The Past week in Action April 7 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.

April 2

 

Kingston, Jamaica: Welter: Chris Henry (25-24) W PTS 6 Glenroy Beckford (3-10).

The second bout in this contender boxing series certainly caused some confusion and ended with the unusual action of the decision being reversed. A close fight was original announced as a majority draw with two judges scoring the fight 57-57 and the third giving it to Henry 58-56. However since the competition had to have a boxer in the next round the two who had voted for a draw nominated Jamaican Beckford as the winner. Henry’s team protested that the referee had failed to register a knockdown when in the third round a couple of head punches from Henry forced Beckford to touch down on the canvas with his gloves. On reviewing the tape of the fight the Jamaican Boxing Board of Control agreed it should have been counted a knockdown and that a point should be deducted from Beckford’s scores making Henry the winner. The 41-year-old Barbadian goes through to the next round. Local fighter Beckford gets another loss.

 

April 3

 

Flemington, Australia: Light Lenny Zappavigna (31-2) W TKO 10 Shuhei Tsuchiya (15-3). Light Middle: Czar Amonsot (26-3-3) W TKO 4 Sapapetch (30-15).

Zappavigna vs. Tsuchiya

Zappa gets tough, bloody night against unsung Japanese fighter. The former IBO champion and IBF challenger suffered facial cuts that had his face a red mask. The Aussie chose to stand and trade with Tsuchiya and proved the tougher and stronger using a concerted body attack to wear down the Japanese fighter. He had Tsuchiya down in the fourth round but Tsuchiya did not fold and instead made Zappa fight hard in every blood-spattered round. On the second knockdown in the tenth round the Japanese fighter’s corner team threw in the towel as their man was finally beaten down and exhausted. The 26-year-old former IBO champion and IBF challenger lifts the vacant WBO Orient title and makes it 21 wins by KO/TKO. Now 6 wins since crushing loss to Ammeth Diaz in 2011, but it is a pyrrhic victory as his cuts will probably side line him for about six months.. Zappa is IBF No 9. Tsuchiya, the tough but limited JBC No 12 light welter, loses by KO/TKO for the third time and has lost 3 of his last 4 fights.

Amonsot vs. Sapapetch

The Czar of Bohol goes to 16 wins by KO/TKO as he halts Thai fellow southpaw Sapapetch in four rounds. The Australian-base Filipino, 28, has lost only one of his last 11 fights and that was to Mike Katsidis for the interim WBO light title in 2011. Now he is fighting three divisions above that and doing well. Sapapetch, 32, maintains his 100% record on trips to Australia. Six visits-six losses by KO/TKO.

 

Indio, CA, USA: Heavy: Luis Ortiz (21-0,1ND) W TKO 4 Monte Barrett (35-11-2). Heavy: Gerald Washington (12-0) W KO 2 Skipp Scott (16-2). Heavy: Dominic Breazeale (10-0) W PTS 8 Nagy Aguilera (19-8). Heavy: Mike Hunter (4-0) W PTS 6 Rod Hernandez (5-2-1).

Ortiz vs. Barrett

The big Cuban southpaw overwhelms veteran Barrett. Ortiz shook Barrett with right hook in the first and had him reeling against with a left cross which also opened a cut under Barrett’s left eye. Ortiz was dominating the fight with his jab and in the third Barrett was shaken again by a left and already there was a swelling under his right eye. In the fourth another left landed smack on Barrett’s nose and saw Barrett go down on one knee. He was not going to get up so the referee stopped the fight at that point. The 6’4” (193cm) 35-year-old “Real King Kong” has 18 wins by KO/TKO and is rated WBA 2(the No 1 spot is vacant) so stands in line with IBF No 1 Kubrat Pulev for when Wlad Klitschko finishes his business with Alex Leapai. The 42-year-old Barrett was having his first fight since losing to Shane Cameron in July 2012. He announced his retirement after this one.

Washington vs. Scott

For once “El Gallo Negro” gives away height and reach, but Washington had the power. Both traded shots in the first. In the second Washington put Scott down but blatantly landed a shot to the ribs whilst Scott was on the canvas. The referee ignored the protests of Scott who got up only to be put down again and the fight was stopped. Now 9 wins by KO/TKO for the 6’5” (196cm) 31-year-old Washington. He had scored a useful win over Sherman Williams last year. Washington played American football at University and was in the practice squad of the Seattle Seahawks but did not make the cut. The 35-year-old 6’8” (203cm) Scott, a martial arts competitor, had won a close decision over Kertson Manswell in his last fight in January 2013. His team have protested the loss due to that punch when Scott was on the canvas.

