The Past Week in Action 6 October 2014

 Miss any of this week’s action in the sport? Get caught up with “The Past Week in Action” by Eric Armit; with a review of all major cards in the sport.

October 1

 

Buriram, Thailand: Straw: Knockout CP Freshmart (9-0) W PTS 12 Carlos Buitrago (27-1-1). Light Fly: Palangpol (5-1) W PTS 12 Tommy Seran (24-3).

CP Freshmart vs. Buitrago

Thai CP Freshmart wins the WBA interim title with very close unanimous decision over Nicaraguan Buitrago. There was a total contrast in styles with Buitrago the quick, accurate and busier fighter and CP Freshmart the aggressive, bigger puncher forcing the fight. It was a great little con test and round after round was close and hard to score. Buitrago staged a strong finish winning the last round but it was not enough to get him the decision. Scores 115-113 from all three judges. CF Freshmart, 24, a former Muay Thai star and WBC Youth champion was WBA No 6. Buitrago again unlucky in title shot. The 22-year-old Chocorroncito was unlucky to have to settle for a split draw in a challenge to Merlito Sabillo for the WBO title in November. He would probably have got the decision in Nicaragua and will be a champion one day.

Palangpol vs. Seran

Palangpol retains his WBA Asian title with unanimous decision over experienced Indonesian. Both fighters were ready to go toe-to-toe and it was a hard entertaining fight with the Thai getting the deserved decision. He lost his first pro fight back in 2011 and did not return to the ring again until January this year. This was the third defence of his title for the former Muay Thai fighter. He is still a raw talent. The 31-year-old Seran was world rated after a run of  15 wins but was halted in four rounds by Milan Melindo (28-0) in April last year.

 

Santa Monica, CA, USA: Middle: Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam (31-1) W PTS 12 Curtis Stevens (27-4).  Welter: Frederic Lawson (23-0) W PTS 10 Ray Narh (26-6). Feather: Miguel Marriaga (19-0) W TKO 6 Chris Martin (28-4-3). Cruiser: Isa Akberbayev (13-0,1ND) W TKO 4 Geovanni Sarran (5-8).

N’Jikam vs. Stevens

N’Jikam gets big win as continues to rebuild after a horrendous loss to Peter Quillin for the WBO title in 2012. Stevens came out of the gate firing and had N’Jikam on the back foot and with his back to the ropes as Stevens fired home a hard left hook and other scoring shots. Despite slipping over N’Jikam steadied himself and by the end of the round had his jab working well. The third set the pattern for the fight as Stevens bulled forward throwing plenty but missing most and N’Jikam, who had the edge in both height and reach, working well with his jab and picking up the points. Stevens was trying to lure N’Jikam into a brawl but the Cameroon-born fighter was not tempted and continued to pile up the points with his better boxing. N’Jikam stuck to his boxing over the fourth and fifth with Stevens doing a bit better in the sixth and seventh with body punches. The eighth was the best round of the fight so far. A right from N’Jikam nailed Stevens and he went down heavily. He made it to his feet  and was under pressure when he himself landed a hard combination which had N’Jikam staggering on wobbly legs. N’Jikam went back to the game plan in the ninth and tenth stabbing out the jab and collecting the points. Over the last two rounds Stevens was desperately looking for one big punch and although he shook N’Jikam again late in the last he was well beaten. Scores 116-111 twice and a harsh 119-108. The tall French-based fighter is a former interim WBA champion who won his first 32 fights before being floored six times and losing by 8 points on the judges cards against Quillin. He was IBF No 7 going into this eliminator but should improve on that. “Showtime” Stevens,29, had ridden his luck in stopping Tureano Johnson in their fight in April. Johnson had the fight won and only had to see out the last round. Instead Stevens caught Johnson with some bombs to save his career, but that stoppage was very controversial. Stevens had his shot at Gennady Golovkin for the WBA/IBO titles in November and was IBF 6. It will be a hard road back for the New Yorker. He once wanted to be an FBI man, but there was no robbery here.

Lawson vs. Narh

What a strange world when two Ghanaians have to go to Santa Monica to fight each other. The promising Lawson scored one for the new breed as he took a unanimous decision over Narh. Both guys are of the tall slim variety with Narh having a slight edge in those areas. However Lawson has quick hands and power and shook Narh with a couple of shots in the first round. Narh was not looking to mix things but was caught with a left in the second that sent him to the canvas. Narh was busier and more accurate with his punches over the middle rounds as the pace dropped. Lawson took charge again in the eighth as he caught Narh with a left which again put the veteran down. Narh got up but was rocked by another right in a big round for Lawson. The momentum was with Lawson and he pulled out of sight by taking the last two rounds. Scores 99-89 twice and a too close 95-93. The 25-year-old Chicago-based Lawson represented Ghana at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships and the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Narh, 36, won a gold medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and lost only one of his first 26 fights. Now 4 losses in a row tell their own tale.

Marriaga vs. Martin

Too often Colombians build a deceptive record at home and flop on the bigger stage. This was not the case with Marriaga. The Colombian showed skill, strength and power and never really let Martin get into the fight. The Colombian took the first round with some good rights with Martin trying to fire back with left hooks. Marriaga increased his output in the second round throwing more combinations and forcing Martin onto the back foot. Martin tried to get into the fight in the third but was being outboxed and outpunched and the fourth was no better with a right from Marriaga opening a cut over Martin’s left eye. The cut was serious but Martin survived a doctor’s inspection. The fifth was one-sided as Marriaga poured on the power and the end looked near. It came in the sixth as Marriaga put Martin down with a left to the body. He got up but was backed into a corner and under fire when the fight was stopped. First fight in the USA for Marriaga, but he has fought outside Colombia before scoring three wins in Mexico. A former Colombian amateur champion who fought at the 2005 World Championships Marriaga, 27, now has 17 wins by KO/TKO. He is rated No 9 by the WBC. “SD Kid” Martin ,28 loses inside the distance for the first time. He was unbeaten in his first 25 fights but is now 5-4-1 in his last 10 but there is a draw with Teon Kennedy and wins over  Roberto Castaneda (20-1-1), Raul Hidalgo and Giovanni Caro in there so it has not all been downhill.

Akberbayev vs Sarran

I guess tall and slim against short and fat sums this one up as Akberbayev halts Sarran in four rounds. The Kazak “Bumblebee” is 6’3” (190cm) and Sarran 5’7” (170cm) so Sarran had to get close and it made Akberbayev’s job easy as he did not have to go looking for Sarran. After three rounds of Akberbayev battering away at his smaller opponent Akberbayev floored Sarran with a right in the fourth and was handing out more punishment when the fight was stopped. The No Decision on 30-year-old Akberbayev’s record was a stoppage loss to Anthony Ferrante in January 2013 that was changed to a No Decision when Ferrante failed a post fight drugs test. That’s why I show the No Decisions as there may be a story behind them. Ninth win by KO/TKO for Akberbayev. Two losses by KO/TKO in a row for Sarran.

 

October 2

 

Clermont-Ferrand, France: Super Middle: Hugo Kasperski (23-5-1) W KO 2 Janos Olah (14-16-1). Bantam: Anthony Settoul (20-3) W TKO 1 Ignac Kassai (14-36-2).

Kasperski vs. Ola

Easy night for Kasperski. The hometown fighter took a round to size-up Olah and then hunted him down and then put the Hungarian on the canvas and out with two left hooks to the body and a short right to the chin. Now 18 wins by KO/TKO for the FFB 5/EU 18 rated Frenchman. He has held the WBC & WBO Youth and IBF East/West Europe titles but failed in two attempts at the French title. Olah was way out of his class in this one. Not only was he fighting in Kasperski’s hometown but the show was held in a nightclub owned by Kasperski.

