final eliminator later the same year and in 2013 beat Vyacheslav Senchenko in yet another IBF eliminator so he earned his title shot the hard way and deserved his victory which was scored on a show promoted by Porters promoters. “Showtime” Porter was making the second defence of the title he won by beating Devon Alexander in December and defended by crushing Paul Malignaggi in April. He thought he won this one and wants a return.

Bika vs. Dirrell

Dirrell wins the WBC title as he goes one better than his draw with champion Bika in a challenge in December. The last fight was bad and this one lived down to that. It was a dirty, messy, foul-filled scrap. What clean boxing there was came from Dirrell who managed to land some big head-jerking rights. The scene was set in the first round when a bout of wrestling saw both men tumble to the floor. Dirrell was quicker and more accurate with his shots as he began to use his jab more from the third. Bike needed to get inside where he could make his superior strength tell but neither fighter did much work when at close quarters. After four rounds Dirrell was in front 39-37 on two cards and the other read 38-38. A right from Dirrell staggered Bika in the fifth and the champion lost a point in the eighth for a low blow, but either could have been penalised a few times and the crowd booed the messy action on many occasions. With the point deduction Dirrell was in front 78-73 on two cards and by 77-74 on the third. Bika tried to save thing with a strong finish. He had Dirrell down in the ninth but it was rightly ruled a slip and although he did better over those closing rounds the title slipped away from Bika. Scores 117-110, 116-111 and a surprisingly close 114-113. The 29-year-old Dirrell, another fighter who has won a battle against cancer to reach the top, may have closed a door for his brother Andre who has just returned to action and is hoping to get a shot at one of the titles. Cameroon-born Australian-based Bika, 35, may find it hard to get back to the top as his style is not fan friendly and is not one too many opponents would welcome facing.

Figueroa vs. Estrada

Figueroa retains his WBC title with a dramatic kayo. The Texan was always getting the better of this fight despite the brave efforts of Mexican Estrada. The champion was coming forward from the start pressurising Estrada and despite some hard counters he just kept the pressure on and was basically outworking and outscoring the challenger. After four rounds Figueroa was leading on all three cards 40-36 and he never relaxed that hold on the fight. Estrada had the edge in reach and was trying to keep the fight open to find room for his counters but Figueroa was staying in close. That lead to a problem in the eighth when a clash of heads saw Figueroa with a bad cut over his right eye. At the end of the eighth Figueroa already had an impervious lead on the cards which read 79-73 twice and 80-72, The injury was sure to see the fight stopped soon but Figueroa took no chance and in the ninth a huge right put Estrada down heavily. He beat the count but Figueroa jumped on him and a series of hard head shots saw the referee stop the fight. The 24-year-old “Panterita” makes it 18 wins by KO/TKO and he restored his reputation after just squeezing past Jerry Belmontes on split decision in April. Increasing weight problems may see Figueroa move up after one more defence at most. “Tremendo” Estrada, 29, the WBC Silver champion was the mandatory challenger.

Wilder vs. Gavern

A very predictable outcome sees Wilder get yet another win inside the distance. Gavern, a regular sparring partner for Wilder, was too small, too slow and too out of condition to be any sort of opponent for the big WBC No 1. Gavern tried to make a fight of it over the first two rounds with Wilder seemingly not putting out 100% effort to try to get some rounds under his belt. He floored Gavern with a right in the third with Gavern half-heartedly complaining that the punch that put him down landed on the back of his head. Wilder put Gavern down again with a right in the fourth and having taken the full 12 minutes, further than any other opponent of Wilder, he retired. with his challenge to Bermane Stiverne coming Wilder obviously felt that five months plus between fights was not good but  we still don’t know what punch resistance or level of stamina he has. Now eight losses for 37-year-old Gavern in his first fight since losing to 39-year-old Michael Sprott in the final of the Prizefighter Tournament in November.

Rhodes vs. Nater

Haskell “Lydell” Rhodes shows improvement after working with Manny Pacquiao and is on his way to victory when an injury ends his fight with Nater. He was up against an opponent who had big edges in height and reach but did not know how to employ them properly. Rhodes was just too quick over the first two rounds for the tall Puerto Rican. Nater managed to get in some good shots in the third bringing blood from the nose of Rhodes but he was also cut himself. Nater had been complaining in his corner about an injured shoulder. Late in the fourth a right from Rhodes put Nater down. He survived to the end of the round but then retired.  “Hackman” Rhodes, 26, now has 11 wins by KO/TKO but has been carefully protected with his best win being a split decision over Yakubu Amidu in April 2013. At 5’4 ½” (164cm) he is small for a light welter. Nater, 23, 5’10” (178cm) is 2-4 in his last 6 fights with all four losses coming in or at the end of the fourth round and in fact only one of his 20 fights has gone beyond round four.

