The Past Week in Action

June 4

Kingston, Jamaica: Welter: Donovan Campbell (13-8-1) W PTS 6 Chris Henry (25-25). Campbell wins through to the tournament semi-finals. After a slow start Campbell turned up the pressure on the much taller Henry and began working inside. It was all Campbell then and Henry was only just surviving and in deep trouble at the final bell. Unanimous decision for Jamaican Campbell who has won his last seven fights. “Shaka” Henry, 41, from Barbados has been a pro since 1994 and has lost 6 of his last 7 fights.

Panama City, Panama: Welter: Charlie Navarro (24-7) W KO 9 Alberto Mosquera (21-1-2,1ND). Light Fly: Walter Tello (20-7) W TKO 5 Erick Flores (7-7).

Navarro vs. Mosquera

Mosquera finds the step up to welter too big a handicap and losses his unbeaten tag. The Panamanian southpaw took the early rounds and built a lead. However, Panama-based Venezuelan Navarro just kept coming and getting stronger. By the end of the eighth he had made up the difference. The scores became irrelevant in the ninth when a right to the body put Mosquera down in agony. He turned to his corner shaking his head and just sat the count out. Navarro, 33, wins the WBC Fecarbox title and makes it 19 wins by KO/TKO. After back-to-back losses to Jorge Paez Jr. and Omar Chavez he rebounded with a win over Miguel Callist, reversing a 2007 loss, so now Callist is looking for a decider. Mosquera, 27, the WBC No 8, had moved up after draws with Johan Perez and Brunet Zamora the latter for the interim WBA title but he may go back down to light welter now.

Tello vs. Flores

Tello wins the vacant WBC Latino title with injury victory over Flores. By the fifth round Tello had got himself in front and seemed on his way to a points victory when Flores suffered a dislocated right shoulder and was unable to continue. The 27-year-old Panamanian lost to Giovani Segura for the WBA title in 2010 and to Alberto Rossel for the interim WBA title in March last year. He has now won 5 of his last 6 fights and outpointed Flores in 2009. Flores is a former holder of this WBC Latino title.

Barnaul, Russia: Light Heavy: Dmitry Sukhotsky (22-2) W PTS 12 Joey Vegas (16-8-

Fighting in front of his home fans Sukhotsky wins the vacant WBC Asian Council title but looks lucky to get the nod. Sukhotsky found Vegas a handful and just edged his way to a very narrow unanimous decision. The Russian took the early rounds only for Vegas to battle back and dominate the middle rounds to close the gap and edge in front. Sukhotsky then secured the decision with a strong finish. Scores 116-112, 115-113 and 115-114. The 33-year-old Russian “Hunter” a former WBO light heavy title challenger, was having his first fight since an impressive stoppage of Eduard Gutknecht in November and was IBF 2/WBO 6/WBC8/WBA11 but nearly blew all of that against a focused Vegas. The 32-year-old Ugandan was bouncing back from being blown away inside a round by Ryan Liebenberg and again showed how dangerous he could be.

June 5

Boston, MA, USA: Super Feather: Tevin Farmer (16-4-1) W PTS 10 Emanuel Gonzalez (14-1). Heavy: Daniel Martz (11-1-1) W TKO 3 Alexis Santos (13-1). Light: Jamie Kavanagh (17-1-1) W TKO 5 Mike Clark (44-11-1,1ND). Middle: Gary O’Sullivan (17-1) W PTS 6 Jose Medina (18-15-1).
Farmer vs. Gonzalez
Gonzalez was the favourite in this one but Farmer never let him get into the fight and boxed his to a wide unanimous decision. Farmer’s southpaw left dictated this fight and Gonzalez had no answer to it. Gonzalez was coming forward but being constantly caught with Farmers lefts and even when getting inside was unable to do any useful work. Plenty of rough stuff with the referee warning both boxer and Gonzalez just becoming more frustrated and getting caught with more lefts. Gonzalez had some success over the last two rounds as he looked for the kayo he needed but Farmer was just too clever to let Gonzalez land anything meaningful. Scores 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92. First ten round fight for the 23-year-old “American Idol” as the Philadelphian boxer makes it nine wins in a row. Back to the drawing board for 26-year-old Bronx fighter Gonzalez a former NGG bronze medalist.
Martz vs. Santos
Martz gets a win but mostly due to an injury suffered by Santos. The gigantic Martz-6’7 ½ “(202cm) floored Santos in the first and as he went down Santos twisted his ankle badly probably fracturing it. Santos fought on but fell to the floor three times in the third round and retired at the end of the round. The 23-year-old “Mountain” Martz wins the new NABF Junior title. Martz, who mainly boxes on the backwoods circuit, lost a split decision to then unbeaten Joshua Tift in April last year and this is his fourth win since then with oldies Rubin Williams and Dante Craig in his list of victims. Local fighter Santos, 24, had won 9 of his last 10 fights by KO/TKO so will be looking for revenge when his injury heals.
Kavanagh vs Clark
Dubliner Kavanagh uses a sustained body attack to wear down Clark and scores two knockdowns on the way to a win in the fifth round. Kavanagh goes to 8 wins by KO/TKO. The 24-year-old is a former Irish Junior champion and World Junior silver medalist. His only loss was a stoppage against Mexican Daniel Ruiz in December. Clark, 40, suffers his third loss by KO/TKO in a row, the other two being first round losses against Edgar Santana and Sadam Ali.

O’Sullivan vs. Medina

The “Celtic Rebel” has a tough night against experienced Medina. The Irishman looks a clear winner with two judges having him in front by 4 rounds but the third seeing it a draw, so a majority decision, but a win is a win. First fight for O’Sullivan since losing to world rated Billy Joe Saunders in July. Mexican “Stinger” Medina has some good performances on his record such as a win over Chris Fernandez, a split decision loss to Matthew Hatton and a draw with Joachim Alcine, but is currently at 5 losses in his last 6 fights.

June 6

Benavidez, Argentina: Fly: Juan Carlos Reveco (34-1) W PTS 12 Felix Alvarado (18-2). Light Middle: Brian Carlos Castano (7-0) W TKO 4 Cesar Sastre Silva (9-6-1). Super Middle: Jorge Sebastian Heiland (23-4-2) W TKO 5 Cesar Reynoso (10-5-3).

Reveco vs. Alvarado

Reveco retains his secondary WBA title (the real champion is Juan Francisco Estrada) with close unanimous decision over Nicaraguan challenger. As usual Reveco was giving away height and reach and had to utilise quick attacks to get inside and work the body of Alvarado. The challenger was setting a fast pace scoring well with his jab and fast combinations and was picking up rounds and building a lead. In addition Reveco was bleeding heavily from the first round from a cut on his scalp and later a cut over his right eye. Alvarado suffered a set back when he lost a point in the seventh for low blows, but was on top over the seventh, eighth and ninth. The champion started a charge from the tenth but there was controversy in the eleventh as Alvarado though he had scored a genuine knockdown only for the referee to rule it a low blow, deducted a point and give Reveco time to recover. The Nicaraguan was still scoring cleanly the late effort just allowed Reveco to retain his title but he looked a lucky man. Scores, all for Reveco, a ridiculous 117-109, 115-110 and the most accurate but still out 115-112. “Coton” Reveco, 30, was making his fifth defence of his WBA title and it was almost too tough a match despite the scoring. Alvarado, 25, has lost two in a row being outpointed by Kazuto Ioka in December for the WBA light fly title where again the scoring was bizarre. His twin brother Rene blew his chance of a world title fight when he lost his WBC Silver title to Rocky Juarez last month but both can come again.