Settoul vs. Kassai

Settoul came out throwing punches from the start. He floored Kassai with a vicious left to the body which had the Hungarian in agony. He got up but went down again under a series of punches, a couple of which cuffed Kassai as he was on one knee. Kassai got up again but as Settoul came in Kassai slumped to the canvas without really taking a hard shot and the fight was stopped. First win for local fighter Settoul, 27, a former French champion, since losing his EU title on a majority decision against Omar Lamiri in June. Seven losses in  a row for Kassai.

 

October 3

 

Madrid, Spain: Light Welter: Michele Di Rocco (38-1-1) W PTS 12 Ruben Nieto (15-1). Super Bantam: Vincenzo Gigliotti (24-5) W PTS 6 Peter Mellar (1-12-2). Light Middle: Guido N Pitto (19-3) W TKO 3 Raul Saiz (8-10-1).

Di Rocco vs. Nieto

Di Rocco retains European title after great battle with Nieto. This one had action all the way with two styles that melded to give a stirring battle which was close all the way. Nieto was more of a stand-up boxer whilst champion Di Rocco wanted to work inside with hooks and uppercuts. Both boxers also made good use of their jabs and it was an open contests with every round filled with furious exchanges with both boxers switching their attacks from head to body. The fourth round was a thriller. Di Rocco shook Nieto with a right and then Di Rocco gave his impersonation of a windmill with both hands flailing away. Nieto staggered backwards into the ropes and almost went down. He was then driven around the ring by a series of left hooks before tumbling to the canvas. Somehow he manage to get to his feet at the count of four but was unsteady and staggered back into the ropes. He lifted his gloves so the round continued and suddenly it was Nieto who was throwing the punches and Di Rocco who was caught by a series of head punches and in distress. At that satge the scores were 38-37, 38-37 and 39036 for the champion. The fight stayed at a high tempo with Nieto having a good sixth when he scored with hard head punches and again had Di Rocco hurt and picking up the points he needed. By the end of the eighth the scores were 76-75, 76-75 for Nieto and 76-75 for Di Rocco  Nieto had edged ahead. That changed when they were exchanging toe-to-toe in the eleventh and a right cross from Di Rocco put Nieto down again. The Spaniard was not badly hurt and banged his glove on the canvas in frustration knowing that knockdown could make the difference between winning and losing. Both were tired but continued to punch their way through the last. Scores 114-113 twice and 114-112 which shows just how critical those two knockdowns were. “The” King” Di Rocco, 32, is still champion after his second defence and he had to fight like one to beat local favourite Nieto. He now has 20 wins in a row and has reversed his only loss. Nieto, 31, a former unbeaten Spanish and EU champion, had scored good wins over Jean Pierre Bauwens (27-0-1) and Samuele Esposito (17-1) and fought his heart out in this one. It is a pity there had to be a loser.

Gigliotti vs. Mellar

Veteran Gigliotti starts a very belated comeback with a points win. The Italian took the first three rounds with his better boxing and some tasty body punches. Mellar took the fourth as Gigliotti took a breather but the Italian came back to win the last two. Scores 59-54 twice and 59-55. First fight in almost 11 years for the 42-year-old Gigliotti. He retired after back-to-back loses to Salim Madjkoune for the WBA super bantam title and Esham Pickering for the EBU title. Mellar, 20 years younger is 1-1-1 in his last three fights.

Pitto vs. Saiz

Argentinian “Chico” Pitto much too good for Spaniard Saiz. This contest was no contest. Pitto just a class above poor Saiz who absorbed a beating. The fight could and should have been stopped earlier but the referee finally ended it in the third. Pitto, 27, is the only guy to have beaten German star Jack Culcay being 1-1 in their two fight series. He lost to Zaurbek Baysangurov for the vacant IBO title in April and is a good quality fighter. Southpaw Saiz, 37, has now lost 6 of his last 7 fights.

 

Zarate, Argentina: Super Bantam: Luis E Cusolito (20-1) W TKO 7 Diego O Silva (29-5-4). Cusolito retains WBC Latino title with stoppage of experienced Silva. After a round of study the fight came to life in the second. The hard-punching local landed a heavy right that put Silva down. Unfortunately Cusolito also suffered a bad cut over his left eye. Silva did better in the third as he was able to get inside and score with short hooks and uppercuts. Cusolito’s strength and physical advantages allowed him to dominate the fourth and fifth. He almost ended it in the sixth flooring Silva twice with rights. Silva survived but when a left hook to the body put Silva down again the fight was stopped. The 26-year-old “The Squirrel”, the FFB No 1 and WBC No 14, has 18 wins by KO/TKO and makes it five wins since losing in a disappointing fight against Max Marquez  in December 2012. Silva, 30, a former Argentinian and South American champion, drops to three losses by KO/TKO including a second round stoppage by Scott Quigg for the WBA secondary title in November. The FFB No 5 lost to Fernando Montiel for the interim WBO bantam title in 2009.

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Welter: Sebastian A Lujan (43-8-2,1ND) W PTS 10 Amilcar E Funes M (22-16). Lujan wins this contest of fading veterans. Lujan took the first three rounds scoring inside with hard shots from both hands but then faded and Funes was able to get into the fight taking the fourth and fifth and started to claw back some of Lujan’s lead. Lujan then took over again in the sixth and seventh as he found new strength and with both fighters tiring he finished the stronger to deserve the unanimous decision. Scores 97-93, 97-94 and 97-96. Now 34, “Iron” had shots at the WBO welter and light middle titles and also lost to Mike Jones for the NABA title and Chris van Heerden for the IBO crown. In his better days he beat Mihaly Kotai (31-1) for the IBO title, Robert Reuque (26-0), Walter D Matthysse (26-2), Mark Jason Melligan and (21-2) but lost to Victor H Velazquez for the Argentinian title in March. Funes, 32, has also seen better days, still being the only fighter have beaten Mexican Marcos Reyes, but has now lost his last seven fights.

 

Ghent, Belgium: Light Middle: Sasha Yengoyan (30-1-1) W TKO 7 Anderson Clayton (42-9-1), Cruiser: Bilal Laggoune (18-0-1) W KO 5 Jeremy Ouanna (14-10). Cruiser: Ryad Merhy (10-0) W KO 3 Cedric Kalonji (8-3).

Yengoyan vs. Clayton

Yengoyan wins WBFed title as Brazilian Clayton does not come out for the seventh round in a brawl that made for an untidy fight. Yengoyan showed his superior strength from the first but that first round saw a clash of heads leaving Yengoyan with a bad cut on his right eyebrow. Yengoyan was pressing hard and Clayton was shipping some heavy shots. He tried to win the fight at the end of the third by collapsing and complaining of a low blow but no one was fooled. Yengoyan continued to dominate the action with Clayton showing some good defensive work but little aggression. With Yengoyan just getting stronger Clayton decided not to come out for the seventh round. The 29-year-old Armenian Yengoyan, “The Beast from the East” relocated to Belgium in 2008. He has 20 wins by KO/TKO and 8 wins in a row, 7 by KO/TKO for the EBU No 6 since losing to Aslanbek Kozaev in 2012. Clayton, 35, the title holder, was making the third defence of his title.

Laggoune vs Ouanna

Laggoune remains undefeated with win over Frenchman Ouanna. Laggoune starts well and by the end of the first round Ouanna is already showing some marks of battle on his face. Laggoune has his jab working in the second round with Ouanna coming back at the end of the round to make it close. In the third Ouanna goes on the offensive and Laggoune is the one under pressure forced to fight against the ropes but he absorbs the best Ouanna can throw. The fourth sees both fighters upping their work rate to try to take control with Laggoune again being pressed hard. It suddenly ended in the fifth when a thunderous right from Laggoune put Ouanna out cold. It was almost ten minutes before the Frenchman was able to regain his feet and he went to hospital as a precaution. Nine wins by KO/TKO for 21-year-old Laggoune who is Belgian and WBC Mediterranean champion (Belgium / Mediterranean! New atlas needed at the WBC). He looks a good prospect and will certainly come into the EBU ratings. Three losses in a row for 33-year-old Ouanna , the other two losses were to unbeaten Mairis Breidis and for the EBU title  and to Grigory Drozd. The FFB No 1 was EBU 12 and is better than his record indicates,

Merhy vs. Kalonji

Six wins in a row by KO/TKO for Merhy. Kalonji came to fight but the Ivory Coast fighter had the power. A right puts Kalonji down in the second and he is still shaken as he goes back to his corner. Merhy comes out to end it in the third and a right to the chin has Kalonji badly hurt and the referee stops the fight. The 21-year-old Merhy now has 9 wins by KO/TKO. He is a good prospect and is ready for better opposition. Three losses in a row for Frenchman Kalonji.

