The Past Week in Action 28 July 2014

ERIC ARMIT | July 28, 2014 | 0 Comentarios/ Comments

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.

July 23

New York, NY, USA: Heavy: Charles Martin (18-0-1) W TKO 3 Kertson Manswell (24-9). Feather: Patrick Hyland (28-1) W TKO 4 Noel Echevarria (11-4). Light Heavy: Joe Smith Jr. (16-1) W TKO 3 Tyrell Hendrix (11-5-2). Middle: Avtandil Khurtsidze (28-2-2) W TKO 1 Allen Conyers (12-10). Light Middle: Patrick Day (8-0-1) W TKO 2 Brad Jackson (15-10-1). Middle: Sergey Derevyanchenko (1-0) W TKO 2 Cromwell Gordon (4-11).

Martin vs. Manswell

Martin gets another win and is emerging from the background. The unbeaten Martin handled experienced Manswell with ease. He was able to score with his own shots and get out before the ponderous Manswell could counter. The Trinidad & Tobago veteran did get home a couple of times with overhand rights but Martin was in control. In the third he floored Manswell with a southpaw left. Manswell got up and fired back with rights only to be floored again but a series of shots. The fight could have been stopped there, but Manswell again tried to rally but was put down on his knees by another volley and the fight was halted. The 28-year-old southpaw, a former PAL gold medallist and NGG runner-up, has 16 wins by KO/TKO; the last 8 in a row have ended that way. He retains his WBO NABO title. He has wins over Vince Thompson and Joey Dawejko, is rated WBO 7/IBF 15 and is ready for better opposition. The 37-year-old Manswell was halted inside a round by both Deontay Wilder and Tor Hamer and has lost 6 of his last 7 fights.

Hyland vs. Echevarria

“The Punisher” returns with a win. In his first fight since December 2012 the New York-based Irishman. Hyland was the sharper and more accurate puncher and had no difficulty in handling Echevarria’s southpaw style. As the minutes passed he warmed to his task more and more and shook off the rust. By the third he was getting through with heavy rights and Echevarria was starting to wilt. Hyland went straight to work at the start of the fourth and was pouring on the punishment when the referee had seen enough and halted the action. Hyland, the middle one of three boxing brothers, was having his first fight since losing a unanimous decision to Javier Fortuna for the interim WBA title. He has 13 wins by KO/TKO. Puerto Rican Echevarria, 23, has lost four fights in a row.

Smith vs. Hendrix

Smith makes it 10 wins a row with stoppage of Hendrix. It was a one-sided fight with Smith pressurising from the first bell. Hendrix could not handle the fury of Smith’s attacks and was floored by an uppercut in the second. He survived the round but Smith handed out some ferocious punishment in the third and the fight was stopped a little late. Now 13 wins by KO/TKO for Smith as he strengthens his rebuilding after a stoppage loss against modest Eddie Caminero in 2010. “Hollywood Hendrix has lost 4 of his last 5 fights but his win was an inside the distance stoppage of unbeaten prospect Dennis Hasson in April.

Khurtsidze vs. Conyers

The Georgian “Tornado” blows away Conyers. Khurtsidze came out firing and forced Conyers into a corner and then landed a series of blasting uppercuts which saw the referee jump in to stop the fight. First fight for the 35-year-old since December 2011. He turned pro in 2002 and lost only one of his first 26 fights before being beaten on a very close points verdict by Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam for the interim WBA title in 2010. He rebounded to win the vacant IBO title and WBC Silver title before his long period of inactivity. His first win for DiBella Entertainment was clouded by a claim by the Kiev based Elite-Boxing to still have him under contract which Khurtsidze strongly denies. Conyers has lost 7 of his last 8 fights.

Day vs. Jackson

Day continues to find his feet as a pro. The former top amateur had won his last two fights inside the first round and looked to be on his way to making it three when he floored Jackson with a right in the opening round. However the fun was just starting and as Day looked for the finish he ran into a right and was on the floor himself. Day was not badly hurt and he got up quickly and battered away at Jackson for the rest of the round coming near to a stoppage. Immediately after the bell for the second round Day landed a heavy right and Jackson went down. He made it to his feet but was staggering badly and the fight was stopped. The 21-year-old stumbled a little after turning pro but is now punching hard and looking a good prospect. Fifth loss by KO/TKO for Denver’s Jackson who is 2-5 in his last 7 fights.

Derevyanchenko vs. Cromwell

Ukrainian Derevyanchenko makes promising debut in the pro ranks. Derevyanchenko hunted Cromwell in the first round scoring with hard punches to head and body. He increased the pace in the second hurting Cromwell to the body with left hooks and shaking him with uppercuts. It was one-sided and at the end of the round Cromwell’s corner team pulled their man out of the fight. Derevyanchenko, 28, won a bronze medal at the 2007 World Championships, losing to Matt Korobov in the semi finals, and competed at the 2008 Olympics. He also fought in the World Series of Boxing for Italian and Kazak teams. Four losses in a row for Cromwell.

Tokyo, Japan: Light: Nihito Arakawa (25-4-1) W PTS 10 Akihiro Kondo (19-4-1). Light: Yoshitaka Kato (28-5-1) W TKO 8 Tsukasa Saito (19-3).

Arakawa vs. Kondo

Arakawa foils Kondo’s bid for revenge as he win a unanimous decision. Both fighters were keen to trade and the action was fast and furious. Southpaw Arakawa had the edge in power but despite eventually sporting various bumps and bruises Kondo made him fight hard all of the way before going down on scores of 98-92, 97-94 and 96-95. Arakawa, 32, had lost 3 of his last 4 fights against Daniel Estrada, Omar Figueroa for the interim WBC title and Jorge Linares in a WBC eliminator, so could not afford another defeat. Kondo, 29, a former Japanese champion had lost his title to Arakawa on a majority verdict in 2010 and this was his first fight for 15 months.

Kato vs. Saito

Kato retains his national title with stoppage of his young challenger. Saito was the aggressor but the experienced Kato found gaps in his defence and floored Saito heavily in the fourth. Kato continued the assault in the next three rounds and a beaten and dispirited challenger was taking punishment in the eighth when the fight was stopped. Kato, 29, was making the seventh defence of the title he has held since 2011. He has 9 wins by KO/TKO. The 24-year-old Saito, the former WBC Youth champion, and current JBC No 7, lacked the experience to beat Kato.

