The Past Week in Action 23 February 2015

  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 boxing for the past week.

                      The Past Week in Action 23 February 2015

February 18

 

Tokyo, Japan: Super Bantam: Ryosuke Iwasa (19-1) W TKO 2 Ricardo Roa (12-10-2). Welter: Koki Koshikawa (4-0) W KO 1 Sandi Korga (4-7).

Iwasa vs. Roa

Iwasa easily disposes of substitute Roa. The IBF No 3(1) had the Filipino No 14 cut in the first round and floored him in the second with the referee stopping the fight. The 25-year-old Japanese southpaw, a former undefeated JBC and OPBF champion, was to have fought IBF No 5(3) Sergio Perales in an IBF final eliminator but Perales dropped out injured and was replaced by Roa.  Iwasa’s only loss was to future WBC bantam champion Shinsuke Yamanaka in 2011 and this is his 11^th win since then. Roa, 25 has lost 3 of his last 4 fights.

Koshikawa vs. Korga

Prospect Koshikawa gets this one over early. A body punch put Indonesian Korga down and out after just 77 seconds. Still to be tested the 24-year-old former World Junior Championships competitor has two early finishes and is worth watching. Korga’s record is almost certainly incomplete but he shows only one previous loss by KO/TKO.

 

Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina: Welter: Hector D Saldivia (43-3) W PTS 10 Sebastien A Lujan (43-9-2). Light: Sebastian E Aguirre (10-0) W KO 5 Federico Malespina (14-8-2).

Saldivia vs. Lujan

“El Tigre” wins in much anticipated match with Lujan but even his hometown fans are not impressed. Saldivia had the relative youth and strength, but Lujan has competed at a much higher level over his career and is not nicknamed “Iron” for nothing. Both scored freely throughout the bout but Saldivia had the greater power in his punches although he never looked like ending the fight early. Lujan had periods of success and even when Saldivia was on top he was always looking for gaps to slot home counters. It was a close, interesting rather than exciting fight. Scores 96-94 twice and 96-93 with the decision not meeting with total approval even from the home crowd and certainly not from Lujan. The 30-year-old Saldivia was stopped in three rounds by Kell Brook in an IBF final eliminator in October 2012 and did not return to the ring until getting a quick win over Juan J Dias last December. The former Argentinian champion wins the interim WBC Latino title but has a major rebuilding task ahead. Lujan, 35, lost to Antonio Margarito and Serhiy Dzinziruk in challenges for the WBO welter title. Subsequent losses to Jamie Moore, Mike Jones and Chris van Heerden effectively banished him from any world rating and he slipped further by losing to Victor H Velazquez for the Argentinian title last March. He is still a good test for any promising young fighters.

Aguirre vs. Malespina

Aguirre retains his winning status with kayo of Malespina. This was a tough close fight as Malespina withstood an opening barrage from the local blue-eyed boy and was trading on even terms. He opened a cut on the left cheek of Aguirre but eventually the body punches from Aguirre got to him. It was Aguirre’s fight in the fourth and he finished the job with a body punch in the fifth. Six wins by KO/TKO for the FAB No 10. Third loss in his last four fights for Malespina and fifth loss by KO/TKO.

 

Monterrey, Mexico: Light Fly: Juan Alejo (20-3) W PTS 12 Jesus Faro (13-9).

“Pinky” Alejo retains Mexican title with close decision over Far. The challenger forced the fight early but Alejo had the better technique and was scoring with the cleaner shot. The aggression of Faro was making the fight close but in the tenth a hard combination from Alejo put Faro down. He made it to his feet and took the eight count and saw out the round. That knockdown proved decisive as Alejo went on the retain his title by unanimous decision. First defence of his Mexican title for Alejo who has 13 wins by KO/TKO. He lost his first three pro fights so is on a 20 fight winning streak. Faro had won 5 of his last 6 fights.

 

February 20

 

Khon Kaen, Thailand: Super Feather: Pharanpetch (14-0) W KO 3 Ramli Pasaribu.

Pharanpetch retains the WBC ABC title with kayo of Indonesian Pasaribu. The Thai found Pasaribu willing to trade over the first two rounds but the Indonesian’s resistance was ended by a vicious shot to the body which put him down with no chance on beating the count. Now 10 wins by KO/TKO for Pharanpetch and third defence of his WBC ABC title but his record is heavily padded with 7 of his victims having their first pro fights when facing him. Pasaribu, a former Indonesian title challenger has a substantially incomplete record and what there is is not impressive.

 

Kiensa, Thailand: Light Fly: Fahlan Jr (27-3-1) W PTS 12 Shunji Nagata (10-12-2).

Fahlan holds on to his IBF Asia title with wide unanimous decision over Nagata. The was a matador vs. bull contest with Fahlan the matador. The young Thai showcased his excellent skills. He was quicker of foot and hand than the brave but very limited Nakata. Round after round Nakata just marched forward into a hail of jabs, uppercuts and hooks. Fahlan had slight edges in height and reach and with Nakata rumbling forward throwing hooks he was able to catch him coming in with vicious counters. Nakata had no plan B and never attempted to use a jab. His only hope, and only tactics were to try to get Fahlan to the ropes where he could cut down the Thai’s fighting space. However even inside Fahlan was still the one landing more and harder punches. The fight was messy at times and in both the ninth and tenth rounds both fighters tumbled to the floor together but Fahlan never relinquished his grip on the fight. Scores 120-108 from all three judges. The 21-year-old is the son of Fahlan Snr. a former IBF minimumweight champion who defended his title 8 times, won the WBFed fly title and defended that 8 times and then lost twice and drew twice in IBF title challenges. Fahlan Jr. made a big impact when he knocked out top rated Ryo Miyazaki in three rounds in 2013 but was brought down to earth in his next fight when brilliant Japanese prospect Takuma Inoue outpointed him in only Takuma’s second pro fight. He is rated IBF 8(7) and has the skills to challenge for a world title. Nagata, 30, showed an iron chin, limitless stamina and no finesses. He is 3-6 in his last 9 fights.

 

Ontario, CA, USA: Welter: Taras Shelestyuk (11-0) W TKO 3 Francisco Reza (13-13). Super Light: Giovanni Santillan (16-0) W TKO 1 Eduardo Rivera (9-2-2).

Shelestyuk vs. Reza

Former top amateur Shelestyuk makes it 8 wins by KO/TKO. The tall Ukrainian floored Reza in the first but Reza managed to last out the round. Shelestyuk continued to land hard shots in the second and it was obvious that this poor match could not go on much longer. It ended in the third when Shelestyuk landed a series of punches and Reza’s corner threw in the towel prompting the referee to stop the fight. The 29-year-old Shelestyuk, a former World Championships gold medalist and European bronze medalist also took a bronze at the 2012 Olympics where he lost 10-11 to Welshman Fred Evans. Shelestyuk has won 5 of his last 6 by KO/TKO but there was no glory in this win. Mexican Reza had lost inside a round in 3 of his last 4 fights so no test at all.