 

Santiago, Chile: Super Fly: Miguel Gonzalez (20-1) W PTS 8 Jorge Saquinga (8-5-1 ).

Gonzalez makes it two wins in a row since losing to Paul Butler on points in September. Scores 80-72 twice and 80-73 for the 25-year-old Chilean. Ecuadorian Saquinga is 3-5 in his last 8 fights.

 

Vireux Wallerand, France: Light Heavy: Patrick Bois (12-3-1) W PTS 10 Hakim Zoulikha (21-5). Light Heavy: Mehdi Amar (28-4-2) WRTD 5 Jevgenijs Belitcenko (5-7-1). Light Heavy: Hakim Chioui (30-3-1) W PTS 6 Gabriel Lecrosnier (17-30-4). Feather: Sofiane Takoucht (29-3-1) W PTS 6 Janis Puksins (4-20-2,1ND). Light Middle: Cedric Vitu (39-2) W PTS 6 Artem Karasev (4-12-1).

Bois vs. Zoulikha

Hometown fighter Bois regains the French title with unanimous victory over Zoulikha. Bois was the bigger and stronger man and that made an important difference. Bois was able to land long swinging shots whereas Zoulikha had to get inside to score. Bois mostly chose not to use his longer reach but to walk Zoulikha down and then trade, The action never let up. Bois would score with a couple of heavy thumps and Zoulikha would walk through them to score with short hooks from both hands. Bois seemed to have Zoulikha hurt a couple of times but Zoulikha just kept walking and winging and most of the fight was at close quarters. Both were tired in the last and Bois scored with some heavy head punches forcing Zoulikha back to the ropes and keeping him there but Zoulikha absorbed the shots and played his part in three minutes of sustained action. Scores 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94. Bois, 23, is now French champion for the second time having lost his title to Nadjib Mohammedi on a close decision in October. He also lost to German Enrico Koelling on a close decision in June so needed a win. He showed greater maturity in this one and will be looking to advance beyond national title level. Zoulikha, 28, was making his first defence of his title and played his part in a stirring fight. He had 5 of his last 6 fights going in.

Amar vs. Belitcenko

Amar finally gets a win after two draws in his last two fights. Amar was giving away a lot in height and reach but wore Belitcenko down and forced his retirement at the end of the fifth round. The 32-year-old former French super middle champion is a useful 9-1-2 in his last 12 fights with the loss being to current IBF No 1 Nadjib Mohammedi. Amar is rated EU 14/FFB 2. Latvian Belitcenko is 4-6 in his last 10 fights.

Chioui vs. Lecrosnier

Chioui forced to go the distance by experienced Lecrosnier. The 27-year-old former French champion the EBU 7/FFB 1 has won 7 of his last 8 fights and as with Amar his loss was to Nadjib Mohammedi. Chioui won his first 13 fights by KO/TKO but this is now his fifth points win in a row. Lecrosnier goes up and down the divisions. He has challenged for the French cruiser title in the past and is now FFB No 6 super middle.

Takoucht vs. Puksins

Former European champion Takoucht has six easy rounds of work against travelling loser Latvian Puksins. The 28-year-old local southpaw has lost only two of his last 16 fights, both losses to Alex Miskirtchian on a split decision and a majority decision, now he is working his way towards a world title shot. Puksins, just a name to fill the other corner and not make any trouble.

Vitu vs. Karasev

As official challenger to Jack Culcay for the European title Vitu got six rounds of paid sparring as he took things easy against the lanky Karasev. The 29-year-old southpaw has lost only one of his last 21 fights and that was a split decision to Sergey Rabchenko for the EBU and WBC Silver titles in November 2012. This was his fourth win since then. Russian-born, Lithuanian-based Karasev is 1-7-1 in his last 9.

 

Hangelsberg, Germany: Light Middle: Giuseppe Lauri (55-16) W KO 7 Rico Schultz (13-2). Middle: Ronny Mittag (22-1-1) W PTS 8 Bart Grafka (10-12-1), Cruiser: Kai Kurzawa (34-4) W PTS 10 Arturs Kulikauskis (13-20-4).

Lauri vs. Schultz

The script is in the bin again. The 38-year-old over the hill Lauri was brought in as a safe name to put another win on the young German’s record. Instead the roof fell in on Schultz. Lauri started well using his jab to hold off the Schultz attacks over the first three rounds. Schultz kept up the pressure in the fourth bringing blood from Lauri’s nose but seemed to be tiring in the fifth and sixth. In the seventh Lauri suddenly produced a crushing left hook that put Schultz down heavily. What appeared to be a slow count was not enough to save Schultz who had to helped back to his corner as he legs were gone. Lauri’s nickname is “The End” and the though was probably that a bad loss might bring his retirement but all he ended here was the fight. A former Italian and European Union light welter champion now based and licensed in Hungary, Lauri had lost 7 of his last 8 fights so a real upset. He wins Schultz’s GBC title. Schultz had his lack of experience exposed and at 27 “The Diamond” has been shattered.

Mittag vs. Abajyan

Mittag extends his unbeaten run to 20 fights as he outpoints Grafka. The 26-year-old local was having his first fight for almost 10 months so had some rust to shed and after a couple of even rounds he swept the late rounds to win 78-75 on the referee’s scorecard. Pole Grafka usually loses but goes the distance.

Kurzawa vs. Kulikauskis

Kurzawa pleases his local fans as he outpoints Lithuanian southpaw Kulikauskis to make it 12 wins in a row on his comeback. The 37-year-old was unsuccessful in two shots at winning an EU title and once at an EBU title then after a two round loss to Armin Dollinger in 2008 took 32 months out. Included in the nine wins by KO/TKO in his winning streak since returning is a revenge three round win over Dollinger. Kulikauskis is unusual in that he does sometimes win on the road registering wins in Austria and even the distant French Polynesia.

 

Tampa, FL, USA: Super Fly: Daniel Lozano (13-1) W TKO 4 Jonathan Vidal (18-3). Light Heavy: Radivoje Kalajdzic (16-0,1ND) W PTS 6 Rayco Saunders (23-25-2). Light Middle: Emmanuel De Jesus (12-0) W TKO 2 Aaron Steadman (10-6-2)

Lozano vs. Vidal

Impressive win by “The Scorpion” as he halts once promising Vidal in the fourth. After a cautious opening round Lozano had Vidal in trouble at the end of the second as he got home with a brutal combination. Vidal fell into the ropes and although he did not go down the ropes were the only thing keeping him upright so the referee applied a count. Vidal stayed out of trouble in the third but a body punch in the fourth put him down in agony and the fight was stopped. The 24-year-old local favourite makes it 10 wins by KO/TKO and retains his WBO Latino title. Now two wins since being beaten by Matt Villaneuva in October. Puerto Rican ”Pitbull” Vidal won his first 17 fights but is 1-3 in his last 4.

Kalajdzic vs. Saunders

“Hot Rod” Kalajdzic keeps his 100% record but has to go the distance against old stager Saunders. The B & H fighter almost ended it early when he floored Saunders with a right but after that seemed content to get in some rounds. He was able to out-speed and out-box Saunders and won every round. Scores 60-53 from all three judges. The 23-year-old Kalajdzic is still untested but making  good progress. Saunders, 40, has won only one of his last 12 fights but has only failed to go the distance twice in his career.

