The Past Week in Action 25 August 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.

August 22

 

Temecula, CA, USA: Light Middle: Austin Trout (27-2) W PTS 10 Daniel Dawson (40-3-1). Welter: Erick Bone (15-1) W PTS 10 Mahonri Montes (29-4-1). Light Middle: Javontae Starks (10-0) W TKO 4 Arturo Urena (20-18-1). Light: Joaquin Chavez (9-13-3) W PTS 8 Jessie Roman (17-2). Heavy: Mike Hunter (6-0) W TKO 4 Harvey Jolly (14-22-1).

Trout vs. Dawson

Trout survives a scary third round to outpoint gutsy Aussie Dawson. Trout had height and reach and used them over the first two rounds as he forced the fight getting his punches off quicker and slotting home jabs and body punches. The fight took a dramatic turn in the third. Trout was more aggressive than usual and paid for that when Dawson produced the classic answer to a southpaw and nailed Trout coming in with a hard right. Trout got up but was visibly shaken. He put some punches together and scored with a left that had Dawson’s head jerking. Once again Trout paid for trading as another right put him down late in the round. Trout survived and boxed with more care in the next two rounds. By the sixth he was back in control landing long jabs and hard lefts. By the seventh Dawson was fight on the back foot and under pressure and to make matters worse he also injured his right calf in the round. In the eighth against an almost static Dawson Trout landed a straight left that put Dawson down. With his calf injury Dawson was just trying to survive whilst looking for one more right, but that didn’t come along and Trout dominated the last two rounds. Scores 97-90 from all three judges. Trout, 28, needed a win after consecutive losses to Saul Alvarez and Erislandy Lara which had cancelled out the kudos he got from beating Miguel Cotto easily in 2012. Dawson, 36, the WBA No 15 lost to Serhiy Dzinziruk for the WBO title back in 2010. He had 6 wins and a draw in his last 7 fight but this was his first outing in 11 months.

Bone vs. Montes

Ecuadorian Bone boxes his way to comfortable victory over a sliding Montes. Bone was sharper and more accurate and controlled the fight. Montes never put his physical advantages into play and after a couple of even rounds Bone was able to both outscore Montes with his jab on the outside and outwork him on the inside. Bone was getting his punches off first and soon had Montes marked up and bleeding from the nose. The Mexican made a big effort over the closing rounds but Bone was able to hold onto his lead comfortably. Scores 97-93 twice and 100-90. Bone, 25, yet another Al Haymon signing, lost a split decision to Alberto Mosquera in October but has won three in a row since then. He is growing lad. In 2005 as a 16-year-old he competed at the Pan American Championships at 48kg. In the 2009 World Championships he had grown to 60kg now he is an accomplished light welter/welter. “Ruso Jr.” Montes, 24, was unbeaten in his first 26 fights but as the opposition got tougher he is now 4-4 in his last 8 fights.

Starks vs. Urena

Prospect Starks continues his winning run with stoppage of Urena. The Minneapolis fighter put veteran Urena down in the third and forced the finish in the next round. The lanky 25-year-old has 7 wins by KO/TKO. A US amateur champion and former policeman he survived a near fatal gunshot wound in 2007. He wears the name “Chico” on his shorts in memory of his idol Diego Corrales. He is yet another promising boxer signed up by Al Haymon. Mexican Urena, 41, has lost by KO/TKO 8 times and has now lost 4 of his last 5 fights.

Chavez vs. Roman

Once again the script goes in the bin as “opponent” Chavez gets a split decision over favourite Roman. It was a tough, competitive match with Chavez the busier fighter just having the edge over the taller Roman. It was close but Chavez floored Roman with a right late in the fifth round and despite a strong finish from Roman that knockdown won the fight for Chavez.  Scores 77-73 and 76-74 for Chavez and 76-74 for Roman. Between August last year and April this year Chavez, 26, had a bad run where he went 2-5-1 but at the beginning of this month he turned in a career best performance by getting a split verdict over Luis Cruz (21-2)-in another fight he was supposed to lose. Roman, 23, had flattering statistics as his opposition  had been poor and he lost to Carlos Sanchez (20-10) in December so perhaps it was not as much of an upset as the records made it look.

Hunter vs. Jolly

No real test for Hunter as he wins every round until the referee takes pity on the oldie “Candy Man” and stops the fight in the fourth. Hunter, 26, 6’2” (188cm) was 205lbs for this one which will give him problems against the big guys around the heavyweight division today. The son of the late Mike “The Bounty” Hunter he was twice US National Amateur champion and World Championships quarterfinalist. He stayed amateur having promised himself he would get to the Olympics in memory of his father. He almost blew it when after winning the US Olympic Trials he tested positive for marijuana in 2011 but took a suspension, turned his life around, went through a USADA educational program and then won his way through the Americas Qualifiers to the 2012 Games. No happy ending as he lost in London to Artur Beterbiev on countback after their fight was scored10-10. Now 11 losses by KO/TKO for 37-year-old Jolly.