Linares vs. Terry

A poor match is over early. Linares was a few levels above Terry. The Venezuelan “Golden Boy” easily dominated the first three minutes and just as Terry was showing signs of coming to life Linares ended the fight with a stunning right to the chin and when Terry hit the canvas the referee waived the fight over without a count. The 28-year-old Linares, a former WBC feather and WBA super feather champion beat Nihito Arakawa in  a WBC eliminator in March and is No 2 with both the WBC and WBA. Daniel Estrada was No 1 with the WBC so now the road is clear for Linares to challenge Omar Figueroa if the Texan decides to stay at 135lbs for one more fight. Terry, 27,  started his career with 19 straight wins but currently he is 2-10, 1ND in his last 13.

Breazeale vs. Zumbrun

Breazeale ends this poor match quickly. The former Olympian had oldie Zumbrun under pressure in the first and floored him twice with left hooks in the second and again no count needed. Not sure what the 6’6 ½” (199cm), 250lbs, with an 81”  (206cm) reach and 10 wins by KO/TKO in 11 fights was expected to get out of a fight with a 41-year-old 6’0” (183cm) 230lbs with 71” (180cm) reach who was having his first fight for a year but I guess someone has a plan-maybe.

Sanchez vs. Ramirez

There could also be some questions over this match as Sanchez floored Ramirez in the first round and three times with body punches in the third to force the finish. Sanchez is a big welterweight whereas Ramirez has been at or around the super feather limit in his previous three fights.  Sanchez, 23, has now won 9 of his last 10 fights with the loss in that sequence being to Luis Collazo in September. He has 8 wins by KO/TKO. Southpaw Ramirez, 26, is the son of the former WBC lightweight champion.

Campbell vs. Trumble

British Olympic gold medal winner Campbell shows why he is considered one of the best young prospect in world boxing. The Hull southpaw found Trumble an awkward handful in the first but a right hook put Trumble down early in the second. Trumble made it to his feet but a right followed by a cracking left hook to the body ended the fight. Apart from his Olympic gold the 26-year-old Campbell was European champion and won a silver medal at the World Championships. The 38-year-old Trumble no real test as he loses for the 11^th time in his last 12 fights.

Smith vs. Hernandez

The referee’s must have decided that counting to ten was just too much of a task as yet another hot British prospect Smith produces a quick finish with no count applied . Late in the first Smith backed Hernandez into the Mexican’s own corner and then sent him crashing down in the ropes with a huge right. No count required.   The 24-year-old 6’3” (191cm) “Mundo” Smith has won 10 of his last 11 fight by KO/TKO including 7 first round finishes. Vladine Biosse ruined that sequence by taking Smith the full ten rounds in a WBC International title defence last month. Mexican Hernandez just a 4 and 6 round prelim fighter and way out of his depth here.

 

Quigley vs. Najera

Yet another outstanding prospect gets a win as Quigley beats Najera on a cut. There was plenty of action but in the middle of the third round a punch from Quigley opened a cut on the left eyebrow of Najera. At the end of the round Najer’s corner said their man could not continue. Two wins inside the distance for 23-year-old Quigley. His amateur credentials include a gold medal at the European Championships and a silver medal at the World Championships, the first Irish boxer to achieve that feat. Third loss by KO./TKO for Mexican Najera.

Maidana vs. Soriano

Talent all the way down the card as Argentinian Maidana halts Soriano in the first. Soriano came out trying to take the fight to Maidana and throwing wild shots. Maidana waited for the mild storm to blow itself out and then nearly cut Soriano in half with a body shot. Soriano did not go down but was in obvious pain and was given a standing count. Again Soriano tried to punch his way out of trouble but a series of left hooks to the body put him down and although he beat the count he was in agony and hardly able to stand and indicated he did not want to continue. No kind of test for the younger brother of Marcos. The 22-year-old “TNT” Maidana won a silver medal at the World Youth Championships and  bronze medal at the World Youth Olympics but like brother Marcos did not quite make it to the Olympics.

