The Past Week in Action 19 May 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.               

May 14

 

Manila, Philippines: Light Fly: Benezer Alolod (14-5-5) W TKO 3 Jerson Mancio (18-5-3). Fly: Rey Megrino (21-20-3) W KO 3 Ernesto Saulong (14-1-1).

Mancio vs. Alolod

“Bulldozer” against “Smooth Operator” and the Bulldozer won. Southpaw Alolod continues his run of good form as he halts champion Mancio in the third round to win the GAB title. The 23-year-old former WBC International champion has lost only one of his last 15 fights and that was to Nkosinathi Joyi in August, a loss which cost him his title.  Mancio, 26, was making the fourth defence of his national title.

Megrino vs. Saulong

Megrino takes away unbeaten tag of prospect Saulong. The key here was not the 20 fights that Megrino had lost but the 17 wins he had scored by KO/TKO including a three round disposal of Thai great Pongsaklek in 2012. The more experienced fighter had the power and Saulong could not match him and was kayoed early in the third to become victim No 18 by KO/TKO for the former undefeated WBC International champion. Megrino wins the IBF Asian Boxing Federation title. Saulong, 25 can come again.

 

May 15

 

Del Mar, CA, USA: Light Welter: Antonio Orozco (20-0) W PTS 10 Martin Honorio (32-9-1). Super Bantam: Manuel Avila (15-0) W KO 2 David De La Mora (25-6). Fly: Manuel Roman (17-2-3,1ND) W PTS 6 Jose Silveira (15-11).

Orozco vs. Honorio

A “tough test” turns into an easy win for Orozco in this all-Mexican fight. He was able to slot punches home as a ring rusty Honorio tried to get inside and work the body. Honorio was competitive over the first two rounds. Orozco gradually lived up to his “Relentless” nickname as he increased his output, he was cut over his left eye in a clash of heads but Honorio was unable to match him and spent more time on the defensive. In the eighth a punch from Orozco probably left Honorio with a broken nose. The ninth round saw Honorio under constant pressure and he lost a point for holding as he tried to slow the Orozco offensive. The 26-year-old Mexican could not add to his run of 7 wins in a row by KO/TKO but he took the decision on scores of 100-89 twice and 99-90. In his previous three fights Orozco, 26, had stopped Jose Reynoso, Ivan Hernandez and Miguel Angel Huerta so adds a useful scalp in Honorio and wins the vacant NABF title. Honorio, 34, suffered consecutive losses in 2012 a majority decision to Juan Carlos Salgado for the IBF super feather title and on points against Argenis Mendez in an IBF eliminator also at super feather. He was 13lbs heavier in this fight than the Mendez one in July 2012 so he needs more fights to get some of that poundage off.

Avila vs. De La Mora

De la Mora was in this fight for three minutes, after that it was a disaster for him. Early in the second young Avila nailed him with a left hook which put De la Mora down. He got up but was down again from an uppercut. De La Mora was badly shaken. He only just made it to his feet at nine and was caught with a right and went down for the third time with the referee stopping the fight immediately. Big win for 22-year-old Californian who has 6 victories by KO/TKO and is being built sensibly against useful opposition. If “Tino” Avila is going up De La Mora is racing in the other direction. The 25-year-old Mexican won his 23 fights. He is 2-6 in his last eight. Although two of those losses were to Koki Kameda for the secondary WBA bantam title and Anselmo Moreno for the real WBA title, in his last two fights he had lost inside the distance against two guys with negative records. Only 25 and washed up.

Roman vs. Silveira

“Sauvecito” Roman outclasses Silveira in another all-Mexican contest. The Californian State champion won every round and never let Silveira into the fight. He had big advantages in height and reach but both boxers were looking to attack the body. By the third Silveira was already slowing and Roman was in control. Apart from losing a point in the fourth for a low blow, Roman was able to sweep the remaining rounds. Scores 59-54 from all three judges. The tall Roman lost on points to Randy Caballero in August 2012 but rebounded in August last year with a close points victory over unbeaten John Amuzu. Silveira, 35, is now 3-8 in his last 11 fights but all of the losses have been to very tough opposition such as Chris Martin, Cesar Seda, Eric Morel, Jessie Magdaleno and Rau’shee Warren.

 

Brighton Beach, NY, USA: Cruiser: Stivens Bujaj (12-0-1) DREW 10 Junior Anthony Wright (10-0-1).

Bujaj stages a fighting finish to pull out a draw against fellow-prospect Wright. The was a bloody scrap with Wright establishing a lead early and Bujaj fighting with the handicap of heavy bleeding from the mouth. Wright was coming forward forcing the fight making Bujaj fight off the ropes with Bujaj countering well but Wright built a lead with his busy tactics. Despite the blood Bujaj survived a doctors inspection and stormed through the late rounds, almost having Wright rocking in the last but neither fighter deserved to lose in the stirring, exciting battle. Scores 96-94 for Wright, 96-94 for Bujaj and 95-95. Albanian Bujaj, 23, the New York State champion, retains his WBC USNBC title but the WBC International title remains vacant. “Hurricane” Wright, 27, was in his first fight scheduled for more than six rounds.

 

Pont Audemer, France: Light: Yvan Mendy (29-3-1,1ND) W TKO 2 Sebastien Benito (11-9). Light Heavy: Mehdi Amar (27-4-1) DREW 6 Gabriel Lecrosnier (17-28-4). Light Middle: Cedric Vitu (38-2) W PTS 6 Laurent Ferra (14-17-4). Light Middle: Maxime Beaussire (15-0-1) W PTS 6 Rafael Chinuta (8-34).

Mendy vs. Benito

Easy defence of his French title for Mendy as he again beats Benito inside the distance. Benito was on the back foot from the start with Mendy stalking. A left hook opened a cut over Benito’s left eye in the first and a left hook put him down but it was ruled a slip. In the second a right/ left hook combination once more put Benito down. He made it to his feet but another combination from Mendy convinced the referee to stop the fight.  Third defence for Mendy and 8 wins in his last 9 fights with his only loss in the sequence being to Viktor Postol in 2012 for the WBC Silver title. He halted Benito in eight rounds in a title defence in November. FFB No 1 challenger Benito has lost 5 of his last 6 fights including an eight round points loss to Kevin Mitchell in July.

Amar vs. Lecrosnier

Disappointing performance by former French super middle champ Amar. The FFB No 2 light heavy should have been able to get past FFB No 6 Lecrosnier. Going in Amar had won 8 of his last 9 fights losing only to world rated Nadjib Mohammedi and beating Lecrosnier in November. Lecrosnier is now 2-10-2 in his last 14 fights so a good result for him.

Vitu vs. Ferra

A good workout for southpaw Vitu. He was content to box on the back foot allowing the aggressive Ferra to make the fight and slotting home counters to head and body. He opened a cut over Ferra’s eye with a hook and looked comfortable. However his work rate then dropped and Ferra had him under pressure at the end. Vitu gets the unanimous decision on scores of 60-54, 59-53 and 58-55. Vitu, 28, had a 17 bout winning streak broken when he lost a split decision to Sergey Rabchenko for the EBU and vacant WBC Silver titles in 2012. The EBU No 3 was then inactive for most of 2013. Good test provided by Ferra who has lost 7 of his last 8

Beaussire vs. Chinuta

The French hope Beaussire outboxes the strong and determined Chinuta. Beaussire had the superior skills and hand speed and continually landed quick but light combinations. Spanish-based Romanian Chinuta remained dangerous with the occasion swing but Beaussire finished strongly with a series of two-handed shots and took a unanimous decision on scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55. The ginger haired “Conqueror” Beaussire, 22, the FFB No 3, has excellent skills, all he lacks is a punch. Chiruta, 33, scored a big upset last July when he halted Ruben Varon in two rounds and had won on a first round kayo in France in his last fight-but he also has 12 losses by KO/TKO.