De Jesus vs. Steadman

Puerto Rican “Pirata” De Jesus makes it eight wins by KO/TKO with stoppage of oldie Steadman. De Jesus was the bigger and stronger man and dominated the first round. He put Steadman down in the second and although Steadman made it to his feet a volley of punches had him staggering and the referee halted the fight. The 21-year-old represented Puerto Rico at the World Youth Championships and the Pan American Games and looks a coming talent. Second loss by KO/TKO for 40-year-old Steadman.

 

October 4

 

Los Mochis, Mexico: Feather: Jhonny Gonzalez (57-8) W TKO 11 Jorge Arce (64-8-2). Super Feather: Adrian Estrella (19-0) W PTS 12 Celestino Caballero (37-6). Super Feather: Adrian Young (19-1-2) DREW 8 Edgar Monarrez (18-2-1). Welter: Mahonri Montes (30-4-1) W PTS 8 Diego Cruz (10-0).

Gonzalez vs. Arce

Gonzalez ends the career of Arce and retains his WBC title. They both started cautiously with Arce circling the ring and Gonzalez following him but not really letting his punches go. In the third Arce began to come forward throwing punches but he had to leap in due to the advantages in height and reach that Gonzalez had. It made for some messy exchanges with Gonzalez wrestling Arce to the floor. Arce was already showing blood from a small cut over his left eye and as the fight resumed Gonzalez cut loose with a bunch of quick punches knocking Arce down with a final left hook. He was up at five and the bell went as the eight count was completed. In the fourth Arce came forward throwing punches but Gonzalez was fighting a controlled fight using his jab to unsettle Arce and willing to let Arce lunge forward and catch him with counters. Both fighters traded heavy punches at the end of the round with Gonzalez getting the better of the exchanges. Arce continued to lunge in with his attacks in the fifth and got through with a hard straight left and right cross but a left hook from Gonzalez put Arce down again. This time he got up slower and gained some relief as his mouthpiece had to be put back in. He had a shouting match with his seconds and it seemed as though they might be thinking of throwing in the towel and Arce was in a defiant mood. The sixth was all Gonzalez as he finally let his punches flow. He was getting home sickening left hooks to the body and heavy rights to the head. Arce could do little, but his warrior spirit was there to see as he banged his gloves together after a furious exchange and when Gonzalez was teeing off he was beckoning the champion in to trade some more. There was less action in the seventh as Arce continued to move round the perimeter of the ring with Gonzalez following him and the smaller man lunging in with both fists and also his head. After another exchange Arce had again “lost” his mouthpiece and Gonzalez seemed to have gone off the boil. The tempo also dropped in the eighth with Arce hardly throwing a punch and Gonzalez only launching sporadic attacks. After one exchange Arce complained of a rabbit punch and was given time to recover-and once again to have his mouthpiece put back in. The pace was no quicker at the start of the ninth until the halfway point when a cracking left hook from Gonzalez sent Arce crashing to the canvas. Arce was up at five claiming it was a slip but it wasn’t. Gonzalez slammed home some heavy rights after that but again Arce just kept urging Gonzalez to bring it on but throwing no punches of his own. If Gonzalez had been going all out he could have finished the fight in that round but he was only attacking sporadically with one or two shots at a time. In the tenth Arce had no offence left and very little defence and Gonzalez was just prodding and throwing the occasional punch and you could almost sense that Arce was wishing Gonzalez would hurry up and get this over with. The eleventh was a travesty. Arce hardly stopped moving round the perimeter and Gonzalez never launched a serious attack. Arce again managed to get rid of his mouthpiece but the fight just dribbled to an end with the referee stopping the fight without any particular punch to punctuate the decision. Gonzalez retains his WBC title. He said he had so much respect for Arce he did not want to knock him out. Strange logic as the one-sided beating he handed out in the middle rounds did nothing for Arce’s image and how much respect are you showing when you carry a guy. Fifteenth world title fights for Gonzalez and win No 48 by KO/TKO. Arce is a great fighter and has had a great career but this was one fight too many. Let’s hope he stays away so that he can get his place in the Hall of Fame in five years time (you have to have been inactive for five years to qualify). He had his first world title fight in 1998 and ignoring interim title fights, which I do, has been in 20 world title fights. A truly great warrior.

Estrella vs. Caballero

The next Mexican generation was on show in this one as “Diamante” Estrella hopefully brought the curtain down on “Pelenchin’s” career. The fight did not start well for the young Mexican as he showed lots of rough edges and Caballero was able to use his big height and reach advantage to spear punches through Estrada’s scarce defence often lazily pushing out punches off the wrong foot and easily avoid the swings of the frustrated Mexican. The only plus point for Estrada at the end of four rounds was that there was no power in Caballero’s punches and he was getting closer with his swings. Things looked to have changed just 15 second into the fifth when a left hook from Estrada finally landed and Caballero went down. It was ruled a slip but now Estrada was on fire and he was coming forward throwing shots with Caballero’s cool deserting him. A right uppercut snapped Caballero’s head back and a series of left hooks put him down in a heap with half his body outside the ropes. He lay motionless until the count reached seven and then quickly rose at nine. He was badly hurt and for 30 seconds Estrada drove the staggering Panamanian around the ring from one side to the other landing shot after shot. Actually running after the retreating Caballero whose legs had turned to spaghetti and he was finally dumped on the canvas by a series of head punches. Once again he was flat on his back by the ropes motionless, and once again he suddenly seemed to decided to fight on and was up at eight. He clasped Estrada and held for a few seconds until the bell rang. Estrada seemed to have punched himself out and Caballero was able to get back to his boxing and back in the fight. He was able to avoid Estrada’s swings again and kept the Mexican off balance with prods from his long jab and to score with straight rights. Estrada started the ninth with a series of hard head shots which seemed to have Caballero shaky but then the Panamanian went on the back foot and threaded punch after punch through the Mexican’s guard until Estrada ended the round with some thumping head shots. Estrada scored with a series of punches early in the tenth which saw Caraballo stagger backwards along the ropes and down in a corner. He was up quickly claiming he was off balance but the referee applied a count. Estrada was walking Caballero down and landing hooks and crosses with Caraballo looking tired and trying to hold. Estrada had Caballero down again from head punches early in the eleventh only for Caballero to get up and score time and again with shots after shot through the non-existent guard of Estrada ending the round with a series of five head punches all of which landed-but with no power. The last round mirrored the rest of the fight with Caballero probably throwing and landing more than Estrada by a ratio of about 10-1 but the power punches were coming from Estrada. Scores 117-110 twice and 115-109. Estrada retains his WBC Fecarbox title for the seventh round. He showed power but also showed a crude style with a porous defence and took so many clean shots that it was as well that Caballero is a light puncher. The 38-year-old Caballero now has to re-think his future.

Young vs. Monarrez

Young was looking g to rebound from his first pro loss but had to settle for a draw in a fight of two useful youngster. The 21-year-old Chino lost on points to Oscar Gonzalez (21-2) and this was his first fight in the 15 months since then. Monarrez now has 3 wins and a draw since losing to Lupe Rosales in 2012.

Montes vs. Cruz

Montes used his experience to get past unbeaten prospect Cruz. After winning his first 26 fights Montes is 5-4 in his last 9. The 20-year-old Cruz can come again.

 

Mashantucket, CT, USA: Super Feather: Rances Barthelemy (21-0,1ND) W PTS 12 Fernando D Saucedo (52-6-3). Light Middle: Vanes Martirosyan (35-1-1) W PTS 10 Willie Nelson (23-2-1). Light Heavy: Tommy Karpency (24-4-1) W PTS 10 Chad Dawson (32-4, 2ND). Super Bantam: Jonathan Guzman (17-0,1NC) W KO 2 Ernesto Guerrero (17-13).

