The Past Week in Action 2 July 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 2 July 2014

 

June 25

 

Flemington, Australia: Super Middle: Jake Carr (8-0) W PTS 10 Dane Mulivai (4-1). Welter: Qamil Balla (7-0-1) W PTS 10 Terry Tzouramanis (12-2-3). Light Welter: Czar Amonsot (27-3-3) W TKO 3 Thong Por Chokchai (23-9-1). Light welter: Rivan Cesaire (12-5-1) W PTS 10 Samuel Colomban (22-7). Super Bantam: Ibrahim Balla (5-0) W TKO 2 Thongthai (16-19).

Carr vs. Mulivai

Carr retains his Australian title with wide unanimous decision over Mulivai. It was Carr’s fight from the outset. The unbeaten champion was a cautious of Mulivai’s power but nevertheless pressed the fight boxing on the back foot but being first to the punch and outboxing his less experienced challenger. Carr was able to get home his punches without giving Mulivai any opportunity to use the power which had seen him earn the title shot with a stoppage of Joel Casey in April. Carr found an easy target for his jabs and fast combinations and although his workrate dropped in the middle rounds he was always in command against a slower and less skilled challenger. Scores 100-90 twice and 100-91. Managed by former IBF super feather champion Barry Michael the 23-year-old Carr looks an outstanding prospect. Mulivai, the ANBF No 6, was a quarter-finalist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games but then spent most of his time in MMA competitions where he was very successful so has more fighting experience than his boxing record indicates.

Balla vs. Tzouramanis

Balla, another 2010 Commonwealth Games competitor retained his title with a unanimous decision over ANBF No 5 Tzouramanis. “Golden Boy” Balla was just too slick for Tzouramanis and used his additional height and reach to work on the outside. He had his challenger down with a left hook in the third and controlled the fight. Desperation tactics from Tzouramanis saw him lose a point in the eighth as he tried to break the champion’s rhythm with some clinching but to no avail. Scores 99-89, 98-90 and 97-91. The 24-year-old Balla was Australian champion at Cadet, Junior and Senior level and competed at the 2009 World Championships. Tzouramanis, a State champion had reversed his only other loss, but Balla was just too good for him.

Cesaire vs. Colomban

Cesaire wins the vacant Australian title with a split decision over fellow Cameroon Colomban. The fight did not hit the heights and many rounds were close which accounted for the differing scores. Two judges saw Cesaire the winner on scores of 97-93 and 97-94 whilst the third gave it to Colomban 98-92. The 29-year-old Cesaire was 3-3 in his first 6 fights then won 8 in a row before a technical draw and tough losses to Lenny Zappavigna, where he had Zappavigna on the floor, and to Jeff Horn due to a dislocated shoulder. He was ANBF No 3. Former CBC title challenger Colomban, 28, was having his fourth shot at winning an Australian title and again came up short. He was ANBF No 2.

 Amonsot vs. Chokchai

In an all-southpaw fight Australian-based Filipino Amonsot extended his current unbeaten run to 11 with a stoppage of experienced Thai Chokchai. It was to have been a defence of Amonsot’s PABA title but Chokchai failed to make the weight. Amonsot won the three completed rounds and the fight was halted in the fourth. The 28-year-old Amonsot is WBA No 9 and ANBF No 2. He has 9 wins and 2 draws in his last 11 fights and 17 wins by KO/TKO. Chokchai, 33, was having his first fight for two years, and two years ago he was a super feather.

Balla vs. Thongthai

Younger brother Ibrahim made it a double for the Balla family as he won the Victoria title with a stoppage of Thai Thongthai. He has 4 wins by KO/TKO and is ANBF No 7. He won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Youth Championships and also competed at the World Championships and the 2012 Olympics so another name to watch. Eight losses in a row for little Thongthai

 

Kingston, Jamaica: Welter: Sakima Mullings (15-1) W TKO 4 Donovan Campbell (13-9-1). Mullings moves into the finals of the Contender series with a crushing win over Campbell. Mullings scored with heavy punches in the first round and it was obvious he had a big edge in power. Campbell landed some hard shots in the second but was taking more than he was giving with Mullings digging to the body and he dropped Campbell but the bell came in time to save Campbell. The third was a painful round for Campbell as Mullings continued to batter him to head and body.  Mullings continued his attacks in the fourth and with Campbell trapped on the ropes and shipping heavy shots the referee stepped in just as Campbell slumped to the canvas. The 31-year-old Mullings, the CBC Zonal champion, has 10 wins by KO/TKO and has won his last 11 fights including reversing his only loss. “Police” Campbell had won his last 7 fights. This was the first time the 45-year-old had lost by KO/TKO and he announced his retirement.

 

Mandaluyong, City: Philippines: Bantam: Rex Wao (10-0) W TKO 7 Virden Rivera (7-1-1). Feather: Carlo Magalia (18-7-2) W PTS 12 Rey Perez (19-5). Super Feather: Ernie Sanchez (14-5-1) DREW 10 Randy Megrino (15-17-3).

Wao vs. Rivera

In a clash of unbeaten Filipino fighters “Highland Gladiator” Wa-o wins the vacant WBC International title with stoppage of Rivera. The 24-year-old from Baguio City has 8 wins by KO/TKO and already holds the WBC Asian Council title. “Prince Warrior” Rivera, 23, was having his first 12 round fight.

Magalia vs. Perez

Magalia (Magale according to the GAB) won the vacant ABF title and protected his No 2 national rating with unanimous decision over Perez. Now 4 wins in his last 5 fights for the 27-year-old who will be hoping that national champion Vinvin Rufino picks him for his voluntary defence. “Flash” Perez, 23, the GAB No 12 was 2-2 going in but the two losses were points over 12 rounds against Hugo Cazares and Andres Gutierrez (26-0-1).

Sanchez vs. Megrino

Sanchez and Megrino finished all even in a good quality fight for the vacant WBC Youth title with the judges coming up with a split draw. GAB No 9 lightweight Sanchez, 22, had lost two in a row at super bantam. One to Gutierrez for the WBC Silver title and to Vargas for the WBC Youth Silver title. ”Gorilla” Megrino, 25, the GAB No 13 super feather is 2-7-1 in his last 10 fights

 

June 26

 

Asnieres-sur-Seine, France: Cruiser: Jean Marc Mormeck (37-5) W TKO 4 Tamas Lodi (13-3-1). Middle: Jonathan Bertonnier (17-11-3,1ND) W TKO 1 Julien Marie Sainte (36-5). Feather: Khedafi Djelkhir (16-0) W KO 3 Zsolt Nagy (18-24). Cruiser: Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf (19-4-1) W TKO 3 Julien Guibaud Ribaud (9-9-2).

