The Past Week in Action

KLITSCHKO VS. PULEV

November 12

Melbourne, Australia: Light Middle: Anthony Mundine (47-6) W PTS 12 Sergey Rabchenko (25-1). Heavy: Lucas Browne (22-0) W TKO 5 Chauncy Welliver (55-9-5). Light Welter: Leonardo Zappavigna (33-2) W TKO 7 Misael Castillo (26-4). Super Feather: Kye McKenzie (13-0) W TKO 10 Clive Atwell (12-2-1).

Mundine vs. Rabchenko

It is always a risk when you take a fight in the other guys territory as Rabchenko discovered in losing a split decision to Mundine. The Australian made the better start. He was not doing anything spectacular just keeping a tight guard, picking up the points and profiting from a slow start by Rabchenko. Mundine had a good fourth hurting Rabchenko with a right and forcing the Belarus fighter to fight off the ropes. At the end of the fourth Mundine was in front on two cards but behind on the third. Rabchenko finally started to roll in the fifth and sixth and the seventh was a big round for him. He hurt Mundine with a body punch and then had the Australian under fire, although Mundine did recover to bang back it was Rabchenko’s round. The eighth was more of a balanced round and in the open scoring Rabchenko was very much back in the fight with one judge having him in front 77-75, one having Mundine in front 77-75 and third having it even at 76-76 . Rabchenko hurt Mundine with an overhand right in the ninth but again Mundine shook it off and was doing some scoring of his own at the end of the round. In the tenth Rabchenko seemed to be near victory. He hurt Mundine with an uppercut and suddenly Mundine was in deep trouble on the ropes and taking heavy shots. The Australian threw himself off the ropes with his head down grabbing Rabchenko round the waist and it seemed as though that was the only thing saving him from a knockdown. To his credit Mundine survived. Rabchenko seemed to edge the eleventh with both throwing punches wildly in the last in the finish to an excellent contest which could have gone either way. The final scores were 116-112 and 115-113 for Mundine and 115-113 for Rabchenko. After being comprehensively beaten by Joshua Clottey in April (9, 8 and 6pts on the cards) it looked like his career was almost over. Now he is the WBC Silver champion, has beaten the WBC No 2 and is talking about a Floyd Mayweather Jr fight. That’s not likely to happen. Rabchenko was No 2 for ages and never got a sniff of a fight with Mayweather and it would be hard to sell Mundine to the US TV Pay-Per-View audience but there are plenty of other big fights if Mundine wants them and at 39 there is not much time for him to cash in on this win. With the scores as they were after eight rounds and the strong finish by Rabchenko he can feel aggrieved that he did not get at least a draw but two of the judges saw it otherwise and that’s what counts. Ricky Hatton will now have to draw up another plan to get Rabchenko back into contention but at 28 (Rabchenko that is not Ricky) he has time to do so.

Browne vs. Welliver

Browne halts Welliver in five. This was never going to be a fast-paced fight with Browne more designed for power than speed and Welliver- well-just fat really. In the first round Welliver” boxing” southpaw, was trying to work inside behind a cross-armed defence and then throw cuffing shots which lacked power whilst Browne was landing long rights with ease. The second again saw Welliver walking forward with a cross-armed defence but leaving gaps where Browne was able to get through with rights. Browne put on more pressure in the third trapping Welliver in corners and using hooks and uppercuts which soon saw Welliver with a mouse under his left eye. Browne also suffered a small cut outside his left eye. Brown continued to press in the forth forcing Welliver to the ropers and using his right as a lead with Welliver still fight southpaw. The damage below Welliver’s left eye was quickly worsening and closing. At the start of the fifth Browns told his trainer Jeff Fenech that his right hand was hurting, but it did not stop him clubbing Welliver with more right hand leads. When trapped in a corner Welliver turned his back on Browne and it looked as though the fight would be stopped but Welliver chose to continue although he could not see out of the left eye and he was just trying to protect the injury. Brown landed his best right hand punch as he trapped Welliver on the ropes for the last minute of the round. The doctor examined Welliver in the corner and the fight was stopped with it looking as though the eye socket was broken. The 35-year-old “Big Daddy” retains the WBC EPBC and WBA Inter-Continental titles and makes it 19 wins by KO/TKO. New-Zealand-based Welliver, 31, showed courage to go through that fifth round and is 2-4 in his last 6 fights but is carrying a whole lot too much weight.

Zappavigna vs. Castillo

Zappa makes it 8 wins in a row with impressive stoppage of Mexican Castillo. The Mexican was on the floor in the first from a couple of hard punches and just kept walking into punishment. Zappa was quick and accurate and Castillo’s only tactic seemed to be to tire Zappa out by letting the home fighter tire himself by throwing and landing too many punches. Finally in the seventh with Zappa on top and scoring with more hard punches the referee stopped the fight. The 27-year-old Australian former IBO champion rated IBF 5/WBO 6 continues his rebuilding exercise after back-to-back losses in 2011 to Miguel Vazquez for the WBC light title and Ammeth Diaz . Castillo going the other way. After winning his first 20 fights Castillo is now 6-4 in his last 10 fights.

McKenzie vs. Atwell

Young prospect McKenzie gets another win inside the distance as he halts Guyanan Atwell in the tenth round. McKenzie won every round but Atwell showed a tough determination to stay in the fight despite all of the punishment McKenzie handed out. The end came in the tenth when a punch from McKenzie unhinged Atwell’s legs and the referee stepped in and stopped the fight. The 22-year-old “Mr Frenzy” now has 11 wins by KO/TKO, the last nine on the bounce. McKenzie wins the vacant interim PABA title to add to his Australian title. Not a nice present for Atwell whose birthday was the day before the fight. He had announced his retirement due to managerial problems shortly after losing to Jhonny Gonzalez for the WBC title in May but returned for this one at least.

November 13

Indio, CA, USA: Super Bantam: Joseph Diaz (13-0) W TKO 4 Roberto Castaneda (21-8-1). Feather: Julian Ramirez (13-0) W TKO 4 Pedro Melo (9-7-2). Feather: Diego De La Hoya (8-0) W TKO 5 Ali Gonzalez (6-4). Feather: Roy Tapia (10-0-1) W TKO 4 Luis Maldonado (36-14-1). Heavy: Taishan Dong (2-0) W KO 1 Tommy Washington (3-7).

Diaz vs. Castañeda

Diaz well on his way to victory when Castaneda pulls out with injury. The young southpaw was able to land his left from the first round. The experienced Castaneda tried to match Diaz with body punches in the second but Diaz was busier and more accurate with his shots. Diaz was breaking Castaneda down in the fourth scoring well to head and body and again hurting the Mexican with his southpaw lefts. At the end of the fourth round the doctor examined Castaneda’s hand and the corner retired their man saying the hand was broken. “JoJo” Diaz, 21, was US amateur champion in 2010 and 2011, he competed at the 2011 World Championships where he beat Oscar Valdez and was a member of the US Team at the 2012 Olympics. He has 9 wins by KO/TKO. “Azabache” Castaneda, 23, won his first 19 fights but is now on the other side of the slope with 7 losses in his last 8 fights although 5 of the losses have been to unbeaten fighters.

Ramirez vs. Melo

Ramirez extends his unbeaten record as Melo also retires after four rounds. Ramirez did some untidy work in the first but sharpened up and was scoring well to the body with Melo already looking unhappy with some of the punishment. Ramirez opened a cut over Melo’s left eye and was thumping home body punches and southpaw lefts to Melo’s face in the third and fourth and at the end of the fourth Melo’s corner pulled their man out of the fight. The 21-year-old Californian a four-time National PAL champion has 8 wins by KO/TKO. Mexican Melo, 26, returned to action with a loss in August after being inactive for almost two years.