 

 

Mont-Sainte-Hilaire, Canada: Light Heavy: Artur Beterbiev (5-0) W TKO 1 Alvaro Enriquez (12-13-2). Heavy: Oscar Rivas (14-0) W TKO 5 Daniel Cota (17-5-1). Light Welter: Yves Ulysse Jr (3-0) W TKO 3 Hector Osornio (6-2-3). Light Middle: Steven Butler (4-0 W TKO 2 Sylwester Walczak (4-15-1).

Beterbiev vs. Enriquez

Once again Beterbiev shows he is ready for top opposition. The former amateur stand-out scored three knockdowns and it was all over inside a round. The 29-year-old Russian, with Chechen roots, won gold medals at the World Championships and twice at the European championships but was unsuccessful at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He has won all 5 fights by KO/TKO using up less than 11 rounds. Next up is to be former IBF champion Tavoris Cloud. Mexican Enriquez has 9 losses by KO/TKO and has lost 5 of his last 6 fights.

Rivas vs. Cota

Rivas returns with a win. The big Colombian had little trouble with the fleshy, overweight Mexican and won the first four rounds. He had Cota ready to go in the fifth when the Mexican’s corner threw in the towel. Only the second fight in 20 months for the 27-year-old who has 9 wins by KO/TKO. As an amateur he was Colombian champion, won a gold medal at the Pan American Championships and a silver medal at the more prestigious Pan American Games. Cota’s last fight was a third round kayo by Deontay Wilder in November 2011.

Ulysse vs. Osornio

Promising Canadian Ulysse makes it three in a row by KO/TKO. He could not put Osornio down but the Mexican had taken a beating and his face was bruised and swollen when his corner pulled him out at the end of the third round. The 26-year-old Ulysse was a three-time Canadian amateur champion and one to watch. First fight outside Mexico for Osornio and first time in a fight scheduled for more than four rounds

Butler vs. Walczak

Prospect Butler makes it four wins. A left to the body and a right to the chin ended this one in the second round. The 18-year-old  Montrealer was the youngest ever Canadian amateur champion winning the title just days after his 17^th birthday. I remember watching his father-Marshall- cause a huge upset when he beat the then 22-0-1 John Stracey at the Albert Hall in 1972. Boy this sport can make you feel old at times. Eleven losses in a row for Pole Walczak.

 

Paranque, Philippines: Light Middle: Dennis Laurente (48-5-5) W TKO 2 Elly Pangaribuan . Super Feather Juan Martin Elorde (16-1-1) W TEC DEC 6 Juniston Simbolon (7-12-1). Feather: Juan Miguel Elorde (16-1) W TKO 5 Paulus Baransano. Fly: Giemel Magramo (11-0) W TKO 2 Jovel Romasasa (10-15).

Laurente vs. Pangaribuan  

Experienced pro Laurente gets rid of poor Indonesian opponent early. The Filipino scored heavily in the first and ended it in the second. Late in the round a left to the body put Pangaribuan down and he failed to beat the count. The 37-year-old southpaw has lost only one of his last 24 fights and that was an upset split decision to Kenny Abril in 2012. He has 28 wins by KO/TKO and retains his WBC Asian Boxing Council title in a farce of a title fight.

Elorde vs. Simbolon

Southpaw “Bai” Elorde on his way to a win over Indonesian when a cut halts the fight and he gets the technical decision. A left/right combination put the willing Indonesian down in the second but he got up and fought on only to lose a point for hitting Elorde after the Filipino had slipped to the canvas. Elorde was winning the rounds but in the sixth a clash of heads caused a bad cut on Elorde’s forehead and the fight was halted. Scores 60-52 twice and 59-53. Elorde’s only loss was a poor result a four round points defeat down the card in a show in Texas in 2010. He has now scored 4 wins and a draw since then. Second fight in a row where Elorde has been cut. Simbolon just a so-so Indonesian prelim fighter.

Elorde vs. Baransano

Elorde lives up to his “Boss” nickname as he is in control here. Elorde had the height and reach and was scoring well in the first two rounds but Baransano was getting through with some good right hand counters against the local southpaw. A left hook floored Baransano in the third but the Indonesian got up and traded with Elorde for the rest of the round. The end came in the fifth when body shots from Elorde had Baransano turning away in pain and indicating he was finished. The 27-year-old Elorde also suffered an upset loss, his in a four round fight in Las Vegas in 2011, but he has collected five wins since then. Baransano tried hard but did not have the power to turn this one his way.

