The Past Week in Action 21 April 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 21 April 2014

April 18

 

Monroeville, PA, USA: Super Feather: Rod Salka (19-3) W PTS 10 Alexei Collado (18-1). Welter: Felix Diaz (15-0) W PTS 8 Emmanuel Lartei Lartey (15-2-1). Light Middle: Yudel Jhonson (15-1) W PTS 8 Len Dozier (9-6-1). Welter: Sammy Vasquez (14-0) W TKO 1 Juan Rodriguez (11-1). Welter: Erickson Lubin (5-0) W KO 2 Jovan Ramirez (3-2).

Salka vs. Collado

Local fighter “Lightning Rod” Salka takes away the unbeaten tag of Cuban Collado with a close unanimous decision. Salka had to overcome a cut in the second round and hold off a strong finish from Collado, but was a worthy winner. After an even start Salka, the bigger man, showed good movement, a fast jab and good body work and then also showed power by flooring Collado with a left hook in the third round which saw the Cubans legs do a little dance before he went down. The Cuban lost his way a little after that and fell behind in the scoring. Salka had a game plan, stuck to it. Collado tried change the pattern of the fight over the middle rounds as Salka seemed to let his workrate drop but was soon back to simply outboxing the Cuban and at the end finally got a break in a close decision whereas in the past the close ones had gone against him. Scores 96-93 twice and 96-94. The 31-year-old Salka’s two losses were majority decisions against Dorin Spivey and Ric Alvarez with the latter a particularly bad decision. This win over WBA No 13 feather Collado should see him world rated. “Hurricane” Collado, 26, had won his first 14 fights by KO/TKO. Tougher opposition has brought that KO/TKO % figure down but he can bounce back from this loss.

Diaz vs. Lartey

Diaz is finding it hard to make his mark as a pro and struggled here to a split decision over strong but limited Lartey. The Dominican had the speed and skills but chose not to box on the outside against his taller fellow-southpaw. Lartey wanted an inside fight where he could nullify the skill of Diaz and was able to force the Dominican to trade instead of boxing which made it a close fight. However it was Diaz who was scoring well with combination on the inside. He was shaken by a punch in the third and became more cautious. However he staged a strong finish and won on scores of 77-75 twice and 77-75 for Lartey. After five years as a pro the 30-year-old 2008 Olympic gold medallist has managed only 15 fights and made very little impact. Ghanaian Lartey, 32, is 5-2 since moving to the US. His other loss was on points against another Olympian; Errol Spence in October, breaking Spence’s run of first round wins.

Jhonson vs. Dozier

Jhonson finally returns to the ring and gets a win. It looked like an early night when Jhonson floored prelim fighter Dozier in the first, but he was unable to repeat the trick and forced to go the full eight rounds. The Cuban southpaw won every round on scores of 80-71 on all three cards. This was his first fight since April 2013 and only his third fight since losing to Willie Nelson in May 2012. At 32 he needs to move on quickly. Dozier, 32, was in his first eight round fight so he did his job and gave Jhonson some much needed ring time.

Vasquez vs. Rodriguez

An all-southpaw match turned out to be a mismatch. Vasquez exploded almost as the echo of the bell could still be heard (ok about 20 seconds in) and put a very rusty Rodriguez down with a left to the body. Rodriguez dragged himself to his feet but two more knockdowns saw Rodriguez spitting out his gumshield and the fight ended with 11 seconds left in the round. The 28-year-old “Mexican Who Can” has 10 wins by KO/TKO, the last 5 on the bounce. A former member of the US national Guard Vasquez won a bronze medal at the World Military Championships; silver at the NGG’s and competed at the US Olympic Trials. Although unbeaten going in Rodriguez was eclipsed by a far bigger talent here. This was his first fight in a year.

Lubin vs. Ramirez

Hot prospect Lubin gets another easy night. The 18-year-old southpaw wiped out poor Mexican novice “Negrito” Ramirez just 18 seconds into the second round. The 2012 Pal champion has won all 5 fights by KO/TKO with his five opponent giving him less than eight rounds of action. After only three fights Ramirez was thrown in with former WBA champion Joachim Alcine in February. He managed to last 7 minutes then.

 

Hammond, IN, USA: Heavy: Andrey Fedosov (25-3) W KO 2 Maurice Harris (26-19-2,1ND). Super Middle: Don George (25-4-2) W TKO 6 Troy Lowry (28-14). Super Middle: Mike Jimenez (14-0,1ND) W PTS 6 Lester Gonzalez (12-14-4).

Fedosov vs. Harris

Fedosov was pressing the fight in the first round and did most of the scoring although a left hook looked to shake him late in the round. It was all Fedosov in the second as he dumped Harris on the canvas with a right. Harris was badly hurt and after he got up Fedosov put him down again with a left to the body and Harris failed to beat the count. Californian-based Russian Fedosov, 28, had gone into recession for a while after losing to Bryant Jennings in June. After an early career loss he ran up 15 wins, 14 by KO/TKO before being beaten by Lance Whitaker in 2010.  he now has 20 wins by KO/TKO. Old stager Harris, 38, a pro for over 20 years, has 12 losses by KO/TKO.