Castano vs. Silva

Castano extends his winning sequence with stoppage of Uruguayan Silva. It took Castano two rounds to get into his stride with southpaw Silva proving an awkward opponent. Once he was rolling Castano handed out a steady beating and the referee halted the fight in the fourth. The 24-year-old “Ray Sugar” makes it 6 wins by KO/TKO. He was a top amateur winning a gold medal at the South American Championships and also registered wins over Esquival Falcao and Errol Spence. He is one of the hottest prospects in Argentina and was also a member of the Condors team in the WSB. Silva, 30, suffers only his second loss by KO/TKO. He took Javier Fco. Maciel the full ten rounds in April.

Heiland vs. Reynoso

Southpaw Heiland halts Reynoso in five. The 27-year-old “Gaucho” makes it 11 wins id. He is WBC No 9 following his shock revenge kayo of Billi Godoy in November for the WBC International title. The FAB No 1 lost to Sebastian Zbik for the interim WBC title in 2010 but was a rocky 5-3-2 before putting away Godoi. “The Savage” Reynoso, 27, had won six and drawn one of his last seven fights but only a 4 and 6 round level and was FAB No 6. This was his first loss by KO/TKO.

Tartagal, Argentina: Bantam: Diego Ricardo Santillan (23-0) W PTS 10 Diego Liriano (12-5-1). Local fighter Santillan wins the interim WBC Latino title with hard fought victory over southpaw Liriano. Santillan had Liriano hurt with a body punch in the first and in serious trouble in the second. However the Dominican rallied and was making it a tough fight for the local. Liriano protested strongly about a low blow from Santillan in the fourth but there was no action by the referee. Instead Liriano was deducted a point in the seventh for elbowing Santillan in the eye. That unsettled the Argentinian and Liriano landed a series of punches in the eighth which had Santillan tottering. Santillan closed the fight strongly and took the decision on scores of 96-93 twice and 98-94. The 27-year-old Argentinian champion was No 16 in the WBC rating so will be hoping this win gets him into the top 15. Dominican Liriano, 29, is based in Argentina and was 5-2-1 in his previous eight fights.

Blagnac, France: Super Feather: Samir Ziani (17-1-1) W PTS 10 Yoann Portailler (17-4). Light Heavy: Doudou Ngumbu (32-5) W TKO 5 Yoann Bloyer (16-26-2).

Ziani vs. Portailler

Home town fighter Ziani wins French title with unanimous decision over Portailler. The 23-year-old local southpaw just had the edge but it was close. Scores 98-96 twice and 99-96. Second win for Ziani since suffering loss on very close decision against Samir Kasmi for the vacant EU title in December. Portailler, 27, was making the second defence of his title and had won his last 10 fights. It was close enough to deserve a return.

Ngumbu vs. Bloyer

Ngumbu takes a couple of rounds to shake off the dust of 11 months on the shelf. Once the DCR-born fighter gets into his stride he quickly has Bloyer hurt and the referee stops the fight in the fifth. The 32-year-old Ngumbu scored a big win when outpointing Vyacheslav Uzelkov in March last year but then suffered a controversial split loss to Igor Mikhalkin in July. Six losses in a row for Bloyer

Levallois-Perret, France: Heavy: Carlos Takam (30-1-1) W PTS 12 Tony Thompson (39-5) Cruiser: Engin Karakaplan (12-4-1) W PTS 10 Jean Marc Monrose (27-8).

Takam vs. Thompson

This was more of a farce than a fight. Takam came to fight, not sure what Thompson came for. Giving away a great deal in height and reach Takam piled forward in every round and was able to stand in the pocket as all Thompson did was either stand against the ropes covering up or prodding with his jab and landing light cuffs which did nothing to deter Takam. Thompson look tired in the first round and then slowed down. Takam never threw a jab and never bothered to sit down between rounds. He did not have to as he was able to dictate the pace of the fight and walk forward throwing hooks overhand rights and uppercuts inside. In the fourth and fifth Thompson showed some interest in fighting and was able to score with short bursts of punches but for a guy with 26 wins by KO/TKO he had no snap and never once deterred Takam. A right staggered Thomson briefly in the ninth. In the tenth Thompson landed some uppercuts and hooks but was wide open to overhand rights from Takam and made no attempt to block them. Thompson was down but from a push. The farce came in the eleventh when Takam, knowing he had the fight won, choose to walk round and round the ring with Thompson in plodding pursuit. The Frenchman with both hands at waist level, would halt, launch a couple of punches and then set off again on another few circuits of the ring. The flat-footed Thompson was too slow to do anything about it. Takam started the last with a flourish and Thompson actually got some snap in his punches but over the last minute Takam again just walked backwards with Thompson again just plodding after him. Scores 117-111 twice and 119-109. Cameroon-born Takam, 33, made the fight in every round and takes a big scalp. He will go up in the ratings, but this was at best a shadow of the fighter who twice beat David Price inside the distance and outpointed Odlanier Solis. This was a toothless Tiger who looked every one of his 42 years.

Karakaplan vs. Monrose

French-based Turk Karakaplan collects the French title with a paper thin decision over champion Monrose. Scores 96-64 from all three judges. Now 10 wins and a draw in his last 11 fights for 27-year-old Karakaplan. Monrose, 32, went 24-1 in his first 25 fights and won the European title. After losing the title to Marco Huck in 2008 he went 2-5 in his next 7 fights but scored a good win over Chris Dettinger in December to lift the French title.

Szentes, Hungary: Super Bantam: Zsolt Bedak (21-1) W PTS 10 Amor Belahdji Ali (13-3-1). Middle: Lajos Mark Nagy (18-0) W PTS 10 Toni Camin (8-2-2). Super Middle: Balazs Kelemen (21-0) W PTS 8 Marko Benzon (8-8).
Bedak vs. Belahdji Ali
Bedak retains the WBO European title with split decision over French southpaw. There was plenty of action with furious exchanges and it was a hard fight to score. A clash of heads opened a cut over the left eye of the Hungarian and Bedak found the challenger a handful as Belahdji Ali had an awkward southpaw style and used a few tricks that were not in the book. Scores 97-93 and 96-94 for Bedak and 97-93 for Ali. The 30-year-old “Mr. Left Hook” lost to Wilfredo Vazquez for the WBO super bantam title in 2010 and was then inactive until March last year. The former Olympian has now won six in a row since his return and by having beaten a guy with a 13-9-1 for the WBO European title he gets a ridiculous No 6 rating. French champion Belahdji had drawn and lost to Ali Hallab and in June last year lost to Sergio Prado for the EU title.

Nagy vs. Camin

Nagy remains unbeaten with unanimous decision over German Camin. The tall 23-year-old Hungarian had to overcome a cracked rib suffered in the first session to win the decision and retain his WBO Youth title and remain unbeaten. Camin, 20, has been carefully matched with 2 opponents never having had a fight and 5 others never winning a fight.

Kelemen vs. Benzon

“Balu” Kelemen tests out his recovery from injury and gets eight rounds of work from Croatian Benzon. Referee’s score 78-74 for the 35-year-old Hungarian champion. Benzon, 29, keeps his record of always going the distance.

Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand: Fly: Kwanpichit (27-0-2) W TKO 7 Oscar Raknafa (12-6). Feather: Chonlatarn (51-1) W PTS 6 Eddy Comaro (27-20-5).

Kwanpichit vs. Raknafa

Kwanpichit retains his WBO Oriental title for the sixth time with win over Indonesian Raknafa. Kwanpichit was forcing the fight but Raknafa was more than willing to stand and trade. In the sixth Kwanpichit was on top and handing out a beating and the Indonesian’s corner refused to let their man come out for the seventh round. The 23-yeare-old Raknafa is a former Indonesian and WBO Asian Pacific strawweight champion. This was his first loss by KO/TKO.