Barthelemy vs. Saucedo

Barthelemy retains his IBF title with wide unanimous decision over limited Argentinian Saucedo. The champion was too big, too strong and too fast for Saucedo and won every round. At 6’3” (180cm) Barthelemy was content to let Saucedo 5’7 ½” (171cm) take the lead over the first three rounds and just use his jab and straight rights to dominate the fight. He got serious in the fourth starting to go after Saucedo and in the fifth had the Argentinian badly shaken and came near to finishing it then. Barthelemy was in total control with only the good chin and some guts seeing Saucedo through to the end of the fight although Barthelemy did not seem to be going all-out at times. Scores 120-108 from all three judges. First defence of his title for the 28-year-old Cuban “Kid Blast”. He comes from a boxing family in which elder brother Yan was the amateur star winning an Olympic gold medal but then failing as a pro. Barthelemy had a very difficult time getting out of Cuba making numerous attempts before succeeding and spending some time in a Cuban jail for trying. Now he wants a unifier with Mikey Garcia. Second loss in a title shot for 32-year-old Saucedo as he lost on points to Chris John for the WBA feather title in 2010. Sticking to domestic business he had lost only one of his last 38 fights going in and was IBF 3(2).

Martirosyan vs. Nelson

Big fight for both men probably more for Martirosyan than Nelson and he kept his career alive with a deserved unanimous decision. Martirosyan had to get inside to win this one as Nelson had height and reach over him and after Nelson had taken the first round he had success in the second and third getting through with hooks and uppercuts. Although Nelson also had some success up close it was body shots from Martirosyan that proved decisive late in the fight. Nelson took the early part of the fourth opening a cut under Martirosyan right eye but was shaken by a shot from Martirosyan late in the round. Martirosyan took the fifth only for Nelson to bang back and edge the sixth and seventh. Martirosyan opened a cut under Nelson’s left eye and landed more and harder shot to take the eighth and although the ninth was close Martirosyan did the better work and those body punches were beginning to tell on Nelson. Martirosyan fought hard to take the last round although the fight was already in the bag barring a knockout, but he could not be sure of that. Scores 97-93 twice and 96-94.  The 28-year-old Armenian-born Martirosyan had Joe Goossen in his corner and dedicated the win to Joe’s recently deceased brother Dan Goossen who played such a big role in his career. He was continuing his rebuilding process after losing a split decision to Demetrius Andrade for the vacant WBO title in November and this was his second win since then. He is rated WBO 4/IBF 8/WBC 9/WBA 13(12). Nelson felt he had done enough to win the fight but that strong finish from Martirosyan took it away from him. The 27-year-old from Cleveland had come to prominence with a win over Yudel Johnson and gone on to beat John Jackson, Mike Medina, Luciano L Cuello and Luis Grajeda and was rated WBC 5/WBA 15 914).

Karpency vs. Dawson

Huge win for Karpency as he takes a razor-thin decision over Dawson in an all-southpaw contest. Both started aggressively although the action level was not high. Karpency got through with some power punches in the third which caused Dawson to take a more cautious approach early in the fourth before again deciding to come forward. It was obvious that the losses to Andre Ward and Adonis Stevenson had taken something out of Dawson who seemed slower and his work lacked authority. Many rounds were close with neither fighter really dominating and Dawson was hampered by a shoulder injury he sustained in the third round. Karpency had Dawson hurt with a left in the eighth and again in the last as the strong finish just got him the decision. Scores 96-94 twice for Karpency and 96-94 for Dawson. Karpency, 28, came in as a late replacement and registers his biggest career win which should garner him some lucrative paydays. After losses to Karo Murat, Nat Cleverly for the WBO title and Andrzej Fonfara he took 14 months out before returning with two wins this year. Dawson’s performance could be down to that injury but his rant about the loss being part of a plot to get him out of boxing was worrying. He needs to get back in the ring and start winning and that needs a positive attitude. Paranoia doesn’t fit the bill. At 32 he does not have time to waste.

Guzman vs. Guerrero

Dominican Guzman put the disappointment behind him of his propped fight with Guillermo Rigondeaux falling with the knockout of Mexico Guerrero. Guzman softened Guerrero up with body shots in the first round and then lowered the boom in the second with a right that put Guerrero down and out. Now 17 wins by KO/TKO for the 25-year-old Salomon King” with just one No Decision to mar the perfect record. The figures are deceptive as 7 of his opponents had never won a fight and 5 others had negative records so we still have to see him tested. Five losses in a row for Guerrero.

 

Leeds, England: Feather: Josh Warrington (19-0) W KO 4 Davide Dieli (15-4). Light Welter: Dave Ryan (16-8) W PTS 12 Tyrone Nurse (29-2). Light Welter: Ricky Burns (37-4-1) W PTS 8 Alex Lepelley (17-2-1). Light Middle: Brian Rose (26-2-1) W TKO 1 Ignacio L Fraga (11-8-3). Super Middle: Callum Smith (14-0) W TKO 3 Rafael Sosa Pintos (48-11). Cruiser: Stephen Simmons (11-0) W PTS 6 Courtney Richards (3-4-2).

Warrington vs. Dieli

Dominating performance from Warrington as he wins the vacant European title with stoppage of Italian Dieli. From the outset Warrington’s speed and accuracy put him in charge. Dieli tried to get his game pan going with some short hooks but Warrington got through his defence with quick combinations to take the opening round. The scene was the same in the second with Dieli having no answer to the jabs and quick flurries from Warrington. Dieli went to the body in the third but Warrington stood with him and showed he can fight as well as box and was putting on a great exhibition of box/fighting and had Dieli shaky by the end of the round. In the fourth Warrington took Deli to the ropes and dropped him with a hard right. The Italian made it to his feet but was being bombarded with shots from all angles and the fight was stopped. The local 23-year-old adds the European title to his British and CBC titles. This is only his third win by KO/TKO, but then again it is also his third win by KO/TKO in his last 4 fights so perhaps the power is coming out. It was a scintillating performance. Deli, 35, a former Italian and European Union champion had lost only one of his last nine fights and that was to then world rated Sofiane Takoucht in 2012. This is only the second time he has lost by KO/TKO. He was brave but outclassed.

Nurse vs. Ryan

There was some hesitation over accepting Ryan as a challenger for the vacant CBC title but in the end he proved it was the right decision as he won a close majority verdict. Ryan could not have wished for a better start. He had Nurse on the floor in the first although looked like it was a punch that landed when Nurse was off balance, but it was enough for a 10-8 rounds. He made things look even better in the second when he again put Nurse down with no question over the validity of the flooring this time. Two round gone and four points behind left Nurse with a lot of work to do. Nurse used his jab to start winning rounds and his chances improved when Ryan’s right eye started to close. Ryan had another big round in the eighth but Nurse finished strongly making the fight so close it could have gone either way. Ryan got the verdict on scores of 114-113 twice and 113-113. The 31-year-old “Rocky” had a run of 3 losses in 4 hard fights but then sprang a major surprise as he climbed off the floor to outpoint world rated Paul McCloskey (24-2) in December and has gone on to earn his first major title. English champion Nurse, 24, had lost to Adil Anwar in the 2012 Prizefighter, his only previous loss, and had rebounded with seven wins. Those disastrous first two rounds cost him the fight and  he deserves a return match.

Burns vs. Lepelley

Burns gets win at light welter but does not look sharp. The fight started well for the former double WBO champion as he floored the Frenchman with a left hook in the first round. However, after a good second round he did not kick on from there. Lepelley is not an easy touch and the Frenchman scored with some good punches of his own and as the fight continued Burn’s seemed to lose his edge. He was winning the rounds but was too often standing and trading instead of using his speed and skill to work on the outside. Lepelley lost a point in the seventh for a butt. He fought hard and gave Burns a good test even though losing clearly. Referee’s score 79-71. The 31-year-old Scot was talking about going back down to light but also said it had been a struggle to get the poundage off at light welter so he has a decision to make. There are still good paydays at light but at 5’10” (178cm) it might now be a struggle to get the weight off each time. Lepelley, 32, was not overawed. He has made a habit of winning away from home having beaten Steve Claggett (15-1-1) in Canada and Sandor Martin (15-0) in Barcelona but Burns was a class above those two.