Breazeale vs. Aguilera

Olympian Breazeale gets some useful ring time against Aguilera. The 6’7 ½” (202cm) Breazeale made good use of his jab to control the fight and also scored with heavy rights. Aguilera was trying to attack the body but Breazeale was able to find him with rights and was forcing Aguilera to fight on the ropes and on the back foot. Aguilera tried to box in the fourth, but took heavy punishment from head punches and just made it to the bell. Despite the punishment Aguilera kept firing back and scored with a jaw jarring left hook late in the fifth. No one had lasted beyond the fourth round against him in Breazeale’s short career but he was still scoring well in the sixth and seventh before tiring in the eighth with Aguilera able to stage a good finish. Scores 79-73 twice and 80-72. Good learning fight for the 28-year-old who had been the big surprise of the US Olympic Trials and made it to the London Olympics. Dominican Aguilera, 27, turned pro back in 2007 and had a big win when he halted former WBC champion Oleg Maskaev inside a round in 2009. He was never able to capitalise on that subsequently losing to Samuel Peter, Antonio Tarver, Chris Arreola and Tomasz Adamek, but had won his two fights in 2013.

Hunter vs. Hernandez

Hunter slowly making progress. The 2012 Olympian went the distance for the first time in taking a unanimous decision over Hernandez. Scores 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56. He was coming off two first round wins in his previous two fights. Hunter, 25, the son of Mike “The Bounty” Hunter, dominated the 91kg division in US amateurs winning the 2006 PAL Championships the NGG’s in 2007, 2009 and 2011 and the US Championships in 2007 and 2009, but lost out to Artur Beterbiev in the 2012 Olympics on count back after being 10-10 in their bout. Hernandez was unbeaten in his last five fights and keeps his record of lasting the distance.

 

 

Quito, Ecuador: Welter: Marlon Aguas (6-0) W KO 2 Edinson Garcia (23-18).

Local hero Aguas wins the vacant WBA Fedebol title with kayo of Colombian. Aguas had Garcia on the canvas in the first as he trapped the Colombian in a corner and landed a series of shots finished-off by a right cross. As he went down Garcia grabbed the legs of Aguas and they both landed on the floor. Garcia took the eight count and survived the round. Garcia started the second with a furious attack but when Aguas struck back the fight was over. A right to the jaw put Garcia down and he seemed to suffer a shoulder injury and stayed down for the full ten count. Four wins by KO/TKO for the 23-year-old who represented Ecuador at the 2008 World Junior Championships. Garcia had taken Breidis Prescott the full ten rounds in a losing effort in September.

 

April 4

 

Belfast, Northern Ireland: Super Bantam: Carl Frampton (18-0) W KO 2 Hugo F Cazares (40-8-2). Middle: Eamonn O’Kane (12-1) W KO 1 Alvaro Gaona (13-4). Light; Stephen Ormond (17-1) W TKO 5 Karin El Ouazghari (16-5-2). Super Fly: Jamie Conlan (11-0) W TKO 7 Ben Smoes (9-3-1). Feather: Marco McCullough (9-1) W TKO 3 Elemir Rafael (27-80-2).

Frampton vs. Cazares

Frampton gets a huge win as Mexican Cazares, despite all of his experience, seems to misjudge the count. Frampton was pressing the fight from the first with Cazares on the defensive and fighting off the ropes and trying to counter with fast flurries. In the second Frampton caught up with Cazares and landed a crunching left hook. Cazares was stunned by the punch his legs did a little dance and he fell forward along the ropes and onto his knees. Cazares was watching the count but as the referee reached eight he took his eyes off the referee and looked over to his corner and then jumped up only after the ten. There is no excuse and with Frampton being a deadly finisher it has to be probable that he would not have let Cazares off the hook, but in the final analysis for whatever reason Cazares did not get up before the ten was counted. With Cazares WBC No1 and Frampton No 2 this effectively makes Frampton the mandatory challenger to Leo Santa Cruz. A scrap to savour. The Belfast 27-year-old “Jackal” now has 13 wins by KO/TKO, with 6 of the last 7 fights ending that way. It is a mark of a great puncher that his KO % does not drop as the quality of opposition increases. “El Incredible” Cazares, 36, suffers only his third loss by KO/TKO. He had won 5 in a row since losing his WBA super fly title to Tomonobu Shimizu on a split decision so was not a fighter on the slide.