De La Hoya vs. González

De La Hoya makes it eight wins as he floors and stops Gonzalez. Diego, the cousin of Oscar, just had too much skill and speed and was peppering southpaw Gonzalez with fast combinations from both hands. He had Gonzalez down in the second although it also seemed to be partly due to Gonzalez being off balance but De La Hoya was in total control. In the fifth he shook Gonzalez with an uppercut and the follow-up attack saw the referee stop the fight. The 20-year-old “Golden Kid” a former Mexican amateur champion who competed at the World Youth Championships has six wins by KO/TKO and is a talent to watch out for. Third loss by KO/TKO for Gonzalez.

Tapia vs. Maldonado
Tapia halts a once promising but now way down the hill Maldonado. A good level amateur, Tapia was able to get through the porous guard of Maldonado in each round. He floored the Mexican veteran early in the fourth and then finished the fight with a body punch from which Maldonado was unable to recover. Tapia now has 7 wins in a row. Maldonado, 36, a former IBF/IBO flyweight and WBO super flyweight title challenger has now lost 11 of his last 12 fights.

Dong vs. Washington

Dong wins but bordering on farce. The 7’0” (213cm) tall Chinese fighter just padded after a timid Washington who was only looking to survive. The first right that got through Washington’s cupped gloves saw him go down and take the full count whilst on his knees. Second win for Dong who dabbled with basketball, wrestling, kung fu and kickboxing before trying boxing. The “Taishan” name comes from a sacred Taoist mountain which Dong climbed. Washington ? First fight since September 2008 and loss No 7 in his last 8 fights so he performed to expectations.

Washington, DC, USA: Super Fly: Carlos Cuadras (31-0-1) W TKO 6 Marvin Mabait (19-3-2). Super Middle: Antoine Douglas (16-0-1) W PTS 6 Don Mouton (14-9-1).

Cuadras vs. Mabait

Cuadras retains the WBC title with stoppage of late substitute Mabait. Cuadras controlled the fight with his jab from the off. Mabait was never able to get into the fight and was floored in the fourth and down twice and under heavy pressure in the sixth when the fight was stopped. Second defence of his WBC title for 26-year-old “Principe” Cuadras and win No 25 by KO/TKO. Filipino Southpaw Mabait, 26, came in as a late substitute when original challenger Sonny Boy Jaro had visa problem so Mabait was then promoted into the top 15 by the WBC-naturally

Douglas vs. Mouton

Douglas continues unbeaten with routine win over Texan Mouton. The former top amateur makes it two wins since his 100% record was dented by a draw in July with useful French fighter Michel Soro (23-1). All three judges had it 60-54 for Douglas. He had to win as his sister Tyrieshia won the WBA female title on another show on the same night. Mouton, 36, had won his last two fights. They were easy matches for him and he deserved a break as he had lost four in a row to fighters with combined total records of 78-0.

Westbury, NY, USA: Welter: Tommy Rainone (22-5-1) W PTS 10 Carl McNickles (8-6). Light Middle: Dennis Hogan (20-0-1) W DISQ 3 Jose M R Berrio (21-7).

Rainone vs. McNickles

Local hero Rainone wins the vacant USBO title with wide unanimous decision over McNickles. Rainone did not let McNickles get into the fight flooring him twice but lacking the power to put him away. Scores 99-89 twice and 97-91. The 34-year-old “Razor” has 5 wins and a draw in his last 6 fights. McNickles has had only one fight in the last two years and that was in January so not much activity.

Hogan vs. Berrio

“Hurricane” Hogan wins his first fight in the USA but poor showing by Berrio stops Hogan shining. The unbeaten Irishman was hurting Berrio early and the Colombian was already resorting to clinching in the first round. He continued to try to smother Hogan’s work in the second and the referee finally lost patience with him and threw him out in the third. The 29-year-old former undefeated Australian champion is rated WBA 12(11) and IBF 14(13) and will be hoping for a more accommodating opponent next time out. Venezuelan-based Berrio started out with 18 wins in a row but is 1-6 in his last 7 fights with losses to top opposition such as Marco A Rubio, Bronco McKart and Daniel Jacobs.

November 14

Liepaja, Latvia: Cruiser: Mairis Briedis (14-0) W PTS 12 Ismail Abdoul (55-32-2). Heavy: Evgenios Lazaridis (5-0) W TKO 7 Olegs Lopajevs (8-11-1).

Briedis vs. Abdoul

Briedis retains his IBA title with unanimous decision over Abdoul. Like most of Abdoul’s opponents Briedis was able to win the fight by a large margin but had to go the distance to do so. The Latvian had the edge in speed and skill and had no trouble finding the target with hard punches but Abdoul is an experienced survivor and had no real trouble in going the distance-yet again. Scores 120-108, 120-109 and 120-110. Briedis, 29, the best boxer in Latvia, has wins over Jeremy Ouanna, Lubos Suda and Joey Vegas. He also holds the WBC Baltic title. He was Latvian amateur champion in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Cool Abdoul, 38, like many boxers wins at home and loses on his travels. He is also brought in as a useful test for promising young fighters and 10 of his last 11 losses have been to unbeaten fighters.

Lazaridis vs. Lopajevs

Big Greek heavyweight Lazaridis gets another inside the distance win. The 6’6” (198cm) Greek put the home fighter down in the first but then lost his way a bit until producing some power shots to floor Lopajevs twice in the seventh to force the finish. The 26-year-old from Athens has 4 wins b y KO/TKO and this is the fifth different country he has fought in. He is a former Greek amateur champion but failed at the European Olympic Qualifier and turned pro. Lopajevs now has 8 losses by KO/TKO.

Monterrey, Mexico: Bantam: Julio Cesar Miranda (37-11-2) W Fernando Aguilar (10-9).

Miranda wins Mexican title with majority decision over Aguilar. The fight was close but Miranda was edging the rounds and looked a clear winner. Aguilar showed his durability and gave Miranda a hard fight. He was hard pressed at times having come in as a late substitute and when in trouble in the fifth and seventh rounds responded by spitting out his mouthpiece but was not penalised. The three judges all viewed this fight differently. One judge had Miranda the winner by 117-109, anther gave it to Miranda 116-112 and the third had it a draw at 114-114. Only in boxing! “Pingo” Miranda the 34-year-old former WBO flyweight champion badly needed a win after 5 losses and a draw in his last 6 fights and he will be aiming to build on it when he returns to action in February or March next year. Four losses in a row for Aguilar but as a short notice sub he gave a strong performance.

Hato Rey, Puerto Rico: Super Feather: Jose Pedraza (19-0) W PTS 12 Michael Farenas (39-5-4). Welter: Rashidi Ellis (13-0) W KO 5 Joseph De los Santos (18-14-3). Light Fly: Jonathan Gonzalez (15-1-1) W PTS 8 Omar Soto ((15-14-1). Super Feather: Alberto Mercado (10-0) W PTS 8 Edgar Lopez Sasso (9-1-1).

Pedraza vs. Farenas

Big win for Pedroza as he outpoints Farenas to move in to the mandatory challenger spot in the IBF ratings. ”The Sniper” used his superior skills to counter the aggression of the strong Filipino. He had Farenas hurt at the end of the second round and built a good lead and despite being shaken by a right in the sixth stuck to his boxing. Southpaw Farenas was trying to land heavy shots throughout the fight and staged a strong finish but Pedroza already had the fight won by then. Scores 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112. The 25-year-old was rated IBF 6(5) but this win over No 2(0) Farenas puts him into the No 1 spot and ready for a challenge against Rances Barthelemy. He is a former Puerto Rican amateur champion, won a gold medal at the Central American & Caribbean Games, a silver medal at the World Championships, a bronze medal at the Pan American Games and competed at the 2008 Olympics. Farenas, 30, was coming off an impressive stoppage of previously unbeaten Mike Davis. He fought a technical draw with Takashi Uchiyama for the WBA title and his only loss in his last 14 fights was on points against Yuriorkis Gamboa for the interim WBA title.