Santillan vs. Rivera

Santillan destroys Rivera inside a round. Rivera was the creator of his own destruction as he came out looking to take the fight to Santillan. The “Golden Boy” broke up Rivera’s attack and then staggered and floored Rivera with the referee waiving the count. That makes it 9 wins by KO/TKO for the former member of the Mexican Junior Olympics team. He had been taken the distance in 3 of his last 4 fights but was too fast for Rivera. The loser was unbeaten in his first 10 fights but was then stopped inside a round by Kevin Hoskins in February 2013 and did not return to the ring until fighting a draw in his last fight in December 2014.

 

Verona, NY, USA: Heavy: Lenroy Thomas (19-3) W PTS 7 Jason Estrada (20-6,1ND). Heavy: Donovan Dennis (11-1,1ND) W TKO 4 Steve Vukosa (10-1). Heavy: Razvan Cojanu (13-1) W PTS 7 Ed Fountain (10-1). Heavy: Andrey Fedosov (26-3) W KO 1 Nat Heaven (9-2). Heavy: Andrey Fedosov (25-3) W Nat Heaven (9-1). Welter: Jesus A Rodriguez (13-0) W TKO 3 Bryan Abraham (6-21-2).

Thomas vs. Estrada

Thomas gets the win in the ESPN Boxcino Tournament quarterfinal although the extra round should not have been necessary. Southpaw Thomas was just too quick for a grossly overweight Estrada and looked to have won clearly at the end of the six rounds. Estrada probably edged the first and was competitive in the second but then has lack of conditioning and surplus weight went against him. Thomas outboxed Estrada over the remaining four rounds despite suffering a cut over his right eye brought about by Estrada’s “careless” headwork. At the end of the six rounds the judges somehow scored it a draw so they had to fight another round which Thomas won clearly. Jamaica-born “TNT” Thomas a former National PAL silver medal winner lost his first pro fight but then won his next 16. Inactivity and back-to-back losses saw him have only two losing fight in almost four years but he returned with two low level wins in 2014. “Big Six” Estrada, 34, has been a huge disappointment as a pro. The Providence fighter was a three-time US and PAL champion and took the gold medal at the Pan American Games but failed to medal at the 2004 Olympics and has had a stuttering pro career losing to Steve Vukosa in his last fight in July. He came into this as a late replacement which may explain why a 6’1” (185cm) fighter comes in at 261lbs. (118.5kgs)

Dennis vs. Vukosa

Dennis puts an end to Vukosa’s amazing comeback. Dennis had his jab working from the first and Vukosa was taking punishment and just not being able to get into the fight. Dennis dominated the second and stressed his superiority by flooring Vukosa late in the round with a southpaw left. The fight was really all over then but Vukosa came out for the fourth only to walk into more punishment with the referee rightly stopping the fight with eight seconds to go in the round. Dennis, 27, had suffered an upset stoppage loss against Nat Heaven in April last year so needed an impressive performance. Big things were expected after he won a silver at the NGG’s and competed at the final trials for the US Olympic team for 2012 and all seemed to be going well before he lost in one round to Heaven. The 38-year-old Vukosa “The Gentle Giant” was a NGG gold medalist way back in 2000 and turned pro in 2001. He won his first eight fights but then a knee injury forced him to retire in May 2002. He returned to the ring 12 years later and in his first fight back outpointed Jason Estrada for the New England title. Retirement may call again.

Cojanu vs. Fountain

Cojanu proceeds through to the semifinals with a points win over Fountain in another fight which needed an extra round. The 6’7 ½” (202cm) Romanian used his physical advantages to keep prodding his left with southpaw Fountain a bit quicker and with a slightly better technique making the mistake of head hunting which meant he was over reaching himself and leaving himself open to counters from Cojanu. It was not an exciting fight with the Romanian probably just having the edge. At the end of six rounds two of the judges scored it 57-57 with the third going to Cojanu 58-56. There was more action in the seventh round as both knew they had to win the round and Cojanu just did enough to get the decision on scores of 67-66 twice and 68-65. He will meet Dennis in the semifinals although he was badly cut it is expected to heal in time for that fight. As an amateur Cojanu represented Romanian at World level as a Cadet a Junior and a Senior winning a bronze medal at the European Championships and competing at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships. Hawaiian-born, St Louis-based Fountain, 26, could have won this one with just a bit more effort.

Fedosov vs. Heaven

Russian Fedosov turns in the most impressive performance and remain the favourite to win the tournament. Heaven, 6’6” (198cm) tried to use his height and reach to work behind his jab as Fedosov stalked looking for an opening. He found one for a thunderous left hook which put Heaven down on the canvas under the bottom rope. Heaven got up but looked very shaky. He tried to box and bang his way out of trouble with Fedosov stalking and not wasting any punches. Fedosov turned Heaven out into the centre of the ring but missed with a three punch combination. As Heaven again looked to trade a another combination put him down in almost the identical place as the first knockdown and again he was out under the ropes. He was struggling to get up but the referee knelt in front of him and waived the fight over. A disgusted Heaven didn’t bother getting up he just climbed down off the ring apron and started to walk away only to think better of it and return by climbed up the ring steps in a corner. The 28-year-old Fedosov had a 15 bout winning streak broken with a split decision loss to Lance Whitaker in 2010 and just when he was getting back on the rails he was cut and retired against Bryant Jennings in 2013. He returned in April last year with a kayo of experienced Maurice Harris and winning this tournament would give his profile a big boost. Floridian Heaven won is first nine fights with the ninth being a big upset as he halted previously unbeaten Dennis inside a round in April. However next time out he himself was stopped in a round by Stacy Frazier who was 15-15 and had lost his last 5 fights so it is now two first round losses in a row  –hell for Heaven (Oh god I didn’t really write that did I?)

Rodriguez vs. Abraham

In  a non-tournament bout Rodriguez celebrates his first fight outside Mexico with a win. Rodriguez made a slow start with Abraham getting the better of the early exchanges. Things changed dramatically in the second when Rodriguez landed a hard right which put Abraham down. He got up only to be floored again and only just made it to the bell. He was badly shaken but survived the third only to take a beating in the fourth with the referee saving him for further punishment late in the round. “Carambolas” Rodriguez, 22, has 9 wins by KO/TKO with all 9 coming within the first three rounds. Local fighter Abraham does not live up to his “Brick” nickname as this was his eleventh loss in a row and his tenth loss by KO/TKO.

 

Rye Brook, NY, USA: Light Heavy: Sam Clarkson (13-3) W PTS 8 Cedric Agnew (27-1). Middle: Serhiy Derevyanchenko (4-0) W TKO 2 Vlad Biosse (15-6-2). Super Feather: Bryant Cruz (14-0) W PTS 8 Jorge Pazos (14-8-1). Super Welter: Frank Galarza (16-0-2) W TKO 1 Raul Munoz (23-18-1). Super Middle: Avtandil Khurtsidze (30-2-2) W TKO 4   Phil Penson (8-1-2).