 

Pskov, Russia: Middle: Artur Akavov (10-0-1) W TKO 2 Ivan Jukic (17-2).

Russian southpaw Akavov wins the vacant WBO European title with stoppage of Croatian Jukic. The 26-year-old Russian, a good level amateur, gets only his second win by KO/TKO. The ridiculous thing is that winning the WBO European title almost guarantees him a top 15 rating. Jukic, 32, was halted in seven rounds by Sandor Micsko in June and since then had beaten two guys who had never won a fight. That’s the level of the WBO European title.

 

Nanyang, China: Straw: Xiong Zhao Zhong (23-5-1) W TKO 5 Roilo Golez (15-12-1).

Former WBC champion Zhong returns to action with a win over Filipino Golez. After an even first round Zhong won the next three and halted Golez last in the fifth. First fight for Zhong since losing his WBC title to Oswaldo Novoa in February. The 31-year-old is down to No 4 in the WBC ratings so may not get another title shot.

 

May 16

 

Montreal, Canada: Heavy: Derric Rossy (29-8) W PTS 10 Joe Hanks (21-2). Light Middle: Delvin Rodriguez (28-7-4) DREW 10 Joachim Alcine (35-7-2). Light Heavy: Walid Smichet (21-7-3) W TKO 1 Francois Miville (7-2). Super Feather: Kevin Lavallee (12-0-1) W TKO 3 James Owens (5-18).

Rossy vs. Hanks

Rossy gets majority decision but looks a clear winner. Rossy badly needed a win after a trio of losses and he boxed his way to victory. He out jabbed Hanks and was also able to score with hard right crosses in close. Hanks was more mobile and busier, but Rossy was blocking most of his shots and constantly slamming home a hard left jab. Gradually Rossy took control letting Hanks come to him and driving home his jab and hard rights. The pattern stayed the same over the first eight rounds with the seventh being a big round for Rossy. He got through twice with overhand rights and a third saw Hanks dip at the knees and back up. Rossy landed a few more shots but by the end of the round Hanks had recovered.  Hanks had the better of the ninth round as Rossy seemed to tire and the last was close. Scores 98-92, 97-93 and 95-95. The 33-year-old winner was coming off consecutive losses to Audley Harrison in the 2013 Prizefighter, Fres Oquendo and Joe Dawejko. Hanks, 31, had no idea of defence hardly ever trying to block Rossy’s shots and paid the price with his second loss in a row having been halted in four rounds by Andy Ruiz in July.

Rodriguez vs. Alcine

Another result that caused controversy as Rodriguez looked to have done just enough to win this one but had to settle for a draw.  Rodriguez shook Alcine with a right in the second but Alcine bounced back to have a good spell at the end of the third. Back with trainer Buddy McGirt Alcine was sticking to the jab but not following through and Rodriguez seemed rusty in his first fight since losing to Miguel Cotto in October. However he was the busier of the two in a fight that was untidy and rough and lacked any real drama. Scores 97-93 Rodriguez, 96-94 Alcine and 95-95. At 34 Rodriguez is slowing and looks to be near the end of the line. Former WBA light middle champion Alcine, 38, looked to be on the skids after a run of five losses. He went down a couple of levels last year to get some wins but he is still vulnerable against a fighter of any quality.

Smichet vs. Miville

This one hardly started before it was over. Inside the first minute Miville threw a left hook and then went down on one knee having seemingly dislocated his left shoulder. He was unable to continue so Smichet got the win. First fight for the 34-year-old Tunisian-born Canadian since being kayoed in two rounds by David Lemieux in April 2010. Unlucky Miville, 32, had won his last 7 fights.

Lavallee vs. Owens

Lavallee returned to the ring with an easy win as he halted outclassed Owens in three rounds. Once he had shaken off some rust the Canadian was able to score with accurate shots from both hands and the fight was halted in the third round. Lavallee, 23, was having his first fight since September 2012 and makes it ten wins by KO/TKO. Owens has lost 18 of his last 19 fights.

 

Philadelphia, PA, USA: Heavy: Joe Dawejko (10-3-2) W PTS 8 Mark Rideout (4-1-2). Light: Niam Nelson (12-0) W PTS 8 Jerome Rodriguez (6-1-3).

Dawejko vs. Rideout

Former top amateur Dawejko has the edge in skill over Rideout and eases his way to the decision. Dawejko was able to slot home his punches through Rideout’s defence over the early rounds scoring with hooks and countering rights. At 5’10” (178cm) Dawejko is small for a heavyweight these days, but despite carrying 240lbs he has good skills and Rideout lacked the experience to find a way to counter those skills. Dawejko tired late in the fight but even then Rideout was not doing enough work to influence the result. Scores 79-73 twice and 78-74. Dawejko, 23, a former World Junior champion, lost inside the distance to Charles Martin in November but then turned in his best performance to date by outpointing Derric Rossy in January. Rideout, 24, had drawn his last two fights.

Nelson vs. Rodriguez

Nelson gets the decision in a back and forth scrap. They shared the first four rounds but then Nelson increased his work rate and took the next three rounds. Southpaw Rodriguez tried to pull the fight his way with a big effort in the last which saw a cut opened over the left eye of Nelson who also put in a big effort and got the decision. Scores 77-75 twice and 79-73. Six points victories in a row for the 23-year-old light-punching Nelson. Allentown’s Rodriguez, 27, was in his first eight round fight.

 

Puerto Colombia, Colombia: Super Feather: Aristides Perez (24-8-1) W PTS 11 Carlos Padilla (14-1-1). Super Feather: Luis Eduardo Flores (17-1) W TKO 2

8 Ubadel Soto (18-32-2,1ND). Bantam: Luis Melendez (38-9-1) W PTS 8 Freddy Canate (4-11). Super Bantam: Jesus Geles (14-3-1) W KO 1 Jhonathan Moran (1-6).

Perez vs. Padilla

On an all-Colombian night experienced Perez retains the interim WBA Fedelatin title with wide unanimous decision over Padilla. Perez had the skill and experience to handle the unbeaten Padilla despite giving away height and reach. In the last he rocked Padilla with a right and then floored him with a left hook with the bell saving Padilla. Scores 107-102, 106-102 and 105-102. First fight in over a year for 32-year-old Perez who lost to Humberto Soto for the WBC super feather title in 2009. Padilla, 24, is a former Colombian feather champion.

Flores vs. Soto

Flores handles Soto with ease. Flores towered over the pudgy little veteran and was able to punish Soto as he tried to bundle his way in. A series of head punches at the end of the second round saw Soto retire in his corner. The 27-year-old Flores crashed the world ratings in March by blowing away unbeaten Mexican Miguel Berchelt in 99 seconds. The 41-year-old Soto started his career with 11 wins and 2 draws but it has been steeply down hill since then.

Melendez vs. Canate

Former WBO super fly challenger Melendez took a comfortable unanimous decision over Canate. The 34-year-old southpaw is 7-2 in his last 9 fights with the losses being to Julio Ceja and in Ghana to Joseph Agbeko for the vacant IBO title. Canate had to switch from fighting Geles to fill the card. Canate, 35, has lost 9 of his last 10 fights

Geles vs. Moran

Geles wastes no time on the outclassed late substitute and puts him away inside a round in a very poor excuse for a match. Geles, 26, is a former interim WBO light fly champion. This was his first fight since losing to Milan Melindo in June 2012. Sixth loss in a row by KO/TKO for poor Moran, all inside three rounds.