George vs. Lowry

In his first fight since June “Da Bomb” George showed a bit of rust allowing Lowry to get through with some good shots, but from the first it was obvious that Lowry could not hurt George but that George was hurting Lowry. Despite taking punishment in all five completed rounds Lowry stuck to his task. He was floored by a series of body punches in the fourth and a painful fifth saw him almost floored again and a big swelling developing on the left side of his face. He came out for the sixth but a left hook put him down and his corner mercifully threw in the towel. Losses to Edwin Rodriguez, Adonis Stevenson in 2012 and an inside the distance loss to Caleb Truax saw the 29-year-old George take some time out but he is a big ticket seller so the promoters will be glad to see him back. Lowry, 43, was having his first fight in a year.

Jimenez vs. Gonzalez

“Hollywood” Jimenez remains unbeaten with unanimous decision over Gonzalez. Jimenez had some problems with the clever southpaw tricks of Gonzalez but was just too young and strong to be denied. He had Gonzalez down from a right in the fourth but could not close the fight out. Scores 58-54, 58-55 and 57-56. The 26-year-old Jimenez did lose to Derrick Findley in September but Findley tested positive for a banned substance and it was changed to a no decision. “El Cubanito” Gonzalez, 36, now has 10 losses and 2 draws in his last 12 fights.

 

Verona, NY, USA: Middle: Brandon Adams (14-0 W PTS 8 Ray Gatica (14-3). Middle: Willie Monroe Jr. (17-1) W PTS 8 Vitaliy Kopylenko (23-1). Heavy: Nat Heaven (9-0) W TKO 1 Donovan Dennis (9-1,1ND). Middle: Simeon Hardy (12-0) W TKO 1 Rahman Mustafa Yusubov (9-15).

Adams vs. Gatica

Adams wins his way into the ESPN Boxcino final with a split decision over southpaw Gatica. There was a conflict of styles here with Adams boxing cleverly and pressing the action with his busier style allowing him to build a small lead over the first three rounds. He was just that much faster than Gatica and every time Gatica threw a shot he was being caught by counters but had a good start to the sixth round to keep himself in the fight. Adams edged the seventh but assuming he was in front was not about to take chances and Gatica finished strongly. Adams gets a well deserved split decision on scores of 78-74 twice and a 77-75 for Gatica. The 24-year-old Californian may not have been the favourite going into the competition but he has earned his place with this professional performance and his win over Daniel Edouard in the previous round. Gatica, 29, had impressively halted unbeaten Sena Agbeko in his previous match and made a good fight of it here but was well beaten whatever the scores say. His other losses have been to very tough opposition in Mark Jason Melligan and Fernando Guerrero

Monroe vs. Kopylenko

Ukrainian Kopylenko had the most impressive record going into the tournament and his two round demolition of Cerresso Fort in the Quarterfinal only seemed to enforce that. However, “Mongoose” Monroe had other ideas and proceeded to box his way to a unanimous decision. From the first bell Monroe was using southpaw skills and a longer reach to hit and get away before the slower Kopylenko could respond. It was a classy display by Monroe showing excellent movement and quick hands which saw him sweep the first four rounds. Kopylenko did better in the fifth knocking Monroe’s mouthpiece flying and probably edged the sixth. After a close seventh Monroe boxed his way through the last round to win clearly. Scores 79-73 twice and 78-74. The 27-year-old son of former top middleweight Willie Snr. lost a split decision to Darnell Boone in 2011. No knock there as in 2010 Boone halted Adonis Stevenson and only lost to Sergey Kovalev on a split decision. Willie has won seven in a row since then including a good win over experienced Donatas Bondorovas in the Quarterfinals.

Heaven vs. Dennis

An upset here as Heaven wins this clash of unbeaten big men. Both were throwing bombs until a thunderous right to the jaw put Dennis down late in the round. He made it to his feet but was on teetering legs and the fight was stopped right on the bell. The 28-year-old Heaven, 6’6” (193cm) makes it 7 wins by KO/TKO but up until now his opposition had been strictly second rate. Dennis, 26 and 6’4” (193cm) had also been carefully matched to get his 8 wins by KO/TKO but had impressive amateur credentials just missing out on the London Olympics after losing in the US Trials.

Hardy vs. Yasubov

Guyanan Hardy makes it two quick wins in two months as he halts Yasubov late in the first round. It was the left hooks of Hardy that did the damage with Yasubov down three times before the fight was stopped. The 26-year-old “Candyman” has two wins over a very faded Howard Eastman back in Guyana and was then inactive for 16 months before winning in February. Texas-based Azeri Yasubov has lost 13 of his last 14 fights.

 

San Antonio, TX, USA: Super Bantam: Sergio Perales (24-2) W TKO 10 Raul Martinez (30-4). Welter: Alan Sanchez (13-3-1) W TKO 6 Jorge Silva (20-6-2).Welter: Errol Spence (12-0) W TKO 1 Ray Charles (12-3-2).

Perales vs. Martinez

Southpaw Perales comes from behind to halt Martinez in the last round of this all-Texan shoot out. Martinez dominated the early rounds and by the end of the seventh, when he put Perales down for the second time with a straight right, it looked as though he had the fight won. However as Perales got stronger Martinez got weaker. At the end of the eighth and ninth rounds Martinez was showing signs of fatigue and a right hook from Perales put Martinez down early in the tenth and the referee stopped the fight. Martinez was in front 85-84 on two cards and 86-83 on the third so with the knockdown the tenth would probably have been a 10-8 for Perales giving him a split decision. Martinez was taken to a hospital after the fight as a precaution. Big win for Brownsville’s 26-year-old Perales who makes it 16 wins by KO/TKO. Second win for him since losing to Stuart Hall for the IBF Inter-Continental title in May. Local fighter Martinez, 32, lost to Nonito Donaire and Rodrigo Guerrero in IBF title fights but it was a loss to prelim fighter Omar Gonzalez (5-8 record at the time) which really knocked him back. He will review his future with trainer Jesse James Leija the former WBC super Feather champion.