Ellis vs. De Los Santos

Ellis makes it 10 wins by KO/TKO with stoppage of Dominican veteran. The 21-year-old prospect was moving up from welter but brought his power with him. He has won 7 of his last 8 fights by KO/TKO. Puerto Rico-based De los Santos, 37, now has 4 losses by KO/TKO.

Gonzalez vs. Soto

Gonzalez has to go the distance to beat oldie Soto. The young southpaw dominated the fight flooring Soto heavily in the fourth but Soto somehow got up and used all of his experience to survive to the final bell. Scores 80-71 on all three cards. It was the first time Gonzalez had fought at light flyweight in seven years. The 23-year-old former amateur star gets his second win since suffering a bad defeat in an over ambitious fight against Giovanni Segura and only managing a draw with Mike Perez. As with Pedroza “Bomba” is a former Puerto Rican amateur champion who won gold medals at the World Youth and Central American & Caribbean Championships. “El Pastor” Soto, 32, challenged unsuccessfully for one full world title and three interim titles but has lost his last 11 fights.

Mercado vs. Lopez Sasso

Southpaw Mercado wins this battle of unbeaten Puerto Rican fighters with a stronger finish. Mercado took the first two rounds hurting Lopez Sasso with body punches and staggering him. Lopez Sasso fought back hard to take the third and fourth with a body attack strategy of his own. The fifth and six were hard fought close rounds with Mercado just edging them and as Lopez Sasso tired Mercado snapped up the closing rounds to win the fight. Scores 79-73 twice and 80-72. The 26-year-old Connecticut-born Mercado has good skills but is low on power with only two wins by KO/TKO. Sasso’s WBC Cabofe title was not said to be on the line in this one.

Pittsburg, PA, USA: Welter: Sammy Vasquez (17-0) W KO 1 Alberto Mosquera (21–2,2ND). Light: Rod Salka (20-4) W PTS 10 Monty Meza Clay (36-4). Light Middle: Erickson Lubin (8-0) W PTS 8 Norberto Gonzalez (20-6). Light Middle: Domonique Dolton (15-0) W PTS 6 Jon Batista (14-5).

Vasquez vs. Mosquera

In an all-southpaw contest Vazquez puts out a big signal to other welterweights to say watch out I am coming . The “Who Can Mexican” floored Mosquera with a right hook and after the Panamanian got up jumped on him and landed a series of punches with a body shot putting Mosquera down again and this time he could not get up. The tall 28-year-old former Army & US Services champion and NGG silver medallist makes it 13 wins by KO/TKO . He wins the vacant WBC Fecarbox title to add to the IBF USBA title he won with a stoppage victory over unbeaten James Stevenson (21-0) in August. After being unbeaten in 25 fights Panamanian Mosquera, 27, now has two KO/TKO losses in a row having been knocked out by Charlie Navarro in June.

Salka vs. Clay

Salka starts to rebuild his reputation after all of the flak he got in losing so badly to Danny Garcia. Salka was the guy with the skill using a strong jab and good movement to blunt Meza Clay’s attacks. Meza Clay was pressing throughout the fight and forcing Salka to trade more often than he would have liked and both fighters were cut early but Salka was edging the rounds. He was busier and more accurate but Meza Clay was dangerous and they had one of those fights where the styles do make it an interesting and competitive fight-despite what the scores indicate. Salka took the decision on the cards at 99-91, 98-92 and 97-94. Now 31-year-old “Lightning Rod” having retained the WBC Fecarbox title can continue with a sensible career where the win over unbeaten Alex Collado was taking him before the madness of taking the Garcia fight. Clay,33, the WBC No 15 had won his last 8 fights.

Lubin vs. Gonzalez

Lubin passes his first real test and climbs off the floor to outpoint Mexican Gonzalez. The fight started badly for Mike Tyson’s young prospect as the useful Gonzalez floored him in the opening round. Lubin was hurt but he rallied and that success was as good as it got for Gonzalez. Southpaw Lubin was too fast in hand and foot for Gonzalez and hurt the Mexican with a thunderous punch to the jaw in the third. In the fourth he repaid Gonzalez for that first round embarrassment by putting Gonzalez down. Over the last four rounds Lubin was in total charge and handed out a solid beating to the Mexican. Scores 78-72 twice and 78-73. The brilliant 19-year-old former NGG champion showed he could keep a cool head and stick to a game plan and is a fighter for the future. Former Mexican welter champion “Demonio” Gonzalez , 33, returned to action in 2013 after nearly three years out of the ring and this is his fourth loss in a row, all to world rated fighters.

Dolton vs. Batista

Dolton remains unbeaten with unanimous decision over Batista. Once trained by the late Manny Steward Dolton has useful wins over Richard Gutierrez and Donatas Bondorovas but this is only his second fight in two years and his first for 18 months so he has to be more active. Batista usually goes the distance but has lost 5 of his last 6 fights.

Chester, PA, USA: Heavy: Joey Dawejko (13-3-2) W TKO 1 Rayford Johnson (10-16). Light Welter: Ray Serrano (19-2) W TKO 4 Wilfredo Acuna (15-16). Super Middle: Immanuwel Aleem (11-0) W TKO 5 Angel Martinez (6-9-3).

Dawejko vs. Johnson

Dawejko finishes Johnson in quick time to extend his winning run. “The Tank” floored Johnson early in the first and shook him again before flooring him with a left hook . Johnson beat the count but was in no condition to continue and the fight was stopped. After losing his way a little with a trio of losses to unbeaten fighters the 24-year-old former US-Under 19 and World Youth Champion has now won his last 5 fights the most recent three all inside a round. Texan Johnson, 34, had lost 6 fights in a row but bounced back climbing off the floor to kayo Vince Miranda (16-1) in August.

Serrano v s. Acuña

Serrano returns to action with a win. In his first fight since January 2013 Serrano showed no rust as he set about giving southpaw Acuna a solid beating. He had Acuna badly hurt in the second and fourth rounds and also in the fourth opened a bad cut by Acuna’s right eye with a punch. The doctor examined the cut at the end of the round and deemed it was too severe for Acuna to continue. After an outstanding amateur campaign that saw him get a bronze medal at the World Cadet Championships and winning his first 18 pro fights Serrano was hot. However consecutive losses to Karim Mayfield and Emmanuel Taylor dented his hopes and he took some time out. Nicaraguan Acuna, 33, has lost 9 of his last 10 fights.

Aleem vs. Martinez

Aleem marches on with stoppage of Martinez. Aleem had Martinez under pressure from the start looking to end the fight early. He shook Martinez in the third and fourth rounds before flooring him in the fifth. The referee had seen enough and stopped the fight. The 21-year-old former rated amateur has now won 5 of his last 6 fights by KO/TKO. First loss by KO/TKO for Martinez and fourth defeat in a row.

Los Cabos, Mexico: Welter: Jose Lopez (23-3-1) W TKO 3 Carlos Urias (47-27-1). Light: Rodolfo Lopez (27-6-2,2 ND) W KO 1 Javier Lopez (6-5-1)

Lopez vs. Urias

“Piston” Lopez wraps this one up early. The former WBFed champion put experienced Urias down in the first with a hard combination. Urias manage to get his feet and get through the rest of the round and the second. Early in the third Lopez floored Urias again and when a badly shaken Urias made it to his feet it was only for a short time as another series of punches put him down for the third time and the fight was stopped. The 23-year-old Lopez makes it six wins in a row. His losses have been a majority decision against Jhonny Navarro, a points loss to world rated Viktor Postol and a close points defeat by Humberto Soto which cost Lopez his WBFed title. He has good wins over Jose Emilio Perea (21-1) and Mahonri Montes (27-1-1). The 39-year-old Urias is 2-6 in his last 8 fights with 5 of the 6 losses by KO/TKO.