Magramo vs. Romasasa

Teenage prospect Magramo hands out a steady beating to fellow Filipino Romasasa who retires at the end of the second round. The 19-year-old “Pistolero” has 8 wins by KO/TKO. The last 5 in a row. Southpaw Romasasa should find another job. That is 10 losses in a row, 9 by KO/TKO.

 

Fairfield, CA, USA: Super Bantam: Manuel Avila (16-0) W KO 8 Sergio Frias (15-4-2). Heavy: Gerald Washington (14-0) W PTS 8 Nagy Aguilera (19-9). Feather: Guy Robb (14-1) W KO 3 Ronell Green (10-1).

Avila vs. Frias

Avila almost ended this in the first round but has to go to the eighth to finally finish the fight. Not usually a whirlwind type and not a reputed puncher Avila threw away the game plan and floored Frias in the first with a left. Frias got up only for a barrage of punches to put him down again near the end of the round. From the second Avila reverted to type picking his shots and outboxing Frias although with Frias countering well with rights neither fighter really dominated in a slower paced fight. Just when it looked like going the full ten rounds Avila shook Frias with a left ion the eighth and then put him down and out of the fight with body punch. Now 6 wins by KO/TKO for “Tino” who has wins over Enrique Quevedo and world title challenger David De La Mora. First loss by KO/TKO for 23-year-old Frias who is 3-2-2 in his last 7 fights.

Washington vs. Aguilera

Washington gets unanimous decision over Aguilera to stay on track. Probably the toughest test so far for Washington who won on scores of 78-74 twice and 77-75. The 32-year-old 6’5” (196cm) is a former US Navy helicopter mechanic who tried out in pre season for the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks before turning to boxing. He  is on the cusp of a rating. Dominican-born Aguilera, 28, looked to have broken through big when he beat former WBC champion Oleg Maskaev in 2010 but has gone 4-6 since then.

Robb vs. Green

Robb makes it seven wins in a row as he floors previously unbeaten Green with a left hook in the third to end the fight. Robb, 25, has 6 wins by KO/TKO with his only loss being to unbeaten Joel Diaz in 2012. Green was moving up to eight rounds and up in quality of opponent and failed.

 

Corona, CA, USA: Light Welter: Miguel Angel Huerta (27-12-1) W PTS 8 Luis Solis (15-3-4). Theses two Mexican fighters both needed a win and in a hard, close encounter experienced southpaw Huerta paced the fight better to get a paper thin decision. Solis built a small lead over the first half of the fight keeping it open where he could use his advantages in height and reach and giving himself punching room. Huerta took over as Solis seemed to tire from the early pace. The veteran was able to score with body punches and snappy left hooks to even up the scores. The result was in the balance to the last with Huerta doing enough to take the final round and the decision. Scores 77-75 twice for Huerta and 77-75 for Solis. In his good days the 35-year-old Huerta had beaten Martin Honorio, stopped Jesus Soto Karass, beat Rolando Reyes and been NABF champion. However, after a loss to Mike Alvarado  in 2008 he was inactive for almost five years and had lost back-to-back fights against Mauricio Herrera and Antonio Orozco but that gave him a big edge in level of opposition and experience. Solis was coming off a loss in May to Jose Roman when he had Roman on the floor three times in the first round but could not keep him there.

 

Mexico City, Mexico: Super Fly: Roberto Pucheta (8-4-1) W PTS 10 Danny Flores (14-6-1). Pucheta won the early rounds and after Flores had taken the middle rounds to even things Pucheta staged a strong finish to win a close unanimous decision. Pucheta, trained by former IBF and WBC title challenger Raul Juarez, won on scores of 96-94 twice and 97-93. First fight for Pucheta since losing over 12 rounds to Johnny Garcia in July last year. Flores, trained by Jorge Barrera, the brother of Marco Antonio, has lost 4 and drawn one of his last 5 fights.

 

Hinckley, MN, USA: Welter: Jamal James (14-0) W TKO 1 Wayne Martell (25-5-1). Middle: Rob Brant (12-0) W PTS 8 Marcus Upshaw (17-13-2). Light Welter: Rondale Hubbert (7-0-1,1ND) W PTS 8 R J Laase (12-2).

James vs. Martell

James crushes Martell in the first round. The 6’2” (188cm) James towered over the 5’8” (173cm) Martell and bombed the veteran early to force the stoppage. The 26-year-old James has 7 wins by KO/TKO including victories over Mohammed Kayongo and Angel Hernandez. He is a former silver and bronze medalist in the NGG’s. Martell, 40, beat aging stars Livingston Bramble and Meldrick Taylor in 2002 but only lasted 128 seconds against Zab Judah in 2004. He then took almost 8 years out and is 1-2-1 since returning.