July 25

Indio, CA, USA: Welter: Frankie Gomez (17-0) W PTS 10 Vernon Paris (28-1,3ND). Middle: Terrell Gausha (11-0) W KO 1 Ronnie Warrior Jr. (15-9-1). Light Heavy: Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (10-0) W TKO 1 Demetrius Walker (7-6-1). Welter: Bryant Perrella (5-0) W TKO 2 Chris Steele (4-9-2).

Gomez vs. Paris

Gomez gets his best win to date and put up his most impressive performance. Paris had the edge in experience but Gomez had the speed, accuracy and class. Gomez was scoring with uppercuts and body punches throughout and with his dominance he could be criticised for not putting Paris away. He floored Paris in the fourth and almost put him down again in the same round. Paris survived and fought back hard, but was never in the fight. Gomez seemed content to go the distance and get some useful experience as he makes up for lost time. Scores 100-89 from all three judges. Still only 22, the “Pit Bull” as a teenager won a World Cadet gold medal and a World Championship silver medal and the US national title beating Jose Benavidez. Various problems led to him being inactive from December 2011 to November 2012. “IceMan” Paris, 26, has had his problems including being shot and stabbed and having a couple of positive tests but a win over Tim Coleman in 2011 landed him an IBF eliminator with Zab Judah in 2012 but Paris was stopped in 9 rounds. This fight with Gomez was his first for 14 months.

Gausha vs. Warrior

An early night for Olympian Gausha. After hunting down Warrior he landed a vicious body shot at the end of the first which put Warrior down and the fight was over. Six wins by KO/TKO for the promising Cleveland fighter. He was US national champion in 2009, beating Jesse Hart and repeated in 2012 before boxing in the World Series of Boxing. Warrior, 37, is 2-7 in his last nine fights and Gausha is ready for tougher tests than this.

Shabranskyy vs. Walker

Ridiculously easy for Shabranskyy. The first punch of the fight, a right from Shabranskyy, put late sub Walker down. He made it to his feet but was unsteady. Another right put him over. When he got up Shabranskyy walked him to the ropes and two or three not too hard shots saw walker slump to the floor and the fight was halted after just 48 seconds. The 27-year-old Ukrainian has 8 wins by KO/TKO and won’t have an easier fight. Walker has lost 6 of his last 7 fights.

Perrella vs. Steele

Former top amateur Perrella hits too hard for Steele. After winning the first round with a strong jab and a sustained body attack Perrella continued the pattern in the second flooring Steele twice with body punches. Steele made it to his feet each time but on the third knockdown the referee halted the fight. “Good Fella” Perrella, 25, has 5 wins by KO/TKO. Only one win in his last eight fights for Steele.

Chicago, IL, USA: Welter: Roberto Garcia (36-3,1ND) W PTS 10 Breidis Prescott (27-6). Middle: Caleb Truax (24-1-2) W PTS 10 Derek Ennis (24-5-1). Light Heavy: Mike Lee (13-0) W PTS 6 Paul Gonsalves (7-4). Semajay Thomas (4-0) W TKO 1 Charon Spain (0-4-1)

Garcia vs. Prescott

Garcia gets unanimous decision over Prescott. The tough Mexican was giving away height and reach and that saw Prescott using those advantages to keep the fight open with Garcia trying to cut-off the ring and work to the body on the inside. Prescott was busier and out-working Garcia, but Garcia was landing the harder shots. In the ninth Prescott threw a quick combination with the last punch, a right, putting Garcia down. The Mexican was not hurt and went straight back into the action. There was too much clinching with Garcia getting a warning and Prescott also given a ticking-off for low punches. It was a hard fight to score as it was the aggression and body work of Garcia and the defensive approach but higher punch rate and accuracy of Prescott. The judges gave it to Garcia on scores of 96-92, 96-93 and 95-94. Texas-based “La Amenaza” Garcia, 34, has won eight in a row including victories over Antwone Smith, Norberto Gonzalez and Victor Cayo and a loss to Antonio Margarito in 2010 is his only defeat in his last 23 fights, but he has not managed to break into the world ratings. Colombian Prescott won 18 of his first 21 bouts by KO/TKO but has scored only two wins by the short route in his last 11 fights and that loss of power cost him dearly here. He is now 3-4 in his last 7 fights with defeats against Paul McCloskey, Mike Alvarado and Terrence Crawford.

Truax vs. Ennis

Truax gets unanimous decision over Ennis but fails to impress. With height and reach in his favour Truax used his jab to control the fight over the early rounds and although his punch output was low that of Ennis was ever lower. Ennis was unable to get close enough to get into the fight. Rights to the head shook Ennis in the fourth but Truax stuck to his jab instead of going for a stoppage. That lack of fire allowed Ennis to get a foothold in the fight in the late rounds and he got some encouragement when a punch opened a cut over the right eye of Truax. The last round saw Truax do enough to edge the round and confirm his wide points victory. Scores 97-93 twice and 99-90. Minnesota’s “Golden” Truax’s only loss was a decision defeat against Jermain Taylor in 2012. He then won fights against Matt Vanda, Don George and Cerresso Fort, but was held to a draw by Ghanaian Ossie Duran in January. He got the win but must have been hoping to be more impressive with the exposure this fight gave him. “Phoo” Ennis, 33, has fallen away badly. He had a run of 10 wins with victories over Troy Browning, Ermosele Albert and Gabriel Rosado but is now 2-3 in his last 5.

Lee vs. Gonsalves

Local prospect Lee has to fight hard to get majority verdict over Gonsalves. Lee was the aggressor but Gonsalves showed good skill and movement and was first to the punch taking the first and third rounds with Lee edging the second as he scored with hard rights. Lee was back in the fight in the fourth as he staggered Gonsalves with a right. It was finally balanced going into the last two rounds and late sub Gonzales let his work rate drop allowing Lee to sweep those important rounds. Scores 58-56 twice for Lee and 57-57. The Ronnie Shields trained 27-year-old, a Notre Dame graduate, turned away from a career on Wall Street to take a shot at pro boxing. A late sub, Gonsalves, 32, was a cut above the usual fill-ins and had won 5 of his last 6 fights.