Clarkson vs. Agnew

Clarkson wins the all-southpaw fight with controversial split decision. Agnew was rebuilding after an unsuccessful challenge to Sergey Kovalev and this should have been a routine night’s work. It certainly looked that way when a hard combination put Clarkson down in the second round. Clarkson recovered well and they fought on equal terms over the third and fourth with Agnew still holding a lead. From the fifth although still scoring with some good combinations Agnew seemed to tire and let Clarkson back into the fight. It was very close to the end with the judges seeing it 76-75 twice for Clarkson and the other judge 76-75 for Agnew. Huge win for Texan southpaw who has now won 6 of his last 7 fights. The loss in that run was against Jesse Heart who floored Clarkson twice and won every round when they met in April. Clarkson had scored two wins since then against low level opposition. Agnew, 28, was knocked out in seven rounds by Kovalev in March and returned in June with a win over Shannon Miller. He dropped out of the ratings and needs to bounce back from this poor display quickly.

Derevyanchenko vs. Biosse

Derevyanchenko overwhelms Biosse inside two rounds. The hard-punching New York-based Ukrainian dominated the first round keeping Biosse on the back foot with strong jabs. He got serious in the second cutting loose with blistering combinations that had Biosse on the ropes and in trouble when the referee stopped the fight. The 29-year-old is too hot for the competition at this level. He has 3 wins by KO/TKO only Ghanaian Laatekwei Hammond has managed to last out four rounds but was down three times. A former World Championships bronze medal winner and 2008 Olympian (losing to Matt Korobov) he also won gold at the European Cadets and World University Games and was a star of the WSB. Everything says he is destined for the top. Cape Verde-born Biosse has been matched tough with recent losses to J’Leon Love, Callum Smith and Andre Dirrell

Cruz vs. Pazos

Popular Cruz overcomes a shaky moment to outpoint Mexican in an exciting scrap. Cruz used his speed and superior skills to outbox Pazos over the first three minutes. He was repeating the dose until very late in the second when a left hook from Pazos put him down heavily. He got up but there were only seconds left to the bell. How badly Cruz was shaken was apparent when he weaved his way to the wrong corner. No frills and skills in the third as Cruz stood and traded shots with Pazos in an exciting round that saw Cruz under heavy fire on a couple of occasions. Cruz had his act together in the fourth and fifth using his jab, quicker hand speed and body shots to have Pazos on the back foot and from then he never let the Mexican get into the fight. He was controlling the fight with his jab and soon Pazos was bruised and busted up but kept battling all the way. Scores 78-73 twice and 77-74. “Pee Wee” from Port Chester a former NGG silver medalist was in his second eight round fight and that chin check from Pazos was a timely warning to focus 100% of the time. Now 5 losses in a row for “The Mexican Fire” but as with Biosse he is the victim of some brave management who have put him in with Genesis Servania, Orlando Cruz, Gamaliel Rodriguez and Diego Magdaleno.

Galarza vs. Munoz

Big ticket seller Galarza halts veteran Munoz in 76 seconds. A right shook Munoz and another one unhinged his legs and sent him tumbling onto his knees with the referee halting the action at that point. Brooklyn’s “Notorious” makes it a total of 10 wins by KO/TKO the last seven on the bounce. Topeka-based Mexican Munoz, 38, is a part-timer with just one fight in 2012 none in 2013 and just two in 2014. The last in December saw him stopped inside a round by Derevyanchenko.

Khurtsidze vs. Penson

“Tornado” Khurtsidze a long way ahead of Penson on ability and experience, but much shorter in stature. The compact little Georgian was able to get inside and work the body of the Floridian newcomer. By the fourth Khurtsidze was ready to end things and he trapped Penson in a corner and landed a series of punches until the referee halted the fight. The 35-year-old Khurtsidze has lost only one of his last 24 fights and that was a very close decision to Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam in 2010 for the interim WBA title with two judges only having the Frenchman one point ahead. He has won 7 in a row collecting the IBO and WBC Silver titles in that run although he never defended either. Penson in way over his head.

 

Pittsburg, PA, USA: Welter: Samuel Vasquez (18-0) W PTS 10 Emmanuel Lartei Lartey (16-3-1). Light Heavy: Craig Baker (16-0) W TKO 2 Umberto Savigne (12-2,1ND). Super Feather: Argenis Mendez (22-3-1, ND) W TKO 6 Daniel Evangelista (17-5-1). Super Welter: Yudel Jhonson (17-1) W PTS 8 Pablo Munguia (20-6) Feather: Claudio Marrero (18-1) W PTS 8 Orlando Rizo (18-6). Feather: Gervonta Davis (10-0) W KO 1 Isreal Suarez (4-5-2). Welter: Bryant Perrella (8-0) W KO 4 Justin Johnson (6-7-4).

Vasquez vs. Lartey

Another sparkling talented display from Vasquez as he easily outpoints fellow southpaw Lartey. Vasquez was just too quick and talented for the tough but limited Lartey. Vasquez bossed the fight both at range and inside slotting punches through Lartey’s defence and scoring with two-fisted combinations. Vasquez increased the pace and pressure in round after round and Lartey had no answer to Vasquez quickness and controlled aggression. Vasquez was confident enough to drop his hands with Lartey just too slow to take advantage. It looked possible that the fight might be stopped after eight rounds but not only did Lartey fight on but the ninth and tenth were his best rounds in the fight and he was able to hear the bell with his record of never losing inside the distance intact. Scores 99-91 twice and 100-90. The 28-year-old “Who Can Mexican “had won his last 8 by KO/TKO so this was eight useful rounds of action. A former World Military Championships bronze medal winner and US Army and Inter Services champion who served two tours in Iraq turned Vasquez turned down the offer of being the alternate for the US Olympic team for 2012 to turn pro and with every fight it looks like he made the right decision. In his previous two fights he has beaten James Stevenson (21-0) and Alberto Mosquera (21-2-1) and a world rating can’t be far away. “Bukom Jah” Lartey, 33, suffered successive losses to Errol Spence and Felix Diaz but had floored and outpointed Steve Forbes in June.

Savigne vs. Baker

There were no shortage of upsets at the weekend and this was one of the biggest. Cuban Savigne was a heavy favourite and started out that way as he scored with some good rights on the aggressive Baker whose work looked messy. At the start of the second Baker found the target with one of his own rights which sent Savigne back into the ropes. Baker followed in landing a salvo of punches before a straight right put Savigne down on his knees with his face on the canvas. The Cuban arose immediately before the referee could start the count but his legs were shaky and he tumbled into the ropes and was still trying to get his legs to obey him when the referee rightly stopped the fight. Texan “The Black Cat” Baker, 31, had built his record on the low level Texas circuit and only one previous opponent had won more then he had lost so this was a big escalation in quality and a huge win. He has 12 wins by KO/TKO. Savigne, 36, was coming off a two round stoppage win over Jeff Lacy. The no decision is because he tested positive for a banned substance after beating John Jackson in 2013. He had been an outstanding amateur in Cuba winning a gold medal at the Pan American Games in 1999 and also collected gold medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games twice and at the World Cup. He attempted to escape Cuba but failed and was no longer allowed to box for the national team.