Mormeck vs. Lodi

In his first fight since being kayoed by Wlad Klitschko for the IBF/WBA/WBO heavy titles it took Mormeck a round to shake off the rust and get started. From then it was one-sided as left hooks from the former WBA/WBC cruiser champion battered down the resistance of the Hungarian. By the fourth Lodi was ready to go and a hard right put him down. He got up but was taking more punishment when the referee stopped the fight. At 42 Mormeck has a limited shelf life but back down at cruiser he can still be a factor. Lodi, 24, a former WBO European champion, was out of his league. He was coming off a title losing loss to Nuri Seferi last month.

Bertonnier vs. Sainte

Huge upset as “opponent” Bertonnier gets quick stoppage of FFB No 1/EBU 10 Sainte. Bertonnier came out throwing hooks and caught Sainte cold. He shook the former EBU title challenger with hard hooks from both hands and the referee halted the contest over the protests from Sainte and his corner. Rated FFB No 6 and with only 5 wins by KO/TKO going into the fight Bertonnier was looked upon as just a payday to keep Sainte busy. It remains to be seen if the 28-year-old can swing some good paydays for himself out of this win. “Brigadier” Sainte had hit a high rating after 16 wins in a row, but losses to Max Bursak for the EBU title and Karim Achour for the French title had him at 2-2 in his last 4 fights.

Djelkhir vs. Nagy

Olympic silver medallist Djelkhir looks impressive in disposing of Hungarian Nagy. Djelkhir had Nagy under pressure from the first round walking-down his experienced foe. He ended things in the third with a wicked left hook to the body which put Nagy down in agony. Djelkhir, 30, lost in the final of the 2008 Olympics to Vasyl Lomachenko. He has won his last 4 fight by KO/TKO. He  has plenty of talent, but needs to be more active. This was his only his third fight in two years. Nagy, 29, won his first 10 fights so is 8-24 in his last 32 with 5 losses by KO/TKO.

Benmakhlouf vs. Ribaud

Algerian Benmakhlouf makes it 9 wins in his last 10 fights as Ribaud is stopped in the third. A bit fortunate for Benmakhlouf. He was in front but Ribaud suffered a shoulder injury which ended the fight. The tall 37-year-old’s only loss in his last 10 fights was to Roy Jones in December in Moscow for the German version of the WBU title. Ribaud is FFB No 3.

 

June 27

 

Glasgow, Scotland: Light: Dejan Zlaticanin (19-0) W PTS 12 Ricky Burns (36-4-1). Light Welter: Willie Limond (38-4) W PTS 12 Curtis Woodhouse (22-7). Cruiser: Steve Simmons (10-0) W TKO 10 Wadi Camacho (12-3). Feather: Kris Hughes (17-5) W PTS 10 Jon Slowey (16-1). Light: Scott Cardle (15-0) W PTS 8 Sylvain Chapellle (14-17-2). Super Middle: Dave Brophy (11-0-1) W PTS 6 Harry Matthews (12-17-2). Super Feather: Mike Roberts (15-0) W PTS 6 Mike Ramabeletsa (12-14). Light Heavy: Callum Johnson (8-0) W PTS 4 Nat King (14-23)

Zlaticanin vs. Burns

Huge upset as Burns is beaten on a split decision by Zlaticanin for the vacant WBC International title. This was a difficult fight for Burns and a difficult fight to score. The former two-division WBO champion got a horrendous start when a punch from Zlaticanin put the Scot on his back in the first 30 seconds of the fight. Burns was badly shaken and although he had his jab working by the end of the round Zlaticanin had made a great start. The problem for Burns was curiously his big edge in height and also the unusual and awkward southpaw style of Zlaticanin. The little Montenegrin had a short torso and thickly muscled arms. Burns was having to punch downwards finding it hard to get accuracy with his jab at the small target and also to get through with any shots to the body. Because of the big reach advantage of Burns Zlaticanin never really used his jab and was having to leap in and throw wild, wide swings. It was these wide swings which Burns was caught with time and again and when they landed the Scot usually backed up to the ropes where Zlaticanin would pound away with body shots. Burns was the busier, throwing and landing more punches, but Zlaticanin was having spells in each round where he had Burns on the ropes and was working the Scot over. Every time Burns seemed to taking control he would get clipped again with a swing and be under pressure and he did not seem to be able to hurt Zlaticanin who just shrugged off the Scot’s best punches.  Burns recovered well from the knockdown and I had the score 38-37 to Zlaticanin after four rounds. The fifth was one of the rounds in which Burns was clipped and Zlaticanin forced Burns to the ropes and scored with a burst of punches. Burns looked to take the sixth and seventh scoring with his jab and straight rights, but he was caught with another swing in the eighth which I gave to Zlaticanin. At that stage I still had Zlaticanin in front 76-75. I gave Burns the ninth a close round which could have been scored either way, and tenth. Zlaticanin outworked Burns in the eleventh again having the Scot on the ropes and under pressure with for me Burns just edging the last although Zlaticanin finished strongly. Two judges scored it 115-113 to Zlaticanin and the third had it for Burns 115-113. My score was 115-113 for Burns, but it was a close fight so I would not argue with the result. Zlaticanin fought a fierce, focused fight and gets a huge win which will project him high in the ratings. The 30-year-old is very small for a lightweight and will be at a disadvantage with any fighter at the poundage, but he showed real power in his swings and a fierce body attack. Burns never really managed to dominate and was shaken every time Zlaticanin clipped him on the chin with those swings. No talk of retirement and there does not need to be. He is only 31 and he will rarely face an opponent as awkward as the brave little Zlaticanin.

Limond vs. Woodhouse

Limond retains his CBC title and wins the British title with a majority decision over Woodhouse which would have been unanimous. In the fight Woodhouse was the quicker and busier fighter, but the power was with Limond and he showed his experience in the way that he did not let early success make him over confident. Limond just edged the first two rounds and late in the third produced a peach of a left uppercut which put Woodhouse down on his back in a neutral corner. It was sort of knockdown you do not expect a fighter to get up from, but Woodhouse was up quickly and although he took more punishment he was still there at the bell. The British champion then showed his quality as he took the fight to Limond and they put on a great exhibition of  box/fighting. Limond was picking his punches and not going mad trying to repeat the knockdown Woodhouse was throwing great hooks and uppercuts and banging back every time Limond had him hurt.  It was a little classic. By the end of the tenth Woodhouse was behind on two cards and really needed at least one knockdown to win. Instead it was Limond who produced the goods flooring Woodhouse in the eleventh with a three punch combination finished off with a right uppercut. Again Woodhouse showed his powers of recovery and did not just survive the eleventh but fought hard in the twelfth looking for the kayo he needed. Scores 117-109, 116-111 and 113-113. Divergent scoring but as the supervisor seeing the round by round scoring I could see that there were many rounds where both banged shot after shot and although I felt the 116-112 was the most representative the other scores were an indication of how hard both men fought to dominate and how close many rounds were. The 35-year-old Limond with his two titles has plenty of options open to him and his participation in such a thrilling encounter will make him a good draw no matter who he fights next. Woodhouse had announced his retirement after winning the British title from Darren Hamilton in February. The 34-year-old former pro footballer still has plenty to offer the sport if he decides to fight on but if he decides to retire than this was as good a fight to end on as any.;