Brant vs. Upshaw

Brant gets over the hurdle of the physical advantages enjoyed by lanky Upshaw and wins a unanimous decision. First eight round fight for the 23-year-old prospect from St. Paul. Brant was US Under-19 and Senior National champion and a NGG gold medal winner in 2010. He beat guys such as Thomas Williams and Marcus Browne and could soon outgrow the Minnesota circuit. Upshaw is 3-6 in his last 9 fights.

Hubbert vs. Laase

Best fight of the night saw these two stage a war. Hubbert took the decision and the vacant Minnesota State title.  Both fighters were moving up to eight rounds for the first time.

 

Tampa, FL, USA: Light Welter: DeMarcus Corley (41-22-1) W TKO 2 Dedrick Bell (12-20-1). Corley gets easy win over short notice substitute Bell. The former WBO champion took the first round without expending too much effort. In the second he landed a volley of rights which saw Bell go down and out. The 40-year-old “Chop Chop” was having his first fight since losing every round against Franklin Mamani in Bolivia in December and intends to go on fighting for a while yet. Bell stepped in when David Rodela fell out and had actually won his last two fights.

 

Fort Worth, TX, USA: Light Welter: Maurice Hooker (15-0-2) W TKO 1 Carlos Valenzuela (6-0). Hooker gets another win by KO/TKO against unbeaten Valenzuela. “Mighty Mo” floored Valenzuela twice and it was all over in 97 seconds. The 25-year-old from Dallas has 11 wins by KO/TKO, 7 ending in the first round and this his second one round win in 6 weeks. Mexican Valenzuela was himself coming off a first round win in his previous contest.

 

Quilmes, Argentina: Welter: Elias Vallejos (15-3-1) W PTS 10 David Romero (9-4).

Hometown fighter Vallejos gets close unanimous decision over young Romero. Vallejos was quicker off the mark getting home with jabs and body shots and he also took the second as he avoided the shots from Romero and scored well with rights to the chin and lefts to the body. Over the next two rounds both had good periods but Romero was having success in crowding Vallejos who whilst doing some good work was too often fighting with his back against the ropes. When Vallejos was able to stay in the ring centre he was scoring with his quicker hands but Romero was always pressing and getting home with body punches and by the end of the seventh had taken the lead. Both were tired over the last two rounds and punched away but it was Vallejos who had the better technique. He was using good upper body movement to avoid the shots from Romero and getting home with enough of his own to take the decision. Scores 97-93, 97 ½ -95 ½ and 96 ½-94 ½ . The 26-year-old “Leo” had lost 2 of his last three fights but earlier had a good win over Gumersindo Carrasco. Romero, 21, had won 5 of his last 6 fights.

 

Junin, Argentina: Welter: Jose Carlos Paz (14-1) W PTS 10 Devis Caceres (17-3). Super Feather: Ezequiel Fernandez (20-1) W PTS 10 Diego Baez (9-3).

Paz vs. Caceres

Despite giving away both height and reach Argentinian Paz gets split decision over Colombian. When he could keep the fight open Caceres was winning the rounds but Paz was able to get inside enough to outscore the Colombian and just squeeze out the win on scores of 98 ½-96 ½, twice for Paz with the third judge seeing it 98 ½-96 ½ for Caceres. Now 12 wins in a row for 23-year-old Paz. His IBF Youth title was not on the line. “The Cat” Caceres,24, had won 8 of his last 9 fights but just came up short here.

Fernandez vs. Baez

“Pac Man” Fernandez showcased his skills as he boxed his way to the unanimous decision over fellow Argentinian Baez. The 23-year-old won on scores of 99-94, 99-95 and 99 ½-94 ½. Fernandez has good skills but lacks power with only 3 wins by KO/TKO. Only the second ten round fight for Baez but he preserved his record of not losing by KO/TKO.

 

Villa Ramallo, Argentina : Light Middle: Dario Pucheta (19-2) W TKO 2 Adailton Dos Santos (8-7).

“El Gallo” Pucheta wins a version of a “world” title as he halts Brazilian Dos Santos in two rounds. The 27-year-old local is now the WPC champion as he makes it 10 wins by KO/TKO. He already hold the WPC version of the South American title. “Little Tyson” Dos Santos, 25, a former Brazilian welter champion now has 7 losses by KO/TKO.

 

August 23

 

Tecate, Mexico: Light Welter: Antonio DeMarco (31-3-1) W PTS 10 Lanardo Tyner (31-11-2). Super Bantam: Edivaldo Ortega (19-0-1) W TKO 6 Rey Perez (19-6). Light: Rafael Guzman (14-0,1ND) W PTS 8 Sergio Ortega (13-1-1).