 

Saint-Jean-de-le Ruelle, France: Middle: Michel Mothmora (26-22) W KO 7 Robison Omsarashvili (14-7-3). Local favourite Mothmora continues to turn his career around as he kayos modest Georgian Omsarashvili in seven rounds to retain his WBFed International title. Mothmora took the first two rounds only for Omsarashvili to fight back hard over the next four rounds. Just when it looked like a long night for Mothmora a crunching left hook put Omsarashvili down and he failed to beat the count. Now 11 wins in his last 12 fights for the 33-year-old Frenchman who had failed in three shots at French titles. Omsarashvili typical Georgian, wins at home loses away. Third inside the distance loss in three visits to France.

 

Clichy la Garenne, France: Super Feather: Samir Kasmi (19-10-1) W PTS 12 Sebastien Cornu (13-12-3). Light Welter: Franck Petitjean (12-4-2) W PTS 10 Denis Farias (18-6-2). Welter: Daouda Sow (15-0) W PTS 6 Stephane Benito (22-15-3).

Kasmi vs. Cornu

Neither of these French fighters had impressive records, but that did not stop them putting on a competitive scrap. Many rounds were close and the decision could have gone either way. It was all even at the end of the tenth but with Kasmi winning the last two rounds on all cards to retain his title. Scores 115-113 twice and 114-114. Kasmi has turned his score around with only two losses, to world rated fighters Romain Jacob and Devis Boschiero, in his last 14 fights. “Scorpion” Cornu, 30, a southpaw, was only No 14 in the EU rankings after three losses in a row to good quality opposition and performed better than his No 14 rating.

Petitjean vs. Farias

Petitjean won the vacant French title with a comfortable unanimous decision over Farias. The local southpaw floored Farias in the first and from then never really relinquished control of the fight. Scores 98-92 twice and 98-91. The 26-year-old new champion had lost 2 of his previous 3 fights. Farias, also 26, had lost only 1 of his last 7 fights.

Sow vs. Benito

Olympic silver medallist Sow had to fight hard for his unanimous decision over experienced Benito. In the end it was the greater accuracy in his work that allowed Sow to take the unanimous decision. It has taken the 31-year-old southpaw almost 5 years to run up 15 fights. He has plenty of talent but no punch and has not kicked on since winning the French title in 2012. Former French light welter champion Benito was having his first fight since July 2010.

 

Hamburg, Germany: Cruiser: Nuri Seferi (36-6) W PTS 12 Tamas Lodi (13-2-1). Super Feather: Viorel Simion (17-1) W PTS 10 Bakhtiyar Iskenderzade (9-4). 10

Seferi vs. Lodi

“The Albanian Tyson” Seferi regains the WBO European title with unanimous decision over inexperienced Hungarian. Lodi had big advantages in height and reach but Seferi was walking him down throughout the fight. He had little trouble getting inside and working to the body of the tall Hungarian. Champion Lodi showed his inexperience by standing in his corner between rounds and lacked the power to keep Seferi out. Seferi was given a final warning in the sixth for low blows but still worked the body. Lodi rarely took a step forward but was able to score with jabs and overhand rights and did enough to win one or two rounds but no more. Scores 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112. Since losing to Herbie Hide in 2008 the 37-year-old Seferi has been carefully matched with the result that he has won his last 15. Lodi, 24, a ridiculous No 8 with the WBO, is limited and was out of his depth here.

Simion vs. Iskenderzade

Romanian “Bombardier” Simion has too much skill for Azeri Iskenderzade and wins wide unanimous decision. Simion had Iskenderzade down in the first round but is not really a big puncher and was unable to repeat the success. He boxed his way to a comfortable victory on scores of 98-91 twice and 99-90. Simion, one of famous Simion brothers who were all top amateurs, was having his first fight since losing his WBC International title to Lee Selby in July. Iskenderzade, 30, has only lost once by KO/TKO.

 

Slesin, Poland: Feather: Kamil Laszczyk (17-0) W PTS 12 Tuomo Eronen (13-3). Light Middle: Patryk Szymanski (11-0) W KO 6 Andrei Abramenka (20-6-2).

Laszczyk vs. Eronen

Prospect Laszczyk wins the vacant WBFoundation and Polish International titles as he takes every round against Finnish southpaw Eronen. Laszczyk is a clever quick boxer and built an early lead. In the fifth and sixth he had Eronen hurt and a right cross shook Eronen in the seventh. The pace dropped in the eighth but then over the last four rounds Laszczyk tried desperately to end it before the final bell but Eronen kept fight hard to the end. Scores 120-108 from all three judges. The 23-year-old North Bergen-based Pole is somehow WBO No 3 but a more realistic EBU 6. He is a former Polish Junior Champion and European Juniors bronze medallist. Eronen, 33 had won his last 11 fights.

Szymanski vs. Abramenka

Lanky Polish hope Szymanski floors Abramenka twice on the way to victory which gives him the vacant WBFoundation International and Polish International titles. The Pole failed to use his height and reach and traded with the Belarusian over the first three rounds. The tactics paid off in the fourth when a right cross floored Abramenka. The visitor survived and got through the fifth round. The sixth was the finish as Szymanski landed a right to the body which put Abramenka down in agony and he could not recover. Now six wins by KO/TKO for the 5’11” (189cm) 20-year-old former World Youth Championships gold medal winner. Second loss in a row by KO/TKO for Abramenka who has been a useful test in the past.

 

Barcelona, Spain: Super Feather: Ruddy Encarnacion (30-23-3) DREW 10 Juli Giner (14-0). Light Welter: Sandor Martin (18-1) W TKO 3 Maurycy Gojko (22-43-3)

Encarnacion vs. Giner

Encarnacion retains his Spanish title in close battle with national feather champion Giner. Local fighter Giner started well and built a lead. Encarnacion came on in the middle rounds and turned things around as Giner was cut on the eyebrow in the fifth, Encarnacion’s best round. Giner battled back having his best round in the eighth and finished the stronger. Scores 96-94 for each fighter and 95-95. Dominican Encarnacion, the 35-year-old “El Lobo Negro”, has won 8 of his last 9 fights. He is EU feather champion but that title was not at stake.  “The Rock” Giner, 30, will want to do this again.

Martin vs. Gojko

Young southpaw hope Martin destroys Gojko with body punches, the 20-year-old Spaniard floored Gojko twice with body punches in the second and twice more in the third to finish the job. The 20-year-old Spanish champion is climbing back after loss to good Frenchman Alex Lepelley in December. Thirty-six-year-old Pole usually goes the distance.

 

Nonthaburi, Thailand: Bantam: Suriyan (36-5-1) W TKO 7 Fernando Ocon (12-6).

Suriyan does a better job second time around as he forces retirement of previous victim Ocon. The last time they met Suriyan had to go the full twelve rounds for his victory. This time Suriyan dominated the fight and in the end Ocon retired at the end of the seventh round with the scores at 69-64 twice and 70-63. He retains his WBC ABC title for the fourth time and makes it 16 wins since losing his WBC super fly title to Yota Sato in March 2012. he is current WBC No 1. Filipino southpaw Ocon, 23, is 2-6 in his last 8 fights.

 

Walsall, England: Light Middle: Jason Welborn (15-2) W PTS 10 Stanislav Nenkov (9-7). BBB of C Midlands Area champion Welborn easily outpoints Bulgarian over ten rounds. The 28-year-old local started fast looking for a quick win. When Nenkov did not fold Welborn then settled for getting ten useful rounds under his belt and won on the referee’s score card by 100-90. Now up at light middle that makes it four wins for Welborn since losing to Frankie Gavin for the British welter title in January last year and puts him in line for a BBB of C eliminator. Fourth loss for Nenkov in four visits to the UK.