Simmons vs. Camacho

Simmons comes from behind to win this grudge match and retain his WBC International Silver title. There was genuine bad blood between these two but it never crept into the fight which was a hard-fought, tough scrap. Camacho had height and reach over Simmons and was also a southpaw. It was the southpaw right jab of Camacho which dominated most rounds. Simmons was just not working hard enough or letting his punches go. He seemed to be looking for one big punch and it was not coming. Some had it close but after seven rounds I had given six to Camacho and scored the third round even. In the eighth the first signs of Camacho tiring began to show and as Simmons staged a strong finish to the round Camacho came away with a cut over his left eye and with a swelling under his right eye. I gave that round to Simmons. Simmons also had success in the ninth as a cut was opened over the right eye of a visibly tiring Camacho, but it seemed to me that all Camacho had to do was last out the final three minutes. Simmons finally found the punch and shook Camacho with a big left. He followed that with a flurry of punches which put Camacho down. He was up quickly but his legs were quivering and as Simmons landed more punches the referee rightly stopped the fight. Fifth win by KO/TKO for the 29-year-old Scot and first defence of his WBC International Silver title. Spanish-born Londoner Camacho, 28, was two minutes away from a big win. He had won 6 of his last 7 fights and will win many more.

Hughes vs. Slowey

This was a highly anticipated return of an exciting battle that Slowey had won by just one point in December. This time there were very few fireworks as Hughes used his height and reach advantages and a sharper jab to pile up the points. It was a messy affair where the southpaw styles of both boxers had meshed so well last time just brought frustration this time. It was a close fight over the first six rounds. Slowey was able to get inside the jab of Hughes and despite a cut under his right eye suffered in the third round I had him 58-57 in front after six rounds. From there it was all Hughes. He was busier, more accurate and using his longer reach to box his way to a clear win. Scores 98-93, 98-94 and 97-94. I had it slightly closer at 97-95 but “Badger” Hughes was a clear winner. The Bellshill fighter, a former two-time CBC title challenger, had lost 4 of his last 5 fights so needed this win badly. The previously unbeaten Slowey, 23, disappointed in this one and has some reputation rebuilding to do.

Cardle vs. Chapellle

Cardle remains unbeaten after a comfortable win over experienced Frenchman Chapellle. Cardle is a real craftsman with quick hands a good boxing brain and great movement. He outboxed the gutsy little visitor who never stopped coming forward trying to pin down the elusive Cardle with no success. Cardle was just too quick-handed and was putting on a brilliant exhibition of boxing. He let his work rate drop in the fifth, the only round I gave to Chapellle but continued to outbox Chapellle for the last three rounds. Referees score was 80-73. The only knock against the 24-year-old former top amateur is his lack of power with only three wins by KO/TKO. He landed enough clean punches to put Chapellle away but it did not happen. Chapellle, the FFB No 3 has come up short in challenges for the French super feather and lightweight titles and has never lost inside the distance.

Brophy vs Matthews

Brophy continues to progress. He looks strong, compact and quick-handed in winning every round against Matthews. Referee’s score 60-54. The 24-year-old Scot lacks power with all of his wins being on points and Matthews as usual made Brophy work hard in every round.

Roberts vs. Ramabeletsa

Roberts moved down to featherweight and continued his winning run with a points victory over British-based South African Ramabeletsa. The South African made it a good test for the young Scot and lived up to his nickname of “Trouble Maker”, referee’s score59-56. Again a power question over the talented 27-year-old Roberts with only one win by KO/TKO. Ramabeletsa, 32, has now lost 5 of his last 6 fights.

Johnson vs. King

Former top amateur Johnson given four good work rounds by King. Johnson showed quick hands and a head shot staggered King in the first. The tall Welsh-born King recovered and fought back well. A punch from Johnson cut King by his mouth in the second and Johnson scored well on the inside in the third. King got through with a hard right in the last but Johnson banged back with a right uppercut. Referee’s score 40-36. The 28-year-old former Commonwealth gold medallist was having only his third fight in two years but with more activity will be one to watch. King, 33, has only lost by KO/TKO three times and has been in with tough opposition such as Ovill McKenzie, Kenny Anderson, Jean-Paul Mendy and James DeGale and was coming off a good win over Courtney Fry in May.

 

Las Vegas, NV, USA: Middle: Dominic Wade (16-0) W PTS 10 Nick Brinson (16-2-2). Welter: Errol Spence (13-0) W PTS 10 Ronald Cruz (20-4). Light Heavy: Marcus Browne (11-0) W TKO 1 Donta Woods (8-3). Heavy: Gerald Washington (13-0) W TKO 2 Travis Walker (39-12-1). Light Heavy: Tyrell Hendrix (11-4-2) W TKO 4 Dennis Hasson (16-1). Cruiser: B J Flores (30-1-1) W PTS 8 Anthony Caputo Smith (15-3). Light Heavy: Steve Lovett (10-0) W TKO 3 Dwayne Williams (5-2).

Wade vs. Brinson

First main event for Wade and he wins well over useful Brinson. Wade got off to a good start pocketing the first three rounds with his better skills and speed and getting through with some hard shots. He kept the fight on the outside and paced himself well until the middle rounds when Brinson came into the fight with good punches to the body. Wade had never gone past the sixth round before and Brinson pushed him hard over the closing rounds but Wade kept to his game plan to get the decision. Scores 97-93 twice and 96-94. The 24-year-old “Blade” a former World Cadet silver medal winner, stood up to the test well. Brinson, 26, was having his first fight for eight months which may explain his slow start, but he showed enough to remain a promising young fighter worth watching. He has beaten Jorge Melendez (26-2-1) and was a two-time NGG bronze medalist beating Errol Spence in the amateurs.

