The Past Week in Action 9 February 2015

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

The Past Week in Action 9 February 2015

February 5

 

Nakhon Sawan, Thailand: Minimumweight: Wanheng (37-0) W PTS 12 Jeffrey Galero (11-1). Wanheng retains the WBC title with wide unanimous decision over Filipino novice. Galero was competitive over the first two rounds showing some good movement but by the third Wanheng was getting through with hard punches to the body and Galero was already fading out of the fight as Wanheng continued to apply pressure in the fourth. At the end of that round Wanheng was in front on the open scoring 39-37 twice and 40-36. Over the next four rounds Wanheng was in total control with Galero soaking up hooks and uppercuts and doing well to stay in the fight but losing the rounds. At the end of eight rounds Wanheng was in front 80-72 on two cards and 79-73 on the third. Over the final four rounds it was all about survival for Galero. Wanheng seemed to ease up a bit in the ninth and tenth but was back to beating up Galero in the eleventh and finished strongly in the last but could not put Galero away. Scores 120-108, 120-109 and 119-109. First defence of the WBC title that the 29-year-old Wanheng won with a stoppage of Oswaldo Novoa in November. The 24-year-old Galero showed some skills and a lot of guts but lacked experienced as going into this title fight he had been in only two fights scheduled for more than six rounds and was only rated No 6 by the GAB.

 

Costa Meza, CA, USA: Mike Perez (21-1-1) W TKO 2 Darnell Wilson (25-19-3). Heavy: Mike Hunter (7-0) W PTS 8 Avery Gibson (4-5-3).

Perez vs. Wilson

This mismatch was almost over in the first round and mercifully ended in the second. Just 11 seconds had gone when a clubbing southpaw right from Perez landed on the rear of Wilson’s head and he went down complaining the punch had been a foul. He got up at seven discussing the punch with the referee and the discussion continued so that by the time referee motioned for the fight to continue 20 seconds had passed since Wilson initially hit the floor. Perez drove Wilson to a corner and a left had Wilson slumping to the canvas for the second knockdown in just over a minute. He was up at nine and Perez came forward and landed a couple of punches putting Wilson down for a third time a mere seven seconds after he got up from the last flooring. Wilson was up at eight and the fight continued with Perez just pursuing and throwing lefts. He again took Wilson to a corner and as a couple of shots went over Wilson’s head he slumped to the canvas again but it was rightly not counted as a knockdown. Perez was stalking Wilson around the ring and staggered him a couple more times but Wilson survived to the bell. Perez was walking Wilson down in the second and staggered him with a right to the head. He then landed a straight left that made Wilson’s knees dip and then landed a right/left combination that put Wilson down. He made it to his knees but as he struggled to his feet just before the ten count the referee waived it off. Not a fight but a massacre which did nothing for either boxer. The 29-year-old Cuban southpaw was highly rated after a win over Magomed Abdusalamov then blotted his copybook with a lucky draw against Carlos Takam and a points loss against Bryant Jennings in July but was still rated No 4. With previous No 1 Deontay Wilder now the champion and No 3 Jennings fighting Wlad Klitschko he is now WBC No 2 and in line for a fight with Silver champion Alex Povetkin. The 40-year-olod Wilson is 2-13 in his last 15 fights and carrying 235lbs (106kg) on a 5’10” (178cm) frame tells its own story.

Hunter vs. Gibson

Former Olympian Hunter boxes his way to win over useful Gibson. There were no real highlights with neither fighter being a big puncher and Hunter always having the edge in skill. Scores 80-72, 79-73 and a too close 77-75. The 26-year-old son of the late Mike “The Bounty” Hunter promised his father he would get to the Olympics. He took a rocky road failing in three qualification tournaments for the 2008 Olympics and after winning the US Trials for 2012 tested positive for a banned substance. He served his suspension and then went on to qualify but was out of luck in London. He drew 10-10 with Artur Beterbiev but lost on the jury’s vote. Gibson, 32, had beaten Pan American gold medalist Ytalo Perez and also the 14-1 Alex Flores.

 

February 6

 

 

Biloxi, MS, USA: Super Middle: Sergio Mora (28-3-2) W PTS 12 Abraham Han (23-2). Super Welter: Erickson Lubin (9-0) W PTS 8 Mike Finney (12-2-1). Super Welter: Domonique Dolton (16-0) W PTS 6 Juan C Rojas (7-9-1). Light Heavy: Steve Lovett (11-0,1ND) W TKO 1 James Johnson (28-44-4). Cruiser: Isaiah Thomas (14-0) W PTS 6 Brad Austin (10-15). Cruiser: Ahmed Elibali (9-0) W TKO 2 Dustin Craig Echard (10-1,1ND)