 

Erfut, Germany: Cruiser: Yoan Pablo Hernandez (29-1) W PTS 12 Firat Arslan (34-8-2). Light Middle: Jack Culcay (18-1) W PTS 12 Isaac Real (10-1-1). Super Middle: Tyron Zeuge (15-0) W TKO 9 Baker Barakat (40-17-4). Cruiser: Noel Gevor (13-0) W PTS 8 Ismail Abdoul (54-30-2). Feather: Denis Ceylan (12-0-1) DREW 8 Cris Montilla (6-3-1). Light Heavy: Abel Gevor (8-0) W PTS 6 Attila Palko (17-14). Super Middle: Stefan Haertel (1-0) W PTS 6 Olegs Fedotovs (18-15).

Hernandez vs. Arslan

So near, yet so far again for Arslan as he loses a split decision in this all-southpaw fight which sees Hernandez retain his IBF title with a very disputed split decision. From the outset Hernandez was trying to use his height a reach to control the fight on the outside whilst Arslan started slowly and was not letting his punches go. Hernandez clearly took the first two rounds but from the third Arslan was coming forward, getting inside and scoring with left uppercuts and rights to the body, but Hernandez was also scoring and aiming for the body himself. The rounds were close but now the fight was more equal. Arslan looked to have taken the fifth sixth and seventh rounds, but in the eighth the challenger showed some signs of tiring. Hernandez came back to win the ninth with his own body attack and Arslan was now bleeding heavily from his right ear. Hernandez was down at the end of the round but it was a slip and not a knockdown. Arslan got his second wind and edged the tenth and eleventh rounds. In the last Arslan kept up the pressure with a tired Hernandez spitting out his mouthpiece to get a breather as he fought to keep his title. Scores 116-113 and 115-113 to Hernandez and 115-113 to Arslan. There was a fierce debate over this one with many feeling Arslan had been robbed and others that Hernandez had established an early lead and won many of the close rounds. However, all that counts is that Hernandez is still champion after his fourth defence and that Arslan has once again, as in his draw with Alex Alekseev and loss to Marco Huck in their first fight, seemed to many to have gotten a raw deal from the judges. Hopefully Hernandez will now be more active as this was only his second fight in almost two years. The 43-year-old Arslan, a German with Turkish roots, and a former holder of the secondary WBA title has not been promised a return, quite the opposite in fact, so he will have to think hard about his future.

Culcay vs. Real

Culcay wins EBU title but has to climb off the floor for his victory. The Ecuadorian-born German set the pattern over the first two rounds. Giving away height and reach and with Real looking much bigger physically the young German was just too quick for the champion. He was buzzing around the Spaniard getting through with fast jabs and two-handed flurries and using excellent upper body movement to dodge Real’s punches. Real was not letting his hands go enough as he tried to walk down and corner the quicker man. In the third Real managed to get home with the punch he had been looking for. A crunching right to the side of the head put Culcay down on his knees. He was up immediately and after the count just continued where he left off outboxing Real who hardly managed to land another punch of any consequence in the round. The German fighter not only survived the third round but also won the fourth. At that point the scores were 38-37 for Culcay from all three judges. The fifth was a closer round but Culcay was the busier and had his golden gloved hands slotting jabs and long lefts to the body of Real. By the end of the eighth round Culcay had extended his lead on two cards to be in front 78-73 twice and was still ahead 77-75 on the other. Real tried to stage a big finish and was always dangerous but Culcay matched him over the closing rounds to take the unanimous decision. Scores 117-110, 115-112 and 115-113. First big title for the 28-year-old “Golden Jack” who also retains his WBA Inter-Continental title.  He is already rated WBA 4(3)/WBO 8/IBF 13 although the level of his opposition has not been that strong. Spaniard “Chaca” Real, 32, was making the first defence of the title he won with a big upset victory over Emanuele Della Rosa in May.

Zeuge vs. Barakat

Zeuge continues unbeaten with hard earned win over Barakat. The first round saw Barakat under pressure and forced to take a standing count. To make things worse he was also cut by his left eye by a punch. The second also saw Zeuge firing home hard punches with it looking like an early night. However, despite seven losses by KO/TKO, Barakat did not crumble but tightened his defence and although lacking the skills of the young German and shipping more heavy punishment he stayed in the fight. At the end of the eighth all three judges had it 80-71 to Zeuge. After an examination by the doctor in the ninth round  it was decided that the cut and swelling around Barakat’s left eye was too bad for the fight to continue. The 22-year-old Zeuge wins the vacant IBF International title. A great prospect Zeuge is WBO No 7 based on his winning their Youth title but on the strength of his opposition the EBU can’t even find a place for him in their top 20. Syrian-born 33-year-old Barakat is 4-6 in his last 10 fights and was stopped in two rounds by George Groves in March last year.