Spence vs. Cruz

Impressive display from Olympian Spence as he hands out a one-sided beating to former prospect Cruz. The Texan southpaw set a high work rate that Cruz could not match and slowly broke Cruz down with sharp, accurate shots. A clash of heads saw Cruz cut over the left eye in the second and Spence looked close to halting the Puerto Rican-born Cruz in the middle rounds. Cruz survived but his cause was not helped when a punch opened a cut over his right eye in the seventh. It was the first time Spence had gone past eight rounds but he staged a frantic finish to show that the distance was no problem. Scores 100-90 from all three judges. The 24-year-old looks to be a real talent and a future world title hope. After winning his first 17 fights Cruz had gone 3-3 in his next 6. In his last fight he lost to former IBF welter champion Kermit Cintron by just one point on each of the judges cards.

Browne vs. Woods

Olympian Brown makes it 8 wins by KO/TKO as he puts away Woods in the first round. It took Brown just 91 seconds to get the stoppage, his fifth first round win. The 23-year-old New Yorker had gone the distance in each of his last three fights and had been hoping for a test against former title challenger Yusaf Mack but Mack was ruled out and Woods came in as a late sub. First loss by KO/TKO for Woods but only his third fight in almost four years.

Washington vs. Walker

At 32 Washington is a bit old to be a prospect but he could be one to watch in the division. “El Gallo Negro” was not thrown by an early blast of activity from the experienced Walker and boxed his way through the first round. It was his turn in the second and a he quickly took Walker to the ropes and landed a series of hard punches to put Walker down with the fight being stopped. The 6’5” (196cm) Washington makes it five wins in a row by KO/TKO. Walker, 35, has lost 5 in a row and 8 by KO/TKO.

Hendrix vs. Hasson

No one gave Hendrix the script so he came out the winner instead of the loser. Two knockdown in the fourth round saw the fight stopped with just one second left in the round. “Hollywood” Hendrix had lost three of his last 4 but the losses had been to Anatoly Dudchenko, Ronal Gavril and Jesse Hart with Gavril and Hart both stopping him early. Hasson was having only his second fight after 20 months of inactivity so he has a quick rebuilding job on his hands.

Flores vs. Smith

Flores is into his rebuilding phase and he continued with a unanimous decision over Smith. Scores 80-72 from all three judges. Flores suffered his only loss in 2010 when he was outpointed by Danny Green for the IBO title but he was inactive from October 2012 until returning with a win in May. Pennsylvania State champion Smith was halted in three rounds by Sean Monaghan in October.

Lovett vs. Williams

Australian Lovett used his jab to wear down Williams before ending the fight in the third with a right which put Williams down and saw the referee stop the fight. Three fights in the USA for Lovett and three wins by KO/TKO. Third loss by KO/TKO for Williams.

 

Florencio Varela, Argentina: Light: Fernando Saucedo (52-5-3) WKO 3 Luis Juarez (19-8-2).  Saucedo pleases his hometown fans with stoppage of previous victim Juarez. Saucedo pocketed the first two rounds and then landed a left to the head in the third which floored Juarez. He got up but at the end of the eight count the referee decided the fight was over. The 32-year-old WBC 5/IBF 3(2) super feather lost to Chris John for the WBA title in 2010. The only defeat he has suffered in his last 38 fights, but has only 8 wins by KO/TKO. He outpointed Juarez in 2012. Juarez, 31, is 3-4 in his last 7 fights but has been matched tough.

 

Rojas, Argentina: Light Welter: Martin A Coggi (32-6-3,1ND) W PTS 10 Alejandro Gomez (14-25-5). Light Ezequiel Fernandez (19-1) W PTS 6 Fernando Romero (4-9-2).

Coggi vs. Gomez

Coggi takes the unanimous decision in a fight that never really caught fire. “The Prince” was able to control the fight. Having good advantages in height and reach he was able to use his southpaw jab to control the action although Gomez scored well when he did get close. Gomez was a constant danger with his head work and lost a point in the fifth for ducking too low. Scores 99-95, 98-96 and 97 ½-95 ½. Only one loss in his last ten fights for the 30-year-old son of the former WBA light welter champion and the FAB No 4.  Gomez, 37, is 3-9-2 in his last 14 fights.

Fernandez vs. Romero

Prospect “Pac Man” Fernandez gets a unanimous decision over Romero. Fernandez clearly dominated the fight. The FAB No 5 super feather won on scores of 60-56 ½ twice and a too close 58 ½-58. Second win for Fernandez since losing a majority decision to Pablo Barboza for the WBC Latino title in December. Romero keeps his record clear of inside the distance losses.

 

Capitan Bermudez, Argentina: Heavy: Matias A Vidondo (19-1-1) W TKO 2 Miguel Morales 13-14-1). Vidondo gets easy win in non-title fight. Vidondo started cautiously but then landed two rights to floor Morales. The eight count helped Morales to recover and the bell went before Vidondo could do more damage. Vidondo continued the pressure in the second with Morales holding desperately to try to blunt the attacks of Vidondo. That only worked early in the round and later another shot sent Morales down. The follow-up attack saw the referee stop the fight. Now 17 wins by KO/TKO for the Argentinian champion and 9 wins in a row. He is preparing for a big fight with former WBC cruiser champion Miguel Dominguez his No 2 contender. Third loss by KO/TKO for Morales.

 

Malvern, Australia: Middle: Mike Zerafa (15-0) W PTS 8 Joe Rae (9-14-1,1ND). Light Heavy: Manny Vlamis (13-3) W PTS 8 John Roil (3-4-1). Cruiser: Pierre Karam (19-4-1) W PTS 8 Komgrit (17-22).

Zerafa vs. Rae

Zerafa gets unanimous decision in good paced fight. “Pretty Boy” Zerafa had the edge in speed and accuracy particularly with his jab and he built a good lead over the first four rounds. Rae had a good fifth when he scored well with Zerafa slowing the pace.  Rae was in the fight in the sixth only for Zerafa to score with hard rights that put him on top again. Zerafa took the last two rounds with some clever boxing as Rae tried for a big punch to turn things around. Scores 79-73 twice and 80-72. Good learning fight for 22-year-old ANBF No 5. Ballymena-born Rae, 30, has lost 6 of his last 7 fights.

Vlamis vs. Roil

Vlamis makes it two wins in 2014 as he gets unanimous decision over New Zealander Roil. Scores 79-73, 79-74 and 78-74. The 32-year-old Vlamis was briefly world rated after a run of 5 wins by KO/TKO including a victory over Joel Casey, but a bad loss to Toga Leota in March 2012 de-railed him and he was inactive for two years. First fight outside New Zealand and first eight round fight for Roil.

Karam vs Komgrit

Once a member of the Kronk gym Karam launches his comeback with unanimous decision over veteran Thai. The 36-year-old Karam had the Thai on the canvas but could not keep him there and won on scores of 80-73 twice and 79-73. Karam had been out of the ring since losing in two rounds to Brian Minto in October 2010. Southpaw Komgrit, 42, has lost 10 of his last 11 fights.