Mora vs. Han

Mora gets disputed split decision over Han. Mora was to have fought Jermain Taylor for the IBF title but with Taylor’s trouble with the law and the IBF stripping him of his title. Han came in as a substitute and all that was on offer was the vacant IBF USBA title. The contrast in approach made this one hard to figure as it depended on whether aggression or work rate was your thing. Mora did a lot of moving and Han did a lot of pressing. The fight started slowly although Mora had early success hurting Han with a right in the first and just throwing enough to edge the second. The third was close but what looked a legitimate knockdown from Han was not counted. The fourth and fifth were close and a fight finally broke out in the sixth with Mora shaking Han early and Han storming back at the end of the round. Han continued the good work in the seventh and was now the aggressor with Mora showing plenty of good movement but spending too much time on the ropes. Han was not as accurate with his punches but was throwing more. Mora had a better eighth countering the incoming Han who was a better aggressor than defender. Han had a big moment in the tenth when he landed a left to Mora’s head and a left that landed on Mora’s back and a right to the body which sent Mora stumbling back to his knees, down and counted over but not badly hurt. The last two rounds again saw the contrast of Mora moving and countering with fewer but cleaner shots and Han giving Mora no respite with his constant attacks. Scores 115-112 and 114-113 for Mora and 115-112 for Han. A Decision which was not popular with the crowd. For Mora, the 34-year-old “Latin Snake” a former WBC super welter champion he gets a win but lost his chance to fight for the IBF title and now finds himself in a queue waiting to see who wins the fight for the vacant IBF title between Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam and someone yet to be nominated. Texan Abie Han, 30, a former world kickboxing and MMA exponent was halted in eight rounds by Glen Tapia in July 2013 but had rebounded with 4 wins including a victory over world rated Marco Reyes last October. As a substitute he gave Mora all he could handle. He was rated WBO 13.

Lubin vs. Finney

Southpaw Lubin gets win over very late substitute Finney. It was a completely one-sided fight with the gutsy, iron-chinned Finney not in the same class as the tall teenage prospect. Nicknamed “The Hammer” Lubin was not holding back and Finney absorbed punishment in every round showing a great heart and actually having some success in the 5^th and 6^th before naturally fading over the final rounds as his lack of proper preparation caught up with him. Scores 80-72 from all three judges. Now 3 points victories in his last 3 fights for Lubin but the additional experience this brings will help in his development. He was a NGG and National PAL champion as an amateur and has pro wins over Noe Bolanos and Norberto Gonzalez. Finney came in at one days notice. After 12 wins he is 0-2-1 in his last 3 fights.

Dolton vs. Rojas

Dolton gets win but at the cost of a cut. The tall Detroiter was in charge early in a messy fight with both fighters being rocked in head clashes but Dolton was the better boxer and collecting the rounds against an equally tall Mexican. Once Dolton was cut he lost a little fire and Rojas was in the fight more but Dolton was still the classier and boxed his way to the decision. Scores 60-54 twice and 59-55. Dolton, 25, has wins over Donatas Bondorovas and Richard Gutierrez. He was trained by the late Manny Steward and as an amateur lost to Keith Thurman in the US Olympic Trials for the 2008 team. Rojas 27 has already lost to prospects Alex Theran, Immanuwel Aleem and Terrell Gausha.

Lovett vs. Johnson

Australian hope Lovett takes only 72 seconds to destroy veteran Johnson. A left hook and a hard right from the Aussie put Johnson down and although he just made it to his feet the referee rightly stopped the fight. Australian amateur champion in 2008 and 2009 only an injury prevented him going to the World Championships. He was a spar mate of Daniel Geale before relocating to America where he is trained by Ronnie Shield’s and handled by Al Haymon. Texan Johnson, 38, had actually turned his career around in a small way. After a run of 15 losses in a row he was 5-0-1 in his last six fights going in.

Thomas vs. Austin

Thomas gets a majority verdict which should have been unanimous but still does not impress. Thomas had huge advantages in size, age and skill but settled for jabbing his way to victory taking few chances and failing to use his considerable talent to end early what should have been an easy fight. Scores 60-54, 59-55 and 57-57. The 6’4” (193cm) 26-year-old southpaw when with Kronk was a World Cadet gold medalist in 2005 but lost to Deontay Wilder at the 2007 NGG. Great things were expected from him as he won each of his first three pro fights inside a round.  He still looked to be on track when he decisioned veteran Richard Hall in November 2012 but was then inactive for almost 19 months and is back to square one. Austin, 38, is 2-13 in his last 15 fights.

Elibali vs. Echard

Elibali again shows his power as he halts unbeaten Echard in two rounds. After scoring with hard punches to head and body in the first he landed a right in the second that sent Echard out through the ropes. Echard was able to get back inside the ring with difficulty and was still disorientated when the bout continued and another hard right forced the referee to stop the fight. The Cairo-born 24-year-old moved to the USA at 5 and is a student at Florida International University. He was twice Florida NGG champion and competed in the WSB so yet another promising youngster in the Al Haymon fold. All of his wins have come by KO/TKO and he is yet to go past the third round but needs stiffer tests as like Han he is better at offence than defence. Echard, 27, had 7 wins by KO/TKO but on the boxing backwaters circuit in West Virginia.

 

Florencio Varela, Argentina: Light: Fernando D Saucedo (54-6-3) W PTS 10 Leonardo M Pinto (16-6-2). Saucedo boxes his way to comfortable unanimous decision over limited Brazilian. The Argentinian dominated early with his superior speed scoring with left jabs and shots to the ribs. The Brazilian just kept coming and kept busy but he was coming in on a straight line and with only a basic defence and Saucedo was landing the cleaner punches and building a winning lead. Pinto came into the fight over the closing three rounds as Saucedo tired but by then Saucedo had done enough to ensure the decision went his way. Scores 97-93 twice and 98-92. The 33-year-old “El Vasco” gets his second win since losing in his second world title shot. He lost on points to Chris John for the WBA feather title in 2010 and to Rances Barthelemy last October for the IBF super feather title.  Now the FAB No 1 at light he wins the vacant WBC Latino title. Pinto, 37, a former interim WBC Latino champion at super light was halted in two rounds by Bradley Skeete in his last fight in September.