 

Ontario, CA, USA: Light Welter: Jose Roman (17-1-1) W PTS 10 Luis Solis (13-3-4).

Roman overcomes a disastrous first round to win a unanimous decision over Solis. Roman was floored by a right early in the first. He made it to his feet only to be dropped again by a series of shots from Solis. the was down for the third time at the end of the round from a hard combination, but was able to get up and come out for the second. Solis continued to land hard shots for another two or three rounds but then the pace started to tell on him and Roman first got into the fight and then used his physical advantages to dominate. Solis staged a strong finish but Roman had done enough to overcome the near disaster of the first round and take a close unanimous verdict. Scores 94-93 twice and 95-92. Roman, 26, wins the vacant WBC Cabofe title. He took eleven months out after losing his unbeaten tag in a points defeat by Robert Osiobe in December 2012 and this is his third win since returning. Mexican Solis was 3-1-2 in his last 6 fights with the loss being in Belgium against local prospect Steve Jamoye.

 

Doncaster, Australia: Super Middle: Zac Dunn (13-0) W KO 2 Kyung-Suk Kwak (10-10). Light Middle: Ben Capps (10-1-1) W PTS 10 Paitoon Jaikom (1-5).

Dunn vs. Kwak

Predictably easy night for Dunn. He takes the first round and then floors Kwak early in the second. Kwak gets vertical only to be put down again for the count. Dunn, the ANBF No 3, wins the vacant WBC Asia Council Continental title and makes it 11 wins by KO/TKO. The 37-year-old Korean Kwak is 2-8 in his last 10 fights and this was his sixth loss by KO/TKO so a poor match.

Capps vs. Jaikom

Capps retains his WBC Asian Council title as he wins every round against Aussie-base Thai novice in abysmal matching. The Melbourne 21-year-old is ANBF No 9. Paitoon did more than could be expected in going ten rounds after never having been in a fight schedule for more than six rounds.

 

Mashantucket, CT, USA: Light: Joel Diaz Jr. (15-0) W Tyler Asselstine (14-1). Light Middle: Frank Galarza (14-0-2) W PTS 8 Sebastien Bouchard (8-1).

Diaz vs. Asselstine

Diaz gets wide unanimous decision over Canadian Asselstine. Diaz won the fight, controlled the flow, showed he could go ten rounds against a useful southpaw, did not panic when he was cut but could only get B for the overall performance. He was outpunching Asselstine but had problems working out his strategy against the clever tactics of the southpaw who is more of a featherweight than a super featherweight. Diaz built a good lead early with Asselstine coming back in the eighth and ninth, but losing a point in the eighth for disgorging his mouthpiece. This was the first time Diaz has had to go past the seventh round and he won clearly but has some faults to iron out. Scores 97-92 from all three judges.  The 22-year-old Californian, a former PAL gold medallist, still looks a prospect and can learn from this test. Asselstine had lost his unbeaten record on a majority decision against Baha Laham in February 2012 but had rebounded with a win over former WBO super bantam challenger Olivier Lontchi in April last year. This was the first promotion for Jean Pascal’s new group.

Galarza vs. Bouchard

Galarza wins battle of undefeated fighters with decision over Canadian Bouchard. Galarza built an early lead and then successfully protected it down the finishing straight. The Brooklyn fighter used his advantages in height and reach to good effect, showed an excellent jab and in a more controlled style than usual also did good work on the back foot countering the Canadian. Galarza lost a point for a low blow and Bouchard made a late charge but lacks real punching power and Galarza was out-landing him and wrapped up a clear win. Scores 77-74 twice and 78-73. The 28-year-old New York State champion had won his last four inside the distance. First time past six rounds for the 27-year-old Bouchard.

 

May 17

 

Inglewood, CA, USA: Welter: Juan Manuel Marquez (56-7-1) W PTS 12 Mike Alvarado (34-3). Light Welter: Viktor Postol (26-0) W TKO 11 Selcuk Aydin (26-3). Light: Diego Magdaleno (26-1) W PTS 8 Oscar Bravo (21-4). Welter: Brad Solomon (22-0) W PTS 8 Arman Ovsepyan 14-4). Super Feather: Oscar Valdez (11-0) W TKO 7 Noel Echevarria (11-3). Feather: Raul Hirales (22-2-1) W KO 3 Ernesto Guerrero (17-11).

Marquez vs. Alvarado

Comprehensive victory for the Mexican veteran in a fight that saw both fighters on the floor and the boxing skills of Marquez just too much for Alvarado. Marquez was bursting with confidence and in the early rounds a tentative Alvarado was being outboxed. Alvarado kept coming forward but Marquez showed great movement and continually scored with fast, multiple counters as he moved around the slower Alvarado. A right cross from Marquez in the sixth had Alvarado stumbling. In the eighth Marquez scored with a perfect counter right that sent Alvarado stumbling back and down and almost out through the ropes. By the end of the eighth Alvarado knew he was way behind and decided to go for it ignoring defence and just going out and throwing punches. It almost worked as despite his dominance Marquez was leaving openings and Alvarado took advantage of one in the ninth flooring Marquez with right to the chin as they stood and traded. Marquez got up and went back to trading with Alvarado. The tenth saw Alvarado boxing with more caution and Marquez was able to box his way through those rounds scoring with quick bursts of counters from both hands and widening the gap in the scoring. Scores 117-109 twice and 119-108. A masterful performance from Marquez. he can put his loss to Bradley behind him and naturally there is talk of Marquez vs. Pacquiao V, but no one was committing themselves. Life begins (again) at 40 for the Mexican marvel. Alvarado, 33, has now lost 3 of his last 4. he reversed the Brandon Rios loss, but the defeat by Ruslan Provodnikov in October was a brutal fight which must have taken a lot out of Alvarado. He will still be in demand but it is up to him whether he wants to continue or not.

Postol vs. Aydin

Powerful performance from Postl as he overpowers Aydin and stops him in round eleven. Although Aydin had come down from welterweight Postl was much the bigger man having reach and height over the smaller Turk. In the first round a swinging left from Aydin clipped Postl on the forehead and the Ukrainian fell backwards into the ropes. However he quickly recovered and used his jab to makes sure there were no more scares. Aydin used the impetus of that good start to stay competitive by getting inside and working the body. However Postl began to work his jab and methodically shut Aydin out of the fight. In the seventh a right uppercut sent Aydin tumbling sideways, he did not go down but was starting to look out of his depth. Postl worked him over in the tenth but seemed to be boxing his way to points victory. The changed in the eleventh as a chopping right had Aydin dizzy and as he tried to clinch a thunderous right uppercut smacked into the Turk’s chin and he went down on his back with the referee immediately waiving the fight over without a count. The 5’11” (180cm) Postl, 30, set a high work rate and showed excellent if methodical skills. The kayo was spectacular although his 11 wins by KO/TKO do not lean towards real punch power. He is WBC No 1 and may give Danny Garcia some problems if the fight comes off. Aydin, also 30, and a former WBC Silver champion at welter, suffers his first loss by KO/TKO. How he came to be WBC No 2 is another story for my Snips.

Magdaleno vs. Bravo

Magdaleno continues his lightweight campaign with a win over Chilean Bravo. The talented southpaw was looking for quick win and had Bravo under fire from the off. Magdaleno was getting through with plenty of shots with not a great deal coming back from Bravo. The fourth round saw two quick lefts and a third to the body put Bravo down but he made it to the vertical and survive the round and the fight. Magdaleno wide points winner on scores of 80-71 twice and 79-72. The sanctioning bodies still have the 27-year-old as a super feather where he is IBF 7(6)/WBO 8/WBC 20. Chilean Bravo, 26, like many South Americans, does not travel well. He has losses in Australia, Argentina, Ghana and now the USA, but all on points.