López vs. López

Rodolfo “Rudy” wins over another Lopez in a poor match. The former WBC feather champion got it over and done with in the first round. A barrage of shots to head and body put Lopez down and out. Since his shock win over Takashi Koshimoto for the WBC title in 2006 his form has been at best erratic so he has gone down to eight rounds looking for some wins. Javier Lopez is 1-4-1 in his last 6 fights with three of those losses within three rounds.

November 15

Hamburg, Germany: Heavy: Wladimir Klitschko (63-3) W KO 5 Kubrat Pulev (20-1). Light Welter: Robert Tlatlik (16-0) W PTS 8 Bihes Barakat (20-2-1,1ND). Super Middle: Eduard Gutknecht (26-3-1) W PTS 8 Chris Pawlak (21-7-1). Heavy: Mike Wallisch (14-0) W TKO 6 Ivica Perkovic (20-25).

Klitschko vs. Pulev

Klitschko retains his IBF title with kayo of Pulev. Both started tentatively with Klitschko using his usual tactics of throwing some punches from range and then falling into a clinch and holding and wrestling. Every early attack from the champion ended the same way with Kiltschko’s arms draped over Pulev’s shoulders forcing the Bulgarian back to the ropes. One day a strong referee is going to give Klitschko a warning the first time he does it and it will be interesting to see how the fight develops from there. In the first round after the referee had again untangled Klitschko arms he leapt forward and landed a left which put Pulev down on his back. The Bulgarian got up at the count of six and took the eight count. It looked as though Pulev had recovered but another left hook sent him towards the canvas with Klitschko landing a second hook as Pulev went down for a second time. He was again up and after the mandatory count saw out the round. The second round was awful. Klitschko had some success with his jab but both fighters were pawing and feinting and feinting some more looking for an opening with the result that hardly a punch was landed and when they were not feinting they were clinching. Klitschko was smothering Pulev in close so there was no body punching at all in the fight and no infighting. The pattern was the same at the start of the third until Klitschko landed a right cross smack on the jaw of Pulev. The Bulgarian staggered back but seemed to be smothering Klitschko’s attack only to be sent tumbling backwards by a leaping left hook from Klitschko. He was up at three and after the mandatory count Klitschko landed a couple of overhand rights before the clinching began again which allowed Pulev to last out the round. Pulev was a bit more adventurous in the fourth opening the round with a right cross, the best punch he had thrown all night. However Klitschko responded with rights of his own before the feinting and clinching again took over. Klitschko scored with two hard rights at the start of the fifth and then landed a leaping left hook which put Pulev down flat on his back. He was never going to get up and people were climbing in the ring to congratulate Klitschko before the referee had completed the count. The 38-year-old “Dr Steelhammer makes it 53 wins by KO/TKO and 25 world title fights. It was said before the fight that Klitschko’s team had refused to pay sanctioning fees to the WBO and WBA so those titles were not on the line and although the WBA, WBO and IBO supplied supervisors it was said that the only title Pulev would get if he won was the IBF title, so some confusion. The first round saw two knockdowns and the last a tremendous left hook, but in the three other rounds it was there was too much posing and clinching to say it was a good fight. Klitschko showed awesome power in his punches as Pulev reportedly suffered a broken nose and a suspected fracture of his right cheekbone. He still looks unbeatable but it is not surprising. With his height, reach and strength it is almost impossible to out jab him and he smothers any attempt at infighting and gets away with it so it is difficult to see a way for someone to win except one big shot. Pulev just did not let his hands go enough and in the end was out powered.

Tlatlik vs. Barakat

Tlatlik just scrapes past Barakat on a majority decision. The 26-year-old German-based Pole was not convincing in this his first real test. Syrian-born Barakat was also facing his first real test having 19 wins and a no decision in his last 20 fights but all against poor opposition

Gutknecht vs. Pawlak

Former European champion Gutknecht gets a win but again fails to convince. Since moving back down to super middle the 32-year-old Kazak-born fighter fought a split draw in May with novice Pedro Sosa and although he got the win in this one it was a poor fight. Gutknecht’s three losses have been to Robert Stieglitz for the WBO super middle title, Juergen Braehmer for the EBU light heavy title and an inside the distance defeat against Dmitry Sukhotsky. It could be that his best days are behind him. German Pawlak, 35, is 3-4-1 in his last 8 fights.

Wallisch vs. Perkovic

Big German Wallisch gets stoppage over late sub Perkovic. The 29-year-old 6’5” (196cm) tall German champion (DBD version) Wallisch makes it 9 wins by KO/TKO. Perkovic , 40, has now lost 7 of his last 8 fights

Cebu City, Philippines: Light Fly: Donnie Nietes (34-1-4) W TKO 7 Carlos Velarde (26-4-1). Light Fly: Milan Melindo (32-1) W PTS 12 Saul Juarez (20-4). Super Bantam: Alberto Pagara (22-0) W PTS 12 Raul Hirales (22-4-1). Super Bantam: AJ Banal (32-2-1) W PTS 10 Maxsaisai (15-6). Straw: Faris Nenggo (9-6-3) W TKO 4 Merlito Sabillo (23-2-1) . Light Fly: Francisco Rodriguez Jr (16-2-1) DREW 10 Jomar Fajardo (14-5-2).

Nietes vs. Velarde

“Ahas” retains his WBO title with stoppage of Mexican Velarde. Nietes found the challenger more aggressive than he expected but was able to work on the outside and score with fast accurate counters. Velarde continued to come forward and was marching into punishment most of the rounds with Nietes gradually breaking him down. The champion shook Velarde twice in the sixth and Velarde was running out of ideas. He was saved further punishment when a clash of heads in the seventh opened a bad gash over Velarde’s right eye. It bled heavily and at the end of the round the challenger’s corner retired their man. Fifth defence of his title for 32-year-old Nietes who had previously made four defences of the WBO strawweight title before moving up. His only loss was back 25 fights ago in Indonesia in 2004 when he lost a split decision against Angky Angkotta who came in at 6lbs over the contract weight. In January he will have been champion in one division or another for seven years and three months which will surpass the record of the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde. Velarde, 26, loses inside the distance for the second time.

Melindo vs. Juarez

Melindo wins IBF eliminator, but the report should say “must do better”. The win was what was important but Melindo whilst doing the cleaner work never really impressed. It was the Mexican who made the better start working his jab well and showing some good moves. Over the second half of the fight Melindo was in charge and although not looking as sharp as in the past he was doing enough to claw his way into the lead and although he had Juarez hurt on occasion once again his lack of power was evident. Scores 118-111, 116-112 and 115-113 with the first score way out of line. Coming after a poor performance in only getting by modest Mexican Martin Tecuapetla on a majority decision in May the 26-year-old “Method Man” will have to do better than this if he is to win the title he has moved down a division to challenge for . “Baby” Juarez, 23, had won 6 of his last 7 fights with victories over Juan Hernandez and Luis Ceja so was a stiff test.

Pagara vs. Hirales

“Prince Albert” retains his IBF Inter-Continental title with wide verdict over Mexican Hirales. This was a tough battle between two mobile, quick-handed fighters. There were plenty of exchanges in every round as both fighters were willing to trade but also showing excellent skills. Pagara had more of a hands down style whilst Hirales was using a high guard but the styles mixed well. Pagara had more variety in his work and was the harder puncher and shook Hirales with head punches in many of the rounds. Hilares was firing to the body and although many rounds were close the power and variety of punches meant that Pagara was winning almost every round. The third was a big roiund in the fight as a clash of heads saw Hirales cut on his right eyebrow and at the end of the round a series of clubbing shots from Pagara put Hirales down. He was up at three and when the referee completed the count the bell went. The fight was an open fast-paced contest and a good win for Pagara but the scores don’t do justice to a fighting effort by Hirales who lost but was always competitive. Scores 120-107 twice and 119-108. Still only 20, Pagara is a quick, clever boxer with real power and attractive style. He is currently No 10 with the IBF and he will be a star in the future. Hirales is a high quality fighter with his losses being on points against IBF champion Carl Frampton, Adrian Young (17-0-1) and former world title challenger Luis Melendez.