Sanchez vs. Silva

Sanchez returns to the winning column with a one-punch finish against experienced Silva. In his first fight since losing to Luis Collazo in September Sanchez had a tough time with Silva. However Sanchez had big edges in height and reach and the better skills. Although some rounds were close he had built a lead by the end of the fifth. Up to that point Sanchez had been scoring freely but not showing great power. That ended early in the sixth when one big right put Silva down heavily and the referee promptly waived the fight over. The 23-year-old Sanchez had scored good wins over Cris Favela, Artemio Reyes, Manuel Leyva and Miguel Munguia before losing a wide decision to Collazo. This is his seventh win by KO/TKO. Mexican Silva, 22, was giving away 6” in height so had to get inside which made him a perfect target for the counters from Sanchez. He is 3-5-1 in his last 9 fights but that includes opposition such as Daniel Sandoval, Alfredo Angulo and Silverio Ortiz

Spence vs. Charles

Yet another first round win for Olympian Spence who in theory was taking part in his first ten round fight. The Texan went to work immediately flooring Charles with a body punch early in the round. Charles got up but faced more fire and when he went down under another barrage of punches the fight was stopped. The 24-year-old southpaw has 10 wins by KO/TKO, has won 7 of his last 8 fights that way and has 7 first round victories. This sort of fight will teach him nothing. Charles, 34, was having only his second fight in 45 months and his first for 8 months.

 

 

Budapest, Hungary: Cruiser: Gyula Bozai (12-6-2) W TKO 7 Csaba Faur (6 -3-1). Super Feather: Zoltan Kovacs (11-4) W TEC DEC 8 Oszkar Fiko (8-6)

Bozai vs. Faur

Age overcomes youth as Bozai wins the vacant interim Hungarian title. They shared the first two rounds but hooks from Bozai had him on top in the third and Faur was warned after spitting out his mouthpiece to avoid Bozai’s attacks. Faur fought back hard in the fourth and fifth but Bozai was getting the better of the exchanges. In the sixth Bozai was again scoring heavily and Faur got a warning for spitting out his mouthpiece again. The end came in the seventh when Bozai floored Faur. He made it to his feet but his second threw in the towel. Bozai, 40, has 9 wins b y KO/TKO. He has four wins and a draw in his last five fights, the draw being with Faur in November. “Ali” Faur, 23, failed to make the weight so the title was only there for Bozai

Kovacs vs. Fiko

“Blacksmith” Kovacs retains his Hungarian title in his first defence with a technical decision over Fiko. The tall 21-year-old was cut in a clash of heads in the second round but it was not a factor. There not much excitement over the first five rounds with Kovacs just having the edge. It warmed up in the sixth and seventh with Kovacs extending his lead. In the eighth a bit of wrestling saw Fiko go down. He injured his elbow and was unable to continue so it went to the scorecards with Kovacs winning on scores of 77-74 twice and 78-73. Kovacs was 3-4 in his first seven fights but has won his last eight.  Romanian Fiko, 20, had won 4 of his last 5 fights but in visits to Britain had lost to Ryan Walsh and Tom Stalker.

 

Krasnodar, Russia: Light Welter: Aik Shakhnazaryan (12-0) W PTS 12 Felix Lora (18-11-5). Welter: David Avanesyan (17-1-1) W PTS 12 Kaizer Mabuza (25-11-3).

Aik Shakhnazaryan vs. Lora

“Ike The Humanoid” Shakhnazaryan win the WBO Europe title with wide unanimous decision over Dominican Lora. The young Armenian-born prospect was too quick for Lora over the first three rounds and had the tough Spanish-based fighter hurt in the fourth. Lora rallied over the next four rounds roughing the classier boxer up a little but Shakhnazaryan was still picking up the points with his quicker hands and accurate counters. Down the finishing straight Lora tired badly and Shakhnazaryan scored knockdowns in both the eleventh and twelfth rounds to widen the points gap even further. Scores 119-108, 118-108 and 117-110. Just six weeks ago the 20-year-old Shakhnazaryan won the vacant WBC Baltic title with a second round kayo victory over Alisher Rahimov (25-2) who had beaten Sergio Thompson, Saddam Kietyongyuth (23-0) and Rustam Nugaev so definitely one to watch. Lora, 30, was making the first defence of a title he won with a shock victory over the then WBO No 2 Serhiy Fedchenko in December. His record is deceptive as on his night he is a dangerous opponent for anyone and has wins in their own backyard over Krzys Szot (then unbeaten), Krzys Cieslak (18-2) and Massimiliano Ballisai (15-0).