 

Bangkok, Thailand: Welter: Teerachai (29-0) W KO 4 Nthuthuko Memela (10-2-2). Super Bantam: Nop (11-0) W PTS 6 Boibo Simjanjuntak (18-27-1). Light Fly: Kwanthai (49-3-1) W KO 2 Ponidi (1-13-1).

Teerachai vs. Memela

Teerachai gets win but over injured South African. Memela had huge advantages in height and reach but as a result was weedy thin and it was obvious from his frame that he had no power. The first round saw Teerachai stalking and Memela retreating but spearing Teerachai with long southpaw jabs and right crosses. Teerachai only threw about 6 punches in the round. In the second the Thai was letting his hands go more and forcing the retreating Memela to trade but the South African still found gaps with his jab but when trading tended to throw loose punches with no power. In the third Teerachai was down but it was rightly ruled a slip. Teerachai also landed his best punch so far a straight right which snapped Memela’s head back and they stood and traded punches wildly at the and of the round. Right at the start of the fourth Memela tripped and fell to the canvas. The referee helped him to his feet and it was obvious Memela had injured an ankle but fought on. Almost immediately Teerachai landed a right hook and Memela tumbled to the canvas awkwardly. He was up quickly but then started to limp to his corner where his seconds were on the apron. The referee followed him completing the eight count and Memela indicated he would fight on. Two more hooks from Teerachai put Memela down again. Again he limped back to his corner with the referee followed him and as Memela was standing with his back to the ring waived the fight off. The 22-year-old Thai is a solid, tough fighter and a hard puncher but is a bit static and despite his No 5 (4) rating with the WBA has yet to really be tested. Memela , the South African No 4 showed good skills but no power and a tendency to leave his chin in the air and windmill his arms under pressure.

Nop vs. Simjanjuntak

Nop continues unbeaten. Given six good testing rounds by Indonesian but again shows lack of real power. Simjanjuntak had height and reach over the Thai and was also a southpaw. He had some skills but even less power than Nop. In the first round it seemed Nop was just looking for six rounds of work as he would slam home 3 or 4 punch combinations and then ease off. Simjanjuntak was not using his physical edges he was standing in the pocket and trading punch for punch with Nop copping some vicious body punches but letting his own hands go with some success. That was how the fight went with both fighters just trading shot after shot with not a single clinch. The fourth saw Nop landing a sequence of 8 or 9 punches but with Simjanjuntak absorbing them and continuing to trade. In the fifth a right from Simjanjuntak seemed to hurt Nop and for the first time he was backing off but by the end of that round and in the sixth Nop was catching Simjanjuntak with counters. The Indonesia was down in the sixth but only from unbalancing after missing with a wild left. Nop a clear winner on a unanimous decision. The 23-year-old Nop has some good skills but that lack of power, only one win inside the distance, may not be enough at a higher level. Former Indonesia bantam and feather champion Simjanjuntak has now lost 9 in a row but he came to fight and even had the energy for a back somersault after the fight.

Kwanthai vs. Ponidi

Former WBA title challenger Kwanthai crushes Indonesian loser in terrible mismatch. Both were going to the body in the first round scoring with left hooks inside. Kwanthai forced Ponidi back with a left that landed on the belt line and then crashed home a brutal uppercut inside which put Ponidi down. The Indonesian was up at 5 and traded to the bell. At the start of the second the Indonesian forced Kwanthai into a corner and unloaded a series of punches including a right which landed flush on the Thai’s jaw. Kwanthai stepped to the right and threw an over hand right which landed just behind the left ear of Ponidi who landed on his back on the canvas and never moved throughout the superfluous ten count. No sort of test for Kwanthai. He lost on a seventh round kayo against Kazuto Ioka for the WBA title in 2013 and last August dropped a surprise decision to fellow Thai Stamp Kiatniwat. This is his third win since then. Poor Ponidi loses for the ninth time by KO/TKO.

 

 

February 7

 

Frederikshavn, Denmark: Cruiser: Micki Nielsen (17-0) W PTS 10 Julio Cesar Dos Santos (27-4). Welter: Anthony Yigit (12-0-1) W TKO 6 Kim Poulsen (26-2). Light: Richard Commey (20-0) W TKO 4 Mikheil Avakyan (27-19-4). Feather: Dennis Ceylan (13-0-1) W TKO 7 Cris Montilla (6-4-1). Super Middle: Tim-Robin Lihaug (10-1) W PTS 8 Ferouk Daku (18-7-1). Light: Rashid Kassem (7-0) W KO 2 Gyula Tallosi (5-2). Middle: Abdul Khattab (10-0) W PTS 8 Alexey Ribchev (19-12-1).