Chonlatarn vs. Comaro

Mark time fight for Chonlatarn as he gives his skills a run out against experienced Indonesian survivor and takes a unanimous decision. Seven wins for the 29-year-old Thai since losing a wide decision against Chris John for the WBA title in 2012. I guess at 50-1 he probably has the best statistical record of any active boxer. No such story for Camano who is 2-9-1 in his last 12 fights with 8 of the 9 losses on his travels.

Glasgow, Scotland: Fly: Iain Butcher (11-1) W PTS 8 Isaac Quaye (25-6-1).
WBO European champion Butcher stays busy with points win over durable Quaye. Butcher boxed his way to a wide unanimous decision to stay on course for a return fight with Kevin Satchel. Referee’s score 80-72 giving Butcher every round. The 22-yeat-old WBO No 9 lost a paper-thin decision to Satchell for the British and CBC titles in July. Ghanaian Quaye had come up short in two shots at the CBC title.

Indio, CA, USA: Light Middle: Hugo Centeno Jr (21-0,1ND) W PTS 10 Gerardo Ibarra (14-1). Light Middle: Francisco Santana (20-3-1) W PTS 10 Eddie Gomez (16-1): Middle: Terrell Gausha (10-0) W PTS 10 James Winchester (16-10).

Centeno vs. Ibarra

Centeno easily outpoints late sub Ibarra. Although giving away height Centeno was just too quick and tactically smart for Ibarra. Centeno was able to scores repeatedly with his jab and hurt Ibarra inside with his uppercuts. Ibarra never stopped trying but lacked the experience or sharpness to be competitive. Scores 99-91 twice and 100-90. “The Boss” is on smoother ground after a couple of shaky nights. He looked to be behind in his fight with Julian Williams only for a cut to end the fight early enough for a No Decision verdict and in his last fight before this had to climb off the floor to win. He needs tougher opposition to break into the ratings. Texan Ibarra, 23, was having his first ten round fight and moving way up in standard of opposition.

Santana vs. Gómez

Santana comes from behind to get the decision over unbeaten Gomez in an entertaining scrap. Over the early rounds Gomez was sharper and more accurate with his punching and built a lead. Over the second half of the fight Santana the taller man just got stronger and kept forcing the action. He was outworking Gomez and although a lot of his punches missed or were blocked and Gomez showed good countering he closed the gap and then went ahead to take the decision on scores of 98-92 (not a fair reflection of Gomez early work), 97-93 (still a bit harsh) and 96-94. “Chia” Santana, 28, has put together an 8 fight winning streak since losses in Karim Mayfield and Jermell Charlo in 2011. Gomez, 21, had beaten some useful opposition and will take the lessons from this loss and come back stronger.

Gausha vs. Winchester

Olympian Gausha keeps his 100% record as he outboxes and floors Winchester on the way to winning every round. Gausha used his superior skills in this one and boxed well within himself pacing himself in his first ten round fight. He came close to ending it when he floored Winchester in the eighth but in the end settled for the decision. Scores 100-89 from all three judges. The Cleveland 26-year-old is ready for stiffer tests. Winchester, 36, usually goes the distance with just one loss by KO/TKO, but has lost 6 of his last 7 fights.

Verona, NY, USA: Light Middle: Yudel Johnson (15-1) W Norberto Gonzalez (20-3). Light Welter: John Williams (12-3-1) W PTS 8 Johnny Garcia (19-2). Welter: Sam Vasquez (15-0) W TKO 3 Jay Krupp 17-7). Cruiser: Isiah Thomas (13-0) W PTS 8 Rayco Saunders (23-24-2). Middle: Ievgen Khytrov (5-0) W KO 3 Chris Chatman (12-4-1).

Johnson vs. Gonzalez

Cuban Johnson outboxes experienced Mexican and scores two knockdown on the way to a comprehensive victory. Southpaw Johnson had everything going for him. Height, reach, skill and experience of a long amateur career. Gonzalez tried to keep barreling forward but Johnson was too smart. He took control from the centre of the ring and always had space for his counters. A left put Gonzalez down in the fifth but the Mexican had never been stopped and he was soon back into the fight and his sheer work rate earned him a couple of rounds. Any thoughts of a come from behind win were ended in the ninth when another left floored Gonzalez. He kept coming to the end but Johnson was a clear winner. Scores 97-91 from all three judges. The 32-year-old Johnson, an Olympic silver medal winner in 2004, took eight months out after losing to Willie Nelson in 2012 and has fought his way back with three wins. Gonzalez, also 32, won his first 16 fights but is 4-4 in his last 8. He has however been on good form in his last two fights beating Brazilian hope Michael Oliveira (21-1) and losing only on a split decision to Roberto Garcia, so a live opponent.

Williams vs. Garcia

Williams wins vacant WBC Latino title with victory over Garcia. This was supposed to continue the Garcia rebuilding but instead it was Williams who came out on top on a majority decision. Williams, the taller man never quite managed to keep Garcia on the outside and Garcia was the busier fighting. It was an untidy fight but despite a cut over his right eye suffered in the fourth and a rocky moment in the fifth Garcia looked unlucky not to get at least a draw. Scores 77-75 twice for Williams and 76-76. The 30-year-old from North Carolina is 9-2 in his last 11 fights. Garcia, 32, had run up 6 wins since his only other defeat, a kayo loss to Angelo Santana in 2012.

Vasquez vs. Krupp

Southpaw Vasquez impresses again as he destroys Krupp in three rounds. “The Mexican Who Can” floored Krupp heavily with a left late in the first. Krupp was not badly hurt but was out of his league. Vasquez had Krupp down in the second from a right and although Krupp again recovered in the third a hard combination put him down and the fight was stopped. The tall 28-year-old, a former US Services champion and NGG silver medal winner who lost out at the US Olympic Trials has 11 wins by KO/TKO, the last six in a row.

Thomas vs. Saunders

Yet another former top amateur got a win as Thomas he won every round against veteran Saunders in a lackluster scrappy fight. The 6’4” (193cm) 25-year-old southpaw from Detroit has had periods of inactivity which has resulted in just 13 fights in almost six years as a pro. Trained by the last Emanuel Steward and a former World Cadet Champion great things were expected and he is still young enough to deliver. Saunders, 39, is no longer a stiff test with 9 losses in his last 10 fights.

Khytrov vs. Chatman

TV timing gave some exposure for yet another Easter European former amateur star. Khytrov waited through an early storm when a left from Chatman staggered him and then began to slot home hard punches of his own. He picked his shots, beat Chatman down in the second and in the third and put him down heavily with a left hook. Chatman managed to make it back to the vertical but the referee rightly stopped the fight. The 25-year-old “Ukrainian Lion” has won all five of his fights by KO/TKO. As an amateur he was World Junior champion and World Senior champion beating Japanese star Ryota Murata in the final, but lost to Brit Anthony Ogogo at the 2012 Olympics. Chatman has good results in a draw with Charles Hatley and a win over veteran Grady Brewer with Jermell Charlo the only other fighter to beat him inside the distance.