 

Ayutthaya, Thailand: Bantam: Petch Sor Chitpattana (25-0) W PTS 10 Gerpaul Valero (17-15-3). Fly: Myung-goo Yuh (18-4-1) W TKO 2 Morakote (8-4). Straw: Wanheng (35-0) W PTS 6 Sam Tehuayo (17-23-2).

Sor Chitpattana vs. Valero

Thai Sor Chitpattana retains his WBC Youth title but is given a good test by Filipino Valero. The champion had to climb off the floor as Valero proved a tough opponent in the early rounds. From the mid point the strength and stamina of Sor Chitpattana allowed him to take over the fight and he won a clear decision. Scores 96-93 from all three judges. The 20-year-old southpaw, the WBC No 6, needs more tests like this. The 23-year-old Valero’s figures don’t look impressive but he has made an amazing turn around in his career. He was 1-13-3 in his first 17 fights and is now 16-2 in his last 18 including a win over former WBC champion Sonny Boy Jaro.

Yuh vs. Morakote

In a non-title fight Korean Yuh just has too much power for Thai prelim fighter and halts him in the second. Now 9 wins in a row for the 34-year-old PABA champion. Morakote was on a good run with 6 wins in his last 7 fights.

Wanheng vs. Tehuayo

WBC No 1 Wanheng continues to take no chances as he waits for his title shot. He easily outboxed Indonesian “Hagler” Tehuayo but suffered a bad cut in the last round on his way to the unanimous decision. The 28-year-old Thai has been maneuvered into the top spot without ever fighting anyone of note over the past two years. Tehuayo was 14-0 at one time so has gone way downhill.

 

Frosinone, Italy: Super Bantam: Emiliano Salvini (16-19-2) W PTS 10 Giodi Scala (6-1). Light Middle: Stefano Castellucci (23-3) W PTS 6 Norbert Szekeres (15-33-3). Feather: Davide Dieli (15-3) W PTS 6 Ignac Kassai (14-34-2).

Scala vs Salvini

Veteran Salvini finally gets another win in a title fight and takes the national crown from champion Scala. It was the champion in the lead in the first three rounds using superior speed to pile up the points. Salvini got into the fight in the fourth pushing Scala back and scoring heavily inside with hooks to head and body. The sixth saw the more experienced Salvini in control with Scala forced to fight with his back to the ropes and Salvini scoring to the body. The pace dropped in the next three rounds and with Scala forced to stand and trade to try to turn things around that suited Salvini. The champion gave it everything in the last round but Salvini kept up his attacks and won a clear decision. Scores 97-93 twice and 99-91. The 35-year-old new champion, a former Italian bantam champion, had lost in shots at the Italian bantam, twice for the Italian super bantam, for the EU bantam and EBU bantam, and three times for the Italian featherweight title. He was 2-11-1 in his last 14 fights going into this fight. Scala, 24, was making the first defence of his title and he can come again with more experience.

Castellucci vs. Szekeres

“Dangerous” Castellucci was looking to get this one over quickly and attacked hard in the first round but Szekeres kept a tight defence and scored with a quick combination of his own at the end of the round. Castellucci was still pressing in the second with the Hungarian content to stay out of trouble. From the third Szekeres began to tire and Castellucci was able to keep him on the ropes and score with some good punches. Szekeres was in trouble in the fifth but a low punch from Castellucci got him some recovery time and despite the efforts of Castellucci he defended his way through to the bell at the end of the sixth with Castellucci winning every round. The 32-year-old Italian, the EBU No 9 welter, is 5-2 in his last 7 fights with the losses being a technical decision against Leonard Bundu for the EBU title and an upset stoppage loss to Ceferino Rodriguez for the EU title. Hungarian Szekeres is 2-14 in his last 16 fights.

Dieli vs. Kassai

Dieli win unanimous decision over Kassai. In the first round the former Italian and EU champion was walking in trying to get inside the jab of the taller Hungarian to work the body. In the second Kassai was the one attacking and evening the fight. Dieli finally managed to hurt Kassai at the end of the third and body punching had Kassai gasping in the fourth. It was Dieli on top over the last two rounds with Kassai trying to use his jab to keep the Italian off but Dieli was working  the body and won a clear decision. The 34-year-old “Half Hook” only lost his EU title to world rated Sofiane Takoucht on a split decision. He has won 8 of his last 9 fights and is the mandatory challenger to Brit Lee Selby for the European title.

 

Bilbao, Spain: Light: Ignacio Mendoza (39-9-2) W PTS 10 King Daluz (9-1-2).

Colombian-born “Naxto” Mendoza outpoints inexperienced Daluz. To win the vacant Spanish title. Daluz made a good start using his youth and speed to outbox Mendoza. From the third Mendoza was closing the gap and he had Daluz hurt on the ropes with the referee giving DaLuz a standing count. Daluz boxed his way through the rest of the round but the fight had changed. Mendoza was now able to work inside. A big right in the sixth dropped Daluz to his knees and it looked to be over but Daluz showed guts and despite the pressure from Mendoza fought his way through the next three rounds and even found the strength to stand and trade with Mendoza in the tenth. Scores 97-91 twice and 98-90. Mendoza, 30, lost to Santos Martin on a technical decision for this same title in March. He is a good quality fighter who has had to take some tough matches losing on the road to John Murray, Kevin Mitchell, Khabib Allakhverdiev and Viktor Postl and in Spain to Petr Petrov who shone in the recent ESPN Boxcino Tournament. Daluz, 26, was in only his second ten round fight and showed some talent and courage.

 

Ontario, CA, USA: Welter: Artemio Reyes (22-2) W TKO 2 Abraham Alvarez Osuna (16-6-1). Welter: Giovanni Santillan (13-0) W PTS 8 Joaquin Chavez (7-13-3). Super Bantam: Daniel Roman (10-2-1) W PTS 8 Jon Arrellano (14-4-2).

Reyes vs. Alvarez

Another quick finish for Reyes. Alvarez started brightly but by the end of the first round “The “King” was getting through with hard punches to the head. Reyes continued the barrage in the second, He floored Alvarez twice and with Alvarez just throwing wild punches in a survival attempt Reyes ended it by scoring a third knockdown with the referee stopping the fight. Now 7 wins in a row for 27-year-old Reyes, 6 by KO/TKO. A shock first round stoppage by Alan Sanchez is the only loss in his last 22 fights. Mexican Alvarez goes to 5 losses in a row by KO/TKO.