O’Kane vs. Gaona

O’Kane adds yet another title as he flattens Mexican. O’Kane had been unimpressive in beating Kerry Hope last time out but made up for it here. All it took was one huge overhand right and Gaona was down and out. Irish champion “King Kane”, 32, is not a noted puncher but certainly delivered here. He wins the vacant WBC International Silver title. He is No 12 with the IBF but the EBU are tougher to convince and he is not in their top 19 (that’s how many they rate in this division). O’Kane, a Commonwealth Games gold medal winner, beating Anthony Ogogo in the final, did not turn pro until he was 29.

Gaona is 2-3 in his last five fights including a one round kayo loss to David Lemieux in 2012.

Ormond vs. El Ouazghari

A more considered performance from the normally fiery Ormond. He took his time working his jab and occasionally letting go some hard hooks. Spaniard El Ouazghari could not get away from the jab but he landed some counters without ever troubling Ormond. It was over in the fifth when Irishman Ormond delivered a crunching right which saw El Ouazghari momentarily sag down to touch the canvas. He immediately struggled back to his feet but his legs were like spaghetti and after one more right from Ormond the fight was rightly stopped. “The Rock” makes it 8 wins by KO/TKO and this was his third defence of his WBO European title which gets him a very flattering WBO No 7 rating. He was coming off a career best win over Derry Mathews in December. Now 3 losses in his last 4 fights for the 34-year-old former Spanish champion but the other losses were to Serhiy Fedchenko and Kevin Mitchell, so a tough road and he went the distance with John Murray for the EBU title in 2011.

Conlan vs. Smoes

Conlan lives up to his “Mexican” nickname with impressive stoppage of Belgium to win the vacant WBO European title. Conlan applied pressure in his normal fashion and had Smoes hurt with a couple of body shots in the first round. A clash of heads saw Conlan cut over his right eye but it was never a factor. He just kept up his ruthless pressure grinding down Smoes and making the end inevitable. A body punch hurt Smoes again in the fifth and Conlan floored him with right at the end of the sixth. It ended in the seventh as Conlan put Smoes down again and the referee stopped the fight. The lanky 27-year-old makes it three in a row by KO/TKO and he had halted experienced Walter Rojas in 111 seconds in October. He is an exciting fighter and a very good prospect. Smoes, also 27, was in over his head here and is 2-3 in his last 5 fights.

McCullough vs. Raphael

Easy win over perennial loser Raphael. McCullough was jolting poor Raphael with hard punches in the first and then put him down with a combination of shots in the second. The Slovakian gamely made it to his feet and lasted to the bell. It was all over less than a minute into the third when Raphael was reeling from a right and the referee stopped the fight. The 24-year-old Irish champion was looking to build on an impressive stoppage of former WBA title challenger Will Casey in October by winning the vacant WBO European title, but his proposed opponent was ruled out at the medical and Raphael came in at short notice. The 28-year-old Raphael has crammed in 109 fights since turning pro in 2006.

 

Philadelphia, PA, USA: Middle: Curtis Stevens (27-4) W TKO 10 Tureano Johnson (14-1). Heavy: Steve Cunningham (27-6) W PTS 10 Amir Mansour (20-1). Super Middle: Lee Campbell (7-0) W PTS 8 Roberto J Acevedo (8-2). Super Feather: Edner Cherry (32-6-2,1ND) W PTS 8 Robert Osiobe (14-9-4).

Stevens vs. Johnson

Stevens gets the win but Johnson gets the praise. The Bahamas fighter boxed smartly from the outset confusing Stevens with his constant change of guard and getting inside and not giving Stevens any leverage room. Johnson was busier with Steven’s seemingly content to work with his back to the ropes and counter. Stevens thought he had changed the fight when he staged a big attack in the fourth this time taking Johnson to the ropes and unloading heavy shots. Johnson did not wilt but instead fired back. Johnson took heart from that and from the fifth was outworking Stevens and building a winning lead. At the end of nine rounds the judges had Johnson in front 89-82 twice and 87-84. Stevens needed a kayo. Instead it was Johnson who was firing punches early in the tenth. However when he threw a right Stevens countered with a stunning left hook to the jaw. Johnson was badly hurt and his arms dropped. Stevens blasted him back into the ropes and landed another left at which point the referee halted the fight over the protests of Johnson. Johnson was one minute away from a career changing win and felt he had been robbed. The decision will be contested, but it won’t be changed. “Showtime” Stevens, 29, makes it 20 wins by KO/TKO and keeps some slim chance of another title fight alive. The WBC 11/WBO 14 had bounced back from his loss to Gennady Golovkin with a one round win over Pat Majewski in January. Johnson, 30, was having his first ten round fight and was coming off a win over Willie Fortuna (15-0). He was one of Bahamas best ever amateur boxers winning numerous Caribbean titles and representing Bahamas at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships and the 2006 Commonwealth Games and was a quarter-finalist at both the Pan American Games and the 2008 Olympics. He may have waited too long to turn pro.