David Avanesyan vs. Mabuza

Avanesyan wins but the scores are ridiculous as this was a close, hard-fought battle. Mabuza was the attacker early as he pressed the younger but faster fighter. Mabuza was a bit ponderous, he was scoring but with Avanesyan quicker with his counters doing the more eye catching work. Mabuza had a good fourth but lost a point in the fifth for a butt although winning the sixth. Avanesyan went back to his jab again from the seventh and again was quicker and more accurate and probably had the lead with two rounds to go. The last two rounds saw both fighters going all out believing the fight was in the balance and Avanesyan seemed to have just done enough to win the decision. The scores were shocking at 120-108 (a disgrace), 118-110 and 117-110 for what had been a close fight. Avanesyan deserved to win and the 25-year-old Russian retains his WBC Baltic title-against a South African!!! After losing in only his second fight Avanesyan has won 16 of his last 17 fights with the draw being against Aslanbek Kozaev (23-0) and has now won 4 by KO/TKO since then. South African Mabuza, 34, scored wins over Serhiy Fedchenko and Kendall Holt before losing to Zab Judah in 2011 for the vacant IBF title. He won and lost the IBO tile in 2012 and has lost his last two fights making him 2-4 in his last six.

 

Chaiya, Thailand: Super Fly: Rusalee Samor (23-5-2) W PTS 12 Espinos Sabu (11-1-1). Welter: Takamori Akita (9-4-1 W KO 1 Muhammad Imam (9-4). Super Feather Fahsai (41-5-1) W PTS 8 Rivo Rengkung (32-19-5).

Samor vs. Sabu

Thai Samor retains the IBF Asian title with a close unanimous decision over Indonesian Sabu. Samor was giving away height and reach but had the faster hands and better jab and although many rounds were close just deserved the decision. Scores 115-112 from all three judges. The 30-year-old Samor rated IBF 11 (10) makes it three wins in a row for since losing to Hong Kong star Rex Tso in July. First loss for 24-year-old Indonesian champion Sabu who did not give up his unbeaten streak without a fight.

Akita vs. Imam

Australian managed Akita is rebuilding after a run of 4 defeats and makes it two quick wins as he kayos Indonesian “Felix The Cat” Imam. The 31-year-old Akita was inactive from 2005 until 2012. He wins the vacant IBF Asian title. Imam, 26, is now 2-4 in his last 6 fights.

Fahsai vs. Rengkung

Fahsai starts his rebuilding with unanimous decision over former victim Rengkung. The 32-year-old Thai had a run of just one loss in 32 fights and was up to No 5(4) in the IBF ratings before losses to Rances Barthelemy and in his last fight in October to Masao Nakamura sent him tumbling out of the lists. He beat Rengkung over 12 rounds in 2011. Rengkung is 3-12 in his last 15 fights.

 

Fort Washington, MD, USA: Light Welter: Mike Reed (9-0) W TKO 4 Regino Canales (6-5).

Reed uses a relentless body attack to slow down and wear down Canales. Reed handed out more punishment with each succeeding round. The tactics paid off in the third with Canales on the floor but managing to survive. Reed was on top again in the fourth and at the end of the round the doctor went to the corner of Canales and decided to stop the fight. Just after that decision was taken Canales collapsed in his corner with convulsions and after extended treatment in the ring he was taken to hospital. No report of his progress at this time. Southpaw Reed, 21, a former NGG gold medallist and US Championships silver medal winner has six victories by KO/TKO. Puerto Rican Canales had only been stopped once before.

 

 

April 19

 

Washington, DC, USA: Light Heavy: Bernard Hopkins (55-6-2, 2ND) W PTS 12 Beibut Shumenov (14-2). Welter: Shawn Porter (24-0-1) W TKO 4 Paul Malignaggi (33-6). Middle: Peter Quillin (31-0) W PTS 12 Lukas Konecny (50-4). Welter: Sadam Ali (19-0) W KO 1 Mike Clark (44-10-1). Light Heavy: Marcus Browne (10-0) W PTS 8 Otis Griffin (24-16-2). Middle: Dominic Wade (15-0) W TKO 2 Marcus Upshaw (15-12-2). Super Middle: D’Mitrius Ballard (5-0) W TKO 2 Quincy Miner (3-6,1ND).

Hopkins vs. Shumenov

Hopkins again shows the value of his enormous experience as he outboxes and outmaneuvers the younger Shumenov. The Kazak got a good start taking the first two rounds as Hopkins studied and planned. From the third Hopkins had decide his right was the weapon of choice and through the middle rounds it was lead rights in  mid ring and counter rights when on the ropes that Hopkins used to take the fight away from Shumenov. As Hopkins got through more and more with vicious shots Shumenov seemed to shut down with his work rate dropping as he failed to let his punches flow. Once again Hopkins was showing how he could take a guys game plan away from him and leave him frustrated and ineffective. Shumenov was looking slow and crude and by the end of the eighth round two judges had Hopkins 4 points ahead with 4 rounds to go. Let’s not talk too much about the other judge who had Shumenov two points ahead. The Kazak realised his WBA title was slipping away and he staged a recovery of sorts in the ninth and tenth, but that was good as it got. He was getting tagged in his desperation to get the knockout he needed and a right from Hopkins in the eleventh round which put Shumenov down. Foolishly the Kazak was almost clowning with a low held left and asked to be punished. He got up and for a few moments it looked as though Hopkins might actually finish it in that round and gets his first inside the distance win since 2004, but Shumenov survived and Hopkins boxed his way through the last round to win the split decision. Scores 116-111 twice for Hopkins and 115-113 for Shumenov a score that will be formally investigated.  The 49-year-old “Alien” retains his IBF tile and wins the WBA title. If you only include the titles of the four leading bodies, then since first fighting for the IBF title back in 1994 this was his 31^st world title fight. There are all manner of amazing statistics but Hopkins is a unique talent to whom age is just a number. The 30-year-old Shumenov was making the sixth defence of his WBA title but youth was all he had going for him and it was not enough.