DeMarco vs. Tyner

DeMarco has to overcome a first round shock to outpoint Tyner. “The Pain Server” Tyner landed a hard right in the first that put DeMarco down on the seat of his pants. DeMarco recovered and from the second settled down to fight a measured fight not looking to give Tyner any chance to repeat the first round bomb. Tyner was forcing the fight and trying to get inside but southpaw DeMarco had height, reach and skill over the tough American and stuck to his boxing. Tyner was clowning and trying to unsettle DeMarco but he was also always dangerous with his right. DeMarco was trading with Tyner over the late rounds and had the better of the action. Scores 98-92 from all three judges. Third win for the 28-year-old Mexican since losing his WBC light title to Adrien Broner in November 2012. He is IBF 10/WBC 13. Tyner, 39, following losses to Chris Pearson on a split decision and Lukasz Maciec in Poland on a majority decision has now lost his last three fights. Those narrow losses plus a one round stoppage of Charles Hatley (17-0-1) and a win over Tyrese Hendrix (21-3-1) show that Tyner can give anyone trouble on his night.

Ortega vs. Perez

Ortega extends his unbeaten run with stoppage of Filipino Perez. The Mexican southpaw was the aggressor with Perez doing his best to block, duck or deflect the punishment coming his way. Despite the best efforts of the Filipino Ortega was scoring with hard punches in every round and the fight was one-sided. Ortega floored Perez with a body punch in the third. The Filipino was down again in the fifth but from a low punch so it was not counted. A sustained body attack and head shots wore Perez down. By the end of the sixth an exhausted and bloody Perez decided to retire. “Indio” Ortega has 9 wins by KO/TKO including victories over good level opposition in Enrique Quevedo, Carlos Jacobo and Enrique Bernache. Perez, 23, lost by KO/TKO for the first time having gone the distance with Nobuo Nashiro, Hugo Cazares (a very close decision) and Andres Gutierrez. According to Philippines sources Perez travelled on his own with no seconds and without hand warps etc. and fellow Filipino Drian Francisco, who had come to watch the fights, worked the corner.

Guzman vs. Ortega

Guzman comes from behind to outpoint Ortega in this battle of local unbeaten fighters. Ortega got the better start collecting the first two rounds outboxing “Furioso” Guzman. From the third Guzman took over was he was forcing Ortega to stand and trade. The tide was flowing the way of Guzman and a desperate Ortega lost a point in the fourth for two low blows. The win was sealed when a cracking body punch from Guzman put Ortega down in agony. He clung on to see out the round but Guzman had the win. Scores 80-71, 79-70 and 78-73. Now 10 wins by KO/TKO for the 19-year-old fighter from Ensenada. First eight round fight for Mexicali’s Ortega,.

 

Panama City, Panama: Super Fly: Luis Concepcion (32-3) W TKO 7 Duvan Hernandez (12-2-1). Straw: Carlos Ortega (10-3-2) W PTS 12 Leroy Estrada (12-1). Super Bantam: Jorge Sanchez (13-0) W TKO 7 Hernan Cortez (7-6-3). Light Fly: Luis Alberto Rios (19-2-1) W PTS 8 Carlos Melo (22-18-2). Super Bantam: Daniel Moreno (4-6-2) W PTS 4 Stevie Quinn (6-2).

Concepcion vs. Hernandez

“Nica” Concepcion wins the vacant WBC Silver title with stoppage of Colombian Hernandez but Concepcion struggled to make the weight. He first came in at 117 ¾ lbs, was 115 3/4lbs the second time and finally made 115lbs  by stripping naked. Barely made it! As usual with Concepcion he came out firing and looking to end the bout early. Also as usual with Concepcion his own defence was non-existent. Hernandez was boxing on the retreat and trying to use his height and reach to counter Concepcion. At the end of the second round a straight right from Concepcion dumped Hernandez on the canvas. The Colombian was up immediately and the bell went with the count at four. He was badly shaken and was also cut on his right eyebrow. Concepcion was still trying to end things quickly and landed enough to clearly take the third round. Hernandez had steadied himself and using his jab fought back to make the fourth a close round. The fifth was even and Hernandez again had a good sixth but that was it. In the seventh the Panamanian drove Hernandez to the ropes, nailed him with a left to the chin and then dug a left hook into the short ribs. Hernandez bent in half with the agony from the body punch and Concepcion started to walk away assuming the fight was over. He then realised that it wasn’t and chased Hernandez to the ropes and landed a couple of light punches but the referee stepped in quickly as it was obvious the body punch had ended Hernandez’s interest in the fight. Concepcion got roasted by his chief second for walking away instead of continuing the attack. That seems minor compared to the risk Concepcion took after winning. He twice climbed up on top of the ring post and did back somersaults on to the ring floor. Madness. Concepcion , 28, a former interim WBA fly champion is No 1 so in line for a shot at champion Carlos Cuadras. Had two dramatic fights with Hernan Marquez back in 2011, losing both, but has now won 9 on the bounce. He has 23 wins by KO/TKO but his defence leaks too much and he will always be in danger against a fellow puncher. Hernandez was WBC No 10 without ever being in a ten round fight but he gets the rating because he won the South American title with a victory over a guy with a 3-6-1 record. It also gets silly when Mauricio Sulaiman says that the Silver title is for those not yet ready to fight for a world title. Concepcion not ready to fight for the world title! He went into this fight as their No 1 rated fighter and mandatory challenger.