Oklahoma City, OK, USA: Light: Noah Zuhdi (18-1,1ND) W TKO 4 Eduardo Pereira dos Reis (13-2). Zuhdi retains his WBU title as late sub Reis retires at the end of the fourth round. Zuhdi made a slow start and the Brazilian made it uncomfortable for the home boxer with some rough tactics and good counter punching over the first two rounds. Zuhdi started to roll from the third and was soon attacking the body of Reis and scoring with heavy rights. The fourth was one-sided with Zuhdi scoring with almost every punch he threw. At the end of the round Reis retired citing a rib injury as the cause. Now 13 wins by KO/TKO for the 31-year-old local favourite. After losing an early fight on a first round stoppage he has been carefully matched. He was stopped in one round again in 2011 but that was changed to a NO Decision when his opponent gave a positive test for a banned substances. First fight outside Brazil for Reis and second loss by KO/TKO in his last 4 fights.

Lincoln, RI, USA: Super Middle: Richard Gingras (14-4-1) W KO 4 Jamie Velasquez (11-7-2). Gingras puts away Velasquez in style. Velasquez made the better start scoring well with uppercuts. Gingras made some adjustments to counter the uppercuts and got into the fight. It was fairly even over three rounds but in the fourth two overhand rights from Gingras put Velasquez down and out. Nine wins by KO/TKO for the 33-year-old Gingras as he rebounded from a loss to Peter Manfredo Jr. in November. Local fighter Velasquez, 41, was inactive from 1999 until returning with a loss against Glen Johnson in February.

Portsmouth, England: Light: Adam Dingsdale (11-1-1) W PTS 10 Floyd Moore (10-4-1). Dingsdale wins excellent small hall victory over local Moore to lift the BBB of C Sothern Area title. This was as close as a fight could be with Dingsdale countering the quick-handed Moore and both in constant exchanges with both scoring well but neither able to dominate completely. In the end the win went to 26-year-old Dingsdale by 97-95 but it could just have easily gone the other way. Dingsdale’s only defeat is a close decision against Ireland’s Steve Ormond for the WBO European title in October. Moore had won the Southern Area title with a stoppage of Ryan Taylor in December and he had won 7 of his last 8 fights.

June 7

New York, NY, USA: Middle: Miguel Cotto (39-4) W TKO 9 Sergio Martinez (51-3-2) W. Feather: Marvin Sonsona (19-1-1) W PTS 10 Wilfredo Vazquez Jr (23-4-1). Light Middle: Andy Lee (33-2) W KO 5 John Jackson (18-2). Light Middle: Javier Fco. Maciel (29-3) W PTS 10 Jorge Melendez (28-4-1). Light Middle: Willie Nelson (22-1-1) W KO 1 Darryl Cunningham (29-7). Super Bantam: Jose Lopez (14-0) W PTS 8 Raul Hidalgo (21-11). Super Feather: Jose Pedraza (17-0) W TKO 1 Arturo Uruzquieta (15-6). Super Feather: Felix Verdejo (13-0) W TKO 1 Engelberto Valenzuela (8-2).

Martinez vs Cotto

Cotto makes history as he becomes the first Puerto Rican to win a world titles in four different divisions. This was a great occasion, but not really a great fight after the first round. In those sensational first three minutes Cotto came out determined and focused and fast and Martinez seemed to have no punch resistance and no balance. He was first staggered by a punch that did not look that hard. Cotto immediately pounced and two clubbing lefts put Martinez down. He was up quickly but looked unsteady. He tried to keep Cotto away but the Puerto Rican landed another left hook and down went Martinez again. He was up quickly but immediately under pressure and went down for a third time, The three knockdown rule was not in effect or it would have been all over then. After getting up Martinez just made it to the bell but went back to his corner on unsteady legs already looking a beaten fighter. After that first round the fight was totally Cotto’s Martinez tried to get his act together, but he was never ready to stand and trade and Cotto dominated from centre ring throwing and landing more punches with Martinez looking vulnerable every time there was hard exchange. Martinez was never able to keep Cotto out and his jab was ineffective. Round after round went to Cotto as he slowly broke down the champion literally as Martinez suffered a broken nose and a cut on the right side of his head and on his right eyebrow. Martinez was down very briefly in the ninth, his glove just touching the canvas during a quick exchange of punches but the referee ruled it a knockdown. With the first round being scored 10-6 by all three judges, with Cotto winning every round between the second and the eighth by 10-9, and with the knockdown in the ninth being a 10-8 round Cotto was in front by a huge 13 points on all three cards. There were heated arguments in the corner of Martinez with his trainer trying to convince the brave champion that it was a lost cause but with Martinez wanting to fight on. In the end his trainer’s advice won out and Martinez surrendered his title. Cotto may be 33 but looked a new man so obviously working with Freddy Roach has done wonders for him. The former WBO light welter, WBO welter and WBA light middle champion looked to be on the way out after a lackluster loss to Austin Trout in 2012 but now there is a whole list of potential big paydays out there : Mayweather, Alvarez, Pacquiao etc.. Martinez looked all of his 39 years but the 14 months out of the ring and his serious leg injury may all have been factors. He is reviewing his options with retirement a possibility and if he decides to go down that route then he can have pride in a truly great career4.

Sonsona vs. Vazquez

Filipino Sonsona gets revenge with a split decision over Vasquez which should have been unanimous. This was a poor fight where the boxer’s styles just did not fit to give an exciting scrap. There were too many clinches and too many missed shots Southpaw Sonsona got a jump start when he floored Vazquez with a left hook to the body in the first round and it took Vazquez another couple of rounds to get into the fight. The Puerto Rican looked more like his old self as he won the fourth and the fifth but the fight was becoming a messy maul. Sonsona lost a point in the sixth for a rabbit punch, but Vazquez could just as easily lost one in the seventh for a butt and a low blow. Vazquez had a good eighth round finding the target with some straight rights to the southpaw but Sonsona fought hard to take the last two rounds and the decision. Scores 96-92 twice for Sonsona and 96-92 for Vazquez. The 23-year-old “Marvelous” Sonsona may have peaked too early when he won the WBO super fly title in 2009 at the age of 19 and he suffered the growing pains of losing his title on the scales in his first defence and then moved up to super bantam and was kayoed in four rounds by Vazquez in 2010 for the vacant WBO title. He had only one fight in a two year period but his third round kayo of former WBA super bantam champ Akifumi Shimoda in February has put him right back into the featherweight title mix. Vazquez is 3-4 in his last 7 fights with big match losses to Jorge Arce, Nonito Donaire and Yasutaka Ishimoto. Since this was a split decision no reason for the 29-year-old Puerto Rican to contemplate retirement.

Lee vs. Jackson

Lee pulls this one out of the fire in this all-southpaw clash with a one punch knockout in a fight where he had been floored and lost every round. In the first round a right from Jackson put Lee down. He got up and did not seem too badly hurt, but from that point he was boxing cautiously and Jackson was in charge. The Virgin Islander, the son of the former WBA light middle and WBC middle champion Julius Jackson, was dominating the fight and Lee was suddenly looking like he had grown old overnight. Jackson came out in the fifth looking to finish things. He drove a tiring Lee into the ropes and walked in looking to nail Lee and instead walked onto a short right hook that put him down and out. That win keeps Lee’s hopes of another world title fight alive but until the 29-year-old London-born Irishman landed that peach of a right he looked on his way to a disastrous loss. Jackson, 25, can come again as he was winning this fight clearly and just got careless. He should have learnt from his father not to get over confident. I still remember when Herol Graham won the first three rounds and had Julian badly cut and outclassed and went looking for the knockout in the fourth only to be felled by one shot from Julian.