Santillan vs. Chavez

Southpaw Santillan outpoints late sub Chavez. It looked like an early night when Santillan floored Chavez with a right in the first round. Chavez was not badly hurt and survived the round but was never really in the fight with a winning chance. Santillan was quicker with his punches and used an effective body attack with Chavez only able to pick up a couple of rounds with counters. Scores 79-72, 78-73 and 77-74. The 22-year-old “Gallo de Oro” is still to be tested. Just one win in his last six fights for Chavez but he has never failed to go the distance.

Roman vs. Arrellano

Roman wins wide decision over Arrellano after almost finishing the fight in the eighth. It was a hard fought bout with both exchanging hard shots. Roman built a lead over the first half of the fight and was the heavier puncher. Arrellano was making a mistake in trading and it began to tell in the late rounds. In the eighth Roman dropped Arrellano twice but the bell went before he could finish the job. Scores 80-70 twice and 79-71. Now 9 wins in his last 10 fights for 24-year-old Roman. One win in six for Arrellano who has been down in five of those six fights but has always made it to the final bell.

 

St. Charles, MS, USA: Light: Ivan Redkach (17-0,1ND) W PTS 10 Sergey Gulyakevich (41-3). Super Feather: Ryan Kielczewski (20-0) W PTS 8 Ramsey Luna (12-2).

Redkach vs. Gulyakevich

Redkach wins unanimous verdict over disappointing Gulyakevich. The Ukrainian southpaw went in front from the start and was forcing the fight with Gulyakevich the Belarus fighter looking to be in survival mode from the outset. Redkach suffered an injury to his right elbow early in the fight but even with that handicap he was still outboxing the experienced Gulyakevich. He was further hampered by an injury to his right hand but Gulyakevich even then could not get a foothold in the fight and Redkach was a comfortable winner. Scores 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92. The 28-year-old Redkach was already rated IBF 8(6)/WBC 9 despite having had only one ten round fight- a win over unrated Tony Luis. Gulyakevich, the former European super feather champion and interim WBA title challenger had won his last 15 fights but all were 4 and 6 round matches against poor opposition.

Kielczewski vs. Luna

“The Polish Prince” Kielczewski uses a sustained body attack to outpoint Texan Luna in a competitive eight round fight. After a slow start Kielczewski began to go to the body and setting a pace which Luna could not match. The Texan had some success when he could take Kielczewski to the ropes and limit his punching room but Kielczewski landed harder and more often. They both fought like tigers over the closing rounds but it was Kielczewski who was dominating. Scores 78-74 twice and 79-73. The 24-year-old Kielczewski is ready to move up. Luna had gone the distance with prospect Toke Kahn Clary in December.

 

June 28

 

Omaha, NE, USA: Light: Terrence Crawford (24-0) W TKO 9 Yuriorkis Gamboa (23-1). Middle: Matt Korobov (24-0) W PTS 10 Jose Uzcategui (22-1) Welter: Mike Zewski (24-0) W KO 4 Prince Doku Jr. (18-6). Welter: Konstantin Ponomarev (24-0) W TKO 1 Joseph De los Santos (17-13-3).

Crawford vs. Gamboa

Crawford retains his WBO title as he crushes unbeaten Cuban Gamboa in nine rounds. Crawford had the height and reach and Gamboa the hand speed and in theory the punch. Gamboa certainly started well getting through with rights in the first. Crawford was trying to use his physical advantages in the second but again the hand speed of Gamboa saw him scoring the better punches. Gamboa also took the third with Crawford switching to southpaw to try to confuse the Cuban. In the fourth Crawford had his right jab working well and was scoring to the body. By the end of the round Gamboa was sporting a swelling by his left eye. Gamboa was doing well in the fifth until Crawford slammed home a right hook which put Gamboa down. The challenger got up and tried to bang back but had to absorb more hard punches and looked shaky at the bell. In the sixth and seventh Crawford’s right jab was getting through regularly and he was hurting Gamboa with hooks to the body. Early in the eighth Gamboa looked to have shaken Crawford with a hard punch but then Crawford put the Cuban down again with a right hook. Again Gamboa tried to bang back but he lacked power. In the ninth Gamboa seemed to hurt Crawford with a punch but uppercuts from Crawford were jarring the head of Gamboa and a left cross put him down. He made it to his feet and tried to fight back but Crawford would not be denied and another right uppercut put Gamboa down and the referee waived the fight over. The 26-year-old hometown fighter gets a huge profile building win and from the showing here he is the best lightweight on the planet. Gamboa, 32, looked sensational early in his career but fell away with just three fights in almost three years. Crawford is a big lightweight and Gamboa a small featherweight and that also made a difference.

Korobov vs. Uzcategui

Korobov wins again but still lacks the spark needed to get to a higher level. The Russian southpaw used his right jab and straight lefts to take the first round and also opened a cut over the left eye of the Venezuelan. He continued to score with those punches in the third but Uzcategui finally came alive and won the fourth with Korobov taking the fifth but suffering a cut by his right eye. Korobov’s work rate dropped and Uzcategui was not able to build any impetus and the fight slowed. Korobov had Uzcategui down from a right hook in the seventh but the Venezuelan survived and did enough to win the eighth. The last two rounds were fairly even with Korobov getting the deserved decision. Scores 97-91 twice and 96-92. The 31-year-oild Korobov, a double World Amateur champion, wins the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title. He is a good technician but lacks charisma and TV will not be knocking themselves out to feature him. Uzcategui had an impressive record winning 10 of his last 11 fights by KO/TKO but disappointed here.

Zewski vs. Doku

Zewski wins the vacant NABF title by kayoing Ghanaian in fourth. It was one-sided action all the way with Zewski forcing the fight and scoring with hard punches to head and body and Doku unable to do anything to stem the tide. In the fourth Doku was trapped on the ropes and Zewski scored with shot after shot until Doku collapsed to the canvas and was counted out. The lanky 25-year-old Canadian has won 14 of his last 15 fights by KO/TKO. Doku, 27, had lost to prospects Frankie Gomez (TKO 1) and Jose Benavidez.

Ponomarev vs. Munoz

Russian hope Ponomarev gets another win but not satisfactory.  Ponomarev was on top and floored De los Santos who suffered an ankle injury and the fight was stopped with 11 seconds left in the first round.

 

Kinshasa, DRC: Cruiser: Ilunga Makabu (17-1) W TKO 9 Glen Johnson (54-19-2). Heavy: Zack Mwekassa (15-4) W TKO 7 Bernard Adie (11-2). Heavy: Daniel Wanyonyi (15-6-2) W PTS 12 Matamba Debatch Postolo (18-0).

Makabu vs. Johnson

Makabu halts Johnson and wins the vacant WBC International title. Veteran Johnson was gradually broken down by the strength of the DRC fight and was taking punishment on the ropes when the fight was stopped. After losing his first pro fight southpaw Makabu has won 16 of his 17 fights by KO/TKO. He is No 2 with the WBA and the WBC No 3. At 45 it may be the end of a great career for Jamaican Johnson.