Rose vs. Fraga

Rose demolishes poor Fraga inside a round. Fraga never had a chance. A right put him down early and although he beat the count he was put down twice more and the fight was stopped with just two seconds left in the round. First win for Rose since being floored and halted by Demetrius Andrade for the WBO title in June. The 29-year-old former undefeated British champion has wins over Vivian Harris, Sam Webb, Joachim Alcine and Juan Francisco Maciel and is WBO No 15, so not totally out of the picture. Now 8 wins by KO/TKO and his first one round victory. Argentinian Fraga, 31, was no real test as he had lost inside a round to Patrick Teixeira in March and fought a four round draw in his last fight in September.

Smith vs. Pintos

Smith again shows his power as he destroys experienced Uruguayan in three rounds. With Smith 6’3” (191cm) and Pintos 5’9” (175cm) the visitor had to try to get inside, but that was definitely not a safe place for him. After softening Pintos up with body punches over the first two rounds Smith used the same tactics to end it in the third. A right hook put Pintos down and although he got up body punches put him down twice more. Now 11 wins by KO/TKO in his last 12 fights for the 24-year-old Smith who is WBC No 10 although none of his victims have been rated fighters. He now faces Nikola Sjekloca in a WBC eliminator and a win there will see him pushing for a huge fight with George Groves. Sjekloca’s only losses have been on points to Sakio Bika in a WBC eliminator and to Arthur Abraham for the WBO title so a good test. Pintos, 34, no real danger and he is now 2-7 in his last 9 fights including a first round kayo by Schiller Hyppolite in May.

Simmons vs. Richards

Scot Simmons, the WBC International Silver champion keeps busy with win over Plymouth’s Richard. The 30-year-old former top amateur won on the referee’s score card by 59-55. Simmons, 30, won a number of prestigious amateur tournaments and represented Scotland at the European and World Championships and won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games. Richards, 21, was having his second fight in 14 days and did his job of staying the six rounds.

 

Orlano, FL, USA: Light: Felix Verdejo (15-0) W KO 3 Sergio Villaneuva (26-5-2). Feather: Gamalier Rodriguez (25-2-3) W TKO 2 Martin Cardona (17-3). Super Middle: Esquiva Falcao (5-0) W TKO 2 Austin Marcum (6-6-1). Feather: Chris Diaz (7-0) W TKO 4 Francisco Camacho (2-5-1). Fly: Jantony Ortiz (3-0) W PTS 4 Gilberto Mendoza (4-4)

Verdejo vs. Villaneuva

Another exciting one punch finish by hot Puerto Rican prospect Verdejo. Mexican Villanueva came to fight and was taking the fight to Verdejo. The classy young Puerto Rican was boxing well showing good movement and sending home jarring punches. After taking the first two rounds Verdejo switched to southpaw and that tactic worked to perfection. Villaneuva backed Verdejo to the ropes and as he moved in Vallejo nailed him with a pulverizing short right that had the Mexican pitching face forward into the ropes. As the referee stepped in to bring Villanueva to the vertical the Mexican staggered back across the ring on wobbly legs and down and the fight was stopped. Now 11 wins by KO/TKO for the 21-year-old “can’t miss” prospect a former Pan American Youth Champion and 2012 Olympian. Villaneuva, 23, was stopped in seven rounds by world rated Puerto Rican Jose Pedraza but went the distance with Filipino Rey Bautista in May losing a close decision.

Rodriguez vs. Cardona

Rodriguez wastes no time in demolishing late stand-in Cardona. Rodriguez had Cardona on the floor from a right in the first. Rodriguez cut loose again in the second  nailing Cardona with a hard combination of head and body shots and with nothing coming back from Cardona the referee halted the action. The 27-year-old Rodriguez, the WBO No 3 and their NABO champion makes to 17 wins by KO/TKO . He is undefeated in his last 18 fights. In his previous fight in October he got his biggest win as he outpointed former WBO title challenger Orlando Cruz. Mexican “Marciano” Cardona had won his first 17 fights but was coming off two tough losses to unbeaten fighters in Romain Jacob (18-0) And Eduardo Torres(14-0).

Falcao vs. Marcum

Brazilian Falcao makes it three wins by KO/TKO. After taking the first round with a display of some of his boxing skills he graced the second with a view of his power. A left hook put Marcum down heavily. He bravely made it to his feet but was being punished severely when the referee stepped in to save him. The 24-year-old southpaw won World Championship bronze and Olympic silver medals. Fifth loss by KO/TKO for Marcum.

Diaz vs. Camacho

Teenager Diaz makes it five wins by KO/TKO as he puts away Camacho in the fourth. Diaz showed classy moves and sharp punching from the off. He had Camacho hurt in the second round and kept up the pressure in the third. A left to the body put Camacho down in the fourth and although he beat the count another barrage of punches put him down and out. The 19-year-old shows real promise. Second loss by KO/TKO for Mexican Camacho.

Ortiz vs. Mendoza

Another bright star appearing over the horizon in Puerto Rico as Ortiz wins unanimous decision over Mendoza. The fight started badly for Ortiz as he was caught off balance by a punch and his gloves touched the canvas and it was counted a knockdown. Ortiz found Mendoza an awkward customer but won the second and third rounds getting through with good left hooks and looked to have scored a knockdown in the last only to have it ruled a slip. Scores 38-37 twice and 39-37. The 20-year-old prospect, a former national amateur champion won a bronze medal at the Pan American Games and represented Puerto Rico at both the World Championships and 2012 Olympics. He is promoted by Miguel Cotto. Mexican Mendoza gave Ortiz some puzzles to work through so useful experience.

 

Atlantic City, NJ, USA: Light Middle: Glen Tapia (22-1) W TKO 4 Donatas Bondorovas (18-6-1). Welter: Mikael Zewski (25-0) W KO 2 Roberto Ventura (13-10). Super Middle: Jesse Hart (15-0) W KO 4 Roberto Acevedo (8-3). Light Welter: Mike Reed (11-0) W PTS 6 Osnel Charles (10-11-1). Super Feather: Toka Kahn Clary (13-0,1ND) W TKO 4 Camilo Perez (9-3). Light Welter: Julian Rodriguez (6-0) W TKO 4 Chris Steele (4-11-2).

Tapia vs. Bondorovas

Tapia continues his recovery work with a stoppage of useful Bondorovas. Tapia boxed intelligently using his superior skills to pile up the points. He found Bondorovas an easy target for his jab and straight rights and took the first three rounds with Bondorovas suffering cuts over both eyes. The end came in the fourth when a right put Bondorovas down. He got up but was very shaky and the fight was stopped. The 24-year-old “Jersey Boy” now has 14 wins by KO/TKO. He took a brutal beating from James Kirkland in December, the sort of beating that he might never have recovered from. However, he took sixth months out and has now scored two wins by KO/TKO on his return. Chicago-based Lithuanian Bondorovas, 34, has lost 3 of his last 4 fights. He was stopped by Brian Vera and outpointed by Willie Monroe Jr in the ESPN Boxcino tournament.

Zewski vs. Ventura

Just a pay day/keep busy fight for Zewski. He was too quick and hit too hard for Ventura and made 15 wins by KO/TKO in his last 16 fights with a second round kayo. The tall 26-year-old Canadian is already WBC No 13 and ready for bigger fights. Mexican Ventura, 35 lost in one round to Dominic Wade in October.

Hart vs. Acevedo

Hart take his tally to 12 wins by KO/TKO as he kayos Acevedo in four. The 25-year-old from Philadelphia, a former NGG and US national champion, continues to impress. First loss by KO/TKO for 27-year-old Acevedo.