Solomon vs. Ovsepyan

Solomon remains unbeaten but again makes it all look routine. The classy Lafayette boxer mainly allowed Armenian-born Russian Ovsepyan to do the pressing and scored with counters whilst on the back foot. He had too much skill for the Russian but did not excite in taking the decision on scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74. The 30-year-old needs to step up and soon as he had only one fight in 2011 and two in each of 2012 and 2013. Ovsepyan has had a similar level of activity and is 3-3 in his last 6 fights.

Valdez vs. Echevarria

Valdez wins the vacant NABF Junior title (Oh no!  Not another set of 17 titles coming our way) as he slowly breaks down a game Echevarria. The hot young Mexican prospect found Echevarria willing to trade and as result southpaw Echevarria took a lot of punishment but also got home with a few hits of his own. By the end of the seventh Echevarria was finished and a doctor’s inspection at the end of the round saw his corner retire him. The 23-year-old Olympian continues his 100% record of wins by KO/TKO. Three losses in a row for 23-year-old Puerto Rican Echevarria.

Hirales vs. Guerrero

Hirales almost ended this one in the first when he floored fellow-Mexican Guerrero with a left hook at the start of the round. Guerrero got up and held out until the third when an uppercut put him down for the count. Thirty-year-old Hirales from the fighting La Paz clan has eleven wins by KO/TKO. His losses have been to Carl Frampton and Adrian Young 17-0-1) but has won his last six including a victory over prospect Oscar Gonzalez (20-1). Guerrero is 2-5 in his last 7 fights.

 

Villa Maria, Argentina: Super Fly: Omar Narvaez (42-1-2) W KO 4 Antonio Garcia (13-2). Light Middle: Jose Carlos Paz (12-1) W PTS 10 Carlos Chumbita (12-3).

Narvaez vs. Garcia

Narvaez had trouble with the awkward crouching style of Garcia and the first round did not come to life until the last ten seconds when both fighters stood and traded with Narvaez just having the edge. Garcia came out aggressively in the second taking the fight to Narvaez but he is an arm puncher and lacked the power to sustain the attacks and resorted to using his longer reach to keep Narvaez out. The third saw Narvaez walking through Garcia’s punches to land with clubbing shots to head and body. Narvaez continued the assault in the forth. A right sent Garcia reeling backwards to the ropes. Narvaez followed-up and landed a series of punches, the last landing just behind the right ear of Garcia. The Mexican went down on his knees and then rolled onto his back and was counted out. Garcia stayed down receiving treatment for about four minutes. Twenty-three wins by KO/TKO for the 38-year-old “El Huracan”. Garcia failed to make the weight so I believe this became a non-title fight. Garcia, 20, was woefully short on experience. He had scored a good win over Jonathan Vidal in March but was way out of his league here.

Paz vs. Chumbita

Paz wins the vacant WBC Mundo Hispano title with a points victory over Chumbita in a great little scrap. Paz went straight into the lead forcing Chumbita onto the retreat and scoring with swinging hooks. Chumbita found himself on the ropes for much of the first two rounds. He fought his way back into the contest in the third and fourth as he stood his ground and traded scoring well with short hooks. Paz took over again from the fifth using his jab to get inside and then forcing Chumbita to stand and punch with him. There was hardly a clinch as both stood and traded hooks and swings. Chumbita lost his mouthpiece in the eighth and was not quick enough to get his hands up when the referee said box on and he was sent stumbling back into the ropes by a left hook. The referee applied a standing count and then they went back to war. Paz had Chumbita reeling in the last but neither is really a big puncher. Scores 98-91 from all three judges. Now 11 wins in a row for the 23-year-old FAB No 9. Chumbita, a former undefeated WBC Mundo Hispano welter champion, was coming off a loss to Sebastien Lujan for the interim Argentine welter title in November.

 

Rome, Italy: Light Middle: Isaac Real (9-0-1) W KO 8 Emanuele Dell Rosa (33-2). Light Welter: Michele Di Rocco (37-1-1) W KO 3 Istvan Kiss (14-11). Welter: Alessandro Caccia (12-0) W PTS 6 Laszlo Fazekas (19-15-1,1ND).

Real vs. Della Rosa

A huge upset sees late substitute Real kayo local favourite Della Rosa to win the vacant EBU title. Della Rosa took the first round as he fired of shots at Real with the Spaniard just trying to weather the storm. The second was a sensational round. The Italian came out punching again only to be nailed by a left hook which put him down. He got up only to be floored again by another left. Della Rosa again made it to his feet and went after Real and this time it was the Spaniard who was put down buy a punch. More to come as Real got up and put Della Rosa down for the third time in an amazing round. Della Rosa gets back into the fight with both still trading heavy shots, Della Rosa his right and Real his left hook with the Italian clawing his way into it by winning rounds three, four and five. The sixth is another hard round for both with the action just about even, but by the end of the round Della Rosa is looking tired and dispirited. Real is now pressing the fight  and the seventh is another close round but with Della Rosa in the lead 67-65 on two cards and 67-64 on the third. In the eighth Dell Rosa fell apart. Real bludgeoned him to the canvas by the ropes and after the Italian climbed to his feet a few more hard punches to the head saw the referee stop the fight. This was to have been the night that Sergey Rabchenko defended his EBU title against Della Rosa. There had been a problem with clearing Rabchenko’s visa and it looked as though the show would be cancelled. However, probably with some money involved somewhere, Rabchenko relinquished the title and Real, rated No 15, was drafted in to fill the other corner whilst Della Rosa ascended to the throne-not! The 32-year-old Spanish champion had won only 4 fights by KO/TKO and only once gone beyond six rounds but he was very sharp and his punches were short and accurate whilst Della Rosa was ignoring defence and throwing wider shots. That’s how upsets happen. For 34-year-old Della Rosa this seemed to be his big chance. He had lost a split decision to Sebastian Zbik for the interim WBC middle title in 2009 but was really a light middle and proceeded to run up 11 wins against very ordinary opposition on the way to a WBC 5 rating and a mandatory shot at EBU champion Rabchenko, the WBC No 1 in that division. All gone.

Di Rocco vs. Kiss

European champion Di Rocco disposes of Hungarian Kiss in three rounds. The Italian shook Kiss with a left hook and a right cross in the first. He continued to break the Hungarian southpaw down in the second and then finished things with a volley crowned by a right that put Kiss down and out. The 32-year-old “King” goes to 20 wins in a row and 16 by KO/TKO. Purse offers have been called for over his mandatory defence against Ruben Nieto. Another Spaniard, so watch out Michele. Kiss, 21, has six losses by KO/TKO.

Caccia vs. Fazekas

The unbeaten Italian made to work hard in this one. He tried to use his longer reach to keep the Hungarian out and was successful most of the time. However, Fazekas had success with his left hooks and lived-up to his “Bulldog” nickname to make it interesting. Fazekas lost a point in the fifth for a rabbit punch as Caccia took the unanimous decision. With 12 wins the 25-year-old should be ready to move up to eight rounds. The 25-year-old Fazekas has only lost once by KO/TKO.

Moruzzi vs. Melis

Local boxer Moruzzi outpoints experienced Melis in a clash of styles. Moruzzi was determined to keep this an open fight whilst Melis was constantly looking to get inside and work the body of his 5’10 ½” (179cm) opponent. Moruzzi won the technical battle despite some hard right hooks from Melis and won the decision. Eight wins in a row for Moruzzi who is a neat boxer, but not a puncher. Estonian Melis was a stalwart of the Estonian amateur team for many years but is now a travelling loser and 5-11 in his last 16 fights.