Maciel vs. Meléndez
Maciel wins a majority decision in a battle of punchers. Both have power and were looking to impose themselves from the start. They took different approaches with Melendez throwing straight shots down the pipe and Maciel wide hooks and crosses. They fought on even terms over the first three rounds but the fourth was a big round for the Argentinian. Firstly Puerto Rican Melendez lost a point for yet another of a number of low punches and late in the round a right from Maciel put Melendez down. The Puerto Rican was up at eight and the bell went before Maciel could follow-up. Effectively with the knockdown and the deduction it was a three point advantage to Maciel. Melendez fought hard to overcome that disaster and looked to have the best of rounds five and six. The seventh was a big round for Maciel as he cornered Melendez and scored heavily with body punches and overhand rights. The eighth and ninth could have gone to either fighter as they traded punches through both rounds but Maciel had that little bit more left. He was rocked in the tenth but fought back hard and had already done enough to take the decision. Scores 97-91, 96-92 for Maciel and 94-94. “La Bestia” wins the vacant WBC USNBC title and rebounds from a split decision loss to Brian Rose in October which cost him a shot at Demetrius Andrade for the WBO title. Maciel did fight for the WBO middle title in 2011 but lost on points to Dmitry Pirog. To his credit he took this fight at short notice after Yuri Forman decided to retire. “Destroyer” Melendez, 25, had lost only one of his last 16 fights but in the past has lost fights he should not have lost and this was another set back.
Nelson vs. Cunningham
In his first fight for nearly a year Nelson looks sharp in finishing Cunningham. Nelson landed a number of hard shots which put Cunningham down. He got up but was pounded again and went back to the floor. He made it to his feet at nine but the doctor indicated to the referee that the fight should be stopped with 17 seconds left in the round and it was all over. After wins over Yudel Jhonson, John Jackson, Mike Medina and Luciano Cuello the ridiculously tall (6’3”/ 191cm) Nelson, 27, had been inactive due to an elbow injury. . He is No 7 with the WBC and with his height could cause problems for any light middle. Cunningham, 39, had been halted in 87 seconds by Andy Lee in May last year.
Lopez vs. Hidalgo
“Wonder Boy” Lopez gets wide unanimous decision over Mexican Hidalgo. The young Puerto Rican had the physical advantages and plentiful skill and after an even first round sensibly boxed his way through the fight. The crowd wanted blood so there were some boos, but Lopez stuck to his game plan and was able to slot home counters against the rushing Mexican and get eight useful rounds of work against a willing if limited opponent. Scores 80-72 twice and 79-73. The 20-year-old Lopez had won his last 5 fights by KO/TKO and has 11 wins that way in total. Hidalgo, 25, is 5-4 in his last 9 fights.
Pedroza vs. Uruzquieta
Pedroza jumped on Uruzquieta from the bell and simply overwhelmed him with hard punches to head and particularly the body. Uruzquieta had no way to stem the tide of punishment and fell to the canvas with the referee not bothering with a count. Now 11 wins by KO/TKO for the 25-year-old “Sniper” the IBO champion. He is too good for opposition of this level. Uruzquieta is 2-3 in his last 5 fights.
Verdejo vs. Valenzuela
Another sparking and powerful display from the Puerto Rican prospect. He was throwing hurtful combinations in the first 20 seconds. He made Valenzuela stagger with a jab and then landed a volley of frighteningly quick shots to head and body. Valenzuela was trapped in a corner and staggered forward to his knees on the canvas. The Mexican made it to his feet but Verdejo was on him and again those flashing combinations were coming through quicker than Valenzuela could see them and when he was staggered again the referee stopped the fight. All over in 77 seconds. Now 10 wins by KO/TKO for the 21-year-old with 3 first round finishes in his last 4 fights. The opposition has not been strong, but the young Puerto Rican looks a cert for bigger things. As an amateur he was a Pan American Youth champion but lost to Vasyl Lomachenko in the quarterfinals in the London Olympics. Valenzuela, 30, was kayoed two fights ago in 36 seconds which makes Verdejo look a bit of a slouch!
Ortiz vs. Ruiz
Another Puerto Rican hot-shot turns pro. Ortiz drove Texan Ruiz into a corner and unloaded a series of punches which saw the Texan go down on one knee and indicate he would not be getting up. The 19-year-old Ortiz fought his way through the tough Americas Olympic qualifier but lost out to the experienced Russian David Ayrapetyan in the London Olympics 49kg division. Four losses in a row for Ruiz, three inside the distance.

Newcastle, England: Bantam; Paul Butler (16-0) W PTS 12 Stuart Hall (16-3-2). Cruiser: Ovill McKenzie (23-12) W TKO 2 Jon-Lewis Dickenson (15-3). Light Welter: Bradley Saunders (10-0) W KO 1 Ville Piispanen (18-5-3). Middle: Chris Eubank Jr (16-0) W TKO 6 Stepan Horvath (12-4). Bantam: Jason Cunningham (12-0) W TKO 4 David Kvaratskhelia (3-11).
Hall vs. Butler
Butler wins the IBF title but has to survive a strong second half of the fight from champion Hall to just deserve the split decision. Over the first four rounds Butler gave a master class on how to use hand speed quick footwork and swift upper body movement. The young challenger was throwing double and triple jabs too quickly for Hall to block or counter and Hall was just following Butler trying to corner his elusive, slick and sharp challenger and finding it difficult to launch any sustained attacks as Butler’s jab was breaking up any chance of him getting into a rhythm. Hall started to get into the fight in the fourth using rights to get past the defence of Butler and being able to force the challenger to stand and trade more. Hall suffered a cut on his left eyebrow in a clash of heads in the fifth but the fight was more even. Butler was still showing great skills and quick hands but Hall’s rights were getting through. The rounds were now much closer with the lighter punches but the greater quantity coming from the quicksilver Butler and the harder shots coming from Hall. The champion had a dominant tenth and the eleventh was close. With the fight in the balance Butler did enough to take the last round and the decision. Scores 117-111 , and 115-113 for Butler and 115-113 for Hall. The 115-113 for Butler was the best reflection of what went on in the ring. The 25-year-old is a real talent. His boxing skills are exceptional and the former CBC super flyweight champion has still had less than 20 fights so will only get better. Hall, 34, came so close to retaining his title and Butler has indicated he would be willing to give Hall a return but both current WBA and former IBF champion Jamie McDonnell and Hall’s former conqueror Lee Haskins are also looking to take on the new champion.
McKenzie vs. Dickenson
Ovill does it again. He is known as “The Upsetter” and has proved to be just that., It is also clear from his record that the longer a fight goes the less chance McKenzie has of winning. McKenzie took the first round taking the fight to the local favourite Dickenson who was cautious due to McKenzie’s power. At the end of the first round McKenzie landed a left hook and a right and Dickenson went down. The bell went but the count continued. Dickenson made it to his feet at seven but was in a bad way and the referee waived the fight off. The 34-year-old Jamaican adds the British title to his Commonwealth title. This was his first defence of the CBC title in his third reign as champion and his first time as British champion. He has twelve win by KO/TKO. He is a danger to anyone-over three rounds. The 6’4” (193cm) 28-year-old British champion never had a chance to use his height and reach advantages. After two injury losses in 2010 he had bounced back with seven wins and this was his fourth defence of the British title.
Saunders vs. Piispanen
Keep an eye on Saunders. He does not get the publicity of some of the high profile former amateur stars, but he is a great prospect. This fight was over when he landed a ferocious left to the body that had the useful Finn in agony on the canvas. The tall 28-year-old wins the vacant WBO International title and has won 6 of his last 7 fights by KO/TKO. Piispanen, 30, is a former EU champion who has also challenged for the EBU title and this was just his second loss by KO/TKO
Eubank vs. Horvath
Eubank just punches too hard for Czech Horvath. As usual his performance was a mixture of brilliance and frustration in equal measure with irritating posturing and posing and real class when he gets down to work. He was a class above Horvath but did not really cut losses until the fifth when he floored the Czech twice. A right to the body put Horvath down again in the sixth and the fight was over. Now 7 wins in a row by KO/TKO for the 24-year-old Eubank Junior. In typical eccentric fashion his father was working his corner and in between rounds would just stand in front of his son, say nothing and then climb out again as the bell went He said that his son did not need any advice which begs the question of what his father was doing in his corner. Eubank took the fight at just three days notice but looked sharp-sometimes. Horvath, 31, had been stopped in eight rounds by Frank Buglioni so some satisfaction for Eubank in getting the job done earlier.
Cunningham vs. Kvaratskhelia
Fighting for the second time in less than a month Cunningham again looked sharp in hating poor Kvaratskhelia. The 24-year-old from Doncaster had beaten Ghanaian Isaac Owusu in a CBC eliminator in May. Nine losses in his last ten fight for Georgian Kvaratskhelia