Gevor vs. Abdoul

As usual when Abdoul is involved this one went the distance with Gevor winning every round. Being the bigger fighter and having a big edge in reach Gevor was able to score easily throughout the fight. The only real excitement came in the third when Gevor managed to put the grizzled Belgian tough guy on the floor but could not keep him there. The 23-year-old Armenian-born Gevor will be looking to move up to ten rounds and boxing for a title of some sort in his next fight. Abdoul, 37, had been boxing a home more so was 7-2 in his last 9 fights going in. The only time Abdoul has been beaten inside the distance was against Krzys Wlodarczyk back in 2002 and even then it took Wlodarczyk until the twelfth round to get the job done.

Ceylan vs. Montilla

This was expected to be an easy fight for Danish hope Ceylan but it did not work out that way. The former top amateur started well enough throwing punches from the outset and setting a fast pace. Montilla was scoring well with counters as Ceylan was leaving openings in search for a quick win. Both fighters tired over the closing rounds and Montilla did enough to deserve the draw. Scores 77-75 for Ceylan, 77-75 for Montilla and 77-77. Ceylan, 25, was rated EBU 11. Montilla, 25, is the Spanish super bantam champion so was the smaller man. After suffering two first round losses in his first three fights the Spaniard has lost only one of his last seven fights and that also was at featherweight.

Gevor vs. Palko

Abel made it a good night for the Gevor family as he won every round in a blood spattered fight against Palko. The tall southpaw coolly boxed his way in front over the first three rounds. Over the last three rounds both boxer bled profusely from cuts but Gevor stayed in control and won on scores of 60-54 from all three judges. The Armenian-born Abel is the younger brother of Noel. Hungarian Palko has lost 10 of his last 11 fights.

Haertel vs. Fedotovs

Sauerland’s latest signing wins his first pro fight. The 26-year-old former Olympian boxed coolly and carefully in his first paid fight against experienced but very modest Latvian. Haertel won every round and with Fedotovs losing a point for a butt in the third ran out a winner on scores of 60-53 from all three judges. The 26-year-old German comes with impressive amateur credentials with a bronze medal in the World Military Championships and a bronze in the European Union Championships, but lost to Brit Anthony Ogogo in the quarterfinals in London 2012. He was German champion in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2013 so a useful addition to the Sauerland team. Fedotovs went the distance with Andy Lee but was halted in two rounds by Chris Eubank Jr. one of only three times he has lost by KO/TKO.

 

San Jorge, Argentina: Light Middle: Marcelo Coceres (15-0-1) W TKO 8 Sergio Sanders (21-10-2). Light Welter: Diego Luque (14-1-1) W TKO 3 Oscar Perez (6-7-4).

Coceres vs. Sanders

Home town fighter Coceres wins vacant IBF Latino title with stoppage of veteran Sanders. Coceres showed his power from the first round as he floored Sanders with a right cross, helped by an accidental butt which the referee missed. Sanders tried to match Coceres for power in the second but “El Terrible” was still able to slot home his hard rights and from the third began to also work the body. Sanders was losing the battle as he used all of his experience but still took punishment over the next three rounds. By the seventh Sanders was exhausted and almost went down twice. It was no surprise when he failed to come out for the eighth round. The 23-year-old FAB No 3 has 9 wins by KO/TKO including his last 5 fights on the bounce. “Super” Sanders, 35, the FAB No 6, is 3-5 in his last 8.

Luque vs. Perez

Luque makes it two wins in a row by KO/TKO. After dominating the first round he had Perez hurt in the second round with the referee giving Perez a standing count. Perez was under fire again in the third and another standing count ensued. When the count was over as Luque continued the assault the towel came in from Perez’s corner. Seven wins by KO/TKO for Luque. His only loss was a fifth round kayo against Martin Coggi in May last year. Two draws and three losses in his last five fights for Perez.

 

Quebec City, Canada: Super Middle: Schiller Hyppolite (13-1) W PTS 10 JJ McDonagh (10-3). Welter: Mian Hussain (10-0) W PTS 8 Flavio Turelli (10-7-2). Light: Mike Gadbois (12-0-2) W TKO 3 Raffaele Laezza (4-3-1).