 

Cardiff, Wales: Light Heavy: Nathan Cleverly (27-1) W TKO 2 Shawn Corbin (17-5). Light: Gavin Rees (38-4-1) W PTS 12 Gary Buckland (28-4). Feather: Lee Selby (19-1) W PTS 12 Romulo Koasicha (21-4). Super Middle: Callum Smith (11-0) W TKO 2 Tobias Webb (14-2-1). Light Welter: Chris Jenkins (15-0) W TKO 7 Miguel Aguilar (10-8). Super Middle: Paul Smith (35-3) W TKO 2 David Sarabia (7-4-2).

Cleverly vs. Corbin

Cleverly was looking to impress and coming forward from the outset. Both were trying out their jabs and Corbin showed some good touché but was being forced back and being kept against the ropes for much of the first round. The Guyanan spent the first minute of the second round with his back to the ropes as Cleverly worked in close. Corbin managed to force his way out to centre ring but was then nailed by a vicious right uppercut and a left cross and driven back to the ropes. Cleverly kept him there crashing home head shots until the referee stopped the fight. Confident start for 27-year-old Cleverly in his first fight in the higher division. He wins the vacant WBA Inter-Continental title and makes it 12 wins by KO/TKO in his first fight since losing his WBO title to Sergey Kovalev in August. All of 39-year-old Corbin’s losses have come by KO/TKO with his best performance being a decision over former WBC champion Wayne Braithwaite in 2012.

Buckland vs. Rees

“The Rock” wins this all-Welsh battle and then retires. Rees had to settle for a split decision although he looked to have done enough to make it unanimous. This was a tough, hard fought contest with both fighters willing to stand and trade early only for Rees to open some space in the middle rounds and boxing on the back foot to build a good lead with accurate counters against the constantly pressing Buckland. Their respective styles gelled to make it a good competitive fight but that extra touch of skill from Rees made the difference and he got the decision. Scores 117-112 and 117-113 for Rees and 116-113 for Buckland. When these two met in February Buckland got the split decision but this time Rees effectively turned the tables and went out with a win. Rees, 34, has had a great career achieving much more than seemed possibly when he started out. He won the WBA welter title by beating Souleymane M’baye when the Frenchman was 35-1-1 and at a time when Rees was really a lightweight and had never been in a scheduled ten round fight. He also won British and European titles at lightweight before losing in five rounds against Adrien Broner for the WBC lightweight title in February last year. He finished with a 38-4-1 record and a great deal to be proud off. “Dynamo” Buckland, 27, a former British super feather champion, graciously accepted he had been the loser in this one but has shown real character to bounce back from a sickening kayo loss to Stephen Smith in August and still has a part to play in the lightweight division.

Selby vs. Koasicha

Selby regains the WBC International title and outclasses Mexican Koasicha. The Mexican had no answer to the speed and skill of the Welsh hope. No matter what Koasicha tried Selby had an answer for it and simply outboxed his challenger in every round. There were a couple of minor scares with Selby suffering a cut near his right eye in the mid point of the fight and being rocked temporarily by a shot in the eighth, but apart from that it was one-way traffic with Selby on top all the way and staging a strong finish in an attempt to get the kayo, but Koasicha made it to the final bell a well beaten fighter. The scores of 119-109 twice and 119-110 illustrate Selby’s superiority. Now 15 wins in a row for the British and European champion who is rated WBC3/IBF 6(5)/WBO 10/WBA 12. Koasicha, 23, the WBC USNBC champion, and WBC No 13, had won 5 of his last 6 fights and keeps his record of never having lost by KO/TKO.

Smith vs. Webb

Smith shows his power as he floors Webb four times in the second round with body punches. The first round was fairly even with both fighters trying to establish their jabs. Webb had slightly the better of the first two minutes but Smith was letting his punches go at the end. Webb also stated the second brightly until a left hook from Smith crashed into the side of his ribs. He went down in agony but got up and bravely took the fight to Smith. Brave but not smart as Smith put in another crunching body shot with his right and Webb was down again. When he got up he tried to stay in close to deny Smith leverage but again was put down by a body punch. The fourth knockdown was another left hook into the side and this time Webb could not get up. The 24-year-old Smith makes it 9 wins in a row by KO/TKO, 8 of them coming in the first three rounds. He retains his WBC International title. He is a great prospect but not yet the World No 3 as the WBO have him. He is No 11 with the WBA. Welshman Webb, 25, showed some good skills but was just overwhelmed by those body punches. He will rebound and be a winner again.

Jenkins vs. Aguilar

In a non-title fight “Rock’n ‘Rolla’ Jenkins easily outboxes and then stops Aguilar. The Welshman dominated with his sharp skills and won every round before ending it in the seventh. A big right in the seventh shook Aguilar and the referee stopped the fight. The 25-year-old Jenkins, the WBC International champion, represented Wales at Commonwealth, European and World level as an amateur and is making good progress as a pro. Nicaraguan Aguilar, 27, has lost 8 of his last 9 fights.

Smith vs. Sarabia

Just a routine payday for Smith. The British champion had Spaniard Sarabia down from a right in the first and the Spaniard was taking heavy punishment in the second when the fight was stopped. Hopefully this will prove to have been 31-year-old Smith’s last warm-up bout as negotiations are ongoing for him to fight Arthur Abraham for the WBO title. He has won his last four fights but was beaten inside the distance by both James DeGale and George Groves so will be an outsider against Abraham. First loss by KO/TKO for former Spanish title challenger Sarabia.

 

Leeds, England: Light Heavy: Travis Dickinson (17-1) W TKO 6 Matty Clarkson (12-2-2). Light Heavy: Bob Ajisafe (13-2) W TKO 5 Leon Senior (10-3-1). Heavy: Eddie Chambers (39-4) W TKO 3 Carl Baker (10-8). Light Middle: Junior Witter (43-7-2) W TKO 4 Arvydas Trizno (18-32-2).

Dickinson vs. Clarkson

Dickinson had to dig deep to get a win over Clarkson and qualify for the final of this cruiserweight tournament. It looked like an early night when “Tasty” floored Clarkson with a chopping punch in the first round. Clarkson looked to be badly hurt and was floored again by a similar punch. Somehow Clarkson steadied the ship and with Dickinson over anxious he saw out the remainder of the round. Dickinson was throwing bombs again in the second and a right to the top of the head saw Clarkson on the deck once more. However he climbed back up and took the fight to Dickinson and in the third it was Clarkson landing a right to the chin which put Dickinson down. Dickinson copied the tactics of Clarkson by getting up and trading. He finished the round strongly enough for it to cancel out the knockdown. Although they fought on equal terms in the fourth Dickinson was getting on top with Clarkson’s face beginning to show the marks of battle. Dickinson was on top in the fifth until another dramatic turn. A Clarkson left hook to the ribs put Dickinson down in agony and he only just managed to haul himself to his feet. Clarkson saw the weakness and landed another body shot which again had Dickinson in distress. It seemed for a moment as though he was finished but somehow he pulled himself up and actually fought back hard with Clarkson seemingly having exhausted himself. Clarkson was also showing a huge ugly swelling on his right cheek. Dickenson was only marginally better as he was bleeding from the mouth. The sixth saw a left hook to the body from Clarkson again hurt Dickinson and his mouthpiece came out. The referee had the doctor examine the swelling on the right side of Clarkson’s face. It was obviously a serious injury but surprisingly the doctor indicated Clarkson was okay to fight on. Dickinson then battled back with a left hook and right to Clarkson’s chin. The swelling on Clarkson’s cheek was alarming and the referee rightly stepped in and stopped the fight. The injury subsequently turned out to be a broken jaw. Dickenson suffered a cracked rib. A truly remarkable battle with both fighters dragging themselves back from the abyss. Dickenson wins and goes through to the final of this excellent tournament to meet Ajisafe and retains his English title. Clarkson’s standing goes up a few notches for this showing.