Mendez vs. Evangelista

Mendez eases his way back into the winning column as Mexican Evangelista surrenders at the end of the sixth round. First fight for 28-year-old former IBF champion Mendez since losing his title to Rances Barthelemy in July and win No 12 by KO/TKO. Evangelista had won 4 of his last 5 fights

Jhonson vs. Munguia

Jhonson only just scrapes past tough Mexican Munguia on a split decision. Jhonson had everything going for him southpaw skill, height, vast amateur experience and unusually for him, even age, but Munguia would not be denied and was able to get inside and nullify much of Jhonson’s best work. The Cuban was dominant at range but the tenacious Munguia kept up the pressure. Jhonson just did enough clear scoring when he found space and deserved the decision but it was not an impressive performance. Scores 79-73, 79-74 for Jhonson and 77-75 for Munguia. The 33-year-old Cuban gets his fifth win since losing to Willie Nelson back in 2012. He was coming off a good win over another Mexican, Norberto Gonzalez, but needs to do better than this before the opportunity passes him by. “Gravedigger” Munguia, 36, also a southpaw and a former Mexican champion had won 4 of his last 5 fights and can be a tough assignment for anyone not on the top of their game.

Marrero vs. Rizo

Another all-southpaw battle saw Marrero outpoint Nicaraguan Rizo. Marrero was the aggressor looking to get an early finish but Rizo did not fold despite the pressure and was willing to stand and trade. Marrero was scoring with the harder and more accurate punches and put Rizo down in the second with left only for Rizo to get up and fire back with hard punches of his own. Marrero came close to ending it in the third when lefts again had Rizo on the floor but again the Nicaraguan survived and fought back. Marrero put Rizo down for the fourth time in round five and Rizzo was having trouble seeing out of his right eye due to a swelling. Despite all of that the Nicaraguan earned his money the hard way. He had done enough to steal a couple of rounds and was still there at the final bell. Scores 80-68, 78-70 and 78-71. Dominican Marrero lost a close decision to Jesus M A Cuellar for the interim WBA title in 2013 and this is his fourth win since then. The former Pan American Games silver medalist is rated No 8 feather by the WBA. Rizo, 30, a former Nicaraguan bantam champion kept his record of not losing by KO/TKO .

Davis vs. Suarez

Baltimore’s Davis took only 47 seconds to put Puerto Rican Suarez down and out. The 20-year-old former NGG and PAL champion has only been taken the distance once. That was by veteran German Meraz and even he was on the floor twice. Now with Al Haymon he looks a hot prospect. Suarez 25 was coming off a very creditable split decision loss to Frank Santos De Alba and this was his first loss by KO/TKO.

Perrella vs. Johnson

Perrella, another one to watch, makes it five wins on the bounce by KO/TKO as he puts away Johnson in the fourth. The 25-year-old Floridian, a PAL bronze medal winner went to the finals of the US Olympic Trials but losses to Samuel Vasquez and Errol Spence ended his Olympic dream. “Baby Boy” Johnson, 26, has now lost his last 3 fights.

 

Pergamino, Argentina: Super Bantam: Julian E Aristule (26-6) W TKO 9 Fabian O Orozco (25-4-2). Southpaw Aristule collects the Argentinian and WBO Latino titles with win over Orozco. This was close over the first five rounds but then the superior punch power of “Spark” Aristule came into play. An under pressure Orozco took a standing count in the sixth and Aristule began to build a winning lead. However the points became immaterial in the ninth when a sustained attack from Aristule forced the referee to step in to save Orozco. The 31-year-old local Aristule had knocked out Orozco in two rounds in 2013 but went on to lose his next two fights and was down at No 6 with the FFB. After the first Aristule loss the 29-year-old Orozco had run up five victories winning both the Argentinian and WBO Latino titles but Aristule looks to have the Indian sign over him.

 

Junin, Argentina: Super Welter: Juan M Bonanni (26-6-3) W PTS 10 Jose C Paz (16-2). Bonanni finally wins a title as he just edges out Paz for the WBC Latino title. This was a close fight all the way with first one and then the other on top. Hometown fighter Bonanni made the better start taking the first three rounds with his superior boxing. Pressure saw Paz biting back to take the fourth and fifth and Bonanni edging the sixth and seventh. Over the last three rounds Paz seemed to have done enough to claw back Bonanni’s lead and deserve a draw but the judges disagreed. Scores 96-94 twice and 97-93 all for Bonanni. He had failed in two previous attempts at the Argentinian and WBC Latino titles so I guess it was his turn to get lucky. The 27-year-old was rated four places behind Paz in the FAB ratings going into the fight. Paz, 24, the FFB No 5 lost his second pro fight and then had a 15 bout winning run before this loss. He was making the second defence of his WBC Latino title but still holds the WBC Mundo Hispano title.

 

Madrid, Spain: Super Bantam: Sergio Prada (10-4-1) W KO 2 Nikoloz Berkatsashvili (23-12). Prado returns to action with a win. In his first fight since losing to Kid Galahad eleven months ago he dominated the first round and then floored Berkatsashvili with an uppercut in the second. The Georgian just made it shakily to his feet before the ten but the referee continued and counted him out. The 32-year-old “Schuster” a former Spanish and EU champion was clearly outpointed by Galahad in their fight for the vacant European title but showed good skills and never gave up trying .He is 6-1-1 in his last 8 fights. Berkatsashvili moves to 10 losses by KO/TKO.

 

Gijon, Spain: Welter: Aitor Nieto (16-3) W PTS 6 Julio Sanchez (4-7). Light: Pablo Fuego (7-0) W PTS 6 Michael Carrero (12-35-4).

Nieto vs. Sanchez

“El Diamante” Nieto returns to the winning column with a comfortable unanimous decision over Sanchez. After a slow start Nieto turned up the heat from the half way mark landing sharp jabs and bloodying Sanchez’s nose but was content to get some rounds under his belt. The 31-year-old Spanish champion lost a close decision to Frenchman Ahmed El Mousaoui in December and will be hoping to work his way to a return fight. Sanchez was a late substitute and had won his last two fights.

Fuego vs. Carrero

Local prospect Fuego had Carrero in trouble in the first with a body punch but Carrero clung on to see out the round. Fuego was unable to really shake Carrero again and boxed his way to the unanimous decision. The tall 5’10” (178cm) 27-year-old lightweight is the best prospect in Asturias but a lack of power, 0 wins inside the distance, may lead to problems against better opposition. Only one win in his last 22 fights for Carrero but he usually goes the distance.

 

 

February 21

 

Monte Carlo, Monaco: Middle: Gennady Golovkin (32-0) W TKO 11 Martin Murray (29-2-1). Minimum: Hekkie Budler (28-1) W PTS 12 Jesus Silvestre (30-6). Bantam: Lee Haskins (31-3) W TEC DEC 8 Omar Lamiri (13-2). Heavy: Hughie Fury (15-0) W PTS 10 Andriy Rudenko (24-2,1ND).