Thomas vs. Spain

Local tip Thomas blasts out winless Spain inside a round. Rights accounted for three knockdowns as Thomas made it two first round wins in a row. The 21-year-old High School graduate and 2011 NGG champion is trained by former pro Nate Jones and is one to watch. Third loss by KO/TKO for Spain.

Verona, NY, USA: Middle: Antoine Douglas (14-0-1) DREW 10 Michel Soro (23-1-1). Super Middle: Jerry Odom (12-0,1ND) W TKO 7 Viller Quinonez (8-1). Super Feather: Tony Luis (18-2) W PTS 8 Wanzell Ellison (11-1-1) W. Feather: Jorge Diaz (18-3) W PTS 6 Ramon Ellis (4-12-2). Welter: Cecil McCalla (19-0) W PTS 8 Oscar Godoy (13-3).

Douglas vs. Soro

An unusual case where no one seems too upset with a majority draw. Paraphrasing the old soccer saying this was a fight of two halves. Douglas jabbed and jabbed his way into a good lead over the first five rounds. Douglas was picking his shots well with Soro forced to fight on the back foot and get through with some counters. The Frenchman finally warmed to the fight in the fifth which looked an even round and edged the sixth. A furious attack from Soro had Douglas in trouble in the seventh but Soro let the chance slip. Douglas was wobbled badly by a right in the eighth and only just survived. With Douglas tiring Soro took the ninth with Douglas again in deep trouble but Douglas battled back to make the last close. Scores 96-94 for Soro and 95-95 twice so the WBA International title remains vacant. The 21-year-old Douglas was going past eight rounds for the first time and it showed in the way he faded from the sixth but he showed skills early and plenty of guts over the closing rounds. The former Olympic Trials competitor will have learned plenty against the former WBO/IBO title challenger. Soro, 26, lost on points to Zaurbek Baysangurov for that title and had Baysangurov down. The former undefeated French champion had a big edge in experience over Douglas but made a nervous start which cost him the decision.

Odon vs. Quinonez

Hot prospect Odon gets another inside the distance win. Odom was coming forward hard in the first and got an early boost as he opened a cut on the left eyebrow of Cuban Quinonez. Odom was pressing and looking for an early finish but southpaw Quinonez used some good skills to avoid the worst of the trouble in the first three rounds. Odon broke through in the fourth flooring Quinonez with a right. Quinonez beat the count and fought on even terms for the rest of the round. Quinonez used his skills to take the fifth and Odon was cut over his left in the sixth. The fight seemed to be in the balance. However, Odon took it out of the judges hands as with Quinonez trapped on the ropes he landed a volley of hard shots which sent Quinonez sliding to the canvas just as the referee stepped in to halt the fight. The 21-year-old “The King’s Son” is one of those saved from a life of crime by boxing. He was runner-up at the 2011 NGG and US championships and gold medal winner at the 2012 US Championships He has 11 wins by KO/TKO. Quinonez, 29, was moving up to eight rounds for the first time.

Luis vs. Ellison

Experience and pressure won this one for “Lightning” Luis. The Canadian forced the fight setting a higher work rate and hurting the more skilful Ellison with left hooks to the body. Ellison may have been too cautious in conserving his energy and it was the fourth round before he made any impact. Luis continued to go to the body and to get his punches off first and Ellison faded over the last two rounds. Scores 79-73, 78-74 and 77-75. Much needed win for the 26-year-old Luis after 15 straight wins he then went 2-2 with losses to Jose Hernandez and Ivan Redkach. Good learning fight for 25-year-old former Olympic Trialist Ellison who had won over unbeaten Briton Iain Weaver in April.

Diaz vs. Ellis

Diaz needed a win even more than Luis and got it on a unanimous decision. No real highlights as Diaz chose to work on the outside and did what clean scoring there was. Ellis pressurised hard but landed too few punches to be competitive, Scores 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56. The story for “King” Diaz is similar to that of Luis. After 15 wins in a row he then went 2-3 in his next 5 with losses to tough opposition in Teon Kennedy, Yenifel Vicente and Luis Rosa. Five losses in a row for Ellis.

McCalla vs. Godoy

McCall extends his winning run with victory over Godoy. McCall had too much of everything for Godoy. No knockdowns but McCall bossed the fight showing plenty of aggression and a clever defence. He was able to get through with rights in every round and was so dominant that only his lack of punch power allowed Godoy to go the distance and it was no real test for McCall. Scores 80-72 twice and 79-73. The tall 29-year-old was having only his third eight round fight which at 29 and after 19 fights shows some lack of confidence from his handlers. Hopefully he will now face some bigger tests. Godoy, 24, had won 9 in a row but poor opposition.

Teodolina, Argentina: Light: Pablo Barboza (22-4) W PTS 10 Marcelino Lopez (29-1-1). Southpaw Barboza pulls off major upset and wins Argentinian title with unanimous decision over WBC No 13 Lopez. The fight was close and the decision not universally popular. Barboza was the quicker and busier fighter, but Lopez scored a debatable knockdown in the third. Both fighters were staggered in the late rounds with Barboza finishing the stronger. Scores 96 ½-95 ½, 96 ½-95, 97 ½-97. Local fighter “Bad Boy” Barboza, 29, was only rated No 8 by the FAB. In his two previous fights he had beaten Ezequiel Fernandez (17-0) and in June lost to William Silva (20-0) so going in his last three opponents had combined records of 66-0-1! For “Nino” Lopez, 28, this was a huge setback as he lost both his national title and his unbeaten tag.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Middle: Martin Rios (13-1-2,1ND) W KO 5 Billi Godoy (29-3). Another upset as Rios kayos favourite Godoy to lift Argentinian title. Rios established control early as he floored Godoy with a series of punches in the first round. Godoy never really got into the fight and in the fifth a right from Rios put Godoy down and out for the count. “El Terrible” Rios, the 22-year-old FAB No 5 had put on a disgraceful exhibition in a no contest with Brazilian Olympic bronze medalist Yamaguchi Falcao in January and lost to Luciano Cuello for the South American title in June, but his last five wins have all come by KO/TKO. After winning his first 26 fights the 27-year-old Godoy is now 3-3- in his last 6 and this was his second loss in a row by KO/TKO. This was his third title defence.

Doncaster, Australia: Super Middle: Zac Dunn (14-0) W TKO 4 Yutaka Oishi (11-4).