Ortega vs. Estrada

Unrated Ortega really upsets the apple cart as he wins close unanimous decision over WBC No 2 Estrada to collect the vacant WBC Silver title. It was a close, hard fought battle with the “Little Spider” working inside shaking Estrada a couple of times and building a lead with Estrada finishing strongly but not doing enough to make up the lost ground. Scores 115-114 twice and 116-112. The 25-year-old Panamanian champion Ortega was coming off a good win over Gilberto Pedroza and was WBC No 9, but was very much the outsider. “El Sensacional” Estrada had won 5 in a row. This was very much a family affair as Ortega and Estrada are cousins. Ortega not only gets the title but also $500 a year for life which is a requirement of Panamanian law for winning a “world” title. Let’s not tell them it is not a world title that would be cruel.

Sanchez vs. Cortez

“El Bufalo” Sanchez has to climb off the floor to halt Cortez. Sanchez was down in the second round but blasted back to put Cortez down with a right in the fifth and stopped him in the seventh. The 23-year-old Panamanian  champion has 8 wins by KO/TKO and collects a version of the South American title. Fellow Panamanian Cortez, 29, had won 6 of his last 7 fights but found the step up to ten rounds and better opposition too much.

Rios vs. Melo

Former  IBF title challenger Rios returns with a win. In his first fight since losing on points to John Riel Casimero for the IBF title in March last year Rios took a couple of rounds to shake the rust and then boxed his way to victory. Scores 78-73 from all three judges. The 24-year-old Panamanian had won 7 in a row before challenging Casimero, all 7 by KO/TKO and including a good win over Felipe Salguero. Melo, 31, a former WBC light fly challenger is on the down slope and is 1-7-1 in his last 9 fights.

Moreno vs. Quinn

Way down the bill Northern Ireland’s 21-year-old Quinn loses for the second time in a row as he is floored twice by Moreno who wins on scores of 59-54, 58-53 and 58-54.

 

Atlantic City, NJ, USA: Welter: Jaime Herrera (12-2) W TKO 7 Mike Jones (26-2). Middle: Tom Lamanna (15-0) W PTS 8 Jamaal Davis (14-12-1).

Jones vs. Herrera

Jones looks a likely winner early in the fight but then loses badly to ruin comeback attempt. After a cautious opening Jones seemed to be on his way to a quick win in the first round as he fired off hard hooks as Herrera tried to work his way inside. It got even better for Jones in the second as after they both landed good body shots Jones floored Herrera with a left hook late in the round. Herrera made it to his feet at the second attempt but was very shaky. Jones tried to finish it in the third as he again put Herrera down with a left hook. Herrera got up but took more punishment and at the bell it looked odds on a Jones win-and soon. However a clash of heads had seen a cut opened over the right eye of Jones. The fourth saw the start of a different fight altogether as Herrera decided to take the fight to Jones. He was scoring well with rights and pressurising Jones who had his mouthpiece knocked out. By the end of the round Jones was bleeding from both the cut and his nose. With Jones fading Herrera was now in control and he almost floored Jones twice with rights in the sixth. The doctor examined Jones at the end of the round but let the fight continue. The seventh saw Herrera landing punch after punch with Jones still bleeding from the cut over his right eye and with his left eye almost closed from a swelling. He made it to the bell but the doctor ordered the fight stopped. Huge win for 25-year-old Herrera. He had won his last 4 fights but his losses to Alex De Leon and Adrian Granados made him look a safe pick. Disaster for Jones. This was his first fight since a tenth round kayo loss to Randall Bailey for the vacant IBF title in June 2012. He faces an uncertain future after losing to a relative novice who had only had one previous fight scheduled for more that 4 or 6 rounds, and that was an eight rounder that he lost.

Lamanna vs. Davis

Lamanna keeps his 100% record as he gets the unanimous decision over Davis. The 5’9” (175cm) Davis had to get inside to work against the 6’2” (188cm) Lamanna and that’s what he did over the first two rounds. From the third Lamanna made better use of his jab and straight rights and by tying him up did not let Davis work effectively inside. Lamanna had Davis rocking in the fifth. The veteran tired and Lamanna was able to stage a strong finish to take the well deserved decision. Sores 79-73, 78-73 and 78-74. Useful experience fight for the 22-year-old Lamanna, but not sure about the “Cornflake” nickname. Davis, 33, was having his first fight in ten months. He has lost his last 4 fights but the three previous ones in that run were against Patrick Majewski (20-1), former WBA champion Yuri Foreman (30-2) and Jorge Melendez (26-3-1) and he also took Peter Quillin the distance in an earlier fight.