Golovkin vs. Murray

I am beginning to think the GGG stands for Great,Great,Great as the most implacable destroyer in boxing today battered a heroic Murray to defeat. Many saw Murray as having a real chance in this fight but Golovkin shattered those illusions. The Kazak destroyer was stalking Murray from the first. Murray looked much bigger physically than Golovkin and started well in the first using lots of movement and trying to land sneaky rights over Golovkin’s low left. Golovkin ended the round well to edge it but despite having to spend long periods with his back to the ropes Murray just had the better of the second as he managed to land a flurry of body punches and a good right. Nothing Murray was doing was halting the forward march of Golovkin and the champion had his best round so far in the third. For the first time he had Murray looking vulnerable with a right cross which staggered the Brit. The fourth was a disaster for Murray. He was moving along the ropes when a fierce right to the body from Golovkin saw Murray take 2-3 steps backwards and then in a delayed effect go down on one knee in agony. He was up at six and when the eight count finished Golovkin went in pursuit looking to end the fight. Murray was trapped on the ropes again and Golovkin wrapped a right behind Murray’s guard and into his ribs. Murray went down on one knee again and it looked all over. However he got up and the bell went before Golovkin could finish the job. Incredibly Murray came out for the fifth as if those knockdowns had never happened and fired bursts of body punches. However Golovkin was coming forward relentlessly and landing hard punches to head and body and a punch brought blood flowing from Murray’s nose. As the rounds progressed the unrelenting pressure from Golovkin kept Murray circling the ring with his back to the ropes. The Kazak was getting though with hard shots in every round and with Murray’s face a mask of blood the Brit’s resilience was tested to the limits. Despite all of the pressure Murray kept firing back whenever he found the room to do so, but Golovkin was just walking through anything Murray threw and his fierce attacks were draining Murray’s resistance. One straw that was being grasped by Murray supporters prior to the fight was that as Golovkin had only been taken into the tenth round once that he might fade over the championship rounds but there was no sign that the non-stop all-action aggression was decaying any of Golovkin’s power. The tenth banished any dreams the Barmy Army of Brits might have had. Murray started the round well but Golovkin soon had Murray shipping punishment as he followed the challenger around the ring firing a fusillade of shots to head an body. He moved Murray off the ropes with a right to the head and then put him down with two chopping punches which landed high on Murray’s forehead. He went down heavily but got up at eight and the bell rang. Golovkin finished it in brutal style in the eleventh. He trapped Murray in a corner shook him badly with a right and when seconds later  a fearful right made Murray’s head snap back the referee made a timely intervention.  It is now 19 wins in a row for Golovkin as he retains his WBA and IBO titles (oh and the WBC interim title). It is difficult to see how any middleweight on the planet can stand up to the 32-year-old Golovkin. He has said he wants to fight Miguel Cotto next and the WBC must put pressure on Cotto to make this happen. Murray deserves an award for valour for overcoming that fourth round and continually trying to find some weakness in Golovkin. In two previous world title fights he had been more than unlucky to have to settle for a draw against Felix Sturm for the WBA title and would probably gotten the decision over Sergio Martinez in a neutral venue. He showed that he is a match for any other middleweight-except GGG.

Budler vs. Silvestre

The “Hexecutioner” retains his WBA and IBO titles with a unanimous decision over Silvestre. Budler made a slow start against Mexican Silvestre and got a nasty shock in the second when a very low punch must have given any watching female partener some concerns. However he was given time to recover and the referee deducted a point from Silvestre. Once Budler was in his stride his superior skills, speed and movement allowed him to score freely on the inside and outbox Silvestre from a distance. Silvestre was also hampered by a cut over his right eye but even more so by his lack of movement and poor defence. Budler was punishing any errors and using excellent body movement to stay in punching distance, get in his own shots and block or dodge those from Silvestre. He was probably making things a little harder then they needed to be by standing and trading so often but that’s what makes him such an exciting fighter. Silvestre eventually realised that his best chance came from a sustained body attack (if he could keep his punches above the belt) and he had more success over the closing rounds and managed to close the points gap somewhat but was never able to match the accuracy and work rate of the young South African. Budler was a clear and impressive winner. Budler, 26, was making the third defence of his WBA title and eighth of his IBO title. Since losing a split decision to Gideon Buthelezi in 2011 Budler has taken on board the lessons from that defeat and has run up 10 wins including victories over former IBF champion Nkosinathi Joyi, Karluis Diaz, Pigmy Kokietgym and former WBC champion Xiong Zhao Zhong. With all the talk of getting to one world champion in each division the hope now is that the WBC will put their words into action and help make a unification bout with their champion Wanheng a reality. “Negrito” Silvestre, 25, initially failed to make the weight so had some work to do before he even climbed into the ring. He is a former WBA interim champion and only lost on a majority decision against Ryo Miyazaki for the full title in 2013 and had won his last two fights.

Haskins vs. Lamiri

Haskins wins vacant European title with technical decision over Lamiri. The respective styles did not work very well together but the loose; hands down style of Haskins gave him more variety in his work. Lamiri worked behind his long jab but did not let his punches go enough. The first round started cautiously but a right from Haskins that clipped Lamiri on the temple saw Lamiri’s legs do a little involuntary dance and he fell to the canvas but the referee did not apply a count although it looked a valid knockdown and Lamiri’s legs were shaky when he got up. Lamiri was quick handed and occasionally caught Haskins coming in and going back but he was letting Haskins dictate the pace. Lamiri’s reaction to the ten second warning was almost comical as he went from a steady jabbing approach into a wild wind milling figure like an LP played at 78rpm (get your granddad to explain if you don’t know what this is). Lamiri was having some success with long straight punches but both were swinging and missing in the second with Lamiri slipping to the canvas but this one was not a knockdown. In the third both had success Lamiri firing home a hard right cross and jabbing well with his left but Haskins also got through with a good left later in the round. The fight was untidy in the fourth with Lamiri down three times but all being due to either bad balance or pushes from Haskins. A left/right combination from southpaw Haskins staggered Lamiri in the fifth and he went down briefly but the referee did not apply a count ruling that Haskins had again pushed Lamiri down. At the end of the round the Frenchman was showing a swelling and small cut under his right eye caused by a clash of heads and this was the Brits best round so far. Haskin’s scored with a good left in the sixth but Lamiri was trying to get on the front foot and take the fight to Haskins for a change. A clash of heads in the seventh opened a big vertical gash on the head of Haskins over his right eye and slightly to the right of the bridge of his nose. In the seventh Lamiri began to throw punch after punch as Haskins looked to protect the cut. The Frenchman obviously had not realised/ been told that as the cut was due to a clash of heads he actually would benefit from more rounds to catch up on Haskins lead. The Brit survived a doctor’s inspection but due to its position the cut was sending a stream of blood into Haskins eyes and the doctor had another look and advised the fight be stopped. Because the cut was caused by a clash of heads it went to the scorecards with Haskins winning on scores of 78-74 twice and 79-73. The 31-year-old Haskins a former European, CBC and British champion, now,hopes he will finally get a world title shot. He already has wins over  Jamie McDonnell and Stuart Hall who both went on to win IBF titles. Going in he was rated WBC3/IBF 6(4)/ WBO 12/WBA 13 so if he gets the shot it will have to be a voluntary so there is no guarantee he will get the shot he deserves. Undefeated French and EU champion Lamiri, 25, looked a competent boxer with a good jab but no real power. He had won his last 7 fights including victories over Karim Guerfi (19-1) and Anthony Settoul (19-2) and is young enough to fight for this title again in a year or two.