Dunn wins the inaugural WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council title. He was in control from the start and had his Japanese opponent in deep trouble when the towel was thrown in. The 27-year-old local, the ANBF No 3 and OPBF No 2, makes it 12 wins by KO/TKO. He is one of the best young prospects in Australia. Oishi, 29, had won his last 4 fights but was strictly a prelim fighter and this is his third loss by KO/TKO.

Changsha, China: Heavy: Razvan Cojanu (11-1) W TKO 7 Manuel Pucheta (37-10). Strawweight: Xiong Zhao Zhong (24-5-1) W TKO 9 Jack Amisa (20-31-2)

Cojanu vs. Puchets

Giant Romanian Cojanu was simply too big and too strong for Argentinian veteran Pucheta. After six one-sided rounds Pucheta’s corner tossed in the towel after a knockdown in the seventh. The 27-year-old 6’8” (202cm) towered over the 6’0” (183 cm) Pucheta and was able to do pretty much what he liked. He wins the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title and the stupid WBO will probably reward him with a world rating. A former Romanian amateur champion Cojanu was a bronze medallist at the European championships and competed at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships. The 42-year-old Pucheta, the FAB No 6, is 3-5 in his last 8 fights.

Zhong vs. Amisa

Former WBC champion Zhong gets his second win in a row as he forces Indonesian veteran Amisa to retire after nine rounds. Zhong, 29, is scheduled to challenge Hekkie Budler for the WBA and IBO titles in Monte Carlo in October. Amisa has lost his last 17 fights.

Los Cabos, Mexico: Welter: Jose Lopez (22-3-1) W TEC DEC 6 Cris Favela (37—33-5). Lopez came out firing from the bell setting a frantic pace. Favela tried to match him but was too often trapped on the ropes and unable to launch any responses due to the ferocity of Lopez’s attacks. “Piston” Lopez was on his way to a win when in the sixth a clash of heads left Favela with a bad cut on the eyebrow. The fight was stopped and went to the cards with Lopez getting a unanimous decision. The 23-year-old has won 7 of his last 8 fights losing to Humberto Soto on a close decision in 2012 for the WBFed title. Three losses in a row for Favela.

Mexico City, Mexico: Super Fly: David Carmona (17-2-4) W PTS 10 Ricardo Rodriguez (9-2). Carmona regains the WBC Youth title with hard-fought win over Rodriguez. Carmona was the stylist with Rodriguez trying to hustle him out of his stride and force him to stand and brawl. Any possibility of Carmona doing that was probably ended by a hand injury suffered early in the fight. Rodriguez had the better start scoring with fast combinations but Carmona came back into it with some good straight lefts and counter attacks. Carmona kept his boxing together and swept the last three rounds and deserved the unanimous decision. Scores 98-92, 97-93 and 96-95. The 23-year-old has lost only one of his last 16 fights and that was a seventh round stoppage in his last fight in an over ambitious challenge to Omar Narvaez for the WBO title in December. Rodriguez had won his last 7 fights going in.

San Diego, CA, USA: Super Feather: Dan Ramirez (11-1) W TKO 4 Aaron Garcia (13-3-2). Light: Viktor Chernous (15-1-1) DREW 6 Ivan Zavala (6-6-2).

Garcia vs. Ramirez

Minor upset as Ramirez comes from behind to halt former amateur star Garcia. From the start Garcia was going to the body with Ramirez trying to box on the outside. Garcia took the first round but Ramirez was able to edge the second using his jab to find some punching room. Garcia was able to work the body in the third as Ramirez was forced to stand and trade. A clash of heads at the end of the round saw a cut opened over Garcia’s left eye. Ramirez made some punching space again in the fourth and floored Garcia with a left hook. Garcia made it to his feet but was on wobbling legs and the fight was stopped. Good win for 24-year-old “Huracan” taking part in his first eight round fight and who moves to 5 wins by KO/TKO. He was rebounding from a loss to Guy Robb in April and wins the vacant CalifornianState title. “Gavilan” Garcia, 32, suffered back-to-back losses in 2011 and was out of the ring for 19 months. He had run up 4 wins on his comeback. As a former US national champion and twice NGG winner great things were expected when he turned pro in 2004 but he also took two years out from 2006 to 2008 and his time is past.

Chernous vs. Zavala

Chernous disappoints as he has to settle for a draw against late sub Zavala. Chernous had his best moments when he was able to take Zavala to the ropes and work the body. Mexican Zavala showed boxing smarts working on the outside. Both fought hard over the last two rounds with Chernous still working the body and Zavala dangerous with rights. Scores a way out 60-54 to Chernous, 58-56 to Zavala with the third official scoring it 57-57 with a draw a fair result. Ukrainian Chernous, 29, a former undefeated Australian welter champion, was having his first fight since October 2012 and his first fight outside Australia. Zavala, 20, had lost 4 of his last 5 fights but did well due to his short notice for this one.

July 26

New York, NY, USA: Middle: Gennady Golovkin (30-0) W TKO 3 Daniel Geale (30-3). Heavy: Bryant Jennings (19-0) W PTS 12 Mike Perez (20-1-1). Cruiser: Ola Afloabi (21-3-4) W RTD 3 Anthony Caputo Smith (15-4). Welter: Dusty Hernandez Harrison (23-0) W PTS 8 Wilfredo Acuna (15-15). Light Welter: Julian Rodriguez (5-0) W KO 1 Yankton Southern (4-6).

Golovkin vs. Geale

Golovkin destroys Geale in three rounds. The Kazak-born fighter put Geale under pressure from the start but the Tasmanian was showing good upper body movement and good footwork. Golovkin managed to get through with a couple of rights and some hard hooks to the body and although Geale was down in the round it was a slip. Early in the second Golovkin gave a glimpse of things to come as he put Geale down with a right. Geale got up and fired back but was caught at the end of the round with hard lefts and rights. In the third Geale was using plenty of movement and frustrating Golovkin’s attempts to corner him. Eventually Golovkin forced Geale to stand and trade. Geale got through with a right only to be nailed by a straight right to the chin from Golovkin which sent him crashing to the floor. Geale got up but was badly shaken and cut over his right eye. Geale was shaking his head as the referee applied the count. It was impossible to tell whether he was saying he wanted no more or was angry with himself for getting nailed. The referee went with the first impression and halted the fight. Geale claimed he had wanted to fight on but it was difficult to see the fight lasting much longer. “GGG” Golovkin, 32, retains his WBA and IBO titles. He has 27 wins by KO/TKO but the mark of greatness is that he has won his last 17 that way against steadily tougher opponents. His second win over Geale having beaten Geale in the East Asian Games in 2001. Geale, 33, a former IBF and undefeated WBA champion who had never lost inside the distance was on paper the toughest test Golovkin had faced. He still has a part to play in the division and there are some good paydays if he wants them.