Porter vs. Malignaggi

Porter destroys Malignaggi to retain his IBF title. Both fighters were anxious to trade in the first round with Porter getting home with the harder punches and opening a gash on the left cheek of Malignaggi with one of his jabs. Porter dominated the second with Malignaggi unable to match the younger man’s speed or power. After a slow start the third saw Malignaggi caught late with left hooks and struggling to stay on his feet under the onslaught. Porter finished in style in the fourth. A right put Malignaggi down and he was badly shaken. When he got up Porter drove him to the ropes and landed a series of shots finished off by a tremendous right which snapped Malignaggi’s head back as he slumped to the canvas and the fight was halted right then without a count. “Showtime” certainly delivered in the first defence of the title he won with a decision over Devon Alexander. He did not set the world alight in the Alexander fight but he was very impressive here and may need to be reassessed. The 26-year-old from Ohio has 15 wins by KO/TKO and looks a different fighter from the one who was held to a draw by Julio Diaz. At 33 the “Magic Man” has lost some of his luster although that was not apparent last year in losing a split decision to Adrien Broner and beating Zab Judah. Brits Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan are the only two others to have beaten him by KO/TKO but they each took eleven rounds. It remains to be seen what Malignaggi will decide about his future.

Quillin vs. Konecny

Quillin retains his WBO title for the third time with decision over Czech veteran Konecny. The fight never really hit the heights with Quillin just being too young and quick for the experienced Konecny. The Czech pressed the action early. Quillin was scoring with right uppercuts and brought some blood from the mouth of Konecny in the first and was able to score with counters as the smaller Konecny looked to get inside and attack the body. With Quillin having difficulty finding openings for his punches and Konecny just not letting his punches flow the first three rounds lacked excitement. The pace picked up in the fourth with both fighters increasing their work rate and Quillin finding gaps for his right hooks. The champion looked to have Konecny wobbling at the end of the sixth and the Czech was cut in the eighth. Unfortunately the pace of the fight was still too slow to fire the enthusiasm of the crowd. Konecny made a big effort in the eleventh getting through with some good left hooks but did not have the fire power to hurt Quillin. Scores 119-109 twice and 120-108. Third defence of his tile for 30-year-old Quillin but with Sergio Martinez and Gennady Golovkin in this division he is struggling to get into the big fights. Konecny, 35, arguably the most successful Czech boxer of all time, kept his record of never losing inside the distance. Unfortunately he also kept his record of losing in WBO title fights having previously been beaten by Serhiy Dzinziruk and Zaurbek Baysangurov in shots at the WBO light middle title.

Ali vs. Clark

Ali destroys Clark in 126 seconds in a clash of former top amateurs. “The World Kid” ended the fight with a left hook that put Clark down and out. Now 12 wins by KO/TKO for Ali. Both fighters are former NGG champions, the difference being that Ali won his titles in 2006 & 2007 and the 40-year-old Clark won his in 1992. “Cold Blood” Clark is 3-5 in his last 8 fights. He turned pro way back in 1993. He won his first 24 fights before getting kayoed by Artur Grigorian for the WBO light title in 1999.

Browne vs. Griffin

Browne getting some useful ring time and beats his first name fighter in experienced Griffin. Southpaw Browne was much the stronger man and bossed the fight early working the body. Griffin did not really get into the fight until the third round but it was still Browne doing most of the scoring. Griffin was taking the fight to the younger man, but was caught with a left counter late in the fifth and put down. Griffin made it to his feet as the bell rang. Griffin then managed to avoid too much damage with lots of holding over the closing rounds to be there at the finish. Scores 80-71 from all three judges. Olympian Browne, 23, won his first six fights inside the distance never having to go beyond round two. However he has been taken the distance three times in his last four fights so it is getting a good education. “Triple OG” Griffin has now lost 10 of his last 11 fights in his role as a scalp for the prospects to collect.

Wade vs. Upshaw

Good win for Wade over Upshaw who can often give opponents trouble with his 6’4” (193cm) height and awkward style. After a first round of study late in the second a straight right from Wade put Upshaw down. He made it to his feet but on wobbly legs and the fight was stopped. Now 11 wins by KO/TKO for the 24-year-old from Largo a former World Cadet silver medallist and competitor at the 2008 US Olympic trials. Upshaw, 33, has lost 5 of his last 6 fights but in that run has taken Gilberto Ramirez S., Marco Rubio and David Lemieux the distance.

Ballard vs. Miner

Ballard gets win but not much satisfaction as Miner finds a way out of the fight. Ballard was unloading heavy shots on Miner in the first and it looked like an early night. Miner decided to make it one. After moaning to the referee about imagined infractions by Ballard he then grabbed Ballard and wrestled them both to the floor. When fighting resumed Ballard scored with some more hard shots and put Miner into the ropes. Without looking to have taken a really hard punch Miner tumbled to the floor claiming a shoulder injury and the referee stopped the fight. Now 4 wins by KO/TKO for 21-year-old Ballard a former NGG champion who lost to Jesse Hart in the US Olympic Trials. For 38-year-old Miner it is 4 losses and a no decision in his last 5 fights.