Nielsen vs. Dos Santos

Nielsen cruises to clear if uninspiring win over durable Brazilian and lifts the vacant WBC International title. The Dane made a good start shaking Dos Santos early in the first and winning the round clearly. Dos Santos had a better second round getting through with some punches of his own but Nielsen did enough scoring to pocket that round. The Dane dominated the third hurting Dos Santos with some good combinations and the Brazilian must have been happy to hear the bell. Dos Santos was spending too much time on the ropes in the fourth with Nielsen again putting together some hurtful combinations. The pace dropped in the fifth with Nielsen’s not as sharp or as accurate. Nielsen edged the sixth and seventh but Dos Santos seemed to be getting into the fight more and may just have landed enough to edge the eighth. He also started brightly in the ninth but Nielsen landed a couple of hard punches late in the round to swing that one his way. The Dane clearly took the tenth to emerge the winner by a large margin on all cards. Scores 100-90, 100-91 and 99-91. The 21-year-old 6’3” (190cm) southpaw, a former two-time Danish amateur champion is not listed in the EBU top 20 but is at No 22 in the tagged-on EU ratings. Dos Santos, 37, won his first 21 fights then he tried to move up and fight both inside and outside Brazil. He is 6-4 in his last 10 fights with 6 wins in Brazil a loss at home to Laudelino Barros, and on the road against Dmytro Kucher on points and a fifth round stoppage against Tony Bellew.

Yigit vs. Poulsen

Yigit could just be the best young Nordic boxer around. The Swede southpaw outclassed the more experienced Poulsen in a much anticipated clash before stopping him in six rounds. Yigit was the aggressor in the first with the speed and accuracy of his attacks having Poulsen forced on to the back foot and trying to counter. Yigit increased the pressure in the second with Poulsen trying hard but unsuccessfully to stem the one-way traffic and the Dane ended the round with his face covered in blood. Poulsen was suffering again in the third and did not seem to know how to get a foothold in the fight as Yigit was getting through time and again with fast, sharp punches from all angles. The pace dropped a little in the fourth and Poulsen had some minor success but the Swede was still quicker to the punch. Yigit was back to full speed in the fifth and it was looking unlikely that Poulsen would last the distance. That began to look more than unlikely when a left to the body put Poulsen down. He got up and lasted to the bell. A series of punches at the start of the sixth put Poulsen down again. He made it to his feet but was in a bad way and the referee stopped the fight just as the towel came flying in from Poulsen’s corner. Yigit had temporarily moved up to welter and wins the WBC Baltic title but says he only came up so that he could fight “Golden Boy” Poulsen and will move down to light welter where he won the same WBC title over another Danish hope Kasper Bruun (19-0-1). In a stellar amateur career Yigit was Swedish champion in 2010 and 2012, won the Nordic Championship was twice a quarter finalist at the European Championships participated in the 2011 World Championships and competed at the 2012 Olympics. Poulsen, 28, lost back in 2008 to Frenchman Tony Jourda but then ran up 23 wins in a row and somehow picking up the Austrian title. This was a crushing defeat so it remains to be seen what career decision  he takes.

Commey vs. Avakyan

Commey gets easy win against poor Georgian but fails to fire up the Danish crowd. It was just too simple for the talented CBC champion. He found Avakyan and easy target in the first and by the second the poor technical skills of the Georgian assured this would not last long. Commey was having an off night and that was the only reason Avakyan managed to survive the third. The Georgian lost a point in the fourth for holding and was then floored by a combination of punches from the Ghanaian with the referee not even bothering to count. The 27-year-old Commey makes it 18 wins by KO/TKO. He has wins over Paul Truscott, Gary Buckland and Samir Ziani and is rated IBF 12 (11). He will have better nights than this. Avakyan, 23, has 7 losses by KO/TKO and is 4-7 in his last 11 fights.

Ceylan vs. Montilla

Ceylan deals with the only man he had failed to beat in his short pro career. Last time these two met in August it ended as a split draw. This time Ceylan put things right with a convincing win. The former top amateur used his superior hand speed to sweep the first three rounds with Spaniard Montilla forcing the action but being caught time and again by rights from Ceylan. Montilla has good skills and even under pressure and against a more accomplished technician he was still giving Ceylon some problems. However by the end of the sixth the Dane was well ahead on all three cards and was slowly breaking Montilla down. His resistance collapsed in the seventh. Ceylan trapped Montilla in a corner and was unloading heavily. With nothing coming back from Montilla the fight was stopped. The 25-year-old Ceylan makes it 7 wins by KO/TKO. As an amateur he was Danish champion four times, and represented Denmark at European, World and Olympic level. His big drawback is brittle hands but he has plenty of talent. Montilla, 26, the Spanish super bantam champion fought above expectations in the first fight. He made a bad start as a pro being 3-3 in his first 6 fights with two of the losses coming in the first round but then went 3-0-1 including the draw with Ceylan and winning and defending the Spanish title.

Kassem vs. Tallosi

“The Dream” Kassem beats Hungarian Tallosi in two rounds. Kassem came out in his usual aggressive style and was landing heavy punches from the start staggering Tallosi with a straight right but with Tallosi absorbing them well. It ended in the second when Kassem cornered the Hungarian and put him down with a left to the body. Tallosi threw up when on the floor and did not get up. The 23-year-old gifted Dane won a hatful of titles at Cadet and Junior level and competed at the World and European Championships as a Senior but failed to get through the European Qualifiers for 2012 Olympics. He has 4 wins by KO/TKO. Two losses by KO/TKO for Tallosi who was also stopped in two rounds by Joe Murray in November.