Banal vs. Maxsaisai

“Bazooka” Banal wins unanimous decision over tough Thai. The former world title challenger makes it four wins since losing in nine rounds to Pungluang for the vacant WBO bantam title in October 2012. Only two losses for Banal the above and in his other big chance against Rafael Concepcion for the interim WBA super fly title in 2008. The 25-year-old southpaw is still only 25 but can’t count on getting too many more shots at a title. The 36-year-old Maxsaisai is 3-5 in his last 8 fights but the losses have all been in the other guts territory.

Nenggo vs. Sabillo

Nenggo gets a lucky win over world rated Sabillo. The fight looked as though it was going to be a routine win for Sabillo until the fourth round. In that round a left jab from Nenggo split open a deep cut at the corner of Sabillo’s right eye. It was definitely caused by a punch . It was too bad a cut for Sabillo to continue so Nenggo was declared the winner. A disaster for former WBO strawweight champion Sabillo, 30, who was looking to get back on track after losing his title to Francisco Rodriguez in March. Big win for 25-year-old Indonesian Nenggo who had lost 3 of his last 4 fights but to unbeaten fighters whose total records came to 45-0. Having a win over Sabillo will make him much in demand.

Rodriguez vs. Fajardo

This looked a total mismatch on paper but Fajardo fought well above anything his record indicated and gave the WBO strawweight champion a torrid night. In the first round it looked as though Rodriguez agreed with it being a poor match as he came out trying to overwhelm Fajardo. Instead it was Fajardo shaking the champion with overhand rights. Rodriguez was not trying to use his superior skills or his longer reach but just going toe-to-toe with Fajardo which suited the smaller man as he was able to duck under many of Rodriguez’s punches and again land those rights. In the third one of those right smacked into the nose of Rodriguez and by the end of the round it was bleeding heavily. His corner were unable to stop the bleeding in the interval and in the fourth the referee was concerned enough to have the doctor examine the injury. Over the middle rounds Fajardo’s work rate dropped and Rodriguez was able to score heavily with both hands. Fajardo looked to have exhausted himself by the seventh round and was now looking in survival mode. In the eighth Fajardo seemed to get a second wind and the constant toe-to-toe exchanges were on again. Neither was too worried about accuracy only quantity and it was an exciting slug fest. Scores 98-92 Rodriguez, 96-94 Fajardo and 95-95. I though Rodriguez just shaded it with his work in the middle rounds but Fajardo deserved some reward for a great effort. He was coming off a stoppage loss against Benezer Alolod in July for the GAB light fly title in a fight which saw him on the floor three times. He was rated No 8 light fly by the GAB. The 21-year-old Rodriguez really caught a tough one here.

Dublin, Ireland: Middle: Jorge S Heiland (25-4-2) W KO 10 Matthew Macklin (31-6). Super Fly: Khalid Yafai (13-0) W PTS 12 Everth Briceno (35-10-2) . Middle: Gary O’Sullivan (18-1) W TKO 1 Anthony Fitzgerald (16-7,1ND). Feather: Patrick Hyland (29-1) W PTS 8 Oszkar Fiko (10-7). Feather: John Joe Nevin (3-0) W TKO 1 Jack Heath (3-8). Light: Anthony Crolla (29-4-2) W PTS 6 Gyorgy Mizsei (20-12). Cruiser: Paul Drago (6-0-1) TKO 1 Ian Tims (10-3). Cruiser: Tommy McCarthy (4-0) W TKO 2 Martin Horak (3-7). Middle: Luke Keeler (7-0) W TKO 1 Gary Boulden (7-18-2). Welter: Sam Eggington (13-2) W TKO 1 Sebastien Allais ( 16-10-5).

Macklin vs. Heiland

In a minor upset Heiland crushes Macklin’s world title hopes. Macklin started well with southpaw Heiland coming forward and pressing the fight Macklin was scoring with long rights to the body. By the third round Macklin was finding himself constantly on the back foot as Heiland kept coming forward and was the busier fighter. Macklin bounced back in the fourth coming forward more and probably just edged the round. The fifth again saw the Argentinian forcing the fight and throwing and landing more punches but with Macklin digging in some good body punches and hard counters. Late in the round Heiland cut loose with a vicious attack and had Macklin covering up on the ropes under a barrage of shots to head and body. Heiland was relentless in the sixth plowing forward throwing shots to head and body with both hands with Macklin’s work rate dropping as he was unable to match the punch rate of the younger southpaw. Having taken the fifth and sixth rounds Heiland opened the seventh with another broadside of two fisted shots trapping Macklin in a corner and whaling away. Macklin was given a warning for holding then fired back with a salvo of his on only to be caught with a left to the jaw and driven along the ropes as Heiland unloaded with both hands. Macklin weathered the storm and was firing back at the bell. Both fighters seemed to take a breather in the eighth but the activity level remained at a pace that was suiting Heiland better. He started the round with a strong attack. Macklin had the better of the middle phase but Heiland produced a stronger finish. The ninth saw Heiland completely in control. He was landing with both hands and forcing a tiring Macklin around the ring and working him over on the ropes. It was noticeable that less and less was coming back from Macklin and he was having trouble finding any room to counter the furious attacks of Heiland. At the end of every other round Macklin had lifted his arms in triumph but not at the end of the ninth. Heiland went straight to the attack in the tenth. He trapped Macklin in a corner and as Macklin threw a left a straight right from Heiland crashed onto Macklin’s jaw and put him down in a heap in the corner with the fight being stopped immediately. The 27-year-old “El Gaucho de Pigue” retains his WBC International title and wins this WBC eliminator. He goes to13 wins by KO/TKO. Heiland lost to Sebastian Zbik for the interim WBC title back in 2010 and then had an indifferent spell where he went 5-3-2 in his next 10 fights. He bounced back from that in spectacular style as he knocked out Bill Godoy (29-1) in November. Next a world title shot? Maybe but Miguel Cotto may have other plans. At 32 Macklin will obviously have to think about his future. After impressive, albeit losing performances against Felix Sturm and Sergio G Martinez and being blown away by Gennady Golovkin he has been unimpressive in winning efforts against modest opposition in Lamar Russ and Jose Yebes so perhaps the spark is no longer there.

Yafai vs. Briceno

Yafai scores three knockdowns on the way to one-sided win over oldie Briceno. The brilliant young British prospect outboxed the Nicaraguan all the way. He had Briceno down from a body punch in the fifth round and scored two more knockdowns in the eighth. It looked as though he would get an early finish but Briceno used his experience to last the full twelve rounds. Apart from the knockdowns Briceno also lost a point for a low punch leading to scores of 120-104, 119-106 and 118-105. The 25-year-old of Yemeni parents retains the IBF Inter-Continental title. This was the first time Yafai had gone past the eighth round so that will have been good experience for him. As an amateur he was ABA champion and won silver medals at the European Cadet Championships and the European Juniors Yet another outstanding British prospect. Briceno, 36, a former WBO super fly title challenger who lost on points to both Fernando Montiel and Omar Narvaez in his title shots failed to make the weight for the fight but did not seem weakened and did well to last the 12 rounds against the body attack of Yafai.