 

Manchester, England: Super Bantam: Scott Quigg (28-0-2) W TKO 2 Tshifhiwa Munyai (24-3-1). Light: Anthony Crolla (28-4-1) W TKO 10 John Murray (33-3). Feather: Josh Warrington (17-0) W TKO 7 Rendall Munroe (28-5-1). Light Welter: Tyrone Nurse (28-1) W PTS 10 Tyler Goodjohn (10-3). Super Middle: Callum Smith (10-0) W TKO 3 Francoise Bastient (43-11-1). Light Heavy: Hosea Burton (9-0) W PTS 8 Valentin Freulon (9-2-2). Light: Stephen Foster (32-5-1) W PTS 6 Santiago Bustos (6-4-1).

10

Quigg vs. Munyai

On paper this could have been a difficult night for Quigg, but the Bury man retained his secondary WBA title by demolishing Munyai in two rounds. Quigg was looking for openings in a cautious start against the much taller South African. Munyai was prodding with his long left and throwing the occasional right. Quinn found that opening late in the first and crashed home a left hook which put Munyai down on his back. The challenger was up at seven and when the fight restarted was scrambling to avoid further bombs from Quigg as the bell went. At the start of the second it was more of the same from Munyai a prodding jab, the occasional right and body punch. Just after the mid point of the round Quigg landed a short left and then a thunderous overhand right which crashed into Munyai’s chin. Munyai went down on his back and again got up at the count of seven. This time there was to be no bell and a tigerish Quigg leapt on him and with Munyai trapped on the ropes punches from Quigg had Munyai sliding down towards the canvas when the fight was stopped. Third defence for 25-year-old Quigg since being upgraded from interim champion and win No 21 by KO/TKO. He looked focused and devastating in this one. Munyai, the 28-year-old South African “Atomic Spider” was just blown away by the power of Quigg and this is his first loss by KO/TKO. Munyai came into the fight on only one weeks notice when original opponent Nehomar Cermeno had problems with his visa. He needed two attempts to make the weight. He was already rated No 10 by the WBA so a valid challenger. A former CBC champion he had beaten Lee Haskins and Martin Power in previous fights in Britain.

 Crolla vs. Murray

Crolla derails the comeback of Murray with a stoppage win. Murray started well forcing the pace with Crolla scoring well with his sharp jab and straight rights. Murray had a big fourth round hurting Crolla with a hard right. However, from the point on Murray tired and faded out of the fight with the accurate shots from Crolla first opening a cut over Murray’s left eye and then causing a swelling by his right eye which eventually badly hampered Murray’s vision. Crolla was getting through with hard shots from both hands and slowly breaking Murray down. The end came in the tenth when Crolla floored an exhausted and battered Murray. He made it to his feet but was eating more punches when the fight was halted. “Million Dollar” Crolla retains his WBO Inter-Continental title. The 27-year-old former British champion builds on wins last year over Gavin Rees and Stephen Foster and should improve on his WBO No 6 rating. Murray showed great courage and dignity in this loss. After 31 consecutive wins back-to-back losses to Kevin Mitchell and in a WBA title fight against an overweight Brandon Rios saw him take almost two years out of the ring and he had not gotten his old sharpness back.

Warrington vs. Munroe

Big win for Warrington as he retains his CBC title for the first time with victory over former WBC title challenger Munroe. Warrington, ten years younger, was just too quick of hand and feet for southpaw Munroe. The champion collected the first two rounds being quicker to the punch and not letting Munroe get home with any shots of consequence. Munroe used his experience to get himself into the fight in the third and fourth but from the fifth Warrington was back in control. He was handing out a steady beating to Munroe doubling up his jab and scoring with rights and it was no great surprise when Munroe retired at the end of the seventh round due to a bad cut on the inside of his lip. Only the second win by KO/TKO for 23-year-old Warrington but that is how his last two fights have ended so he looks to be growing into the title and getting more confidence out of being champion. Munroe, 33, has had a great career at super bantam winning European and CBC titles and beating Kiko Martinez twice and Victor Terrazas but losing a decision to Toshiaki Nishioka for the WBC title. The only other fighters to beat him inside the distance are Quigg for the interim WBA title and Lee Selby for the British and European titles. A tearful Munroe announced his retirement after an outstanding career.

Nurse vs. Goodjohn

Nurse wins the vacant English title with a unanimous decision over Goodjohn. The tall Nurse dominated the fight and his win was made to look even more dominant due to Goodjohn losing a point in the eighth for a butt. Scores 100-90, 98-91 and 98-92. In six years as a pro this was only the second ten round fight for Nurse and he really needs to step up to the plate for some sterner tests soon. His only loss was to Adil Anwar in the 2012 Prizefighter and this was his sixth win since then. Although much less experienced this was 22-year-old Goodjohn’s fourth ten round fight and he was coming off 4 straight wins.

Smith vs. Bastient

Another impressive display of power from Smith. He went for the body from the start and his relentless attacks were too much for experienced former French champion Bastient. Smith was gradually breaking Bastient down and after a body punch in the third put Bastient down the Frenchman made it to his feet. He had lost his mouthpiece and after going back to his corner to get it replaced they chucked in the towel. Now 8 wins in a row for the 23-year-old 6’3” (191cm) WBC International champion all by KO/TKO. Bastient, 32, had been in reasonable form with 6 wins in his last 8 fights but Smith just punched too hard for him. Only the fourth time in 55 fights that Bastient has lost by KO/TKO.