 

Coacalco, Mexico: Super Bantam: Rey Vegas (21-0) W TKO 2 Daniel Ferreras (13-9-2). Light Welter: Diego Cruz (11-0) W TKO 5 Ignacio Miranda (3-13).

Vega vs. Ferreras

“The King” Vegas continues to rule as he destroys Filipino Ferreras inside two rounds. The Mexican set about Ferreras in the first landing hard punches to head and body and looking close to finishing the fight inside three minutes. Ferreras survived but early in the second a volley of body punches had Ferreras in deep trouble and the referee stepped-in to save the Filipino. The 23-year-old from Guadalajara retains his WBC Youth title. He is WBC No 4/IBF 6/WBO 14. He is tall and lean with real power and a title threat for sure. First loss by KO/TKO for Ferreras.

Cruz vs. Miranda

“Demoledor” Cruz continues his winning sequence but against poor opposition, The exciting 20-year-old doled out some severe punishment before landing a left hook to the body in the fifth to end the fight. According to Mexican sources Cruz is part of a fighting family. Grandfather Memo beat Pipino Cuevas way back in 1973 and dad Isaac was Mexican lightweight champion and fought Ivan Robinson, Vern Forrest, John John Molina, Antonio Pitalua and Junior Witter. Now 9 wins by KO/TKO for Cruz. Five losses in a row for Miranda.

 

Chicago, IL, USA: Super Middle: Don George (26-4-2) W PTS 12 Dyah Davis (22-5-1). Cruiser: Mike Jimenez (15-0) W PTS 6 Max Taylor (18-8-1).

George vs. Davis

George wins a world title as he takes the vacant IBO crown with a unanimous decision over Davis. First round was close with George landing some good rights late in the round to edge ahead. The second was another close round which was to be a pattern of the fight. George was more measured in his approach than in the past and shakes Davis with a right.  Both have good spells in a close third and up their workrate in the fourth with George just having a slight advantage as Davis lacks any variety in his approach. The fifth, sixth and seventh are close but now Davis is the one taking the close rounds as he eats into an early George lead and has his best round of the fight in the eighth as he lands hard body shots. George not letting his hands go as he looks to score with the rights that served him so well in the early rounds. The ninth sees both fighter having difficulty setting themselves for punches due to water on the canvas. George dominates the early part of the tenth as he is getting home with his big rights again although Davis fires back with shots of his own at the end of the round. The eleventh is the opposite with Davis using his jab and outboxing George until the closing action when George scores yet again with rights to the head. The last sees both fighting hard with the fight in the balance. George gets past the jab of Davis and gets through with hard rights to the chin to take the round. Scores 115-113 twice and 116-112. George reportedly injured his hand in training but decided to go ahead with the fight anyway. In the past when the 29-year-old “Da Bomb” has moved up he has lost with Francisco Sierra, Edwin Rodriguez, Adonis Stevenson and Caleb Truax all having derailed the Chicago fighter. Now he has a title so hopefully he can make some good money. Former NABF champion Davis, 33, got himself a world rating after wins over Marcus Johnson (20-0) and Alfonso Lopez (22-1) but he lost his NABF title to Sakio Bika in 2012 and lost to Brit James DeGale for the WBC Silver title last time out in November. He is still a good test for any super middle.

Jimenez vs. Taylor

“Hollywood” Jimenez, extended his winning streak to 15 as won a wide unanimous decision against experienced Taylor. Scores 60-54 twice and 59-55. The 27-year-old is trained and managed by Don George and Don’s father Pete. Mike’s father is Colombian so they follow his progress closely down there.

 

Winston-Salem NC, USA: Heavy: Shannon Briggs (56-6-1) W TKO 1 Cory Phelps (16-7-1).  Another farcical win for Briggs. With a vey overweight Phelps showing only courage this was too easy for Briggs. He had no need for defence so just walked forward unleashing slow ponderous clubbing shots. Phelps was down in the first minute and never took a forward step. Briggs just followed him across the ring and put him down two more times with the referee stopping the bout after the third knockdown. The 42-year-old Briggs has 49 wins by KO/TKO and the WBA disgracefully have him No 14 in their ratings as he retains his NABA title, and in a fight between to fighters from North America, he wins the interim WBC Latino title. If the WBC rates him for winning this fight the Ratings Committee should resign en-bloc or hand their heads in shame. Almost four years ago Vitali Klitschko beat Briggs by 13, 13 and 15 points in a fight for the WBC title all that’s happened since then is that Briggs is 4 years older. Phelps did more than could be expected by getting up three times. He weighed 222lbs for this fight. Back in 2007 he weighed 166lbs when Don George stopped him in 74 seconds and in 2008 weighed 191lbs when Alex Frenkel kayoed him 115 seconds and he was back down to 174lbs when Tommy Karpency stopped him in two rounds in 2009, so a win over Phelps is hardly rating material.