O’Sullivan vs. Fitzgerald

O’Sullivan settles this grudge match in quick time. O’Sullivan came out holding his hands below hip level and firing hooks and uppercuts. Fitzgerald was trying to establish his jab but O’Sullivan’s hands were so much quicker. He stood on one occasion with both hand behind his back. He shook Fitzgerald with a wicked right uppercut and landed a quick volley of shots. Fitzgerald backed off momentarily and when he came back O’Sullivan nailed him with a right uppercut that Fitzgerald never saw coming. He went down on his back and struggled to beat the count. O’Sullivan was already jumping up on the ropes and celebrating before the count was completed and although Fitzgerald made it to his feet he was in no condition to continue and it was all over in 75 seconds. The 30-year-old UK born Cork-based “Spike” makes it 11 wins by KO/TKO. His only loss was on points against world rated Billy Joe Saunders in July 2013. he took 11 months out and then returned with a win in June. Former Irish champion Fitzgerald, 29, had a rocky 2013 with losses to Andy Lee, Eamonn O’Kane and Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam, but had started 2014 with two low level wins.

Hyland vs. Fiko

Hyland continues his comeback with win over Fiko. “The Punisher” was in charge of this one from the outset and despite trying hard Fiko lost every round. Referee’s score 80-72. The 31-year-old New York-based Irishman lost on points to Javier Fortuna for the vacant interim WBA title in December 2012 and was then inactive until returning with a win in July this year. Romanian Fiko, 21, had won 5 of his last 6 fights.

Nevin vs. Heath

Nevin hits too hard for Heath. The Irish Olympian was throwing overhand and chopping rights immediately. He was chasing Heath down and landed two body punches which saw Heath on the floor. He was up at three and took the eight count. Nevin then just began throwing punches wildly from both hands. A series of shots sent Heath stumbling and he went down by the ropes. The referee did not take up the count immediately but warned Nevin, who was already celebrating victory, to go to a neutral corner. When the fight resumed Nevin was again just throwing punches with most missing but enough landing to put Heath down again and the referee stopped the fight. Elapsed time 88 seconds. Nevin, 25, who had his first two pro fights in the USA in March was a star of the Irish amateur scene winning a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics, taking gold and silver at the European Championships and twice getting bronze medals at the World Championships. He suffered two broken legs when attacked with an iron bar in April but is now back and will be a name to watch for sure.

Crolla vs. Mizsei

Stroll in the park for Crolla as he eases his way to a points victory over useful Hungarian. “Million Dollar” got the decision by 60-54 on the referee’s card. The Manchester 27-year-old knew that there was a title shot in the pipeline and it was revealed that he will face Richar Abril for the WBA title on January in Manchester. Crolla holds wins over Gavin Rees, Stephen Foster and John Murray and fought a technical draw with Gamaliel Diaz in September. Hungarian Mizsei, 21, turned in a huge upset when he beat Brunet Zamora in April and gave Emiliano Marsili a good fight when losing to the Italian for the European title in September.

Drago vs. Tims

Unfortunate ending here before the fight really got started. Drago floored Tims and in going down Tims hurt his leg and had to be stretchered from the ring. Very disappointing for the Irishman who suffered consecutive losses to Juho Haapoja for the EU title and then to Tony Conquest. He had returned with a win in September but may now be out of action for a long period. I guess to Drago a win is a win and this is the first time one of his fights has ended inside the distance.

McCarthy vs. Horak

Big punching former top amateur makes it 4 out of 4 inside the distance. Horak survived the first round but a thunderous left hook to the chin in the second unhinged his legs and with McCarthy firing more shots the referee stepped in to stop the fight. The Belfast 24-year-old was a World Junior bronze medal winner and won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. He was rated No 9 in the world ratings as an amateur and is capable of making a big impression in the paid ranks. Now 7 losses in a row for Horak.

Keeler vs. Boulden

Keeler disposes off normally durable Boulden inside a round. The Dubliner shook Boulden a couple of times before putting him down heavily. Boulden made it to his feet but on very wobbly legs and the fight was stopped. Now 5 wins by KO/TKO for the 27-year-old Irishman. Boulden has taken Patrick Nielson, Billy Joe Saunders and Eamonn O’Kane the distance so a good performance by Keeler.

Eggington vs. Allais

Eggington gets this one over in 105 seconds. The Stourbridge “Savage” hurt Allais with a series of body shots and the Frenchman was ready to surrender. The tall 21-year-old has 7 wins by KO/TKO including a big win in September when he halted former Commonwealth champion Denton Vassell in a British title eliminator. His losses have both been in Prizefighter tournaments. Only the second loss by KO/TKO for French No 6 Allais who only lost on a split decision in a challenge against Damien Martin for the French title in May.

Mississauga, Canada: Cruiser: Youri Kayembre Kalenga (21-1) W TKO 12 Denton Daley (12-1) . Light Heavy: Alvaro Gaona (13-4) W KO 3 Steve Franjic (12-0-1).

Kalenga vs. Daley

Kalenga retains the interim WBA title with late stoppage of local fighter Daley. The Canadian had his jab working early but Kalenga was dangerous with heavy counter punches. Daley’s hard work was taking effect with Kalenga having picked up a damaged nose and a swelling by his left eye. However the champion kept swinging dangerously. In the eighth a clash of heads saw Daley cut over his right eye. The confidence seemed to drain out of him as it was the first time he had been cut and the blood was running into his eye. Kalenga was fired up and in the ninth a body punch followed by shot to the chin put Daley down on his back. He somehow got up but was badly shaken. Kalenga stalked through the tenth and eleventh trying to find that punch again. Finally in the twelfth Kalenga put Daley down again. After he got up the tiring Canadian was wrestled to the canvas and when the fight resumed a hard combination from Kalenga had Daley on his way down when the referee stopped the fight. First defence of his interim title by the 26-year-old French-based fighter from the DRC and 14 wins by KO/TKO. Daley, rated No 2 by the WBA had scored good wins over Jean Marc Monrose and Andres Taylor but was flattered by the too high a rating.

Franjic vs. Santos

It was a bad night for the locals as Franjic also lost inside the distance. It looked a safe enough job on paper for Franjic and that’s how it looked in the ring to begin with as he won the first two rounds comfortably. It was more of the same in the third until a right hand bomb from the Mexican import put Franjic down face first on the canvas. Franjic did his best to get up but fell back again and the fight was over. Gaona, a natural middleweight, came in as a replacement and was 2-3 in his last five fights. One of those losses was a crushing first round kayo by David Lemieux and in his fight in April he was knocked out in one round by Eamonn O’Kane. However he did have 8 wins by KO/TKO coming into the fight so there was a danger there. Franjic, 27, the Canadian champion will have to regroup and start again.

San Antonio, Texas : Super Middle: Gilberto Ramirez S (30-0) W TKO 8 Fulgencio Zuñiga (27-10-1). Feather: Oscar Valdez (13-0) W KO 7 Alberto Garza (26-8-1). Light: Ivan Najera (15-0) W PTS 8 Luis A Cervantes (7-9-3,2ND). Super Feather: Casey Ramos (19-0) W PTS 8 Manuel Rey Rojas (9-2). Light Fly: Janiel Rivera (12-2-3) DREW 8 Felipe Rivas (15-16-4).

Ramirez vs. Zuñiga

Ramirez wins every round before halting a brave Zuniga in the eighth. Ramirez had everything going for him his height, reach, speed punch selection, work rate, southpaw style and power. He was able to score with shots from range and inside and Zuniga lacked the punch to turn things around. It was a one-sided fight with Zuniga absorbing a beating but staying in the fight. The end came in the eighth when Ramirez trapped Zuniga on the ropes and unloaded. When Zuniga was staggered by a punch the referee decided the veteran Colombian had taken enough punishment and stopped the fight. The 6’2 ½” (189cm) Mexican retains his WBO International title and moves to 24 wins by KO/TKO. He is rated WBC 2/WBO 2/WBA 3(2)/IBF 4(3) so is in line for a shot next year at any of the four titles. Right now Andre Ward, Carl Froch, Arthur Abraham, Anthony Dirrell, George Groves, James DeGale and Robert Stieglitz all have their eyes fixed on other targets but Ramirez is the big threat in the background for all of them. Zuniga, 37, started his career in style with 15 wins by KO/TKO including 8 in the first round but was found out when he started to play with the big boys. He lost to Daniel Santos, Denis Inkin, Lucien Bute and Tavoris Cloud and Thomas Oosthuizen in title fights and more recently had lost on points against James DeGale and Hassan NN’Dam N’Jikam so plenty of experience but a bit over the hill.