Burton vs. Freulon

Burton makes good use of his height and reach to box his way to a comfortable victory over Frenchman Freulon.  “The Hammer” showed the occasional defence weakness but generally was in full control and won on the referee’s score of 80-73. The 25-year-old 6’4” (193cm) Burton, a former ABA champion, is not a big puncher, only two wins by KO/TKO, but he has good skills and is a fine prospect. Freulon, 22, was having his first eight round fight and did not disgrace himself.

Foster vs. Bustos

Foster eases his way back into the winning column with a six round workout against Spaniard Bustos. Referee’s score 60-56.The 33-year-old former European feather champion and interim WBO super feather title challenger lost inside the distance to Gary Buckland and Crolla in an eleven month spell but is rebuilding again. In two previous visits to the UK Bustos had scored an upset kayo win over unbeaten Marty Tew and lost on points to top prospect Khalid Yafai.

 

London, England: Light Middle: Dymtro Nikulin (28-1) W TKO 5 Ryan Toms (13-7-1). Super Middle: Joe Mullender (6-1) W PTS 10 Diego Burton (4-4-1).

Nikulin vs. Toms

Ukrainian southpaw Nikulin makes it 7 wins in his last 8 fights as he overcomes the physical edges enjoyed by southpaw Toms who is pulled out with a bad cut over his left eye at the end of the fifth round. The 29-year-old Nikulin, a former undefeated WBO Europe champion, lost his unbeaten record in 2010 on a close decision to Yuki Nonaka in Japan. Toms, 32, is 2-5 in his last 7 fights.

Mullender vs. Burton

“Smokin Joe” Mullender wins a close but deserved victory over Burton. Mullender was the aggressor with Burton as usual boxing on the back foot and countering. Referee’s score 97-94. Mullender, 27, was moving back up to super middle after losing by a single point to Mike Obin at middle in November. Three losses in a row for Burton.

 

Orlando, FL, USA: Feather: Gamalier Rodriguez (24-2-3) W PTS 10 Orlando Cruz (20-4-1). Middle: Matt Korobov (23-0) W TKO 6 Emil Gonzalez (11-8-1). Light: Felix Verdejo (12-0) W TKO 1 Ivan Zavala (6-6-1).

Rodriguez vs. Cruz

Rodriguez proves too quick and accurate for former WBO title challenger in this all-Puerto Rican battle. He found southpaw Cruz an easy target for his rights whilst slipping most of the shots from Cruz. Rodriguez used lots of body punches with too many sliding low and he was deducted a point in the sixth in what was a bad tempered match. Cruz just never really got into the fight and was well beaten. Scores 97-92 twice and 96-93. The 27-year-old Rodriguez makes it 16 wins in a row and retains his WBO NABO title which had given him a No 8 rating from that body despite some very low level opposition. Cruz, 32, was having his first fight since losing in seven rounds against Orland Salido for the WBO title in October.

Korobov vs. Gonzalez

Korobov continues his winning run as Gonzalez retires at the end of the sixth round in their fight. Now 14 wins by KO/TKO and his sixth win since returning to the ring after almost one year away. The Russian southpaw just can’t seem to light a fire under his career. The 31-year-old former double world amateur champion has talent but is still fighting eight round fights after over four years. Puerto Rican Gonzalez was coming off a loss to Derek Ennis last month.

Verdejo vs. Zavala

Young Verdejo blows away another easy victim. It took only 74 seconds for the Puerto Rican hot prospect to find the target with an overhand right that landed smack on the nose of poor Zavala and ended the fight. That makes it 9 wins by KO/TKO for the 20-year-old a Pan Am Youth gold medal winner who lost to Vasyl Lomachenko in the 2012 Olympics. Mexican Zavala, 19, had now lost 4 of his last 5 fights three of those in the first round. A poor match.

 

Carlton, MN, USA: Heavy: Shannon Briggs (53-6-1,1ND) W KO 1 Francisco Mireles (17-9). Cruiser: Al Sands (13-1) W TKO 9 Keith Barr (12-6).

Briggs vs. Mireles

Another piece of rubbish in the Briggs build- up. One “punch” to the body and the obese Mexican folded after just 20 seconds. The farce started before the first bell when Briggs leaning against the ropes broke a support and the ring had to be repaired. That took a lot longer than the fight. A slap to the stomach from Briggs sent Mireles down and he made no attempt to get up. Briggs 6’4” (193cm) and 252lbs. Mireles 5’10” and 286lbs!! That really says it all. Well that plus Mireles being knocked out in 59 seconds in August by Mike Hunter who was having his second pro fight. Even Deontay Wilder never dug this deep to find a victim.

Sands vs. Barr

Sands halts southpaw Barr. Sands found it difficult in the early rounds as Barr was just there to survive but body shots eventually wore down Barr and opened him up. Left hooks to the body put Barr down three times in the eighth round and after two more knockdowns in the ninth the fight was stopped. Sands “The Haitian Temptation” wins the vacant WBA NABA title. The 29-year-old local makes it 11 wins in a row, 10 by KO/TKO. Barr is 2-4 in his last 6 fights with all of the losses by KO/TKO.

 

Malvinas Argentinas, Argentina: Light Middle: Javier Fco. Maciel (28-3) W PTS 10 Cesar Silva (9-4-1).