Schwerin, Germany: Light Heavy: Juergen Braehmer (44-2) W PTS 12 Roberto Bolonti (35-3). Light Heavy: Enrico Koelling (14-0) W PTS 10 Patrick Bois (11-3-1). Heavy: David Price (18-2) W PTS 10 Yaroslav Zavorotnyi (16-7). Super Middle: Tyron Zeuge (14-0) W TKO 9 Armand Cullhaj (15-5-3). Cruiser: Noel Gevor (12-0) W TKO 2 Bela Juhasz (8-3). Cruiser: Firat Arslan (34-7-2) W PTS 8 Tamas Bajzath (9-11-1). Super Middle: Vincent Feigenbutz (13-1) W KO 3 Gheorghe Sabau (10-2).
Braehmer vs. Bolonti
Predictable easy defence of his secondary WBA title for Braehmer against limited Argentinian Bolonti. It was a fight without too many exciting moments and due to the negative approach adopted by Bolonti Braehmer had to change his normal counter punching style and force the fight. It was one-sided action with Braehmer controlling the fight with his southpaw jab and Bolonti looking to survive, The Argentinian had a good fifth round when he came forward and with Braehmer ignoring his jab was able to work inside. It was an uncomfortable night for Bolonti, a punch had his nose bleeding from the eighth and he was deducted a point for a butt. Braehmer coasted the late rounds although they did trade punches in the twelfth it was a comfortable win for the champion. Scores 119-108 twice and 118-109. The 35-year-old southpaw last lost a fight in 2008 and has now won 12 in a row. He naturally wants a fight with the real WBA champion Bernard Hopkins but there is no sign of that. Bolonti, 35, did not live up to his “La Beastia” nickname. On paper it looked good that he had lost only one of his previous 32 fights, but that loss was by 14pts, 14pts and 12pts against Tony Bellew for the WBC Silver title.
Koelling vs. Bois
Koelling wins the vacant WBA Inter-Continental title with a close unanimous decision over former French champion Bois. After a quiet first round Koelling boxed his way to victory with his more varied attacks. He is not a puncher but has good skills and is a good counter puncher. Bois did not have the technique to match Koelling but he maintained a much higher work rate and that made it a close fight. Both were having their first twelve round fight and although Koelling had never gone past 8 rounds before he paced the fight better and finished the stronger. Scores 116-112, 116-113 and 115-113. Despite the absence of any top quality opposition the 24-year-old German is WBO No 12 for winning their Youth title. His No 17 rating from the EBU is a better measure at this time. Bois, 23, had won 5 of his last 6 fights with the loss being to world rated Nadjib Mohammedi.
Price vs. Zavorotnyi
Price wins a routine points victory over Ukraine oldie. Price boxed cautiously from the start using his big edge on reach to control the fight. Zavorotnyi was reduced to leaping in with wild swings looking to connect with the tall Englishman’s chin. Apart from the swings Zavorotnyi tried to rough Price up to take him out of his stride. It got messy at times with too much clinching and wrestling but Price was the one doing the cleaner work. After being rocked by a right in the seventh Price finally let his hands go and scored with some good body shots late in the round. With no knockdowns and Zavorotnyi doing too much holding the fight lacked highlights but for Price as he rebuilds a win is enough. Scores 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93. The 30-year-old 6’8” (203cm) Englishman is still not back to the confident, aggressive fighter he was before the two losses to Tony Thompson. The 39-year-old Zavorotnyi was put in over his head against Alex Dimitrenko and Kubrat Pulev and was inactive for two years before returning to the ring in September last year with a win.
Zeuge vs. Cullhaj
Zeuge retains his WBO Youth title for the second time as Albanian Cullhaj’s corner pulled him out in the ninth round. Zeuge was never really troubled in this one. He was too quick and found Cullhaj and easy target with punches to head and body. Zeuge was banging in head shots that had the Albanian’s head bouncing, but Cullhaj just ignored them and kept coming. That changed in the eighth when a left right combination sent Cullhaj reeling and almost down. Zeuge stepped up the attacks in the ninth and with Cullhaj again absorbing heavy shots his corner threw in the towel. Now 8 wins by KO/TKO for the 22-year-old German a very good prospect and a former European Junior Championships gold medal winner. Again his owning a WBO Youth title gets him a No 11 rating but his lack of quality opposition means the EBU don’t even list him in the top 20. Cullhaj, 23, had lost only 2 of his last 16 fights but one of those losses was to a guy with a 0-3 record.
Gevor vs. Juhasz
Gevor gets quick win over outclassed Hungarian. Gevor was bigger and stronger and was able to score easily in the first with jabs and counters as Juhasz launched some wild swings and he floored the Hungarian with a left at the end of the round. In the second round a left jab to the chin put poor Juhasz down and the fight was stopped. That’s seven wins by KO/TKO for the Armenian-born 23-year-old. Juhasz had won 5 in a row but against poor opposition.
Arslan vs. Bajzath
The Lion roars again as Arslan returns with a win. The 43-year-old former holder of the secondary WBA title was having his first fight since being halted in six rounds in January by Marco Huck for the WBO title. As usual Arslan walked in behind a high defence and worked inside. Bajzath, who has managed to cram in 21 fights in a little over two years, did his best to counter but was being outworked and lacked the experience to deal with the pressure. A body punch put Bajzath down in the last round but he stayed to the final bell to give Arslan some useful rounds. Scores 80-71 from all three judges. Southpaw Arslan has dropped out of all of the world ratings during his inactivity but can still battle his way into the picture. Bajzath has lost 6 of his last 7 fights.
Feigenbutz vs. Sabau.
Teenage banger Feigenbutz gets another quick win. The hot prospect punished the Romanian for two rounds. Late in the third a right put Sabau down and the referee stopped the fight. The 18-year-old German has 12 wins by KO/TKO and marked himself as one to watch when he destroyed unbeaten Pole Maciej Miszkin (15-0) in November. Sabau had been stopped in nine rounds by Zeuge in April.

Townsville, Australia: Light: Josh King (17-3) W PTS 12 Koichi Ito (9-3-2). Middle: Les Sherrington (34-7) W PTS 8 Kazuyuki Fukuyama (9-5).
King vs. Ito
King retains his WBO oriental title with wide unanimous decision over tough Japanese fighter Ito. After taking the first two rounds King floored Ito heavily in the third round. Ito recovered and despite getting a cut over his left eye in the fourth and a right eye almost closed by a swelling late in the bout he fought hard over the remaining rounds to be there at the bell. Scores 119-109 twice and 120-109. The 29-year-old Townsville fighter, the ANBF No 1, makes it four wins since a shock first round loss to experienced Filipino Jack Asis in 2011, his only defeat in his last 13 fights. Ito, 27, although not in the JBC ratings was 6-1-1 in his last 8 fights.
Sherrington vs. Fukuyama
“Lock and Load” Sherrington makes it a “Townsville Two” as he floors Japanese fighter twice on the way to a wide points win. The 31-year-old Sherrington had Fukuyama down in the first and last rounds on the way to a win on scores of 80-69 from all three judges. Sherrington has won 6 of his last 7 fights but the loss was the important one when he was floored twice and beaten in 9 rounds by Sam Solomon. The 32-year-old Fukuyama had won his last 6 fights but at 6 and 8 round level.