Jennings vs. Perez

Jennings gets split decision win which puts him in line for a world title shot. A slow first round found Jennings using his reach advantage to collect the points. The second round was also slow with southpaw Perez just edging it with body punches. In the third it became apparent that this was going to be a hard fight to score as Jennings had the higher work rate and Perez was landing the harder punches. It was hard to separate them in many rounds with one and then the other taking charge. Despite some furious exchanges neither fighter was badly hurt. Jennings looked to have built a lead with good ninth and tenth rounds. Perez had a better eleventh but then ruined his work and gave Jennings the victory when he lost a point in the last round for the use of an elbow. Scores 115-112 and 114-113 for Jennings, 114-113 for Perez so without the point deduction it would have been a draw. “By-By Jennings seemed to have done enough to make the decision unanimous and neither fighter set the place alight, but the win was what mattered with Jennings No 2 and Perez No 3 in the WBC ratings and Perez No 9 and Jennings 10 with the WBO. The 29-year-old Philadelphian adds Perez to a list of victims which includes Siarhei Liakhovich, Bowie Tupou and Artur Szpilka. Perez, 28, was looking to rebuild his reputation after a disappointing draw against Carlos Takam in January.

Afolabi vs. Smith

Afolabi halts Smith who is put in way over his head. The London-born Afolabi scored heavily with jabs and head and body punches in both the first and second rounds with Smith lacking the power to be competitive. Smith was cut in a clash of heads and floored twice in the third. During the interval the ringside doctor examined Smith and told the referee that Smith was finished. The 34-year-old IBO champion and former interim WBO champion is IBF No 3 but the IBF top rated fighter as the top two positions are vacant. Smith, 29, is 2-4 in his last six fights. His only other loss by KO/TKO was against Sean Monaghan.

Harrison vs. Acuna

Harrison takes every round against experienced southpaw Acuna. Harrison was boxing well inside himself. He took every round outboxing and outpunching Acuna but was unable to open up the defence of the Nicaraguan and had to settle for a points victory. Scores 80-72 from all three judges. The 20-year-old WBO No 15 is yet to be really tested. Acuna 32, a late sub, has lost 8 of his last 9 fights.

Rodriguez vs. Southern

Rodriguez takes just 43 seconds to move to 5 wins. One left hook to the body and it was over with Southern unable to make it to the vertical. The 19-year-old from Hasbrouck HeightsNew Jersey lives up to his “Hammer Hands” nickname as he makes it three first round wins. Rodriguez has strong amateur credentials including being 2013 NGG winner, getting silver medals at the 2012 US and PAL Championships and was alternate for the US 2012 Olympic Team. Southern, 39 had won his last three fights.

Manchester, England: Middle: Billy Joe Saunders (20-0) W KO 8 Emanuele Blandamura (22-1). Light Middle: Liam Smith (17-0-1) W KO 6 Jason Welborn (15-3). Light: Terry Flanagan (25-0) W TKO 7 Martin Gethin (24-6-1). Light: Liam Walsh (16-0) W KO 4 Kevin Hooper (15-3). Light Welter: Jack Catterall (9-0) W TKO 2 Nat Brough (11-1). Light: Liam Williams (10-0-1) W TKO 6 Ronnie Heffron (15-1). Middle: Chris Eubank Jr. (17-0) W TKO 1 Ivan Jukic (19-3). Light Welter: Thomas Stalker (9-0) W PTS 6 Ben Wager (9-6-1).

Saunders vs. Blandamura

Saunders wins vacant EBU title and gets big win without being on top form. Despite suffering and early cut over his left eye Saunders was out-jabbing Blandamura over the first two rounds. The third saw the Italian coming forward and getting home with enough punches of his own to win the round. Saunders jab again became the dominant factor but Blandamura was a clever aggressive fighter and despite a basic technique was making Saunders fight hard in every round and took the fifth. At the end of the seventh the judges had Saunders in front by 68-65 twice and 69-65. Saunders was getting through with the harder punches but looked to be in for a long night when in the eighth he suddenly produced a crunching right which had Blandamura out on his feet. The Italian staggered to the ropes and the referee started to give him a standing eight count but as the count was completed with Blandamura heading for the canvas the towel came in from the Italian’s corner. Southpaw “Super B” Saunders, 24, is already rated WBO 3/WBC 5/IBF 8 and WBA 13. He probably needs another couple of wins before challenging Peter Quillin but he is one of the most talent fighters in Britain. “Sioux” Blandamura, 34, the former undefeated EU champion, had scored good wins over Luca Tassi (15-0 and Marcos Nader (18-0-1) and was IBF 13/WBC 15 but that pulverising right undid him.

Smith vs. Welborn

Smith retains his British title with kayo of Welborn. “Beefy” Smith won a messy first round but Welborn took the second with some sharp counters. The action heated up with Welborn throwing fast combinations and Smith getting home power shots. They were also getting nasty with each other on the inside and Welborn was given recuperation time after a low blow from Smith in the fourth. Smith’s superior power was allowing him to take over. In the sixth a left to the body floored Welborn in agony and he was unable to get up again. Second defence of his British title for the 25-year-old former undefeated Commonwealth champion. Brothers Paul and Callum are making the headlines right now but 26-year-old Liam (his birthday was one day after this fight) has run up good wins over Steve O’Meara, Erick Ochieng, and Mark Thompson and is EBU 8/IBF 11/WBO 13. Welborn, 28, moved up to light middle after losing to Frankie Gavin for the British title in January last year and going into this fight that was his only loss in his last 15 fights.