 Lihaug vs. Daku

Norwegian Lihaug gets split decision over Dutchman in dull contest. It was very much a tactical fight between two boxers with good technique but whose styles did not gel which caused the crowd to lose interest with neither boxer showing much enthusiasm for exciting exchanges. Then sort of fight that the food and drink concessionaires love but the crowd don’t. The Norwegian looked to have the  Dutch-based southpaw in trouble on the ropes in the sixth but that did not last and in the seventh Daku gave Lihaug a bloody nose which was about as much excitement as the fight produced. Lihaug got the decision on scores of 79-73 and 77-75 with the third judge going for Daku by 77-76. The 22-year-old WBO Youth champion lost on a kayo in his fourth pro fight against still unbeaten Swede Oscar Ahlin. He has won his last 7 fights but this was not one of his best. Ugandan-born Daku won his first 12 fights in Uganda so is 3-7-1 in his last 11 but has only lost once by KO/TKO and was in no real danger of doing so here.

Khattab vs. Ribchev

Khattab gets close unanimous verdict over experienced Bulgarian Ribchev. With his superior skills and fast hands Khattab was master in this one as long as he could keep Ribchev on the outside and stay with the pace he was setting. Both proved difficult. Khattab built an early lead but Ribchev was pressurising more and more with each round. When Khattab tired over the late rounds Ribchev was able to turn the fight into more of a brawl which suited him better. The Bulgarian suffered a bad cut from a clash of heads in the sixth but just kept coming although in the end it was a case of too little too late as Khattab took the decision on scores of 77-75 from all three judges. The toughest test the Palestinian Territory born 21-year-old has had so far and some valuable experience. The 32-year-old Bulgarian “Fish” Ribchev knows how to survive with only three losses by KO/TKO and those to Chris Eubank Jr, Michel Soro and Frank Buglioni and occasionally as here he can be a tough match for a young prospect.

 

Davao City, Philippines: Super Bantam: Genesis Servania (26-0) W PTS 12 Juan L Hernandez (17-4-1). Super Light: Jason Pagara (35-2) W TKO 2 Cesar Chavez (24-8). Super Fly: Arthur Villanueva (27-0) W PTS 10 Julio Cesar Miranda (38-12-2). Feather: Mark Magsayo (10-0) W TKO 5 Sukkasem (13-4).

Servania vs. Hernandez

Servania wins but negative tactics of Hernandez make it hard for the unbeaten Filipino. It was a frustrating night for “Azukal” as he hounded a retreating Hernandez for round after round without being able to do any significant damage to the mobile Mex. The Filipino hope managed to get through with hurtful shots but his failure to put Hernandez away led to some rumblings of discontent in the crowd. Hernandez showed some good skills and stood up to the punishment well even doing enough to steal a round here and there in the late sessions but was too focused on survival to launch any sustained attacks. Scores 119-109, 118-110 and 117-111. The 23-year-old WBO No 1 had won 5 of his last 6 fights by KO/TKO so there was an expectation in the crowd that he would continue that sort of form, but Hernandez had other ideas. Servania is hoping to get a shot at WBA/WBO champion Guillermo Rigondeaux later this year and knows he will have to do better than this if he is to have any chance against the hugely talented Cuban. Hernandez blamed his negative tactics on an injury to his right hand in the second round . The 32-year-old “Black Pearl” was having only his second fight in over 4 years having been inactive in 2011,2012 and 2013 before returning to action last November..

Pagara vs. Chavez

Pagara just hits too hard for Mexican  Chavez. From the start Pagara was patiently following Chavez who was circling the perimeter of the ring only stopping briefly to throw a few tentative punches. Eventually Pagara caught up with Chavez and sunk a left hook to the body which put Chavez down on his knees. He got up and was ready to fight on at the end of the eight count. Pagara again showed patience as he stalked Chavez rarely wasting a punch until he again caught Chavez on the ropes and landed a series of hard punches which saw Chavez on the deck again. The Mexican got up but the bell went before Pagara could apply the finish. It was obvious that the fight would only last as long as it took Pagara to catch up with Chavez again. Early in the second Pagara missed with a right cross but when he threw the same punch about 30 seconds later it saw Chavez go down on his knees clutching his eye and after starting the count the referee saw that Chavez was finished and waived the balance of the count with Chavez perhaps having suffered a dislocated jaw. The 26-year-old “El Nino” now has 22 wins by KO/TKO and has beaten both of the fighters who hold victories over him. He is No 4 with the WBO but his management is not going to rush him into a title fight and will be sending him to the US for more polishing. He has been matched sensibly with wins over Miguel Antoine (17-0-1), Aaron Herrera (25-1) and Vlad Baez (19-1-2) in fact the combined records of his five victims before this fight adds up to 95-9-5 so no easy ones there. Chavez, 27, had been in the process of getting his career back on track. After a run of 4 losses in a row by KO/TKO he had gone back to basics in 2014 with three wins over modest opposition, but he was never in with a chance here.