Kunming, China: Feather: Mark Gil Melligan (19-4-1) W TKO 4 Petchsamuthr (8-3).
Filipino Melligan wins the vacant WBO oriental title with a win over Thai. He floored Petchsamuthr in the third and had him in deep trouble in the fourth when the fight was stopped. Now 10 wins in his last 11 fights for 26-year-old Melligan, but poor opposition. Petchsamuthr failed to make the weight so had to fight with 10oz gloves. In November he lost on points to Felix Verdejo over six rounds.

Kauhava, Finland: Cruiser: Juho Haapoja (22-5-11ND) W TKO 5 Frank White (10-8-2). Cruiser: Jarno Rosberg (15-1,1ND) W KO 1 Jovan Kaludjerovic (2-9-2).
Haapoja vs. White
Haapoja floors and halts former Canadian champion White. The Finn gradually wore White down and floored him in the fifth. As White was getting back on his feet his corner threw in the towel to save their man further punishment. The 33-year-old Haapoja, a former undefeated EU champion, makes it two wins since back-to-back losses to Silvio Branco and Rakhim Chakhkiev in fights for the WBC Silver title. White, 42, had also been rebuilding. After four losses in a row he had steadied the ship with three wins.
Rosberg vs. Kaludjerovic
Too easy for Rosberg as he kayos Kaludjerovic in 93 seconds. Only the fifth win by KO/TKO for the 33-year-old 6’5” (195cm) Finn and his first win since being knocked out in four rounds by Johann Duhaupas for the vacant EU title in October.

Bruay-la-Buissiere, France: Fly: Thomas Masson (12-3-1) W KO 7 Gregory Beccu (7-1). Masson retains his French title with kayo of local fighter Beccu. The challenger came out fast trying to apply pressure but Masson was ready for that tactic and they fought on even terms over the first three. From the fourth Masson was in charge and slowly breaking Beccu down. In the seventh Masson landed a right followed by a left hook which put Beccu down heavily and the fight was over. The 24-year-old champion, the EBU No 4, was making the third defence of the title but this was only his third win by KO/TKO. This was a big step up for 27-year-old Beccu. He was in his first ten round fight and had only one other fight scheduled for more than six rounds.

Villeurbanne, France: Bantam: Omar Lamiri (12-1) W PTS 12 Anthony Settoul (19-3). Middle: Michel Soro (23-1) W KO 5 Alexey Ribchev (18-10-1).
Settoul vs. Lamiri
French champion Lamiri wins EU title with majority decision over Settoul. The EU champion Settoul, 27, was a slight favourite but home town fighter Lamiri upset the odds in very close, hard fought contest. Lamar had the better of the early rounds and was up 39-37 on all three cards after four rounds. Settoul was in the fight more over the next four rounds but the best he could do was to stop Lamiri extending his lead and all three judges had it 77-75 for the challenger. They last four rounds were fought at a frantic pace with Settoul again trying desperately to turn the fight around but just failing. Scores 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114. Now six wins in a row for 25-year-old Lamiri, the last two both majority decisions. Settoul was making the second defence of his title and he had a winning run of ten fights snapped. The EBU had Lamiri No 6 and Settoul No 7.
Soro vs. Ribchev
Former undefeated French champion Soro returns from suspension with a kayo win over Bulgarian. The tall 26-year-old home town fighter has 13 wins by KO/TKO. His only loss was to Zaurbek Baysangurov for the WBO/IBO light middle title in 2012 with Baysangurov having to get off the floor to win on points. Only the second loss by KO/TKO for “The Fish” Ribchev, 31, he is 4-6 in his last 10 fights but has been matched tough on the road.

Tolfa, Italy: Light: Emiliano Marsili (29-0-1) W TKO 6 Benito Manno (14-2). Cruiser: Mirko Larghetti (21-0) W KO 2 Attila Palko (17-13).
Marsili vs. Manno
Marsili retains his EU title as he wins every round before disposing of fellow-countryman Manno. This was an all-southpaw scrap with Marsili taking centre ring and Manno just never getting into the fight. Marsili’s domination increased with each round. Manno tried to pressure more in the fourth but was badly hurt by a left hook late in the round. By the end of that round Marsili was 40-36 in front on all three cards. Marsili was outboxing Manno again in the fifth but near the end of the round he landed a right uppercut that put Manno down. Manno got up but was knocked down again and saved by the bell. The champion finished it in the sixth as he floored Manno again with a right hook and the fight was stopped. Second defence for 37-year-old Marsili. He is on a good run with wins over Derry Mathews and Luca Giacomo and is IBF No 3. Positions 1 and 2 are vacant but he needs a win over a rated opponent before he can move into one of those slots. So how did he get to No 3 without facing a rated opponent? Manno, 32, is a former undefeated Italian super feather champion but could not stand up to the power of the champion.
Larghetti vs. Palko
EBU No 5 Larghetti gets rid of soft-chinned Hungarian quickly. After taking the first round Larghetti put Palko down twice for the kayo win. The 31-year-old former undefeated EU champion has 13 wins by KO/TKO including 6 in his last 7 fights. Palko, 27, has lost 8 of his last 9 fights 5 by KO/TKO.

Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Mexico: Super Feather: Miguel Roman (46-11) W TKO 10 Daniel Ponce De Leon (45-7). Middle: Marco Reyes (32-1) W PTS 10 Octavio Castro (16-13-2).
Roman vs. Ponce
Big upset as Roman halts former double world champion Ponce and sends him into retirement. Both guys are big punchers and were cautious early. It heated up in the fourth as both were landing heavy shots as they fought on equal terms. Roman took control in the fifth as De Leon already seemed to be tiring. In the sixth a series of head punches from Roman put Ponce down. Knowing Ponce’s power Roman did not go wild but picked his spots and Ponce survived to the bell. Ponce was now cut over the right eye and looking to defend rather than attack. Sensing a career best win Roman would not be denied and in the tenth an all out attack saw Ponce trapped in a corner crouching lower and lower and not fighting back when the referee stopped the fight. The 28-year-old “Mickey” makes it 35 wins by KO/TKO and he collects the vacant WBC USNBC Silver title. He challenged Antonio DeMarco for the WBC lightweight title in March 2012 but was halted in five rounds. This win, plus a win in November over former IBF super feather champion Juan Carlos Salgado, puts Roman in with a chance of another title fight-this at his natural super feather weight. Former WBO super bantam and WBC feather champion Ponce (that’s his family name) is 33 and has lost 3 of his last 4 fights by KO/TKO the other two being against Abner Mares for the WBC title and Juan Manuel Lopez has probably walked away at the right time.
Reyes vs. Castro
“Dorado” Reyes overcomes a bad cut to get a unanimous decision for his second win over Castro. Reyes was comfortably in control until the fourth when a bad cut opened on his left eyelid. The cut required a number of stoppages for the doctor to inspect the cut but it held up to the end and Reyes got his win. The 26-year-old, the WBC No 12, has won 19 in a row including a victory over his sole conqueror Amilcar Funes. Castro, 31, is 7-3-2 in his last 12 fights . He lost on points to Reyes in 2012.