Hyppolite vs. McDonagh

Local fighter Hyppolite gets good win and shows improvement as overcomes the Irishman’s physical edge and southpaw style and gets unanimous decision over useful McDonagh. Scores 99-91, 98-92 and 96-94. Haitian-born Hyppolite, 28, has won seven in a row by KO/TKO including victories over Jermain Mackey, Rafael Pintos and Mohammed Akrong. McDonagh, 28, had won 8 of his last 9 fights with the only loss being to Eamonn O’Kane in the Prizefighter final in 2012.

Hussain vs. Turelli

Southpaw Hussain remains unbeaten as he outpoints Swiss veteran. Scores 78-73 from all three judges. The 24-year-old former Canadian amateur champion’s first eight round fight was over in 59 seconds but this time he had to go the full route. Turelli, 38, was having his first fight since July 2012.

Gadbois vs. Laezza

Gadbois makes it 2-1 for southpaws as he halts Laezza in three rounds. As with Hussain he was having his second eight round fight. The 27-year-old “L’Unique” was also a good level amateur. Laezza, 33, loses inside the distance for the first time.

 

Barranquilla, Colombia: Super Bantam: Luis Melendez (39-9-1) W PTS 10 Raul Hirales (22-3-1). Welter: Juan De Angel (15-3-1) W PTS 10 Jose Pinzon (25-7).

Melendez vs. Hirales

Melendez keeps his outside chance of another world title fight alive with unanimous decision over Mexican Hirales. After some good action in an even first round Hirales was beating the local fighter to the punch in the second and third with both being warned about careless headwork at the end of the third. Hirales started the fourth well, but Melendez came back strongly as the round ended. Both scored well in the fifth and six with Melendez just doing enough to win the rounds and Hirales suffering a bad gash on his right cheek. The Colombian also took the eighth but as he tired Hirales did enough to win the ninth. Both threw everything into the last round with Hirales having to survive a doctor’s inspection of the cut on his cheek. It had been a tough close fight but the scores heavily favoured Melendez at 98-92, 97-93 and a much more accurate 96-94. Southpaw Melendez, 34, lost on a twelfth round stoppage to Fernando Montiel for the WBO super fly title in 2007. He had lost back-to-back matches to Julio Ceja and Joseph Agbeko but has now won five in a row. Hirales, 30, suffered a similar fate with consecutive losses to Carl Frampton and Adrian Young in 2012 but had rebounded with six wins against good level opposition and was unlucky in this one.

De Angel vs. Pinzon

De Angel made it a win double for the locals over Mexican opposition but again the scores were very home biased. The Colombian was just a little quicker to the punch to take the first but Pinzon took the second with some hard hooks. The third and fourth rounds saw both relying more on their jabs and were close enough to be scored either way. De Angel was tiring from the mid point of the fight and although he jabbed well in the fifth and sixth the seventh and eighth went clearly to Pinzon making them about even. Pinzon outpunched De Angel over the last two rounds only to see the Colombian walk away with a unanimous decision. Scores 96-94 twice and 96-93. De Angel, 27, wins the vacant WBC Latino title and goes the distance for victory the for the first time. He makes it 13 wins in his last 14 fights with 12 of those 13 wins by KO/TKO. His loss was a third round kayo against Gilberto Ramirez Sanchez in April last year. Pinzon, 27, is 5-4 in his last 9 fights but was coming off a good win in May over Michael Rosales.

 

Olavinlinna, Finland: Welter: Jussi Koivula (17-1) W TKO 9 Stiliyan Kostov (14-4).

Koivula halts Bulgarian Kostov. Koivula was in charge in this one and with Kostov not fighting back the fight was halted in the ninth. Fourth win in a row for Koivula since losing his unbeaten record against Pole Lukasz Maciec in April last year. Now 6 wins by KO/TKO for the Finnish 30-year-old the EU No 20. Kostov, 28, was on a good run with 12 wins in his last 13 fights 10 by KO/TKO.

 

Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico: Super Bantam: Horacio Garcia (27-0) W TKO 5 Jonathon Perez (33-10,1ND). Bantam: Ivan Morales (26-0) W TKO 5 Cesar Canchilla (33-5).