Valdez vs. Garza

Olympian Valdez get useful work against experienced Garza but still comes up with the punch to end the fight. The brilliant young Mexican found Garza an elusive target at times but just kept pressing and was always dangerous with his left hooks. However it was a right that shook Garza in the second. The veteran was shaken again by an uppercut in the fourth and hurt again in the sixth but used his defensive nous to stay in the fight and it looked as though he would still be there at the final bell. It was not to be as a sustained attack from Valdez in the last round had Garza shipping heavy punishment and the referee stopped the fight. Now 12 wins by KO/TKO for the 23-year-old Valdez who retains his NABF Junior title. Valdez represented Mexico at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, was World Youth champion, won a silver medal at the PanAmerican Games and took a bronze medal at the World Championships losing to Vasyl Lomachenko. He looks a sure thing to be fighting for a world title in 2016. Garza, 29, a former WBC Silver champion loses by KO/TKO for the fifth time. He has now lost 4 of his last 5 fights but the other losses in that run are against Nicholas Walters for the WBA title, Jose Pedraza and Billy Dib.

Najera vs. Cervantes

Najera wins again but lack of power may be a problem. He won clearly enough but his defence did not look too sound at times and he should have been able to do better against a fighter such as Cervantes. Scores 79-73, 78-74 and 77-75. The 21-year-old Texan won 8 of his first 9 fights by KO/TKO but has had to do the distance for his win in his last six fights and only scraped past Stan Martyniouk on a split decision in August. Mexican Cervantes has 7 losses and a no decision in his last 8 fights.

Ramos vs. Rojas

The Texan “Wizard” Ramsey much too good for fellow Lone Star State fighter Rojas. Ramos is no power puncher but is a neat boxer with good speed and he took this one clearly. Scores 80-72 twice and 79-73. Now 11 points wins in his last 12 fights for 25-year-old Ramsey. Rojas 21 was in his first eight round fight. After winning his first nine fights he has lost his last two.

Rivera vs. Rivas

Back to the real world for 23-year-old Puerto Rican Rivera as he only just scrapes a draw with journeyman Rivas with one judge giving it to Rivera 77-75, another for Rivas 79-73 and the third making it even at 76-76. Back in February Rivera suddenly, and with no justification, found himself challenging Adrian Hernandez for the WBC light fly title. He was halted in three rounds and is now back in the prelim fights and struggling to win. Mexican Rivas is 1-4-2 in his last 7 fights perhaps I should recommend him to the WBC as a challenger for current champion Naoya Inoue.

Cancun, Mexico: Feather: Chris Mijares (51-8-2) W PTS 10 Lester Medrano (14-3-1). Light: Yuriorkis Gamboa (24-1) W TKO 6 Joel Montes de Oca (18-4). Bantam: Edgar Jimenez (18-11-1) W PTS 10 Alex Cazares (9-3).

Mijares vs. Medrano

Mijares keeps his title hopes alive with points victory over Nicaraguan. Medrano had height and reach over Mijares but the Mexican had the skill and speed. Mijares suffered a minor set back when he lost a point in the fourth for a head butt. Other than that he was a class above Medrano and boxed his way to a wide unanimous decision. Scores 99-91 from all three judges. The 33-year-old “El Diamante” is still rated No 10 super bantam and is enough of a name to get yet another world title shot with WBC feather champion Jhonny Gonzalez his target. Nicaraguan champion Medrano had won his last 8 fights but against moderate level opposition.

Gamboa vs. de Oca

Gamboa was a different class but de Oca gave it a try. The Cuban was as casual and as quick as usual with de Orc trying to box behind a jab but rarely finding a target against the constant upper body movement of Gamboa. The Cuban only threw punches with any intent over the last 30 seconds of each round being content to outbox de Oca over the other 2 ½ minutes. Gamboa began to get serious in the fifth and was coming after de Oca throwing hard hooks from both hands. A left hook caught de Oca and he staggered back to the canvas. He was up at three and after the mandatory count survived Gamboa’s efforts to put him down again. In the sixth a glancing left hook put de Oca down he made it to his feet and stood watching as the referee counted to eight looking like a fighter who wanted out. When the referee asked him to walk forward he did not comply immediately and the referee stopped the fight. Gamboa looked quick and classy in this one and could probably have taken de Oca out earlier if he had wished to do so. The 32-year-old IBF/WBA feather champion would be a major force again if he boxes at super feather as he is small for a lightweight as Terrence Crawford illustrated. de Oca showed neat skills and had won his last 14 fights but just lacked the power to be competitive.

Jimenez vs. Cazares

Jimenez retains his WBC Fecarbox title but only just. When these two met in a non-title fight in August Cazares won on a stoppage inside a round. This time Jimenez had no early scare. Cazares was the quicker off the mark and set a fast pace to take the early rounds. “Power” Jimenez then took over and against a tiring Cazares he nearly ended it in the closing rounds but Cazares stayed the route. Scores 96-94 twice and 95-95. Second successful defence for former Mexican flyweight champion Jimenez and fourth win in his last five fights after a spell of five losses in a row. Cazares had won 8 of his last 9.

Kempton Park, South Africa: Light Heavy: Thomas Oosthuizen (23-0-2) W TKO 11 Denis Grachev (13-5-1). Light Welter: Ali Funeka (36-4-3) W TEC DEC 11 Roman Belaev (14-1). Cruiser: Johnny Muller (17-4-2) W PTS 10 Kevin Lerena (11-1).

Oosthuizen v s. Grachev

Oosthuizen gets his career back on the rails with a win over Grachev. In his first fight at light heavy and his first fight for a year Oosthuizen showed some ring rust. He also showed flashes of his super middle skills but was too often standing and trading with Grachev instead of using his height and reach to box on the outside. It was making the fight much closer than it should be and needed to be but Oosthuizen was doing enough to be on his way to victory. It came quicker than expected when former heavyweight champion Chris Byrd who was in Grachev’s corner pulled him out of the fight after the end of the eleventh round. The reward for the 26-year-old former IBO super middle champion is a fight against fellow South African Ryno Liebenberg next year. Grachev, 32, has lost 5 of his last 6 fights with the other losses being to top talent in Lucien Bute, Edwin Rodriguez, Isaac Chilemba and Liebenberg.

Funeka vs. Belaev

Funeka wins the vacant IBO title with technical decision over Belaev. As usual the tall Funeka had height and reach over his opponent and made good use of those advantages to build an early lead. Belaev had to eat a lot of jabs to get inside but managed to shake Funeka with a left to the chin in the second and landed good lefts throughout with Funeka blaming an early hand injury for not being able to block more of those lefts. Funeka eventually began to slow down and Belaev was rapidly cutting into Funeka’s lead. In the tenth round Belaev suffered a bad cut over his left eye in a clash of heads and at the end of the eleventh round the doctor advised that the cut was too bad for the fight to continue. Funeka wins on scores of 105-104 twice and a way out 109-100. The 36-year-old “Rush Hour” a former WBFed light welter and South African super feather champion had three shots at lightweight titles. He lost a decision in a challenge to Nate Campbell for the IBF/WBA/WBO titles with Campbell losing the title on the scales. He then drew with Joan Guzman for the vacant IBF title and lost to Guzman in a return match in which Guzman failed to make the weight. The 24-year-old German-based Russian did better than might be expected as there are no big names on his record.