Flanagan vs. Gethin

Flanagan wins the vacant British title with stoppage of Gethin. It was Gethin who was forcing the fight in the first round with Flanagan more aggressive in the second. Flanagan also did well in the third although seeming content to box on the retreat and slot home hard counters. Southpaw Flanagan had the best of the fourth, fifth and sixth as he was the busier and more accurate with his punches and Gethin’s right eye was rapidly closing. Gethin came out in the seventh trying to turn the fight around but was caught by a right which started his ear swelling and was hurt by shots at the end of the round. The ear swelling was a big cause of concern and Gethin was unable to continue. The 25-year-old “Turbo” adds the British title to a list of credits which already includes a win over Nate Campbell and a Prizefighter victory. The EBU No 8 he has nine wins by KO/TKO. Former British champion Gethin, 30, has now lost three in a row, two in fights for the British title. He suffered a kayo loss against Ammeth Diaz in a IBF eliminator and in May a split decision against Derry Matthews for the British title.

Walsh vs. Hooper

Southpaw Walsh uses body punches to beat short notice sub Hoper. As early as the second round Walsh was slamming home hurtful body shots and his attacks in the third saw Hooper given some respite in the shape of a standing count. Late in the fourth a left to the body had Hooper writhing in agony on the canvas and he was counted out. Now 11 wins by KO/TKO for the 28-year-old Walsh, one of three boxing brothers, and he already has wins over Paul Appleby, Domenico Urbano, Scott Harrison and Joe Murray. Hooper, 30, had suffered consecutive losses to Gary Sykes and John Keys in 2013 but had won his last two fights going into this one.

Catterall vs. Brough

Catterall gets kayo win in battle of undefeated fighters. Former top amateur Brough just edged the first round with some sharp jabs and Catterall got through with a couple of crisp head punches. The fight was even in the second round until Catterall stepped inside a Brough punch and landed a left hook to the chin which flattened Brough. The referee did not bother to count and Brough needed medical attention before recovering. The 21-year-old southpaw prospect has 5 wins by KO/TKO and wins the vacant BBB of C Central Area title. A big shock for Brough, 30, a former World Junior bronze medallist.

Williams vs. Heffron

William wins British title eliminator. Williams made a storming start looking the harder puncher and scoring with good body punches and Heffron looked worried at the end of the first round. It got worse for Heffron in the second when a clash of heads left him with a gash on his forehead. Heffron was more in the fight in the third and fourth although Williams scored with a good combination late in the fourth. The doctor took a look at Heffron’s cut at the interval. Williams was on top in the fifth and sixth and despite a cut opening over right eye in the sixth the fight was becoming one-sided as Williams banged home hard rights. At the end of the sixth Heffron’s corner wisely pulled their man out of the fight. The tall, 22-year-old Welshmen Williams, who competed at the 2010 World Youth Championships was in his first ten round fight and now has 5 wins by KO/TKO. Former European Cadet and English Amateur champion Heffron’s only other loss had been in a challenge for the Commonwealth title against Denton Vassell in 2012 and he had run up 4 wins since then

Eubank vs. Jukic

No posing and posturing from Eubank this time as he disposes of Croatian inside a round. A volley of shots put Jukic down and although he beat the count he was floored again and the fight was stopped. The 24-year-old now has 9 wins in a row by KO/TKO and was having his fifth fight of the year. Jukic’s statistics were deceivingly good as he had fought only very low level ,opposition and this was his third loss by KO/TKO.

Stalker vs. Wager

Stalker gets another win but his profile remains low. Stalker easy collected the first four rounds with Wager suffering a bad cut over his right eye in the third round. Despite the handicap Wager fought hard over the last three rounds. Referee’s score 59-56 for Olympian Stalker, 30, who has plenty of talent but has had to go the distance in each of his last four fights when he needed to produce something spectacular to get noticed. Wager had won 3 of his last 4 fights.

Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany: Super Middle: Robert Stieglitz (47-4) W TKO 10 Sergey Khomitsky (29-11-2). Light Heavy: Robin Krasniqi (42-3) W PTS 12 Olek Cherviak (14-4-1). Light Heavy: Dominic Boesel (16-0) W PTS 10 Daniel Regi (22-10). Super Middle: Guram Natsulishvili (8-1) W KO 5 Moritz Stahl (8-1).

Stieglitz vs. Khomitsky

Stieglitz gets a win but in unique circumstances. Khomitsky was in front early as he took the fight to Stieglitz even staggering the former WBO champion in the first round. Stieglitz evened things up by taking the second but after that the fight was very close with Khomitsky still the aggressor but with Stieglitz probably edging things with his better skills. Both fighters were sporting cuts by the sixth and Khomitsky hurt Stieglitz in the eighth with a left hook. Stieglitz still had a slender lead but the end in the tenth round was a real shock. On a couple of occasions the taping had come loose on Khomitsky’s gloves and on each occasion his corner had been very slow in fixing the problem. When the tape came loose again in the tenth the referee sent Khomitsky back to his corner to get it fixed. The referee decided that this was taking too long and ruled out Khomitsky and declared Stieglitz the winner by TKO although a disqualification would seem more sensible. At the time the judges had Stieglitz ahead 87-84 twice and 88-83 which based on the completed rounds looked very unfair on Khomitsky. The 33-year-old Stieglitz is 1-2 in his series with Arthur Abraham and is looking to even the score. The Belarus “Ghost” Khomitsky, 39, the WBO No 7, was coming off a stoppage of Brit Frank Buglioni and he gave Stieglitz a torrid night.

Krasniqi vs. Cherviak

Krasniqi outboxes Cherviak and wins a clear unanimous decision. The Kosovan fighter bossed the fight at both distance and inside and Cherviak was well beaten. Krasniqi scored with his jab and body shots, but his favoured uppercuts was not firing and he was never able to turn his domination into a stoppage win. Cherviak won occasional rounds as he launched furious attacks but was largely inaccurate. Scores 117-111 twice and 118-110.The 27-year-old retains his WBO International title and wins the vacant WBA Continental title. He was outclassed by Nat Cleverly in a fight for the WBO title in 2013. He is now rated WBO 3 and WBA 4(3), but would not live with Adonis Stevenson or Sergey Kovalev. Ukrainian Cherviak, 33, had been 2-1 in his last three fights getting an upset win over Dustin Dirks (27-0) losing to world rated Nadjib Mohammedi then beating Artem Redko (20-3-3). He was WBA No 5 (4).

Boesel vs. Regi

Former top amateur Boesel extends his winning run as he does everything except stop game Regi. The 24-yearold German won every round and put Regi down five times but could not keep him there and won on scores of 100-87 from all three judges. He retains the WBO Inter-Continental title and is a ridiculous No 8 with the WBO. The EBU have him a more realistic No 14. Hungarian Regi, 33, had won 6 of his last 7 but has lost 7 times by KO/TKO.