Mwekassa vs. Adie

Mwekassa, another DRC southpaw, halts Kenyan in seven rounds for the ABU title. The 30-year-old was rebounding from a first round loss to Dmitry Kudryashov in November and has 14 wins by KO/TKO. Only two of his fights have gone the distance. “The Viper” Adie had won his last 9 fights, 7 by KO/TKO.

Wanyonyi vs. Postolo

Wanyonyi gets a win for the visitors as he outpoints Florida-based DRC fighter and collects the vacant ABU title. The 25-year-old Kenyan champion has lost only one of his last 13 fights and came in as a late replacement.

 

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Light: Darleys Perez (30-1) W PTS 12 Argenis Lopez (19-1).Super Bantam: Jesus Rojas (20-1-1,1ND) W TKO 6 Juan Carlos Pena (23-1). Super Middle: Fedor Chudinov (11-0) W TKO 3 Andy Perez (19-0). Super Fly: Norberto Jimenez (19-8-3) W PTS 11 Julio Escudero (15-4-1).

Perez vs. Lopez

Perez wins the vacant interim WBA title at the second attempt with unanimous decision over local fighter Lopez. Over the early rounds it was the pressure and speed from Perez against the slick counters from the taller Lopez. In the later rounds Lopez tired badly, it also did not help that the Dominican kept slipping over on the wet canvas breaking his focus. Perez maintained the pressure and got the decision and the title. Scores 116 ½-112 twice and 117 ½-111. The 30-year-old Colombian lost a close decision to Yuriorkis Gamboa for this title in June last year breaking a run of 28 wins. He is a former Colombian amateur champion, won gold medals at the South American Games and Pan American Championships, competed for Colombia at the 2005 and 2007 World Championships and was an Olympic Games quarterfinalist at the 2008 Olympics. Lopez 24 had built his record against some poor opposition.

Rojas vs. Pena

Puerto Rican Rojas wins the vacant WBA Fedecaribe title by beating local fighter Pena. Despite Pena’s impressive record he was never in the fight. Rojas handed out a steady beating for six rounds and Pena retired at the end of the round. The 27-year-old Rojas was inactive from June 2012 until returning with a win in March. He has 15 wins by KO/TKO. Pena’s record has been built on abysmal opposition and he was found out in this bout.

Chudinov vs. Perez

Chudinov wins the battle of punchers. Perez came out throwing punches but Chudinov was not fazed and floored the local late in the first round. Perez made the same mistake in the second and was put down again. Chudinov scored another knockdown in the third and the fight was stopped. The 26-year-old Russian “The Classic”  a former European Cadet gold medallist, has now won 7 of his last 8 fights by KO/TKO. Perez, 37, has a deceptive record with 12 of his victims never having won a fight and only one having a winning record-and that was 1-0. That’s what passes for matching in the Dominican Republic.

Jimenez vs. Escudero

Dominican Jimenez outpoints Panamanian Escudero to win the vacant WBA Fedelatin title. In a bout with few highlights Jimenez uses constant pressure to beat the more skillful Escudero. Scores 109-100 ½ twice and 108-102. The Dominican champion has a remarkable record. He was 2-8-1 in his first 11 and has run up 17 wins and 2 draws in his last 19.  Escudero, 24, injured his right hand in the second round, a repeat of an injury from 2012. He was 3-4-2 in his last 9 fights.

 

Epazoyucan, Mexico: Straw: Oswaldo Novoa (14-4-1 W TKO 9 Alcides Martinez (12-3-8). Light Middle: Ramon Alvarez (19-4-2) W TKO 9 Rodrigo Mejia (10-7-3).

Novoa vs. Martinez

Novoa retain WBC title as Martinez runs out of gas. The champion was the aggressor from the start and floored the Nicaraguan with a right hook/left cross. Martinez survived but was under pressure throughout the fight. Novoa was cut in that first round and the Nicaraguan was deducted a point as the referee decided it was as the result of a butt and Novoa was the one cut. Martinez shook Novoa with a hard right in the second but despite his special preparation Martinez was not ready to fight at altitude and quickly tired. He was heavily punished and totally exhausted and retired on his stool in the interval between the eighth and ninth round. First defence of his title for the 32-year-old Mexican. Martinez had no claims to a title fight never having been in a ten round bout.

Alvarez vs. Mejia

“Innocent” Alvarez continues his good run with a stoppage of Texas-based Mejias. Only one loss in his last 14 fight for the brother of Saul and 12 wins by KO/TKO. Mejia in 2-4 in his last 6 fights.

 

Davao City, Philippines: Super Fly: Sonny Boy Jaro (37-13-5) W TKO 5 Ichal Tobida (10-11). Feather: Lorenzo Villaneuva (26-1,1ND) W KO 1 Hendrik Barongsay (26-16-3). Light Welter: Adones Cabalquinto (16-0) W KO 6 Giovani Rota (7-7).

Jaro vs. Tobida

Former WBC fly champion Jaro keeps his hopes of another title fight alive with stoppage of Indonesian, The Filipino took the first two rounds but Tobida rebounded battling hard in the next two. Jaro took over again in the fourth and a series of head and body punches put Tobida down in the fifth and the fight was stopped. After losing his title to Toshiyuki Igarashi Jaro suffered two losses to modest opposition but has now won three in a row by KO/TKO. Tobida is 4-8 in his last 12.

Villaneuva vs. Barongsay

Not as simple as the result makes this one seem. Villanueva landed a hard left which sent Barongsay tumbling into and partially through the ropes. Entangled in the ropes Barongsay was unable to disentangle himself and get back inside so was counted out.

“The Thunderbolt” makes it 23 wins by KO/TKO and 4 wins since losing to Daud Cino Yordan for the vacant IBO title in 2012. The loss to Yordan showed that the 28-year-old southpaw needed to improve his defence but he has not yet been tested again. Barongsay, 33, also a southpaw, had won his last 5 fights against poor opposition.

Cabalquinto vs. Rota

Prospect Cabalquinto retains the GAB title with kayo of Rota. A left to the chin put Rota down and out in the sixth. The 25-year-old “Undertaker” has 9 wins by KO/TKO. Four losses in a row by KO/TKO for Rota including a challenge for the GAB light title.