Maciel vs. Silva

Maciel wins unanimous decision but the “Beast” seems a bit tame. Maciel was coming forward trying to walk down the Paraguayan southpaw who was not looking to trade. Maciel landed a shot to the head of Silva in the second which put the Paraguayan down and his body punching saw Silva take a standing count in the third. From then Maciel’s work rate dropped and Silva was able to get into the fight and score with good counters. Maciel still had the power and often had Silva fighting with his back to the ropes but his punches lacked their usual force and it was a very subdued performance by the WBO No 15. Scores 98-90, 97-91 and a much too narrow 96-94. Maciel retains his WBO Latino title for the sixth time. This his first fight since losing a split decision to Brian Rose in October. Silva, 29, had lost a very close points decision to Maciel in 2008 but the had only one fight in each of 2009/2010 and 2011 before being inactive until this fight

 

Epernay, France: Light Middle: Zakaria Attou (17-4-1) W TKO 3 Jean Michel Hamilcaro (20-7-3).

This clash of two in-form fighters for the vacant French title turned out to be an easy win for Attou. He was on top from the start getting through with hard punches in the first two rounds. In the third a series of punches had Hamilcaro trapped on the ropes and taking punishment. With nothing coming back and Hamilcaro held up by the ropes the referee stopped the fight. First shot at the national title for the 31-year-old from Paris and sixth win by KO/TKO. He has now won his last 13 fights. Hamilcaro, 27, had lost to Michel Soro for the title in November, that, and a previous loss to German Jack Culcay had been Hamilcaro’s only defeats in his last 19 fights going into this one.

 

Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania: Feather: Sukkasem (13-2) W TKO 1 Francis Miyeyusho (37-11-2). Light Heavy: Francis Cheka (30-8-2) DREW 8 ** See below.

Sukkasem vs. Miyeyusho

Miyeyusho won the fight outside the ring but lost the one inside. The fight start was delayed as Miyeyusho refused to enter the ring until he had been paid. Inside the ring he lasted just 116 seconds against Thai Sukkasem. The visitor came out fast and had Miyeyusho on the floor just 20 seconds into the fight. Miyeyusho made it to his feet but Sukkasem cane forward throwing hard punches and with Miyeyusho on the ropes and not firing back the referee stopped the fight. All over in 116 seconds. Sukkasem, 26, has won 7 of his last 8 fights and has 8 wins by KO/TKO. This was only his second fight in 19 months but even so looked a risky opponent. Miyeyusho, 34, a former CBC title challenger, had won his last 6 fights but this now makes it 9 losses by KO/TKO.

Cheka vs.??

Cheka gets away with a home draw which should have been a win for the Iranian. The visitor dominated the fight and had had Cheka reeling and ready to go in the last round only for the bell to save Cheka. The scores of 76-76 twice and 77-75 for Cheka were an injustice. The 32-year-old local went the distance with both Paul Smith and Matthew Macklin and had won 18 of his last 20 fights. **Some confusion over the Iranian opponent as local papers gave it as Gavid Zohrehvand but other sources said Sajjad Mehrabi. I feel Mehrabi is right but can’t be sure.

 

Piedras Negras, Mexico: Light: Daniel Echevarria (14-0) W TKO 6 Eduardo Montoya (13-4-1).

This was a fairly level bout with Montoya showing a sound defence against the aggression of Echevarria. It changed when Echevarria lost a point for a low punch. That seemed to galvanise the youngster and he increased the ferocity of his attacks finally getting through with some heavy shots. Montoya took plenty of punishment in the sixth and did not come out for the seventh round. The 21-year-old “Tocado” makes it 13 wins by KO/TKO. Montoya, 20, the Mexican super feather champion, has lost three times by KO/TKO.

 

Abbreviations

ABC=Asian Boxing Council an affiliate of the WBC

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

ABU=African Boxing Union an affiliate of the WBC

ACC=WBC Asian Council Continental title

ANBF=Australian National Boxing Federation who administer Australian titles

BBB of C=British Boxing Board of Control

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

BDB= Bund Deutscher Berufsboxer one of the German boxing bodies

B & H=Bosnia & Herzegovina

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

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

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

DRC=Democratic Republic of the Congo

EBU=European Boxing Union

FAB=Argentinian Boxing Federation

FFB=French Boxing Federation

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

IBA=International Boxing Association a sanctioning body

IBF=International Boxing Federation a sanctioning body

IBO=International Boxing Organisation a sanctioning body

JBC =Japanese Boxing Commission

NABA=North American Boxing Association, a WBA affiliate

NABF=North American Boxing Federation a WBC affiliate

NABO= North American Boxing Organisation, a WBO affiliate

NGG=US National Golden Gloves

NZPBF=New Zealand Professional Boxing Federation a national sanctioning body

OPBF=Orient & Pacific Boxing Federation

PABA=Pacific & Asian Boxing Association, a WBA affiliate

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

UBF=Universal Boxing Federation a sanctioning body

UBO=Universal Boxing Organisation a sanctioning body

USBA= United States Boxing Association, an IBF affiliate

USBO=United States Boxing Organisation an WBO affiliate

WBA=World Boxing Association a sanctioning body

WBC=World Boxing Council a sanctioning body

WBFed=World Boxing Federation, a sanctioning body

WBFound=World Boxing Foundation, a sanctioning body

WBU=World Boxing Union, a sanctioning body

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