Villanueva vs. Miranda

Villanueva collects a useful scalp as he outpoints former WBO flyweight champion Miranda. The Filipino used his excellent skills to keep this one in control all the way. He used hand speed, movement and accuracy to make a tough test look easy. Apart from his work with the jab to keep Miranda out Villanueva was also scoring well to the body with hooks and uppercuts. Miranda had plenty of tricks in his bag and often switched guards and threw punches from awkward angles. He did enough to pick up a round or two in the middle of the fight but no more and “King” Arthur’s earlier body work told on the Mexican veteran over the late rounds as he was unable to launch any really effective rally. Scores 98-92 twice and 99-91 all for the Filipino. Villanueva, 26 is already at No 3(2) with the IBF and rated WBA 7/WBC 12. He has victories over Thai Pramuansak, Marco Demecillo and Arturo Badillo but was well below his best in just scraping past Henry Maldonado on a split decision in Dubai in September. He will also probable go the US for some training before his ALA management looks for a title shot. ”Pingo” Miranda, 34, is not the force he was before losing his WBO title to Brian Viloria on a close decision in 2011. He had a run of 5 losses and a draw before winning the Mexican bantam title in his last fight in November.

Magsayo Vs. Sukkasem

“Magnifico” Magsayo again shows his power and promise with stoppage of tough Thai. The 19-year-old from the ALA gym was in his first ten round fight so paced himself until finishing it in the fifth. He floored the Thai with a three punch-left hook to the body, left uppercut to the jaw and a thunderous right which put Sukkasem down. He got up but a right sent him sailing through the ropes and the fight was stopped immediately. Now 8 wins by KO/TKO including 5 in his last 6 fights for the promising young featherweight. Second loss in a row to an unbeaten fighter for Sukkasem.

 

Saint Malo, France: Welter: Damien Martin (21-8-4) W PTS 10 Laconic Duval (10-14-1). Light Heavy: Kevin Thomas Cojean (16-6-1) W PTS 6 Ericles Torres Marin  (7-5-1).

Martin vs. Duval

Martin gets revenge win and retains the French title. Martin was 10-1-2 in his last 13 fights going in with the loss being on points against Duval in November 2013. The local fighter made no mistake this time. “Damingo” was too fast-handed scoring with short hooks and even though Duval tried switching southpaw it made no difference. Martin controlled the pace of the fight and Duval had no answer to the scything left hooks of the champion. Scores 98-92 twice and a too close 96-95. Second defence of the national title for the 28-year-old local house painter/ fighter. Duval, 34, drops to 4-7 in his last 11 fights. He was official challenger.

Cojean vs. Marin Torres

Frenchman Cojean gets comfortable points win over Hungarian southpaw. The only danger for Cojean here was the Hungarian’s head. He floored Marin Torres in the third with left/right combination and was scoring with hooks in every round running out a clear winner. Scores 60-54 from all three judges. The 25-year-old former French title challenger and current FFB No 1 has won 4 of his last 5 fights. Marin Torres has lost his last 3 fights.

 

Ferrara, Italy: Super Welter: Marcello Matano (14-1) W PTS 12 Jussi Koivula (17-2). Cruiser: Maurizio Lovaglio (18-1) W TKO 1 Rosario Guglielmino (6-2).

Matano vs. Koivula

Paper lies! For this was a good match on paper but Koivula just simply did not turn up on the night. Only the lack of punch power from locally-born Matano allowing the Finn to still be there at the final bell the loser by a wide unanimous decision. Koivula made the better start and edged the first round but after that it was Matano’s fight. From the second the Italian was too quick for the slower Finn and too often Koivula allowed himself to be taken to the ropes where the aggressive Italian would belabour him with punches to head and body. If Matano has a fault it is that too often he almost slaps with an open glove so Koivula was taking a lot of hits but not really in serious trouble of being stopped. There was also a question over the stamina of the former Italian champion in his first twelve round fight but he managed to keep the fast pace he was setting for the full distance. As the fight progressed Koivula seemed to go into survival mode and was given an official warning for holding. Matano continued his domination from the ninth to the eleventh and although Koivula rallied late it made no difference to the outcome. Scores 118-109 twice and 119-108. The 28-year-old Matano wins the vacant IBF Inter-Continental title. His only loss was a late stoppage against Felice Moncelli in September which cost him his Italian title. He was rated No 20 in the EU ratings. This is his second win since the lo0ss to Moncelli. Koivula, 31,  the EU No 22, lost on a fifth round stoppage against useful Pole Lukasz Maciec in April 2013 and then scored four wins leading up to this fight. It was his first venture outside Finland and better was expected on the basis of his record.

Lovaglio vs. Guglielmino

Lovaglio regains the national title with quick disposal of Guglielmino. There was hardly time to figure out how to pronounce Guglielmino’s name before it was over. A left hook followed by a right to the chin put Guglielmino down and although he seemed to benefit from a slow count when he made it back to the vertical he was in no state to continue and the fight was over in 107 seconds. “The Angel” Lovaglio, 32, lost in shots at both the national light heavy and cruiser titles before finally beating Leonardo Bruzzese for the vacant cruiser title in 2013. He made a big impression in his first defence when he knocked out Salvatore Erittu (24-1) in 36 seconds but then was down twice before being disqualified in a fight for the vacant EU title against modest Croat Stjepan Vugdelija last September. This is the second win since then for the No 3 in the Italian ratings and his eleventh win by KO/TKO. Sicilian southpaw Guglielmino, 30, who had an unsuccessful challenge for the Italian light heavy title has yet to go the distance in any of his 9 fights. In fact none of his fights have gone beyond the fourth round. He was No 8 in the unofficial Italian ratings.