Reed vs. Charles

“Indeed” Reed takes unanimous decision over Charles. The 21-year-old southpaw floored Charles in the second but ate too many punches himself for comfort. Scores 60-52 twice and 59-53. Haitian-born Charles is 1-9-1 in his last 11 fights.

Clary vs. Perez

Clary, also an unbeaten southpaw, makes it 9 wins by KO/TKO with stoppage of Puerto Rican Perez. The Liberian-born 22-year-old, a former NGG champion just missed out at the US Olympic Trials for London. After winning his first nine fights Perez, 23, has lost his last three but the opposition has been to a good standard.

Rodriguez vs. Steele

“Hammer Hands” Rodriguez is also in the four round winning groove as he puts Steele down is each of the second, third and fourth round and the left hook which caused the last knockdown is enough for the referee. The 19-year-old, a former NGG and US national champion was the Alternate for the US Team for London 2012. He has five wins by KO/TKO and got some much needed ring time as three of his fights had ended in the first round. Poor Steele is 1-7-2 in his last 10 fights.

 

Tokyo, Japan: Fly: Suguru Muranaka (21-2-1) W TKO 8 Yasuke Sakashita (12-5-2).

Muranaka retains the JBC title with stoppage of Sakashita. Muranaka was forcing the fight from the outset but the taller Sakashita was scoring well with his jab and showing good movement. The fight was close after five rounds with the three judges each having it 48-47 to the champion. Muranaka started to dominate in the sixth landing with good punches to head and softening Sakashita up with body punches. He ended the fight in some style in the eighth crushing Sakashita with a huge right which put him down and saw the fight stopped immediately. The 29-year-old Muranaka in unbeaten in his last 15 fights and is rated IBF 5(4)/WBC 5/WBO 6/WBA 8. Sakashita, the JBC No 11 had won his last four fights but was having his first ten round outing. He suffers his second loss by KO/TKO.

 

Windhoek, Namibia: Light: Paulus Moses (34-2) W KO 6 Josenilson Dos Santos (27-3). Cruiser: Vikapita Meroro (27-4) W TEC DEC 6 Walter D Cabral (19-11). Welter: Dario F Pucheta (20-2) W TKO 8 Bethuel Ushona (32-3-1). Light Heavy: Wilberforce Shihepo (22-8) W PTS Tineyi Maridzo (9-8). Light: Peter Malakai (13-13-1) W PTS 8 Tommy Hango (12-8). Welter: Sacky Shikukutu (18-3-1) W KO 3 Lawrence Moyo (0-6-1)

Moses vs. Dos Santos

“Hitman” Moses looks in top form as he kayos Brazilian Dos Santos. The visitor showed quick hands and good skills using his big edges in height and reach to off-set the heavier punching and body attack of Moses and the early rounds were fairly even. The third saw them trading hard shots but the Brazilian was wrestled to the canvas in the third and seemed to injure his knee but fought on. Moses hurt Dos Santos with an uppercut in the fourth but Dos Santos fought back hard. The action went back and forwards in the fifth but with the body attack of Moses slowing Dos Santos. The end came suddenly in the sixth when a left hook to the body from Moses put the Brazilian down and he could not beat the count. Good win for the 36-year-old Namibian, a former WBA secondary champion who lost on points to Ricky Burns for the WBO title in 2012. He has 22 wins by KO/TKO and this was his sixth win since the Burns fight with former IBF champions Cassius Baloyi and Mzonke Fana in his list of victims.  Second loss by KO/TKO in his last 3 fights for the 29-year-old Dos Santos. His other loss was a creditable performance in losing to Diego Magdaleno in 2009.

Meroro vs. Cabral

Meroro wins technical decision as Argentinian pulls out with cut. The fight did not really provide much excitement. Meroro used his height and reach advantage to take every round. Cabral suffered a bad cut in a clash of heads and at the end of the sixth round it went to the score cards with Meroro up 60-54 on all three cards. The 32-year-old “Beast Master” has won six in a row but low level opposition. He has lost to good quality opposition such as Isaac Chilemba, Braimah Kamoko and Juergen Braehmer, but has never beaten a rated fighter and his WBO No 2 position is ridiculous. Cabral, 44, is 5-5 in his last 10 fights and is not rated by the FAB.

Ushona vs. Pucheta

Another WBO rating exposed as unreal as Argentinian Pucheta floors and halts Ushona. It was a fairly even fight with both fighters having periods of supremacy. After a slow first round the action picked up in the second with some good exchanges. Pucheta had the better of the third and fourth with Ushona fighting on the back foot and landing accurate counters as Pucheta looked to be tiring. It could be that Ushona became over confident because in the sixth a hook from Pucheta put himdown. The Namibian was up quickly but late in the next round a volley of punches from Pucheta put Ushona down again. He got up but was badly shaken and the fight was stopped. Big win for the 27-year-old “El Gallo” who makes it 11 wins by KO/TKO. The WBO have an interesting problem. Their No 2 gets beaten by a guy who is not even in the FAB top 10 in his division. It will be interesting to see how high Pucheta goes and how low Ushona ands up. The Namibian lost by the proverbial mile against Denton Vassell for the CBC title and to Jan Zaveck but had then won seven fights in a row against reasonable level but unrated opponents and somehow found his way to WBO No 2. It will be a hard road back for Ushona.

Shihepo vs. Maridzo

Shihepo given eight rounds of work by Zimbabwean Tineyi Maridzo and gets a wide unanimous decision. It was a dull match with too many clinches and too little action but what good work there was came from Shihepo. Scores 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74. The 31-year-old Namibian lost two of his previous three fights but nevertheless boosted his profile as he gave Arthur Abraham a hard fight over 12 rounds last year and only lost to Johnny Muller on a split decision in South Africa in March. First fight for Maridzo since only losing on a majority decision to Ryno Liebenberg in South Africa in July 2012.

Malakai vs. Hango

Two fighters in need of a win and it was Malakai who got it. In a good action fight he had the edge as he used his height, reach and better skills to win the points. Scores 79-75, 78-74 and 77-75. Malakai had lost 4 of his last 5 going . He has been unsuccessful in three shots at the national title but may now get a fourth. Five losses in a row now for Hango.

Shikukutu vs. Moyo

Shikukutu gets back into winning ways as he finishes Zimbabwean Moyo with a body punch in the third. The “Snake” makes it 12 wins by KO/TKO. He was having his first fight since flooring but losing a wide decision to Frankie Gavin for the CBC title in March. Poor Moyo is still looking for his first win. He was stopped in four rounds by Shikukutu in his first pro fight in 2009.

 

Torrelavega, Spain: Light Middle: Sergio Garcia (14-0) W Giorgi Ungiadze (27-19).

Garcia returns home to get unanimous verdict over tough but limited Georgian. Garcia was a full head taller than Ungiadze and used his advantage to box on the outside. Ungiadze continually walked forward trying to take Garcia to the ropes and work the body. Garcia used the jab to keep some space and was content to back up over the first round. From the second he stood and traded more scoring with straight rights and hooks to the body. Ungiadze just kept plodding forward following Garcia and eating the jab but when he did get close he was able to get in body shots and the occasional overhand rights. Garcia came forward more over the closing rounds and Ungiadze had to ship a load of punishment but stayed there until the final bell. The tall 21-year-old Spaniard was fighting in his home town for the first time in a year and “El Nino” looked sharp. The 30-year-old Ungiadze is a passport boxer with losses in ten different countries but only three of those losses have come by KO/TKO.

 

Basel, Switzerland: Heavy: Arnold Gjergjaj (26-0) W KO 9 Adnan Redzovic (15-1).