Windhoek, Namibia: Feather: Gottlieb Ndokosho (16-3,1ND) W TKO 4 Mohammed Metualy (17-3). Welter: Anthony Jarman (10-1-1) W TKO 5 Jason Mashela (1-4). Johannes Mwetupunga (13-4-1) DREW 8 Pohamba Mandume (5-6-3).
Ndokosho vs. Metualy
Ndokosho retains his IBF International title with stoppage of Metualy. The first two rounds saw both fighters ready to trade and they came out about even. That changed in the third when Ndokosho stared going to the body. A pair of powerful hooks sent the Egyptian challenger down twice. Metualy tried to fight back but could not take the body punches. Ndokosho scored another knockdown with a body punch in the fourth and although Metualy made it to his feet the fight was stopped. First defence for the 35-year-old Namibian and six wins in a row. Metualy, 33, the Egyptian and ABU champion, was stopped by world rated Thai Poonsawat in 2011 but had won his last 8 fights, 6 by KO/TKO.
Jarman vs. Mashela
Jarman had height, reach and power and although Mashela fought hard he was taking a beating. After taking heavy punishment to head band body in the fifth he retired at the end of the round.
Mwetupunga vs. Mandume
This furious scrap ended in a draw after eight rounds of continuous action. Mwetupunga tried to keep the fight an open fight so that he could use his big edge in height to control the action. Mandume was not about to, let happen and managed to work inside. He was able to do that in every round except the first so it became an exciting slugfest. Mwetupunga shook Mandume with a hook in the sixth but could not capitalise on it and the draw was a fair result. Scores 77-75 for Mwetupunga, 77-76 for Mandume and 76-76.
The 37-year-old Mwetupunga, a former Australian champion is 2-0-1 since returning home. A good performance by Mandume who had lost his previous two fights.

Fuenlabrada, Spain: Feather: Sergio Romero (7-3-3) DREW 10 Antonio Rodriguez
(5-8-6). Last time these two local boxers fought in January the fight ended in a controversial majority draw. This time at the end of the ten rounds Rodriguez was declared the winner on a split decision and took possession of the belt-for a while. A check of the score cards later threw up an error and the fight had in fact been a draw so a third fight is going to be needed to find a new Spanish champion. Romero imposed his superior skills over the early rounds and despite a strong effort from Rodriguez it looked as though Romero was going to prevail. However in the sixth round a clash of heads left Romero with a bad cut on his right eyebrow. It bled heavily and distracted Romero and spurred on Rodriguez. He then took control and had Romero badly rocked in the eighth and took the ninth to leave the fight poised to go in either direction. Both fought hard over the tenth and in the end the draw was the right result after a stirring battle which neither fighter deserved to lose. Scores 97-93 for Romero 96-95 for Rodriguez and 95-95. As one who supervises the occasional fight I can assure you that this score card error is the scenario that gives you sleepless nights.” Sugar” Romero, 29, now has 3 wins and 3 draws in his last 6 fights. Rodriguez, 28, is the exact opposite with 3 losses and 3 draws in his last 6 fights.

Miami, FL, USA: Light Middle: Denis Douglin (17-3) W PTS 10 Charles Whittaker (40-16-2). Light Heavy: Azea Augustama (17-1) W PTS 8 Cory Cummings (17-6-1). Idel Torriente (1-0) W TKO 2 Howard Reece (2-6).
Douglin vs. Whittaker
Useful win for Douglin over once highly rated Whittaker. The New Jersey southpaw boxed a clever fight picking Whittaker off with his jab and not getting involved inside too often. There was little the aging Whittaker could do and Douglin eased his way to the unanimous decision. Scores 99-91 twice and 98-92. After winning his first twelve fights the 26-year-old “Momma’s Boy” is 5-3 in his last 8 but two of those three losses were to Jermell Charlo and Jose Angel Rodriguez. Whittaker, 40, the leading of only three active boxer from the Cayman Islands, at one time had a run of 24 consecutive wins but is now 3-4 in his last 7 fights.
Augustama vs. Cummings
Augustama gets the win but chased all the way by a determined Cummings. The Haitian had to overcome a rocky start as he was floored in the second and had to fight with the handicap of cuts around both eyes. Despite this being his first fight since March 2011 “Black Ice” Cummings came out swinging and was in front at the half way point. Over the second half of the fight Augustama was able to create some space to use his superior skills and only just edged the decision. Scores 76-75 from the three judges. Augustama, 31, is one of three fighting brothers. He represented Haiti at the 2007 World Championships and the 2008 Olympics and also won the 2008 US NGG’s beating J’Leon Love on the way to the final. His only loss is a split decision to Denis Grachev in 2011 and this was his seventh and toughest win since then. Cummings, 34, walked away in 2011 after drawing and losing to William Joppy.
Torriente vs. Leon
Here comes another former star of the Cuban amateur team. Torrente got an easy induction as he halted Reece in two rounds. The 27-year-old was an outstanding amateur beating Nicholas Walters (18-1), stopping Jesus Cuellar, beating Orlando Rizo and Abner Cotto. He was Pan American Games champion in 2007, Pan American Championships gold medal winner in 2008 and also a member of the Cuban World Cup winning team in the same year. No guarantee he will make the transition but worth watching to see. For Reece 5 losses in his last 6 fights.

Swindon, England: Super Middle: Kevin Young (16-3) W PTS 10 Francis Tchoffo (12-10). Young retains IBO Intercontinental title with majority decision over Cameroon-born French-based Tchoffo. The visitor came out throwing bombs and Young had a shaky first round. The local then began to use his height and reach advantages to jab his way into the fight and build a lead. Disaster almost struck in the sixth when a left hook forced Young to take a knee but he got up and managed to see out the round. Young went back to his boxing and as Tchoffo tired he just did enough over the closing rounds to win the decision but it was very tight. Scores 96-94 twice and 96-96. Four wins in a row now for the 6’2” (188cm) 27-year-old Young who has good skills but lacks a punch. Tchoffo is 2-4 in his last six but came close to making it 3-3 here.

Esneux, Belgium: Super Feather: Ermano Fegatilli (29-5) W TKO 5 Csaba Toth (12-22-1). Bantam: Stephane Jamoye (26-5) W TKO 1 Richard Voros (6-21).
Fegatilli vs. Toth
Fegatilli returns to action after almost ten months with easy fifth round win over modest Hungarian. The 29-year-old former European champion has lost only one of his last 16 fights and is close to a chance to win back his old title as he is mandatory challenger to champion Romain Jacob. Toth now has 16 losses by KO/TKO.
Jamoye vs. Voros
Another former European champion eases his way back as Jamoye destroys poor Voros in 75 seconds of a terrible mismatch. First fight for Jamoye since being halted in nine rounds by Shinsuke Yamanaka in a challenge for the WBC title in April. Ten losses in his last eleven fights for Hungarian Voros.

Tacoma, WA, USA: Welter: Emmanuel Lartei Lartey (16-2-1) W PTS 10 Steve Forbes (35-13). Ghanaian Lartey wins but not pretty as too much clinching spoils the fight. The Ghanaian southpaw was determined to fight on the outside and would get his shots off and then tie up Forbes whenever the smaller man got inside. The tactics worked and Lartey got the verdict on scores of 98-91 twice and 99-90. Lartey, 33, was rebounding from successive losses to Errol Spence and Felix Diaz and is 7-2 in fights in the USA. Forbes, 37, a former IBF champion way down at super feather has lost 5 in a row.