Natsulishvili vs. Stahl

Spanish-based Georgian Natsulishvili scored one for the visitors as he came from behind to put away prospect Stahl. The German started well and built a lead but in the fifth he was put down by a vicious hook to the body from Natsulishvili and was unable to beat the count. The 23-year-old “Guga” wins the vacant WBO Youth Intercontinental title and has 6 wins by KO/TKO. He had never fought an opponent with a positive record so looked a safe bet for the local. Stahl, 22, had 5 first round wins so this was an upset.

Riga, Latvia: Cruiser: Roy Jones Jr. (58-8) W TKO 5 Courtney Fry (18-6). Heavy: Denis Bakhtov (37-9) W PTS 8 Konstantin Airich (21-9-2). Super Middle: Maxim Vlasov (30-1) W KO 7 Ruben Acosta (28-10-5). Light Welter: Aik Shakhnazaryan (13-0) W KO 5 Ramon de la Cruz Sena (18-12-20). Cruiser: Mairis Breidis (12-0) W TKO 9 Joey Vegas (16-9-1),

Jones vs. Fry

Jones retains WBU title (German version) as Fry retires after five rounds. With both fighters very cautious there was very little action in the first two rounds. Jones woke up in the third and got through with some combinations. What speed there was with Jones and he found Fry an easy target in the fourth. In the fifth Fry was showing a cut up on his head and was floored by a Jones left hook. At the end of the round he retired. Difficult to know why Jones continues as he is fighting for small purses and there is no place for him at boxing’s top table. Brit Fry, 39, was an outstanding amateur but has never managed to reach the heights as a pro.

Bakhtov vs. Airich

Bakhtov gets unanimous decision in contest between veteran’s whose best days are a long way behind them. Bakhtov just had more left and was quicker and more accurate but neither fighter was in ascendancy for long. Scores 80-74, 79-73 and 77-76 with the middle score the best indicator of what took place. “Darth Vader” Bakhtov, 34, is 5-4 in his last 9 fights and is a useful test for European prospects. Airich, 35, is 2-5 in his last 7 fights.

Vlasov vs. Acosta

Vlasov slowly breaks down Argentinian on the way to stoppage win. Vlasov had big edges in height, reach power and skill and all Acosta had to offer was courage. Vlasov was able to get through with hard punches in every round and in the seventh a tiring Acosta was nailed with a huge right uppercut and went down and out. The 27-year-old 6’3” (190cm) Russian suffered his only loss when he was outpointed by Isaac Chilemba in 2011 and has won 11 straight since then. He is WBC 5/IBF 6(5)/WBA 12 and WBO 14. Acosta lost to Robert Stieglitz in a challenge for the WBO super middle title in 2010.

Shakhnazaryan vs Cruz

The Russian “Humanoid” gets a rare inside the distance win as he puts away Argentinian in the fifth. Cruz tried his best but he lacked the power to punch with Shakhnazaryan. The Argentinian began to wilt as Shakhnazaryan came on stronger with each round. The end came in the fifth when Cruz was floored by a right and was counted out. Shakhnazaryan the 21-year-old WBO European champion has just 5 wins by KO/TKO but has good wins over Felix Lora and Alisher Rahimov (25-2). Sena, 28, loses by KO/TKO for only the second time.

Briedis vs. Vegas

Briedis, Latvia’s best fighter gets a win as Vegas is unable to continue due to a leg injury. Briedis had early problems with the awkward style of Vegas and both were affected by the heat at the venue. Briedis had worked out how to deal with Vegas from the fifth and floored the Ugandan in the sixth. Briedis was well on top when Vegas was unable to continue due to a leg injury. The 29-year-old Briedis makes it 10 wins by KO/TKO with victories over useful names in Jeremy Ouanna and Lubos Suda. He was a bit rusty after eight months of inactivity due to an elbow injury. Vegas, 32, has now lost three in a row but against tough opposition in Ryno Liebenberg, Dmitry Sukhotsky and now Briedis.

Villa Flores, Mexico: Super Feather: Fernando Montiel (52-4-2) W KO 1 Jesus Rios (30-6-1,1ND). Light Fly: Mario Rodriguez (18-9-4) W PTS 10 Junior Granados (12-2-1).

Montiel vs. Rios

Too easy for Montiel as he finishes Rios in 94 seconds. After a minute of feeling out Montiel drove Rios back and then landed a left hook which put Rios down. He took the count on one knee and never looked like getting up. The 35-year-old Montiel, a three division champion, was having only his second fight in 13 months and was probably hoping for a bit more ring time. He had slipped out of the ratings but with a couple more fights a shot at a title in a fourth division is a possibility. Rios, 30, had won 6 of his last 7 fights but this was his sixth loss by KO/TKO.

Rodriguez vs. Granados

Rodriguez gets unanimous decision over Yucatan novice. Granados was in the fight over the first four rounds, but then the superior experience of the former IBF strawweight champion showed and “Dragoncito” was able to box his way to the win. Scores 97-93 twice and 97-95. Both guys needed a win as Rodriguez was rebuilding after a run of 3 losses in 4 fights and Granados had gone 1-1 against poor opposition after scoring 12 wins.

Epazoyucan, Mexico: Bantam: Rodrigo Guerrero (21-5-1) W TKO 8 Takahiro Shigee (11-1-1). Guerrero proves too strong and experienced for Shigee and forces a retirement at the end of the eighth round. The Mexican took an early lead in this battle of southpaws getting the better of the exchanges over the first four rounds. The split scoring had Guerrero in front 39-37 on two cards and 40-36 on the third. Things got rough in the fourth with Shigee launching a butt only to be the one cut over his left eye. It got worse when another clash of heads in the round saw Shigee deducted a point, but Guerrero was sporting a cut on his right cheek. Guerrero was scoring well with hard rights but he also lost a point for a butt in the sixth. Uppercuts from Guerrero gave him the seventh round although Shigee stood and traded and scored with hard punches of his own. Guerrero handed out heavy punishment in the eighth and broke the resistance of the rapidly fading Japanese fighter who did not answer the bell for the ninth round. The 26-year-old former IBF super fly champion wins the vacant WBC International Silver title and makes it two good wins in a row after halting unbeaten Daniel Rosas (17-0-1). First fight outside Japan and first fight scheduled for more than eight rounds for 22-year-old Shigee.