 

Tokyo, Japan: Super Fly: Toshiyuki Igarashi (20-2-1) W T DEC 9 Efrain Perez (17-6). Former WBC fly champion Igarashi starts well but has a struggle until a bad cut took the fight to the scorecards in the last round. A fast, talented southpaw Igarashi used his physical edge and superior skill to outbox the aggressive little Mexican over the early rounds. However Perez was working the body and gradually closing the distance and forcing Igarashi to stand and trade more. Igarashi was cut over the right eyebrow in a clash of heads in the sixth but the fight was allowed to continue with Perez looking for the knockout he needed to win. Those efforts were destined to fail after another clash of heads in the ninth worsened the cut. Early in the tenth the referee decided that the cut was too bad for Igarashi to continue and the fight went to the cards with the uncompleted tenth round being scored. Igarashi got the technical decision on scores of 98-94 twice and 96-95. The 31-year-old is now up at super fly where he is rated WBA 6/WBC 7 . With just the one loss in his last 14 fights and that to Akira Yaegashi which cost him his WBC title, a shot at either WBA champion Kohei Kono or WBO champion Naoya Inoue could be possible. As an amateur he represented Japan at both the 2004 Olympics and the 2005 World Championships at 48kg. “Matador” Perez, 26, was forced to play the part of the bull here against the classy skills of Igarashi. The former undefeated Mexican champion had a 7 bout winning streak snapped when he lost in a tough fight with Filipino Mark Anthony Geraldo in Macau in July.

 

Guadalajara, Mexico: Feather: Carlos Diaz R (17-0) W TKO 3 Rafael Reyes (14-4). Super Welter: Daniel Sandoval (37-3) W TKO 3 Grady Brewer (32-20). Super Bantam: Enrique Bernache (21-7) W PTS 10 Jose Cayetano (17-3).

Diaz vs. Reyes

Diaz remains unbeaten with win over late substitute Reyes. “Chuko” Diaz was on top of Reyes from the first bell and dominated the first two rounds. In the third the local favourite landed a tremendous uppercut that put Reyes on the floor. Reyes was up but badly shaken and only just made it to the bell. He did not come out for the fourth round. The 20-year-old Diaz is now looking for a match with Oscar Valdez and it would certainly be a big fight for Mexican fans. Diaz already holds wins over Miguel Beltran and Braulio Rodriguez (15-0) and is WBO No 13. Reyes came in as a late substitute as Daulis Prescott had originally been named as the opponent for Diaz. After losing just one of his first 15 fights Reyes has now lost 3 in a row.

Sandoval vs. Brewer

Sandoval wins but even the local crowd were displeased with the stoppage. Sandoval, the much taller boxer came out fast trying to end it in the first. He had Brewer down half way through the first round and the crowd were anticipating an early night. However the Oklahoma fighter used some good survival skills including a low punch which got him a warning but helped him make it out of the first three minute. Brewer was more in the fight in the second finding gaps in Sandoval’s defence but losing a point for yet another low blow. In the third Brewer was down twice with both knockdowns being questionable  with Brewer up quickly each time and not looking too badly shaken it was a big surprise when the referee stopped the fight over strong protests from Brewer. “Galeno” Sandoval, 23, makes it 34 wins by KO/TKO but even his own management agreed the stoppage was premature. Sandoval has lost only one of his last 19 fights and that was to Omar Chavez in May last year. The 44-year-old Brewer did not get a square deal here but asking the referee if he had been paid by Sandoval’s people was probably a bit off line-somewhat. The “Bad Boy” can be a dangerous opponent on his night and was coming off a win over Said Ouali but the days of beating Cornelius Bundrage, Albert Onolunose and Fernando Guerrero are now history.

Bernache vs. Cayetano

“Duende” Bernache gets a needed win as he outpoints useful Cayetano. He had Cayetano down ands swept the cards on scores of 100-88,99-91 and 97-92. After going 16-1 in his first 17 fights the 26-year-old Bernache had lost in tough fights against opposition such as Felipe Orucuta, Raul Hirales, Daniel Rosas and Tomas Rojas to be 5-6 going into this one so could not afford another defeat. “Tigre” Cayetano was 7-1 in his last 8 fights with the loss being against Alejandro Gonzalez (20-0-2) and was coming off a win over Dennis Contreras (19-2) so was a genuine threat.