Muller vs. Lerena

This battle for local bragging rights was a real war with Muller winning a well deserved unanimous decision. Muller, the elder and more experienced fighter used that experience to have the edge in a fight that saw the boxers trading in round after round to the delight of the crowd. Both fighters landed and had to absorb hard shots with Muller just having the higher work rate and greater accuracy and getting the decision. Scores 97-93 twice and 98-92. Muller, the WBC International Silver and South African champion was coming off a loss to Doudou Ngumbu so this was a good way to bounce back. “Lean Mean” Lerena is just 22 and was far from outclassed. He can come again if he takes away from this fight some lessons of changes he will need if he is to be a success in the game.

Cordoba, Argentina: Light Middle: John Jackson (19-2) W PTS 10 Carlos A Jerez (40-18-3). Jackson returns to Argentina for a win. Jackson made a good start catching Jerez with solid punches in the first and brought blood from Jerez’s nose in the second. Jackson was much the taller and Jerez was having trouble getting inside and too often getting caught with hard punches and being taken to the ropes where Jackson could work him over. Jerez showed a good chin and plenty of guts as he kept punching back and putting himself in harms way in the attempt. That was particularly the case at the start of the third when Jerez came out throwing rights and standing and trading. He seemed to hurt Jackson with a couple of overhand rights but when Jackson banged back with left hooks Jerez was dumped on the canvas and almost out under the ropes. The referee seemed to call it a slip as the canvas was wet there but it was certainly those punches. When Jerez got up he was shaking his right knee as if he had hurt it when going down. The activity was not sustained with Jackson looking to draw Jerez onto counters and only fighting in spurts and Jerez cautious of the power of Jackson’s punches constantly feinting to find an opening. Jerez continued to force the fight leaping with quick flurries but more often than not being forced to break off the action as Jackson nailed him with a hook or uppercut. It was like a mongoose circling a snake looking for a way to get in and do some damage, but Jerez did not have the power to hurt Jackson and the Virgin Islander certainly had venom in his punches. Jerez kept trying to the end chasing Jackson down and attacking with quick combinations but the power punches were coming from Jackson and he won on scores of 99-92 ½, 99 ½-93, 98-94. “Dah Rock” paid the price for over confidence when Andy Lee flattened him in May but he is a quality fighter with real power and it will be interesting to see how his career develops next year. Jerez is a gutsy little fighter with good skills and a good chin but he is 2-9 in his last 11 fights and strictly domestic or imported to lose standard.

Namur, Belgium: Super Feather: Dardan Zenunaj (10-1) W KO 9 Karim Chakim (27-10-1). Belgium-based Kosovan Zenunaj gets a good win with a spectacular knockout. Chakim was the one looking to force the fight early but Zenunaj made him pay as he scored well to the body and opened a cut over Chakim’s left eye. Chakim kept up the pressure and the fight was hotly contested with Zenunaj coming on strong in the seventh and eight rounds. In the ninth Zenunaj landed a devastating uppercut that put Chakim down and out. The 27-year-old Kosovan makes 8 wins by KO/TKO and nine in a row and also captures the vacant WBA International title. Former European Union and French champion Chakim, 38, had a 14 bout winning streak broken by losses to Romain Jacob and Ermano Fegatilli but was 2-0-1 in three bouts this year.

Gien, France: Middle: Karim Achour (18-4-2) W PTS 10 Michel Mothmora (26-23).

Achour goes into Mothmora’s hometown and retains his title on a majority decision. It was a great all-action fight and close all the way with Mothmora working behind his jab and the champion firing hooks and concentrating on the body. Over the closing rounds the constant pressure from Achour probably just gave him the edge but neither fighter deserved to lose. Scores 96-94 twice for Achour and 95-95. Fifth defence of his French title for the 27-year-old Achour and his third win over Mothmora including an eight round decision and a stoppage in a previous title defence. He is 11-2 in his last 13 fights with the losses being on points against Martin Murray and a technical decision defeat by Lukas Konecny but he has good wins over Damien Bertu and Jean Marie Sainte. Mothmora, 34, had turned his career around winning 11 of his last 12 fights but he just came up short here.

Tatabanya, Hungary: Super Middle: Balazs Kelemen (22-0) W PTS 10 Bronislav Kubin (17-15-1). Cruiser: Imre Szello (3-0) W TKO 3 Giorgi Tevdorashvili (19-13-3).

Kelemen vs, Kubin

Kelemen wins the vacant UBO International title with victory over Czech Kubin but does not impress. With his big physical advantages Kelemen dominated this fight in every round with Kubin mainly fighting a defensive fight. Kubin was competitive in the eighth but floored in the ninth. Kelemen tried hard for the knockout but was below form and had to go the full ten rounds. Scores 100-89 twice and 99-90. The tall 6’ 2 ½” (189cm) 36-year-old “Balu” was also making the first defence of his Hungarian title. Kubin, also 36, but just 5’7 ½” (171cm) a former GBU world champion has now lost 5 of his last 6 fights.

Szello vs. Tevdorashvili

Former top amateur Szello halts Georgian. Szello floored Tevdorashvili in the first round and when the Georgian got up he threw the rule book out and turned dirty to try to blunt Szello’s attacks. Those tactics carried over into the second round with Szello suffering a cut and the referee deducting a point from Tevdorashvili for a variety of infractions. Szello was not put off and floored Tevdorashvili with a right hook in the third. Tevdorashvili did get up but was finished and the referee stopped the fight. It is a pity that the 31-year-old Hungarian left it so late to turn pro. He was World Junior silver medal winner, won gold at the European Union Championships, was a quarter finalist at the World Championships and competed at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Tevdorashvili has 5 losses by KO/TKO but they have all been against tough opposition on the road.

Paita, New Caledonia: Super Middle: Samy Anouche (16-2-1) W PTS 10 Nicolas Dion (11-3).

Way out in the Pacific ocean may not seem the place for a French title fight but the locals had big hopes for Dion. Anouche spoiled the party by winning a unanimous decision to lift the vacant French title. Scores 99-91, 97-93 and 95-94. The 29-year-old southpaw lost his first pro fight but was then unbeaten in his next 16 before losing on a stoppage against Spaniard Mariano Hilario in February for the vacant EU and WBC Mediterranean titles. Dion, 32, had won 10 of his last 11 fights going in.

Bilbao, Spain: Feather: Antonio Gago (9-1-2) W PTS 10 Marc Vidal (3-1-3).

Gago retains the Spanish title with close unanimous decision over Vidal. On the assumption the jump up to ten rounds would prove too much for Vidal Gago came out from the first bell trying to overwhelm his less experienced challenger and keep him under pressure all the way. It did not work out that way as Vidal matched Gago punch for punch. It was the sort of fight you would expect from fighters with the nicknames of “El Machito” –Gago, and “War”- Vidal. It was close and exciting with Gago just having the edge in the end. Scores 96-94 twice and 98-92. Three wins in a row now for the 29-year-old Gago. Vidal’s total pro experience going in was 5 four round fights and one six round and he had drawn his last two fights. On that basis he fought way above expectations.

Nakhon Nayok, Thailand: Fly: Petchchorhae (9-0) W KO 3 Rizky Pratama. Light: Terdsak (54-5-1) W KO 3 Hengka.

Petchchorhae vs. Pratama

Petchchorhae gets a win but in controversial circumstances. The punch that put the Indonesian fighter down was clearly well below the belt but the referee just counted Pratama out anyway. First defence of his WBC ABC title for the Thai. No really reliable record available for Pratama.

Terdsak vs. Hengka

The 33-year-old “Pit Bull” eases back with a win in a disgraceful “match”. I guess after his losing war with Orlando Salido for the inter WBO super feather title in September which saw a total of seven knockdown he was due an easy one but this was too easy. No known record for Hengka.