Mandaluyong City, Philippines: Feather: Bernabe Concepcion (32-6-2) TEC DRAW 3 Eden Sonsona (32-6-2). Super Bantam: Dodie Boy Penalosa Jr. (13-0) W KO 3 Dicky Amtiran (3-9). Feather: Richard Pumicpic (15-6-2) W PTS 8 Rex Olisa (10-25-1). Super Bantam: David Penalosa (9-0) W KO 5 Danilo Gabisay (5-3).

Concepcion vs. Sonsona

An important bout for both boxers had a disappointing ending. Concepcion was trying to walk down clever southpaw Sonsona and Sonsona was banging back, sometimes low. It was warming up nicely but it ended in the third when a clash of heads saw Concepcion suffer a bad cut over his right eye and the fight was halted and declared a technical draw.

“The Real Deal” Concepcion, 26, has twice challenged for the WBO feather title losing to Steve Luevano and Juan Manuel Lopez in a bad spell that saw him go 2-4 in six fights. He then scored a couple of wins before being inactive from April 2013 until this fight. “Mr Showboat” Sonsona, 25, has lost only one of his last 14 fights. The loss was to Jonathan Oquendo in 2010 and he had since won six fights before a head clash saw his fight last July against Daniel Ferreras also end in a technical draw. A rematch is being planned for September.

Penalosa vs. Amtiran

Too easy for Penalosa as he destroys late sub Amtiran. The Indonesian went down in the first round from a punch that seemed to land on his eye and sent him tumbling into the ropes. Penalosa was able to score at will against his smaller opponent with his southpaw jabs and hard lefts. Amtiran just survived the second round. Penalosa was down briefly in the third but it was ruled a slip. There was no slip involved later in the round as Amtiran was put down by a range of body punches and failed to beat the count. The 23-year-old son of former double IBF champion Dodie Senior was unbeaten as an amateur and has yet to go the distance as a pro as he has 12 wins by KO/TKO and one by technical decision. He is ready for better opposition. Amtiran is 2-8 in his last 10 fights.

Pumicpic vs. Olisa

Pumicpic gets comfortable win over Olisa. In his first fight since losing a majority decision in Japan to Ryosuke Iwasa for the OPBF bantam title the light punching Pumicpic used an effective body attack to dominate the fight and win on scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74. The 24-year-old “Beast” is 5-1-1 in his last 7 fights. “T-Rex” Olisa, 25, has lost 7 of his last 8 fights.

Penalosa vs Gabisay

Penalosa makes it a family double but has to climb off the floor for his win. Penalosa edged the first couple of rounds but was having trouble with the reach advantage of Gabisay. Penalosa was caught by a straight right in the third round which put him down. He bounced back to floor Gabisay before the end of the round. Penalosa stepped-up a gear in the fourth and although Gabisay was still fighting back hard the young southpaw twice used hard rights to put Gabisay down ending the fight with a ferocious body punch. “The Filipino “Hunter, 23 makes it six wins by KO/TKO as he moves up to eight rounds for the first time. Second loss by KO/TKO for Gabisay.

Phoenix, AZ, USA: Welter: Jose Benavidez (21-0) W TKO 1 Henry Aurad (16-9-1). Super Feather: Oscar Valdez (12-0) W PTS 8 Juan Ruiz (23-14). Light Heavy: Trevor McCumby (16-0) W PTS 6 Mike Gbenga (11-7-1).

Benavidez vs. Aurad

Home town fighter Benavidez needs just 110 seconds to blow away late sub Aurad. Benavidez scored two knockdowns and although Aurad made it to his feet after the second knockdown he was unsteady on his feet and the fight was stopped. As with former amateur foe Frankie Gomez Benavidez seemed to lose his way for a while being inactive from October 2012 through to November 2013. The former NGG champion has 14 wins by KO/TKO and with three wins this year will soon be up there in the world ratings. Colombian Aurad now has 8 losses by KO/TKO.

Valdez vs. Ruiz

Valdez kayo streak broken as experienced Ruiz takes him the distance. The outstanding Mexican prospect was in total command but Ruiz refused to crumple and gave Valdez some rough moments. Valdez had the skills and was looking to extend his kayo run, but Ruiz is a tough/crafty pro who used his head in more ways then one and did lots of clinching to survive. He was finally deducted a point in the last round for various infractions but had come in at late notice and done his job. Scores 80-71 from all three judges. The 23-year-old Valdez had won eleven in a row by KO/TKO so his first eight round fight and a good learning experience. He is a double Olympian, was a World Youth gold medal winner and won a bronze medal at the World Championships. He looks a good bet for a world title in the next two to three years. Californian Ruiz, 35, has lost his last 9 fights but has never lost by KO/TKO despite being in with Bernabe Concepcion, Wayne McCullough, Vicente Escobedo, Victor Terrazas, Gary Russell and Arash Usmanee.

McCumby vs. Gbenga

Local fighter McCumby moves to 16 wins with easy victory over limited Gbenga. McCumby was trying to put away the hard-chinned Nigerian in every round and had him badly hurt in the third but Gbenga survived. Despite handing out a steady beating the nearest McCumby came to a stoppage was when he floored Gbenga with a left in the fifth but Gbenga showed a good chin and went the distance. Scores 60-53 from all three judges. The 21-year-old has 12 wins by KO/TKO and had won 4 of his last 5 by KO/TKO in the first round. Gbenga, 35, a short notice stand-in has lost his last 6.

Quilmes, Argentina: Light Heavy: Isidro Ranoni Prieto (20-0-3) W TKO 5 Miguel Angel Cobas (12-2-5). Paraguayan-born Prieto outclasses Cobas to win the interim South American title. The “Warrior” was scoring well in each round with his southpaw jab and right crosses. Cobas had no answer to the power of Prieto and was under heavy fire in the fourth. In the fifth Prieto drove Cobas to a corner and floored him with a left to the chin. Cobas landed on his back and the referee abandoned the count to get him some aid. Prieto, 28, has 17 wins by KO/TKO including 8 in his last 9 fights. He is FAB No1 and WBO No 7. Argentinian Cobas had been kayoed inside a round by Noe Gonzalez Alcoba in 2012 and this was only his third fight since then.