 

Chetumal, Mexico: Feather: Vic Darchinyan (40-7-1) W TKO 9 Juan Jimenez (19-9). Welter: Pablo Cano (28-4-1) W KO 1 Jorge Silva (20-7-2). 10

Darchinyan vs. Jimenez

Darchinyan made an unusual for him cautious start prodding and probing with his right jab and trying long lefts with Jimenez hiding behind a high guard and looking to counter. That was the pattern over the first three rounds with Jimenez perhaps just doing enough to edge two of the rounds. Despite an early warning for pushing Jimenez’s head down Darchinyan took the fourth as Jimenez spent too long going backwards behind his high guard and allowing Darchinyan to get his punches off first and be away when Jimenez tried to counter. The fifth also went to the Armenian/Australian as he followed the retreating Jimenez bobbing and weaving with his hands at thigh level launching punches from various angles with Jimenez just waiting for an opening to counter but being too slow when it came. If the fighters had not sat down for a minute there would have been no way to know where the fifth ended and the sixth started as it was the same pattern of Darchinyan coming forward getting his punches off first and Jimenez hiding behind his high guard and throwing counters that hit empty air . In the seventh a right from Darchinyan curved around Jimenez and landed on the back of the Mexican’s head. Jimenez went down. Darchinyan was given a warning and Jimenez time to recover. Knowing the Mexican was hurt Darchinyan stepped up his attacks but was warned for another punch to the back of the head. Amusingly Darchinyan stood with his hands down gesticulating at the referee over the warning whilst Jimenez just watched the exchange (obviously not from the Floyd Mayweather Jr school of defend yourself at all times opportunities). The eighth was all Darchinyan as Jimenez was leaving gaps for hard body punches and Darchinyan was landing long lefts to the liver and threading uppercuts on the inside. The end when it came in the ninth was strange. Darchinyan threw a long left which pierced the guard of Jimenez but landed at the full extension of the arm with no real power. Jimenez took a couple of steps back and then went down on one knee. Incredibly the referee then knelt down talking to Jimenez for 16 seconds but not applying or indicating any count and then waived the fight off over the protestations of Jimenez and his seconds who argued that if the referee had applied a count their man would have got up. The 39-year-old “Raging Bull” was bouncing back after consecutive inside the distance losses to Nonito Donaire and Nicholas Walters and obviously sees his career as a long way from being over. Now 8 losses by KO/TKO for the 23-year-old Jimenez the WBC Continental Americas champion at super flyweight.

Cano vs. Silva

“Housewrecker” Cano destroys Silva inside the first round. The former interim WBA super lightweight champion landed shots to head and body and then put Silva down with a left. There looked no way Silva could get up and Cano was already celebrating when both he and Silva realised that the referee was going through with a count so Silva got up at nine only for the referee to then waive the fight off. Cano, 25, now has 21 wins by KO/TKO. He lost to Erik Morales for the vacant WBC super light title in 2011busting a 24 bout winning streak but beat Johan Perez in 2012 for the interim WBA welter title before suffering consecutive losses to Paul Malignaggi for the full WBA title and to Shane Mosley for the vacant WBC International title. He rebounded with a split decision over clever Brit Ashley Theophane only to lose on a cut against Fernando Angulo in his last fight in March last year. A loss which has seen him drop out of the ratings. This was the first win on the road back to the top. Silva, 22, has lost 5 of his last 6 fights, 3 by KO/TKO.

 

Carolina, Puerto Rico: Feather: Jose Lopez (15-0-1) DREW 8 Josean Figueroa (8-3-2). Lopez losses 100% record as he is held to a draw by Figueroa. Lopez had to use his considerable skills as Figueroa was constantly pressing trying to break down the “Wonder Boy” and just kept coming. Lopez hurt Figueroa a couple of time with his vaunted left hook and looked perhaps unfortunate not to get the verdict but neither fighter complained about the draw and their styles fitted well so a return could happen. Scores 76-76 twice and 79-73 for Lopez. The lanky 20-year-old Lopez already has wins over experienced campaigners in Raul Hidalgo and Roberto Castaneda. Figueroa did better than might have been expected as this was his first fight since losing in three rounds to Jonathan Vidal in October 2012.

 

Hidalgo, TX, USA: Light: Ivan Najera (16-0) W PTS 8 Robbie Cannon (14-11-2). Welter: Alex Saucedo (17-0) W TKO 3 Eduardo Flores(19-17-3). 13

Najera vs. Cannon

Najera much too good for Cannon but the fighter from Missouri shows a better than anticipated chin and stays the full eight rounds. Najera was a class or two above Cannon and dished out severe punishment in every round. The nearest he came to ending the fight inside the distance was a left hook which floored Cannon in the fifth, but Cannon got up and despite taking a beating earned his money even doing enough to puck up a couple of the early rounds on one card. Scores 80-71 twice and 78-73. Texan Najera, 22, is finding it tougher as the opposition improves. He won 8 of his first 9 fights by KO/TKO but has been taken the distance in each of his last 8 fights. Cannon is 2-8-1 in his last 9. He has 4 losses by KO/TKO but two of those were against Mason Menard and Omar Figueroa.

Saucedo vs. Flores

Saucedo gets another inside the distance win. The Oklahoma City prospect was not really troubled in this one. He had Flores badly hurt at the end of the second round and after he put Flores down in the third the fight was halted. Now 12 wins by KO/TKO for the 20-year-old prospect. Ecuadorian Flores was giving away height and reach and that plus the power of Saucedo was just too much. Some brave management saw him face Wale Omotoso, Egidijus Kavaliauskas and Brad Solomon in losing fights last year.