Fury vs. Rudenko

Fury continues to make progress as he outscores Rudenko. The tall Fury was able to control this from the outside having a big edge in height over Rudenko (6’6”-198cm to 6’0 ½” 184cms) and Rudenko was too slow and too bereft of any ideas of how to get inside and work. Fury also mixed in some good hooks as Rudenko came forward. The Ukrainian had some mild success in a couple of rounds but Fury was always in control and boxed his way to a clear victory in his first ten round fight. Scores 98-91, 98-92 and a generous 97-93. Fury, a cousin of Tyson Fury, is making good progress and at 20 and with a good team behind him he will only get better. Rudenko, 31, ran up 24 wins before being inactive from March 2013 until losing on points in his first real test to world rated Lucas Brown in October last year. This was his first fight since then

 

Kreuzberg, Germany: Super Middle: Arthur Abraham (42-4) W PTS 12 Paul Smith (35-5). Light Heavy: Mirco Riccci (14-2) W PTS 12 Enrico Koelling (16-1). Heavy: David Price (19-2) W TKO 6 Irineu Beato Costa Junior (16-3). Cruiser: Noel Gevor (16-0) W PTS 8 Alejandro E Valori (16-7). Feather: Josh Warrington (20-0) W TKO 5 Edwin Tellez (9-12-5). Super Middle: Stefan Haertel (4-0) W PTS 6 Crispulo J Andino (18-8-1).

Abraham vs. Smith

Abraham retains his WBO title and settles any arguments arising from their first fight. The only real difference from that first fight was that whilst Abraham did nothing dramatically different he did what he done before but a lot more of it. Smith began the fight well scoring well with his jab as Abraham walked forward behind his usual high guard. Abraham was more active in the second round letting his punches go and forcing Smith to the ropes. Smith came back into the fight again in the third but the fourth saw Abraham have his best round to that point as he start scored heavily with good punches to head and body. Smith was entering into exchanges but Abraham was the stronger and the harder puncher. Smith temporarily halted Abraham’s forward march with a chilling body punch in the sixth but Abraham recovered and again made his strength tell as he continued to take the fight to Smith. A big right in the ninth had Smith hurt and although the challenger kept his boxing together and continued to fire back whenever he could it was a lost cause. Any hope that Abraham might fade over the late rounds proved optimistic and although Smith put in a big effort in the last round the fight was already beyond his grasp by then. Scores 117-112 twice and 116-112. The 34-year-old Armenian-born “King Arthur” is in his second reign as champion and this was his 20^th world title fight. He is 2-1 up in his series with former champion and WBO No 1 rated Robert Stieglitz and with Felix Sturm looking towards the interim WBA title they look to be heading to a fourth fight. Smith, 32, has shown in both fights with Abraham that he belongs at that level but in a division that contains Brits Carl Froch, George Groves and James De Gale, with the last two having wins over Smith, he has struggled for recognition. None of the other three will be interested in domestic matters and with his brother Callum highly rated in the same division Smith has limited options but he is far from finished.

Ricci vs. Koelling

Italian Ricci upsets unbeaten Koelling to win the WBA Inter-Continental title.  The visitor put up a career best performance and showed maturity over some of his previous fights. Ricci used faster reflexes plenty of lateral movement and quick, light punches to beak up Koelling’s focus. The young German did not seem to know how to deal with the clever work put in by the Italian whilst boxing on the back foot and was not letting his punches flow. There was no plan B which allowed Ricci to build a good lead and Koelling only seemed to wake up over the last four rounds. Both fighters had to overcome injuries sustained in head clashes with Koelling’s the worst, a bad cut on his right eyebrow, whilst Ricci had a swelling on his right cheek. By the last round Koelling needed a knockout but instead it was Ricci who shook Koelling with a left hook as he cruised to victory. Scores 116-112 twice and 117-112. The 24-year-old Italian champion from Rome had lost a majority decision to Dominic Boesel in 2013 but had then gone back home and won and successfully defended his national title. Now he adds the WBA Inter-Continental title and will be hoping to inherit the inflated No 10 ranking held by Koelling in both the WBA and WBO ratings or Koelling’s more realistic No 6 with the EBU. Former amateur standout Koelling is still only 24 and can learn and rebound from this.

Price vs. Costa Jr

Both made a cautious start with Price really just pawing with his jab and throwing the occasional light right but without any real snap and Costa trundled around occasionally throwing a flurry of light punches. The cautious approach continued over the next three rounds with Price keeping Costa on the end of his jab and throwing a few rights without effect and Costa never really getting close enough to be a threat. Price increased his activity in the fifth scoring with jabs and straight rights but it was still left jab right cross with no combinations and he was still allowing Costa to get on the front foot too often. Price was on top in the sixth when with just under a minute to go he landed a right and then a left hook which sent Costa down on his back. Costa was up at six and ready to resume on completion of the eight count. Two straight rights put Costa down again. This time he was up at five only to go down again from three not too hard looking punches. The referee started the count but as Costa got up the towel was coming in from Costa’s corner as the referee waived the fight over. The 31-year-old Price boxed competently but cautiously as he moved to 16 wins by KO/TKO but I feel that the pre-Tony Thompson Price would have got this job done much quicker even if this was only the second loss by KO/TKO for Brazilian Costa

Gevor vs. Valori

Gevor gets eight rounds of useful work against aggressive Argentinian Valori. The visitor came to fight and he had Gevor on the defensive for much on the contest. Gevor showed a sound defence and was scoring the cleaner shots caching the ever advancing Valori with counters. A strong finish from the Argentinian would have made this a 50-50 fight but as he tired over the last two rounds Gevor tied up the decision. Scores 78-74 from all three judges. The tall 24-year-old German-based Armenian will have benefited from this nights work as he continues to build. Valori, 32, a former Argentinian champion was stopped in four rounds by Nat Cleverly in July and then lost his national title to Daniel Sanabria in November. He is No 4 with the FAB.

Warrington vs. Tellez

Warrington does the job in fine style against modest opposition. The British, CBC and European champion was having his first fight outside the UK and showcased his skills in impressive style. The Leeds fighter used a stiff jab and hard rights to take the first round and added left hooks to the body in the second. Tellez was taking punishment in the third as Warrington got into his stride but was standing up to the battering. The fourth saw Warrington’s domination continue and finally in the fifth Tellez had nothing left after Warrington slammed home a series of hard punches and his corner threw in the towel. Only four wins by KO/TKO for the 24-year-old Brit and next up for the IBF 11 (10)/WBC 12 will be a fight for the WBC International title against Filipino Denis Tubieron. Tellez, 20, really just a prelim level fighter is 2-6 in his last 8 fights.