Gjergjaj wins the vacant European External European Union title with kayo of Redzovic. This one came alive in the third when Gjergjaj floored Redzovic with a left hook. The fight was interrupted when an over enthusiastic fan threw a cup of beer in the ring and whilst this was being cleaned up Redzovic was able to recover from the knockdown. Redzovic got into the fight and was doing much better opening a cut on Gjergjaj’s left eyebrow. Although Gjergjaj seemed to be taking control in the eighth the fight was close with the scores being a way out 79-72 and 76-75 for Gjergjaj  and 76-75 for Redzovic.  Gjergjaj went for broke in the ninth and  landed heavy shots to floor Redzovic twice with the second knockdown a brutal affair which led the referee to stop the fight immediately. “The Cobra” Gjergjaj, born in Kosovo is 29, and he now has 20 wins by KO/TKO the last 13 in a row with none of those 13 fights going past the third round. He is ready for better opposition. Redzovic, 37 and from B & H is not a power puncher but fought back well from that third round knockdown.

 

Lviv, Ukraine: Cruiser: Olek Usyk (5-0) W TKO 7 Daniel Bruwer (24-6-1). Welter: Andriy Kotelnik (32-4-1) W PTS 8 Alex Benidze (13-15-2). Welter: Viktor Plotnykov (31-2,1ND) W TKO 2 Vlad Janezashvili (7-1). Feather: Oleg Malinovskiy (13-0) W KO 3 Giorgi Gochishvili (3-4-2).

Usyk vs. Bruwer

Usyk wins the WBO Inter-Continental title in one-sided defeat of Bruwer. Plenty of feinting and prodding but very little action in the first as Bruwer was trying to walk down southpaw Usyk. More action in the second with Usyk getting through with some body punches. Bruwer was having difficulty in figuring out the awkward side-on stance of Usyk. He tried just standing in front of the Ukrainian with a high guard but that was pierced by fast penetrating punches from Usyk. He also tried both beckoning Usyk to come and fights and dancing with his hands down but that only brought him grief in the shape of some thumps from Usyk. The third again saw Bruwer trying a number of tactics to get Usyk to stand and trade and again he was caught with fast two-handed flurries as he stood behind a high guard. He had no luck when he took the shots and then beckoned for Usyk to come in and try that again as Usyk obliged but was not there when Bruwer tried to retaliate. Bruwer had a bit more success in the fourth as Usyk stood and traded but the local fighter had the quicker hands and was getting the better of the exchanges. The fifth was totally one-sided as Usyk was able to thread punches through Bruwer’s guard scoring with jabs ,hooks and uppercuts. He was getting off three or four shots and being away before Bruwer could counter. Usyk actually did some not very elegant showboating. The sixth saw Usyk drop the pace early in the round but pick it up past the half way mark. In one burst he threw about a dozen quick punches almost all of which pierced the sloppy guards of Bruwer. In the seventh Bruwer was chasing Usyk round the ring and eating counters. Right at the end of the round he dropped his hands and uttered some remarks to Usyk inviting him to stand and fight. The referee warned Bruwer to stop talking. Bruwer again dropped his hands completely and walked into Usyk and into a thudding left cross which saw him pitch face first to the canvas. The referee started the count but then waived the fight over. The 27-yeare-old Usyk has won all five of his fights by KO/TKO and keeps the international flavour going with his victims coming from Mexico, Colombia, Ghana, Argentina and now South Africa. A World and Olympic gold medal winner Usyk beat Artur Beterbiev in both of those competitions. Only the second loss by KO/TKO for former South African champion Bruwer. He seemed to have no game plan going in and never developed one during the fight.

Kotelnik vs. Benidze

Kotelnik returns for one more fight and then retires. The 36-year-old Kotelnik won every round and had the Georgian on the canvas in the second round from a right but then seemed to ease up and chose to go the full eight rounds. Fighting in his hometown where it all began for Kotelnik from when he first pulled on a boxing glove in a career that took him to an Olympic silver medal and the European and WBA titles and five national titles he formally announced his retirement. He had retired after losing to Devon Alexander in 2010 but decided he need to go out with a win. Scores 80-71 from all three judges. Kiev-based Georgian Benidze showed his customary durability having lost only once by KO/TKO.

Plotnykov vs. Janezashvili

Lanky Plotnykov gets back into action with stoppage of Georgian Janezashvili. The former European title challenger makes it 15 wins by KO/TKO but seems to be going nowhere with his career. Janezashvili, 32, is just a 4 and 6 round prelim fighter so a safe pick.

Malinovskiy vs. Gochishvili

Southpaw Malinovskiy has too much skill for Georgian Gochishvili. After winning the first two rounds he put Gochishvili away in the third for a rare win by KO/TKO. The 26-year-old is No 1 in the EE-EU ratings but needs some more fights before moving up. Gochishvili is 0-4-2 in his last 6 fights.

 

Cannock, England: Light Heavy: Grant Cunningham (9-0) W Kieron Gray (6-32-1).

“Maximus” Cunningham wins his first title as he outpoints a competitive Gray. It took Cunningham a couple of rounds to warm up but then he dominated the fight from there. He used a strong jab and good combinations to keep Gray on the back foot. Gray was playing his part in the fight getting through with jab of his own and firing back when under pressure. The fight was messy in parts with Gray almost going head first through the ropes and Gray then hefting Cunningham on his shoulder and looking as though he was going to chuck him out of the ring. However there was plenty of open action with Cunningham getting the better of the exchanges. The 30-year-old Walsall fighter wins the vacant British Masters bronze title (don’t ask-ok). Referee’s score 79-75. “Slammer” Gray is 1-32-1 in his last 34 but is a brave member of the “I’ll lose but I’ll earn my money” school.

 

Valley Forge, PA, USA: Super Feather: Frank Santos De Alba (14-1-2) W PTS 8 Jesse Carradine (8-4-2). Light: Niam Nelson (12-0-1) DREW 8 Ryan Belasco (18-6-4).

De Alba vs. Carradine

De Alba extends his unbeaten run to 16 fights and gets his twelfth win in a row but finds Carradine a tough test. After a couple of even rounds De Alba had Carradine hurt in the third with a southpaw left and did even better in the fifth when he floored Carradine with a right. Carradine fought back hard to have a big sixth round and caused a swelling on the right side of De Alba’s face. De Alba tied up the decision with a strong finish over the last two rounds. Scores 79-72, 78-73 and 76-75. The 27-year-old from Reading retains his Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) All American title. Carradine, 27, is 2-4-1 in his last 7 fights but the other three losses were to Evgeny Gradovich and the undefeated duo of Karl Dargan and Omar Douglas.

Nelson vs. Belasco

This one was close all the way with both fighters having dominant spells and it finished as a majority draw. Neither is a big puncher so there were plenty of exchanges since neither could really hurt the other. Belasco had the better of the first round but Nelson bounced back in the second with some good body punches. That was the pattern of the fight and it continued that way to the end with a draw a fair result. Scores 76-76 twice and 77-75 for Nelson. The vacant UBF All American title remains vacant. Nelson remains unbeaten and Belasco, as the away fighter, gave the local a hard night which means he may get a return.

 

October 5

 

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Light: Allan Kamote (25-7-4) W PTS 12 Osgood Kayuni (14-3-1). Tanzanian Kamote gets his world title as he wins wide unanimous decision over Malawian Kayuni. Kamote took control from the start taking the first round and having Kayuni in deep trouble in the second. Kayuni survived and took the fight to Kamote to share the fourth round. Kamote bounced back to win the fifth and six and again Kayuni pegged him back by clearly winning the seventh but that was as good as it got for the visitor. Kamote swept the remaining rounds to win on scores of 120-108, 119-108 and 119-109. The 32-year-old from Tanga wins the vacant UBO title. With this win he gets revenge for two losses to Kayuni in Malawi. Five of Kamote’s losses have come on his travels and he is 6-1 in his last 7 fights with the lost being to WBA No 4 Eduard Troyanovsky. Kayuni was unbeaten in his first 15 fights but is 0-3 in his latest contests.