Ajisafe vs. Senior

This other semi-final was nowhere near as dramatic but entertained. Senior ignored the huge height and reach advantages enjoyed by southpaw Ajisafe and managed to get inside and edged the first two rounds. Ajisafe took the next two as he was doing the cleaner work and Senior’s swings were getting wilder. The end came suddenly in the fifth. An attack from Ajisafe took Senior to the ropes and Ajisafe got through with a series of head shots. He drove Senior across the ring and landed another series of heads shots and Senior was unable to fight back and the fight was stopped. With his height and awkward southpaw style Ajisafe has had difficulty getting fights in the past, but he has shown excellent form in his tournament. The wins over Dean Francis and Senior and the terrestrial TV coverage have lifted his profile. He won a wide unanimous decision over Dickinson in December 2012 but this tournament-the final is in September- has also proved his Dickinson’s warrior qualities so it could be an exciting final.

Chambers vs. Baker

Farcical match sees Chambers get his third win by KO/TKO in less than three months. Facing the grossly overweight “The Fridge” Baker must have made Chambers thing he was back to square one after over 13 years as a pro, back to fighting poor opposition. His opponent Baker was carrying 308lbs on a 6’4” (193cm) frame and was having only his third fight in four years. He was too slow to block the punches from Chambers who was able to stand in front of Baker and crash home shots to the body, which almost disappeared in Baker’s enormous midriff, and head. After surviving three one-sided rounds Baker retired. Baker weighed “just” 253lbs when being stopped in a 104 seconds by Edmund Gerber in 2011 and most of the additional 55lbs appeared to have developed around his midriff. Chambers will learn nothing and improve nothing, from fights like this

Witter vs. Trizno

Witter floors Lithuanian in third with a body punch and then finished the job early in the fourth with another. Witter had outpointed Trizno in 2011. Difficult to know why the 40-year-old former WBC light welter champion fights on and he is now 6-5 in his last 11 fights. He is not getting hurt and only lost on a majority decision to unbeaten German–based prospect Timo Schwarzkopf in November so I guess there are paydays there for him.

 

Fresno, CA, USA: Heavy: Andy Ruiz (22-0) W TKO 2 Manuel Quezada (29-9). Light Welter: Anton Novikov (29-0,1ND) W PTS 10 Javier Castro (27-7). Welter: Jose Benavidez (20-0) W PTS 6 Angel Hernandez (16-15-1). Light Welter: Jose Carlos Ramirez (10-0) W KO 2 Jesus Selig (16-3-1).

Ruiz vs. Quezada

Ruiz overpowers Quezada for quick win. In the early action Ruiz was pushing Quezada back with his jab and scoring with both hands to head and body. Suddenly Ruiz fired a bunch of four overhand rights all of which caught Quezada on the right side of his head. Quezada went down but got up at eight and with only ten seconds left in the round was able to last to the bell. Quezada tried to trade with Ruiz at the start of the second but Ruiz was getting through with good hooks to the body. When he switched to the head an overhand right put Quezada down again. He got up and the referee had a long hard look at him before letting the fight continue. Ruiz landed another series of head punches and with nothing coming back from Quezada the fight was stopped. Ruiz, 24, makes it 16 wins by KO/TKO the last eight in a row. He retains his NABF and WBO Inter-Continental titles and is rated WBO 3/IBF 9/WBC 13. At 6’2” (188cm) and 250lbs the “Mexican destroyer” is on the flabby side, but he has good hand speed and punch power. Fellow-Mexican Quezada, 36, had found himself rated after a run of 17 winds but then losses to Jason Gavern, Chris Arreola, and Bowie Tupou and was inactive from May 2011 until losing to Steve Cunningham in December last year.

Novikov vs. Castro

The Russian “Pick Hammer” gets wide unanimous decision over seasoned battler Castro. Scores 100-90 from all three judges. The 26-year-old southpaw has been carefully matched but will needed to take some risks if he is to improve on his WBC 13/IBF 15 (13) ratings. Castro had some inactivity to overcome as this was his first fight since losing to Cesar Soriano in October 2010

Benavidez vs. Hernandez

Benavidez just could not get Hernandez out of there and had to settle for a points win. The former amateur star had Hernandez on the deck in the first, fourth and fifth rounds but Hernandez hung around for the final bell. Scores 60-51 from all three judges. Still only 22 Benavidez went 13 months without a fight but since returning in November has scored three wins. Hernandez, 29, is 2-14-1 in his last 17 but is a useful journeyman.

Ramirez vs. Selig

Olympian Ramirez continues to impress. The tall 21-year-old ended this one with a cracking body punch early in the second round. Eight wins by KO/TKO for Ramirez. He was 2010, 2011 and 2012 US amateur champion but failed to get past the second series in London. Mexican-based Arizonian Selig, 32, was unbeaten in his first 15 fights but is now 2-3 in his last 5 with inside the distance losses to John Jackson and Sadam Ali.

 

Oshikoto, Namibia: Super Bantam: Paulus Ambunda (21-1) W PTS 12 Cris Palma (19-8-1). Welter: Bethuel Ushona (32-2-1) W TKO 10 Ebenezer Lantei Lamptey (24-3). Cruiser: Vikapita Meroro (26-4) W TKO 11 Alphonce Mchumiatumbo (11-3-1).

Ambunda vs. Palma

Former WBO bantam champion Ambunda moves up to super bantam and gets clear win over modest Chilean opponent but fails to impress. The Namibian took the early rounds and had the Chilean on the back foot and hurt a number of times without finding that extra punch to end the fight. As a result Palma was able to do some good work of his own going to the body in the middle rounds with Ambunda being the one under pressure. Palma tired over the last four rounds and Ambunda was able to take control again and ease his way to victory. Scores 120-113, 119-109 and a more representative 116-112. The 33-year-old “Rock” wins the vacant IBF and WBA International titles. This was the first fight for Ambunda since he lost his WBO title in his first defence against Tomoki Kameda in August. He was still rated at No 5 bantam by the WBO and No 15 super bantam by the IBF. “El Tigre” Palma was having only his second fight in 17 months and is consistent, eight fights outside Chile and eight losses.

Ushona vs. Lamptey

Ushona a class above Ghanaian scoring two knockdowns on the way to a tenth round stoppage. Ushona had Lamptey down in the second round. The Ghanaian showed determination by continuing to trade with the Namibian but was much slower and his work lacked any snap. Ushona was too quick scoring with quick shots to head and body and the end looked near when he floored Lamptey again in the eighth. The Ghanaian survived and managed to survive the ninth but a series of head punches from Ushona got through in the tenth and the fight was stopped. “Unstppable” Ushona, 32, makes it six wins in a row. Somehow he is the WBO No 1 and mandatory challenger to Manny Pacquiao. Surprising as the only two times he has tried to step-up in quality against Denton Vassell and Jan Zaveck he has lost wide decisions. Can’t see Top Rank rushing to make Pacquiao vs. Ushona. Lamptey, 28, tried hard but was too raw. His record benefits from an abysmal standard of matching in Ghana with 18 of his wins being over fighters with less than eight fights each and without a single win between the eight of them. He was floored and stopped by Chad Bennett in June last year and had recorded two wins over poor opposition since then, so not a big test for Ushona.