Haertel vs. Andino

Former top amateur Haertel has too much speed and skill for Argentinian southpaw. He opens a cut over the left eye of Andino in the first and floors him in the second. Andino goes into survival mode holding and smothering Haertel’s work to last the distance. Scores 60-53 twice and 59-54. Burdened with the “German Mayweather” label Haertel was German champion four times, won bronze medals at the World University Games and European Union Championships and was a quarterfinalist at both the Olympic Games and the World Championships. “La Cobra” Andino, 26, has lost previously to Patrick Nielsen and Julius Jackson.

 

Georgetown, Guyana: Light Welter: Clive Atwell (13-2-1) W PTS 12 Sakima Mullings (17-2). Middle: Edmund DeClou (15-2-1) W PTS 8 Dereck Richmond (4-3-1).

Atwell vs. Mullins

Local fighter Atwell wins WBC Cabofe title with split decision over Jamaican Mullings. Atwell scored with some good single and double jabs early in the first with Mullings later pressing but inaccurate. The second went the other way with Mullings getting home with left hooks and Atwell banging back before the bell with fast combinations. The third and fourth saw Atwell still getting through with combinations and Mullings firing those left hooks. Under the open scoring it was 40-36, 39-37 for Atwell and 38-38. The fifth looked about even and both scored with hard punches in the sixth. Atwell totally dominated the seventh with his jab and quick salvos but Mullings aggression was enough to get him a share of the eighth. At that point the scores were 79-74 and 78-74 to Atwell and 76-76. Mullings put the pressure on in the ninth and tenth with Atwell countering well but unable to keep Mullings out. The eleventh was a close round although Mullings work rate dropped. The Jamaican put in a big effort in the last and took the round although it was not enough. Scores 118-111 and 116-112 for Atwell and 115-113 for Mullings with the middle score looking the best reflection of the fight. Now based in Sydney, the 26-year old Atwell had lost a technical decision to Jhonny Gonzalez in May for the WBC feather title and then in November was stopped in ten rounds by Australian Kye McKenzie so could not afford another loss. Mullings, 32, had won his last 13 fights and reversed his only other loss. He wants a return and Atwell was agreeable.

DeClou vs. Richmond

DeClou gets revenge with a unanimous decision over Richmond. DeClou had built a 13 fight unbeaten streak before being knocked out and suffering a broken jaw in a massive upset loss to novice Richmond in October 2013. This was his first fight since then. Barbadian Richmond lost consecutive fights to Tsetsi Davis and Mullings in 2014 but had scored a minor win in November.

 

Bari, Italy: Super Welter: Francesco Lezzi (6-4-1) W PTS 10 Ibrahim Maokola (10-5-2). Lezzi wins the vacant IBF Youth title with unanimous decision over Tanzanian Maokola. The local boxer was not looking to mix it with Maokola but instead used a fast jab and accurate punching. With Maokola having seven wins by KO/TKO and the local fighter being a light puncher Lezzi boxed carefully whilst the Tanzanian was waiting too long looking for a big punch to turn things his way. That never happened and Lezzi won on scores of 99-91 twice and 100-93. First time past six rounds for the 25-year-old and after a bad start as a pro with just one win in his first six fights he has now won five in a row. Maokola, 22, a holder of a version of the Tanzanian title was 6-2 in his last 8 fights with all eight ending by KO/TKO.

 

Namur, Belgium: Cruiser: Geoffrey Battelo (29-5) W KO 5 Tony Visic (17-17-1).

Battelo’s power proves too much for Visic. The tall former Belgian champion floored Visic in the second round and ended matters with another knockdown in the fifth. The 35-year-old from Liege has turned a three bout losing streak into four KO/TKO wins in a row as he goes to 24 wins inside the distance. Belgium is not a happy hunting ground for Croatian Visic as he is 1-4 in five fights there.

 

Ocozocoautla, Mexico: Super Welter: Jorge Paez Jr (38-5-2) W KO 4 Ronald Montes (16-2). Super Welter: Ivan Montero (17-0) W PTS 8 Mike Rosales (32-9).

Paez vs. Montes

Paez overcomes a knockdown to kayo Colombian. Montes was a full head taller than Paez and used his physical advantages to build a lead over the first two rounds. Things got worse for Paez in the third when he was put down by an overhand right. He got up and went to work in the fourth. He softened-up Montes with two hard lefts and then put him down with a left hook to the body. Montes went down in agony and was counted out. The 27-year-old son of Jorge “El Maromero” Paez, the former IBF and WBO feather champion, climbed high in the ratings with a run of 10 victories including two wins over Omar Chavez (27-0-1) and over Charlie Navarro and Ivan Hernandez. Any hopes of a title shot crashed when Paez lost a majority decision to Vivian Harris in March last year and a hoped for win over Aaron Herrera (27-3) ended in a technical draw. Now back on the winning trail he is hoping to get into the ratings. Montes, a former Colombian champion has now lost two fights in a row, both in Mexico.

Montero vs. Rosales

Montero remains unbeaten but is given a hard time by experienced Rosales in a fight cut to eight rounds. Montero won the unanimous decision but it was a hard eight rounds for him and he only just squeezed out the win despite the score turned in by one judge. Scores 80-73, 78-76 and 76-75. The Merida fighter was to be in his first ten round fight but his original opponent dropped out late and Rosales came in. “El Bravo” Rosales had not fought since May and had practically retired after four losses in a row by KO/TKO but his experience allowed him to give Montero a trough night.

 

Epazoyucan, Mexico: Light Fly: Oswaldo Novoa (15-5-1) DREW 10 Mario Andrade (6-5-5). Super Bantam: Horacio Garcia (29-0) W KO 1 Jose Cen Torres (13-7). Super Light: Jose Emilio Perea (23-5) W TKO 1 Oscar del Angel (0-10).

Novoa vs. Andrade

After a brief fling with fame Novoa looks to be headed back into the pack after majority draw with Andrade. The former WBC minimumweight champion struggled against WBC Latino flyweight champion Andrade. This was a close fight which could have gone either way. Novoa forced the action and scored with the heavier and cleaner punches but Andrade had better skills and a higher work rate. At the end both showed the signs of battle with Novoa cut on his left eyebrow and Andrade’s face bruised and swollen. Scores 95-95 twice and one score of 96-95 for Novoa. The 33-year-old “Gallito” was having his first fight since losing his title to Wanheng in November and on this performance his WBC No 3 rating looks overly generous. Andrade gets his fourth draw against three wins in his last seven fights.