 

Tubod, Philippines: Bantam: Marlon Tapales (26-2) W PTS 12 Fadhili Majiha (15-4-4). Tapales wins unanimous decision over Majiha but Tanzanian gives him a tough night. They traded hard punches in the first and Majiha had Tapales badly rocked by a hard right in the second. The Filipino then stayed in close to deny Majiha punching room and in the sixth floored Majiha with a left hook. The Tanzanian made it to his feet but after that fought a defensive fight allowing Tapales to box his way to what was finally a wide decision. Scores 117-110 twice and 119-108. Tapales, a 22-year-old southpaw, was making the first defence of his WBO Asia Pacific. His only loss in his last 19 fights was a majority decision to David Sanchez for the interim WBC Silver title in February last year. He is WBO No 6. Majiha put up a good fight. He had lost only one of his last 11 fights and 3 of his losses have come on the road. If his birth date is right he turned pro at the age of 15.

 

Paranaque City, Philippines: Fly: Renan Trongco (15-4) W TKO 2 Jopher Marayan (6-5-2). WBC International champion Trongco punched just too hard for late substitute Marayan. Trongco had too much skill and power. After winning the first round southpaw Trongco set up Marayan with hard jabs and then forced him to the ropes with a series of punches and unloaded heavily with both hands. With Marayan not fighting back the referee halted the fight. This was to be a defence of his WBC International title but after his original challenger was unable to fight no suitable challenger could be found so it went ahead as a non-title fight. “Little Pacquiao”, 25, makes it 9 wins by KO/TKO. He has lost only one of his last 8 fights and that was against Hekkie Budler for the IBO title in February last year. Three losses in a row for Marayan. He is known as “Little Hatton” so I guess it was fated he should lose to “Little Pacquiao”.

 

Rzeszow, Poland: Cruiser: Lukasz Janik (27-2) W PTS 10 Rico Hoye (24-4). Cruiser: Krzys Glowacki (22-0) WPTS 8 Ismail Abdoul (54-29-2). Super Middle: Robert Parzeczewski (5-0) W PTS 8 Ivan Stupalo (7-5).

Janik vs. Hoye

Janik outpoints Hoye in good quality, hard-fought match. Janik was coming forward in the first round with Hoye using his jab and body punches to make it a close round. Hoye was down twice in the round but both were ruled slips. Janik had a good third ending the round with Hoye trapped on the ropes and teeing off with hard shots on the American. Hoye was down again in the fourth claiming Janik had wrestled him over and no count was given. Janik hurt Hoye with a hard left hook late in the round. They fought hard over the last six rounds with Janik getting the better of the exchanges and with both throwing bombs in the last round trying to take the decision out of the hands of the judges. Scores 98-92, 98-93 and 97-74 for Janik. The 28-year-old Pole was having his first fight since losing a majority decision to Ola Afolabi for the vacant IBO title in November. The EBU No 17 is hoping to get a return with Mateusz Masternak the only other fighter to have beaten him. Detroit’s Hoye, 39, lost to Clinton Woods for the vacant IBF light heavy title in 2005. he was inactive from February 2009 until returning with a single win in November last year.

Glowacki vs. Abdoul

Local southpaw Glowacki gets unanimous decision over veteran trial-horse Abdoul. The Pole was quicker than the Belgian and built a good lead but had trouble penetrating the tight guard of Abdoul. Heads clashed in the fifth but luckily neither was seriously injured. Abdoul came more into the fight in the sixth but Glowacki banged back and Abdoul went into his shell and as usual lasted the distance. Scores 80-72, 80-74 and 79-74. Glowacki, 27, was having his first fight since December when an elbow injury required surgery. He is WBO No 1/IBF 7/WBA 10. The 37-year-old Abdoul had won 8 of his last 9 fights and in his 29 losses he has only once failed to last the distance.

Parzeczewski vs. Stupalo

“The Arab” gets comfortable points decision over Stupalo.  Parzeczewski made a cautious start but once he was in his stride he was able to control the fight with his jab and score with straight rights. Parzeczewski stepped-up the pace over the last three rounds but Stupalo spoiled and clinched his way to the bell. Scores 80-72 twice and 80-73. First eight round fight for prospect Parzeczewski. Croat Stupalo is 2-4 in his last six but in tough matches.

 

Madrid, Spain: Light Middle: Sergio Garcia (14-0) W TKO 2 Francisco Tejedor (5-2). Light Middle: Roberto Santos (20-7-3) W PTS 8 Kobe Vanderkerkhove (24-22-4).

Garcia vs. Tejedor

Easy win for “El Nino” as he halts Tejedor in two rounds. The tall 21-year-old has 9 wins by KO/TKO. The inexperienced Tejedor losses inside the distance for the second time.

Santos vs. Vanderkerkhove

Former European and Spanish champion “El Tigre” Santos has his first fight for eight months and wins every round against Belgian. Santos was in control all the way. It looked in the fourth and fifth rounds that Vanderkerkhove was flagging but he held up and survived to the final bell. Scores 80-72 from all three judges. Santos caused a big upset when he drew with and then outpointed unbeaten Dominik Britsch for the EU title but then drew and lost to Marcos Nader and lost his title. Vanderkerkhove is 3-9-1 in his last 13 fights but only three losses by KO/TKO.

 

Oklahoma City, OK, USA: Heavy: Shannon Briggs (55-6-1,1ND) W PTS 12 Raphael Zumbano (34-8-1). A bit of realism creeps in as Briggs is taken twelve rounds by modest Brazilian Zumbano. “The Cannon” had Zumbano down in the first round and the last with Zumbano just aiming to go the distance and making no effort to be competitive. Scores 120-106 twice and 118-109. The 42-year-old Briggs wins the NABA title. Zumbano, 33, has reasonable looking stats but was 3-3 in his last 6 with losses to Shane Andreessen (11-3), 43-year-old Jovo Pudar, and Fabrice Aurieng (7-6).

 

Reading, PA, USA: Super Feather: Frank Santos de Alba (13-1-2) W KO 5 Pablo Batres (7-9-1). De Alba hands out punishment until Mexican Batres folds. De Alba spent four rounds punishing the overmatched Batres to head and body and dropped him with a body punch in the fifth which ended the fight. The 26-year-old southpaw wins the Universal Boxing Federation All American title and makes it five wins by KO/TKO. Batres had won his last three.

 

Lachine, Canada: Middle: Francis Lafreniere (6-5-2) W PTS 10 Paul Bzdel (5-5-1).

Lafreniere wins the Canadian Professional Boxing Council title with points victory over Bzdel. After a quiet first round both fighters fought hard over the next nine rounds and produced a better fight than their modest records might indicate with Lafreniere just the busier and more accurate in his work but with Bzdel playing his part in a good fight. Scores 98-91, 97-92 and 96-93. After a start of 3-5-2 to his career the 26-year-old Lafreniere is on a small run of three wins. Bzdel going the opposite way with 3 losses in his last 4 fights.