Garcia vs. Perez

Another inside the distance win for Garcia as he halts Colombian Perez. Both fighters were looking to trade from the start and it always looked like a fight that would end early. Garcia scored with the harder punches but shots from Perez soon had a swelling under Garcia’s right eye. They shared the second round but the rest of the early rounds went to Garcia the harder puncher. Under the open scoring after four rounds he was 39-37 up on two cards and 40-36 on the third. In the fourth a left to the chin had Perez staggering and Garcia jumped on him with a volley of punches. With Perez not throwing anything back the referee stopped the fight. “Violento” Garcia, , 24, retains the WBC Continental Americas title in his first defence and makes it 19 wins by KO/TKO. He is WBC No 15. “Popeye” Perez, 27, must have forgotten his spinach as he loses by KO/TKO for the eighth time. He was unbeaten in his last 15 fights coming into this one but against very poor level opposition.

Morales vs. Canchilla

Morales just too strong for Colombian Canchilla. “Nino Maravilla” stays on course to emulate brothers Erik and Diego as his pressure slowly breaks down Canchilla who retires before the start of the sixth round. The 22-year-old southpaw, the WBC No 8 super fly, has 15 wins by KO/TKO. Former interim WBA light fly champion Canchilla, 32, made headlines back in 2008 when he beat Giovanni Segura to win the interim title, only for Segura to floor and stop him the following year. In his last fight in November he was stopped by Breilor Teran (11-9-1) a poor result.

 

Miedzyzdroje, Poland: Light: Michal Chudecki (10-0-1) W PTS 10 Felix Lora (18-12-5). Welter: Przemyslaw Runowski (8-0) W TKO 6 Andrei Abramenko (20-7-2). Light Middle: Rafal Jackiewicz (46-11-2) W PTS 8 Krzys Szot (18-15-1). Light Heavy: Pawel Glazewski (23-2) W PTS 8 Rowland Bryant (18-4).

Chudecki vs. Lora

After a slow start Chudecki comes on strong to get wide unanimous decision over always dangerous Lora. Spanish-based Dominican Lora stared fast as usual and it took Chudecki a couple of rounds to get into his stride. After the Pole won the third round Lora scored with an uppercut in the fourth which put Chudecki down. It looked partially as though Chudecki had got his legs crossed so more of a slip. He was up quickly and was soon marching forward and scoring with hard punches from both hands but particularly with his southpaw lefts. He also tightened his guard and was in control over the second half of the fight. His superior skills were evident. He floored Lora with a left in the sixth and with Lora tiring scored a second knockdown  in the tenth to be a clear winner. Scores 99-89 twice and 98-92. The 28-year-old Pole was in his first ten round fight. Chudecki turned pro in the USA. A former top amateur he was Polish champion, won a bronze medal at the European Union Championships and represented Poland at the 2007/2009/2011 World Championships. On previous visits to Poland Lora had beaten Krzys Szot (13-0-1) and Krzys Cieslak (18-2) and also won on the road over Massimiliano Ballisai (15-0) in Italy and Serhiy Fedchenko (33-2) in Ukraine. He is much better than his 18-11-5 record makes him look.

Runowski vs. Abramenko

Runowski gets a win but due to an injury. Abramenko surprised the local with a first round barrage but Runowski was able to block most of the shots. Runowski landed punches of his own to level things out in the third quicker and more accurate with his punches. The fourth saw the Pole take complete charge constantly taking Abramenko to the ropes and scoring to head and body. Abramenko was countering when he could but seemed to be using only his left.  The Pole forced the fight but even early Abramenko seemed to be using his right only very sparingly. The Pole was getting through with good punches in the fifth and in the sixth with little coming back from Abramenko and with his second climbing on to the ring apron the referee stopped the fight with the Belarus fighter complaining of a hand injury, purportedly a breakage, which stopped him countering effectively. First eight round fight for Runowski. But with only two wins by KO/TKO he seems to lack power. Abramenko is 3-6 in his last 9 fights.

Jackiewicz vs. Szot

Former European champion and world title challenger Jackiewicz ends his boxing career with a points win over fellow countryman Szot. with Szot doing the pressing Jackiewicz was comfortable boxing on the retreat and countering and a leaving few gaps for Szot to score. Jackiewicz took the unanimous decision on scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74. The 37-year-old “Braveheart” will now start competing in MMA. Szot, 36, once an outstanding amateur, has now lost 10of his last 11 fights.