Meroro vs. Mchumiatumbo

Meroro much too good for inexperienced Tanzanian. Meroro dominated all they way and the only puzzle was that it took him so long to stop the visitor. Meroro was able to get through with his punches in every round with Mchumiatumbo just looking to survive. The 32-year-old “Beast Master” retains his WBO African title. His WBO rating is even more puzzling he has losses against Isaac Chilemba, Braimah Kamoko and Juergen Braehmer and no wins of any consequence but is No 2 with the WBO. A gift for Marco Huck if it could be sold. Mchumiatumbo, 27, has now lost 3 of his last 4 fights including being halted in November by a Russian with a 4-25-1 record.

 

Nerang, Australia: Super Middle: Rohan Murdock (14-1) W KO 1 Jody Allen (2-16).

The show must go on so Murdoch ended up facing very late substitute Allen and ended the “fight” with a kayo late in the first round. I suppose the hometown fans were happy but no one else associated with this mis-match should be. The 22-year-old Murdoch, the ANBF No 4 now has nine wins in a row and six first round wins. Poor New Zealander Allen, 46, has nine losses by KO/TKO, has lost his last 14 fights and has lost inside a round in 3 of his last 6 fights. Disgraceful.

 

Arjona, Colombia: Super Middle: Light Middle: Richard Gutierrez (28-13-1,1ND) W PTS 10 Leonard Carrillo (8-1). Feather: Miguel Marriaga (18-0) W KO 8 Marcos Cardenas (14-4-1). Welter: Janer Gonzalez (16-0-1) W TKO 6 Carlos Galvan (14-0).

Gutierrez vs. Carrillo

Local fighter Gutierrez just has too much experience and despite the best efforts of the unbeaten Carrillo Gutierrez boxed his way to the split verdict. Scores 98-93, 98-96 and 96-94 for Galvan. The 35-year-old Gutierrez lost to Zaurbek Baysangurov for the IBO title in 2010 and then slid to 8 losses in his next 9 fights so a win was badly needed in this one. Carrillo, 24, had won all of his fights by KO/TKO including 5 first round finishes in a row at the start of his career so the experience gap was a wide one.

Marriaga vs. Cardenas

Marriaga battered Mexican Cardenas for seven rounds and was handing out more punishment in the eighth when the fight was stopped. The Colombian, who is based in Mexico, has won 10 of his last 11 fights by KO/TKO and has 16 wins by KO/TKO in total. He is rated WBC No 13. Cardenas is 2-4 in his last six but the other losses were to Genesis Servania, Rey Vargas and Romulo Koasicha so tough fights.

Gonzalez vs. Galvan

Gonzalez has trouble early with substitute Galvan and had to come from behind to get the kayo as Galvan tired. Thirteen wins by KO/TKO for Colombian champion Gonzalez who was national champion as an amateur and won a bronze medal at the South American Games. He cleared up the draw on his record with a sixth round stoppage of Emilio Julio Julio for the Colombian title in July. Second loss inside the distance for Galvan.

 

Salo, Finland: Light Welter: Jarkko Putkonen (9-0) WTKO 6 Arnaud Dimidschtein (7-4-2). Cruiser: Juho Haapoja (21-5-1,1ND) W PTS 6 Lukasz Rusiewicz (14-18). Light Welter: Ville Piispanen (18-4-3) W PTS 6 Janneh Haruna (0-2-1).

Putkonen VS. Dimidschtein

Putkonen makes successful return with win over Belgian. In his first fight for 13 months the 30-year-old had some rust to shed but he boxed well and got the win as Dimidschtein’s team pulled him out at the end of the sixth round due to an eye injury. Now 4 losses in a row for Dimidschtein.

Haapoja vs. Rusiewicz

Haapoja gets back on the winning trail with unanimous decision over Pole. Scores 60-54, 60-55 and 58-56. Former EU champion Haapoja, 33, had lost two in a row to Silvio Branco and Rakhim Chakhkiev both for the vacant WBC Silver title. Rusiewicz, 32, has lost 6 of his last 7 fights.

Piispanen vs. Haruna

Former EU champion Piispanen was also rebounding from a loss and he took every round against Finnish-based Nigerian Haruna. Scores 60-54 from all three judges. Piispanen, 30, lost a wide unanimous decision to Michele Di Rocco for the EBU title in December. Haruna still looking for his first win.

 

Saarbrucken, Germany: Super Middle: Bernard Donfack (20-11-3) W KO 10 Javier A Mamani (39-15-1). Donfack wins the vacant WBFed title with late kayo of Argentinian Mamani. Donfack was generally in control with Mamani countering with body shots but not being able to stop Donfack’s aggression. As the Argentinian tired Donfack increased his pace and floored Mamani in the tenth. The Argentinian made it to his feet but a left hook put him down for the second time and he could not beat the count. The 34-year-old German-based Cameroon boxer makes it 11 wins by KO/TKO. He losses when he gets too ambitious as defeats against Server Yemurlayev, Max Vlasov and Konni Konrad show, but he has a title now.  Mamani, 33, is used to losing on the road. This is his eighth loss outside Argentina.

 

Chester, WV, USA: Heavy: Shannon Briggs (54-6-1,1ND) W TKO 1 Matt Greer (16-13). Welter: Dusty Hernandez Henderson (22-0) W TKO 4 Roberto Valenzuela (69-67-2).

Briggs vs. Greer

Yet another farce as Briggs halts poor Greer in 23 seconds. Greer never looked like he was there to fight and a series of clubbing right swings from Briggs saw him go down on one knee. He was shaky when he got up and staggered to the ropes and the referee stopped the fight. The 42-year-old is shouting loud but fighting soft. Greer has lost 5 of his last 6 fights, all of those losses inside three rounds. Surely even the WBO would not rate on this basis. I hope….

Henderson vs. Valenzuela

Coming in at short notice Henderson had too much of everything for game veteran Valenzuela. Over the first two rounds Henderson was content to let Valenzuela come to him and score with left hooks to the body and uppercuts. In the third a left hook to the body put Valenzuela down. He got up and tried to take the fight to Henderson but two overhand rights sent him reeling to the ropes and the referee stepped in and gave Valenzuela a count with the bell going on completion of the count. Another body punch put Valenzuela down at the start of the fourth and then a series of head shots saw the referee give Valenzuela another standing count. When the action resumed a few more hard body punches from Henderson saw the referee stop the fight. Now 12 wins by KO/TKO for the promising 19-year-old. He has a good jab, plenty of movement and power but needs tougher tests to really get his measure. Mexican Valenzuela has had 138 fights in his 22 year career and his willingness to take the fight to his opponent makes him a popular loser.

 

Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Light: Javier Prieto (24-7-1) Drew 12 Ivan Cano (22-6-1).

Prieto retains his WBC Silver title in draw with Cano. The challenger took the initiative at the start using a hard jab to build a lead whilst Prieto seemed to be looking to find a big punch to make it an early night. That was not working and at the end of four rounds the champion was behind on all cards 40-36, 39-37 and 39-38. despite having Cano bleeding from the mouth and badly shaken in the seventh at the end of the eighth Prieto had not closed the gap with Cano still up on all cards 79-73, 78-74 and 77-73. Cano tired badly over the closing rounds. Prieto made a big effort in the tenth, floored Cano in the eleventh and had him on the ropes and in deep trouble with the bell saving Cano in the last. Scores115-114 for Prieto, 116-112 for Cano and 114-114. Prieto won the Silver title with an upset victory over Vicente Mosquera in Panama in November which saw him rise to No 4 in the WBC ratings. He now has 8 wins and a draw in his last 9 fights. Cano had lost 2 of his last 3.

 

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.