Garcia vs. Torres

Once again Garcia lives up to his “Violento” nickname as he crushes Torres in 90 seconds. One terrible right and Torres slumped to the canvas. He tried to get up but failed and finally needed assistance to get back to his corner for treatment. The 24-year-old Garcia was making the third defence of his WBC Continental Americas title. The WBC No 11 has 21 wins by KO/TKO and his last six fights have ended that way. Torres is 2-7 in his last 9 fights including a five round stoppage by Chris Avalos in November.

Perea vs. del Angel

This mismatch was over quickly, not as fast as Garcia’s win but decisive. A right from Perea set things rolling and the fight was stopped after poor del Angelo had been down three times. The 32-year-old Perea looked to be going places when he won his first 21 fights but was 1-5 in his last six before this one. Nine losses in a row by KO/TKO for Del Angel who needs to find a nail to hang his gloves on

 

Hatillo, Puerto Rico: Bantam: Emmanuel Rodriguez (10-0) W Gabor Molina (16-7).

Rodriguez demolishes substitute Molnar with body assault. The 22-year-old Puerto Rican prospect landed some crunching body punches which saw Hungarian Molnar go down twice in the first round and twice more in the second with the fight then being stopped. “Manny Sensation” has 7 wins by KO/TKO and has a ridiculous WBO No 9 rating because he had previously won the WBO Latino title. Molnar came in at one weeks notice. He has 6 losses by KO/TKO and is the Hungarian flyweight champion.

 

Cluj-Napoca, Romania: Welter: Florin Cardos (14-0) W PTS 10 Daniel Rasilla (30-9-2). Victor Lupo (20-2-2) W PTS 6 Jose M L Clavero (5-2-1).

Cardos vs. Rasilla

Cardos wins the vacant WBC Mediterranean title with unanimous decision over Rasilla. The hometown fighter had the Spanish visitor on the floor in the first round but Rasilla is a durable fight and he got up and gave Cardos a tough fight all the way. Scores 98-92, 97-92 and 95-93. The 26-year-old Romanian who has done most of his fighting in Germany already holds the WBC CISBB title. Rasilla, 34, a former Spanish light and super light champion came in as a late replacement and did his job well.

Lupo vs. Clavero

Lupo, also back in his home town, and despite giving away height and reach comfortably outpointed Spaniard Clavero.  Scores 60-54 twice and 59-55. After after representing Romania at the World Championships and World Cup turned pro in Canada meeting with some success being undefeated in his first 17 fights and winning the Canadian and WBC International Welter titles and beating Junior Witter. He lost to Antonin Decarie for the vacant full WBC International title in December 2011 and this was the 36-year-old’s first fight since then. Clavero, 30, was halted in three round by unbeaten Sergio Garcia for the Spanish light middle title in November.

 

Sheffield, England: Bantam: Ross Burkinshaw (14-5-2) W TKO 1 Ben Smoes (9-4-1). Super Bantam: Muheeb Fazeldin (6-0-1) W TKO 1 Uzair Najib (5-1). Middle: Lewis Taylor (16-0-1) W TKO 5 George Kandelaki (17-13-1)

Burkinshaw vs. Smoes

Local fighter Burkinshaw wins the vacant WBO European title with early destruction of Smoes in a poor match up. Burkinshaw opened up with some hard jabs and then floored Smoes with a left hook. The Belgian got up but another left hook put him down and the referee stopped the fight. “The Boss” was coming off an upset win over unbeaten Jason Cunningham in September which won him the vacant CBC title. He has won his last 5 fights and has 8 wins by KO/TKO but he will rarely have an easier win. Smoes, 28, qualified for this WBO European title fight by being floored and halted by Jamie Conlan for the vacant WBO European super fly title last April and this was his first fight since then. If the WBO have standards then they only use them to hang flags on.

Fazeldin vs. Najib

This fight was short and exciting whilst it lasted but the aftermath was a disgrace. In the short time that it lasted Fazeldin suffered a cut on his right eyebrow but floored Najib twice with the referee stopping the fight. Fazeldin wins the vacant BBB of C Central Area title. “Flashy” Fazeldin, a 22-year-old Yemeni-born southpaw had only won once by KO/TKO and that was due to a cut eye so it was an unexpected finish but a decisive one. Nadjib “The Nightmare”, 23, just never got a chance to get into the fight. Both are local fighters and both had vociferous supporters. When the fight was stopped spectators entered the ring and punches thrown as a minor riot broke out. Eventually clam was restored but it was an ugly scene whilst it lasted.

Taylor vs. Kandelaki

Taylor gets his second inside the distance win with stoppage of Georgian. Taylor was superior on all fronts and handed out a consistent beating to the durable Georgian. Things came off the rails for a while when the local was cut on the left eyebrow in a clash of heads in the fourth but in the fifth although Kandelaki was not in serious trouble the referee had seen enough and halted then fight.

 

February 22

 

Wenshan, China: Super Bantam: Qiu Xiao Jun (15-2) W TKO 6 Silvester Lopez (23-10-2). Minimum: Xiong Zhao Zhong (25-6-1) W PTS 10 Hiroya Yamamoto (8-3).

Jun vs. Lopez

Jun wins the vacant WBC Silver title as he batters Filipino Lopez to defeat in six rounds. Jun was well on top when the fight was halted. The 24-year-old Chinese fighter is WBC ABC champion. His two losses came against Filipino Jonathan Baat, but he has won his last 8 fights including a revenge victory over Baat. He is WBC No 5. Lopez, a former WBC Silver champion lost to Yota Sato for the WBC title in 2012 and is now 3-5 in his last 8 fights and not in the GAB top 15

Zhong vs. Yamamoto

Zhong wins the vacant WBC International title with decision over Japanese fighter Yamamoto. The former WBC champion was just too strong for the inexperienced Yamamoto who was having only his second ten round fight. Zhong suffered a cut over his right eye but it had no real impact as he won very clearly. The 32-year-old Chinese fighter was having his first outing since losing to Hekkie Budler in a challenge for the WBA and IBO titles in October. Yamamoto was rated No 5 by the JBC out of only 7 rated fighters and coming off a wide unanimous points loss to Go Odaira so not a high quality challenger.

Abbreviations

ABC=Asian Boxing Council an affiliate of the WBC

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

ABU=African Boxing Union an affiliate of the WBC

ACC=WBC Asian Council Continental title

ANBF=Australian National Boxing Federation who administer Australian titles

BBB of C=British Boxing Board of Control

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

BDB= Bund Deutscher Berufsboxer one of the German boxing bodies

B & H=Bosnia & Herzegovina

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

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

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

DRC=Democratic Republic of the Congo

EBU=European Boxing Union

FAB=Argentinian Boxing Federation

FFB=French Boxing Federation

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

GBC= Global Boxing Council a sanctioning body

IBA=International Boxing Association a sanctioning body

IBF=International Boxing Federation a sanctioning body

IBO=International Boxing Organisation a sanctioning body

JBC =Japanese Boxing Commission

NABA=North American Boxing Association, a WBA affiliate

NABF=North American Boxing Federation a WBC affiliate

NABO= North American Boxing Organisation, a WBO affiliate

NCC=National Championships of Canada

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.