Glazewski vs. Bryant

Glazewski overcomes a slow start to outpoint Bryant. The American had promised a knockout and showed he could be dangerous as he took the first round scoring with a right hook early and a left hook at the end of the round. Glazewski started using his jab and boxing in the second but was rocked again by another left hook. From then on Glazewski was outboxing Bryant who was now just looking to end the fight with one punch. With Glazewski using his better technical skill and movement and Bryant’s work rate dropping Glazewski held off a strong last round effort from Bryant and scored with some of his best shots in the fight. Scores 79-73 twice and 77-76. The 31-year-old Pole lost a split decision to Roy Jones Jr. in 2012 and was halted in June last year by Frenchman Hadillah Mohoumadi but has rebounded with three good wins. Bryant, 35, is now 4-4 in his last 8 fights including a win over Librado Andrade and losses to Thomas Oosthuizen and Yuriorkis Gonzalez.

 

Caguas, Puerto Rico: Light: Felix Verdejo (14-0) W PTS 8 Oscar Bravo (21-6). Super Bantam: Jose Lopez (14-0) W Roberto Castaneda (21-6-1).

Verdejo vs. Bravo

Verdejo wins every round as Chilean Bravo gives him a good test in his first eight round fight. The Puerto Rican wonder kid had a good first round scoring with jabs and hooks to the body but Bravo woke up in the second round and although Verdejo was still doing most of the scoring Bravo was getting home with some punches of his own but lacked power. Verdejo went to the body more in the third but Bravo was still firing back. The fourth was also Verdejo’s round as he used his superior hand speed to slot punches through the Chilean’s guard. Bravo was letting his hands go more in the fifth and sixth scoring with a good right hook to the head in the fifth. His best punch so far. Verdejo was sticking to his game plan. For the first time in his career Verdejo heard the bell to start the seventh round as he had never been past round six before. Bravo had his best round in the seventh as he came forward pressing the Puerto Rican in the early part of the round only for Verdejo to fire back with hard combinations. It was similar story in the last as Bravo again walked in and Vallejo peppered him with fast punches to head and body from both hands. Scores 80-72 from all three judges. The 21-year-old came through this test well showing good judgment in pacing the fight although he did admit to some tiredness in his arms by the end. A good learning experience after winning 3 of his last 4 fights inside a round. Bravo, 26, has been in three tough fights in a row coming off losses to Diego Magdaleno and Mason Menard but he kept his record of never losing by KO/TKO.

Lopez vs. Castaneda

It was bombs away from the outset in this one with both fighters on the floor early before Lopez won on a majority decision. In the first round Lopez floored the more experienced Mexican only for Castaneda to fire back and put the local fighter down twice with Lopez only just surviving to the bell. The fireworks continued in the second and third rounds with Lopez flooring Castaneda in each round only to undo some of his good work by losing a point in the third for hitting Castaneda on the back of his head. There were no more knockdowns but these two continued to trade punches over the remaining five rounds. The final scores favoured Lopez by 74-72 twice and 73-73 but the decision was a loudly booed by the local crowd. “Wonder Boy” Lopez, 20, retains his WBC Fecarbox title but I find eight round title fights a bit strange. Castaneda, 23, is on the down slope after a great start to his career. He has gone from 18-0-1 in his first 19 fights to 3-7 in his last 10

 

San Diego, CA, USA: Super Bantam: Chris Martin (28-3-3) W PTS 8 Giovanni Caro (24-25-4). Welter: Giovanni Santillan (14-0) W TKO 5 Osenohan Vazquez (7-2-1). Super Bantam: Daniel Roman (11-2-1) W TKO 2 Pedro Melo (9-6-2).

Martin vs. Caro

Martin gets close unanimous decision over seasoned Mexican Caro. The Mexican was quicker of the mark and built a small lead. From the third Martin took over for the next three rounds and it developed into a good give-and-take fight with many rounds close. Caro got himself back into the fight in the sixth and seventh and Martin clinched the decision with a good last round. Scores 77-75 from all three judges. The home town “SD Kid” was unbeaten in his first 25 fights but was 4-3-1 in his last 8 and coming off a loss to Enrique Quevedo in October. “El Ruso” Caro, 31, has competed with the best but is on the down slope now being 2-7 in his last 9 fights.