 

Auckland, New Zealand: Light Heavy: Adrian Taihia (13-1-2) W KO 5 Sakeasi Dakua (25-13-4). Taihia floors Fijian early and after winning all four rounds puts Dakua down and out with a body punch in the fifth. This was supposed to be a defence of Taihia’s interim PABA title but Daku came in 5lbs (3.8kgs) over the contract weight. The 31-year-old New Zealander has 7 wins by KO/TKO with his only defeat being to Kariz Kariuki in the Australian Contender Series in 2009. He is unbeaten in his last 9 fights. His future is very much in the balance as he is in court next month for allegedly producing and supplying methamphetamine and participating in an organized criminal group. Dakua, 45, was having his first fight since November 2011.

 

Matagalpa, Nicaragua: Straw: Byron Rojas (13-2,1ND) W Jose Aguilar (15-12-4).

Last time these two met in November it was a candidate for Nicaragua’s Fight of the Year even though Rojas won a wide unanimous decision. Local boxer Rojas scored another points win in their return fight and again got a wide unanimous decision on scores of 78-74 twice and 80-72. Again the fight was much closer than the scores indicate and Aguilar wants a third try. Nicaraguan champ “Gallito” Rojas, 24, now has 7 wins and a No Decision in his last 8 fights and is rated WBC 11/IBF 14 (12)/WBO 15. Fellow-Nica Aguilar, a former Nicaraguan champion is 2-5-2 in his last 9 fights.

 

King William’s Town, South Africa: Light Middle: Nkulueko Mhlongo (13-2) W KO 8 Sikhulue Sidzumo (18-7-5). Middle: Bongani Mlotshwa (7-1) W TKO 10 Johannes Pieterson (10-16-3).

Mhlongo vs. Sidzumo

South African champion Mhlongo had stated his disappointment at still being forced to box at domestic level  and underlined his point as he brushed aside the challenge of former South African light and light welter champion Sidzumo to retain his South African title and win the vacant WBFed Intercontinental title. Mhlongo spent the first round figuring out the elusive style of Sidzumo after that the fight was one-sided. Sidzumo allowed Mhlongo to dominate and was continually on the ropes and taking punishment. Mhlongo gradually wore down the resistance of the challenger and a volley of punches in the eighth saw Sidzumo slump down on the ropes for the count. Since losing a split decision to Isaac Hlatshwayo in 2010 Mhlongo had managed only 5 fights in almost 4 years and was inactive from August 2011 to March 2013. He has 13 wins by KO/TKO. Sidzumo has also suffered inactivity and this was also his fifth fight in almost four years. He is now 0-1-4 in those 5 fights. He was rated No 3 middleweight but local papers reported this as also being for Mhlongo’s national light middle title. This fight almost did not take place as once against Boxing South Africa (BSA) “cancelled” the show only for the local promoter to go to court to get clearance to continue.

Mlotshwa vs. Pieterson

Prospect Mlotshwa took longer than expected to take care of Pieterson. The hard-punching local fighter had to wait until the tenth round when he finally nailed a gutsy Pieterson with a left hook. Mlotshwa the BSA No 2 has 6 wins by KO/TKO. He wins the WBFed All Africa title. Pieterson came in as a late sub and is 1-11-2 in his last 14 fights.

 

Arboletes, Colombia: Super Middle: Samuel Miller (28-8) W KO 3 Placido Coneo (0-11). Miller pads out his record with third round kayo of very late sub Coneo. The 34-year-old hometown fighter now has 25 wins by KO/TKO. He was due an easy night after losses to Gilberto Sanchez R., Alex Theran, Marco Periban and Andrzej Fonfara but even taking account of Jhon Berrio dropping out late this was disgraceful. Coneo has 8 losses by KO/TKO and was having his first fight in over 4 years.

 

August 24

 

Ginowan, Japan: Super Feather: Jomthong (8-0) W PTS 12 Koseki Nakama (17-5).

Thai southpaw Jomthong retains OPBF title with wide points win over local fighter Nakama. Jomthong had Nakama down twice with straight rights but Nakama fought back hard to go the full twelve rounds. Scores 118-109 from all three judges. Typical of Muay Thai stars Jomthong wasted no time in his boxing career winning the Thai title in his second fight and the OPBF title in his fourth fight. That was back in May 2012 and this is only his third defence in over two years  as he continues to compete in Muay Thai where he is a high paid star. Nakama, the OPBF No 4, had won his last three fights but at a lower level. He has a win over former WBA feather champion Antonio Cermeno but that was back in 2005 when Cermeno was one fight away from retirement.