Santillan vs. Vazquez

Southpaw Santillan batters bruises and breaks down Vazquez. In the first round Santillan already had his right hook working and Vazquez had no real answer. By the second Vazquez was under constant pressure and although fighting back hard was already showing the signs of battle with a swelling by his left eye. Santillan continued to dominate in the third and fourth and in the fifth the one-sided fight was halted as Vazquez’s corner threw in the towel. The 22-year-old “Gallo de Oro” Santillan wins the vacant NABF Junior title and makes it 8 wins by KO/TKO. Puerto Rican Vazquez, 24, was unbeaten in his last 7 fights and gave it his best but the power was with Santillan.

Roman vs. Melo

Roman gets Melo out of there quickly. His fast, accurate shots were hurting Melo in the first round and near the end of the second a left to the body put Melo down. His corner wisely retired him at the end of the round. The 24-year-old Roman was 2-1-1 in his first four fights but has 9 wins in his last 10 fights. Melo is 3-4-1 in his last eight fights but was coming off a good performance where he got draw in Merida with Juan Kantun.

 

August 18

 

Tokyo, Japan: Light Middle: Koji Numata (22-7-2) W TKO 10 Takehiro Shimokawara (19-8-3). Numata wins vacant OPBF title at the third attempt. This was a close fight over the first four rounds before Numata made his superior punching power tell. Both men were trading hard punches but Numata was unfazed by those from Shimokawara whereas his, particularly the body punches, were starting to slow Shimokawara down. By the end of the eighth Numata was in front 78-74 on two cards but the other had them even at 76-76. Numata forced the finish in the tenth when a body punch had Shimokawara in deep trouble and the referee stopped the fight. Numata, 30, a former JBC welter champion, had lost in a challenge to Charlie Ota for the title and drawn with Shimokawara for the vacant title in a good fight in March. A big puncher he has 17 wins by KO/TKO. Shimokawara, 32, the JBC No 6 had less experience than Numata of long fights and lacked the power to match Numata.

 

Abbreviations

ABC=Asian Boxing Council an affiliate of the WBC

ABF=Asian Boxing Federation. I assume this is an affiliate of the IBF

ABU=African Boxing Union an affiliate of the WBC

ACC=WBC Asian Council Continental title

ANBF=Australian National Boxing Federation who administer Australian titles

BBB of C=British Boxing Board of Control

BBB of C Southern/Central/Midlands/Scottish Area etc. British Area titles

BDB= Bund Deutscher Berufsboxer one of the German boxing bodies

B & H=Bosnia & Herzegovina

BSA=Boxing South Africa responsible for administering boxing in South Africa

CBC=Commonwealth Boxing Council a sanctioning body for titles competed for by citizens of Commonwealth countries

CISBB-WBC title covering the rump of the USSR and the Slovenian Boxing Board

DRC=Democratic Republic of the Congo

EBU=European Boxing Union

FAB=Argentinian Boxing Federation

FFB=French Boxing Federation

GAB=Philippines Games & Amusement Board responsible for administering boxing in the Philippines

GBC= Global Boxing Council a sanctioning body

IBA=International Boxing Association a sanctioning body

IBF=International Boxing Federation a sanctioning body

IBO=International Boxing Organisation a sanctioning body

JBC =Japanese Boxing Commission

NABA=North American Boxing Association, a WBA affiliate

NABF=North American Boxing Federation a WBC affiliate

NABO= North American Boxing Organisation, a WBO affiliate

NGG=US National Golden Gloves

NZPBF=New Zealand Professional Boxing Federation a national sanctioning body

OPBF=Orient & Pacific Boxing Federation

PABA=Pacific & Asian Boxing Association, a WBA affiliate

PBF=Philippines Boxing Federation, a sanctioning body in the Philippines

UBF=Universal Boxing Federation a sanctioning body

UBO=Universal Boxing Organisation a sanctioning body

USBA= United States Boxing Association, an IBF affiliate

USBO=United States Boxing Organisation an WBO affiliate

WBA=World Boxing Association a sanctioning body

WBC=World Boxing Council a sanctioning body

WBFed=World Boxing Federation, a sanctioning body

WBFound=World Boxing Foundation, a sanctioning body

WBU=World Boxing Union, a sanctioning body

IBF WBA Rating=Both bodies leave vacancies in their ratings so when showing a IBF or WBA rating for a fighter where there is a vacant position ahead of them in the rankings which affects his rating I will put his numerical rating i.e. No 6 and in brackets and his rating based on the number of fighters ahead of him so IBF 6 (5) shows his numerical position is 6 but there are in fact only 5 fighters listed ahead of him due to one or more of

the higher rating positions being vacant.