Cunningham vs. Mansour

Cunningham climbs off the floor twice to win the unanimous decision over Mansour in a stirring heavyweight fight. Cunningham had the edge in speed and skill but southpaw Mansour put pressure on Cunningham from the start with heavy rights and opened a cut over the left eye of Cunningham in the second. Cunningham was picking up the points and pocketing the rounds and very much in the fight. In the third it was Cunningham getting revenge by inflicting a cut over the left eye of Mansour. It looked like curtains for Cunningham in the fifth. He was staggered by a right and then put down heavily by another one. He made it to his feet only to be caught with a series of punches that forced him to take a knee .Showing huge heart despite still being shaky Cunningham fought back hard in the sixth using his jab and straight rights to win the round. Mansour’s work was becoming ragged and he was handicapped by a swelling round his left eye. Mansour knew he was behind and needed a knockout. Cunningham did go down but it was a slip and a desperate Mansour left himself open and rights from Cunningham had Mansour sag briefly with his glove touching the canvas resulting in an eight count to end any faint hopes Mansour had. Scores 95-92 twice and 97-90 for Cunningham. Second win for the 37-year-old former IBF cruiser champion who takes Mansour’s USBA title and will get an IBF rating on the back of that and a fighting display. Second win for Cunningham since loss to Tyson Fury. The big difference to the Tyson Fury fight was that in this one Cunningham was actually the taller boxer (6’3” 208cm to 6’1” 188cm) and was only giving away 16lbs in weight. The 41-year-old Mansour, the IBF No 13, showed power but lacked the speed and stamina he needed to win this one. One can only speculate as to how good he would have been if he had not spent so much time in jail.

Campbell vs. Acevedo

Minor upset sees North Carolina’s Campbell outwork Puerto Rican Acevedo for a majority decision. Campbell was giving away height and reach but was the busier fighter. Acevedo was cut under his left eye and fought hard but the judges had Campbell in front at the end. Scores 78-74, 77-75 and 76-76. The 36-year-old Campbell was having his first eight round fight after just 5 x 4 rounds and 1 x six in almost four years as a pro and should get more work on the back of this win. After 7 wins former amateur international Acevedo stutters to a 2-1 sequence in his last three fights.

Cherry vs. Osiobe

Cherry reappears after almost 14 months away and gets unanimous decision over always tough Osiobe. The “Bahamian “Cherry Bomb wins on scores of 79-73, 78-74 and 77-75. First fight for Cherry since stopping Vicente Escobedo in six rounds in February 2013. A win the 31-year-old former WBC light welter title challenger has failed to cash in on. Nigerian Osiobe, 36, has lost four in a row but two were narrow losses to unbeaten fighters Mark Davis and Jamal James in their own backyard and another a split decision to Ashley Theophane.

 

Kobe, Japan: Bantam: Randy Caballero (21-0) W TKO 8 Kohei Oba (35-3-1).

Big win for Caballero as he floors local Oba with a right in the first and forces the Japanese fighter to fight his fight. Normally a stylish boxer Oba was now forced to trade with Caballero to get back into contention. Caballero is nicknamed “El Matador” but unlike guys in that profession Caballero was willing to stand in front of Oba and use his power and accuracy to slowly beat down the home fighter. After a strong sixth round the writing was on the wall for Oba and the end not long coming. Caballero floored Oba again in the eighth and the towel came flying in from Oba’s corner and the fight was over. The gamble of fighting in the other guy’s backyard paid off for Caballero who now has 13 wins by KO/TKO. This was an IBF eliminator. He was IBF 4 (but second rated boxer behind Jamie McDonnell as Nos. 1 and 2 were vacant) and with Oba being 5 (3) Caballero has achieved the criteria to be the mandatory challenger to Stuart Hall by beating another rated fighter. Oba, 29,  the JBC champion, had won six on the bounce since being halted in eleven rounds by Rolly Lunas in 2011.

 

Salta, Argentina: Welter: Luis C Abregu (36-1) W KO 8 Jean C Prada (30-1-1). Welter: Cesar M Barrionuevo (25-3-2,1ND) W PTS 8 Amilcar Funes (22-14).

Abregu vs. Prada

Abregu has to come off the floor to win the battle of top Latino boxers. Prada took centre ring in the first and commanded the action n over the first three minutes with his superior height and reach and southpaw jab. Abregu got into the fight in the second and third and in the fourth landed a series of hard punches that had the Venezuelan on the verge of a kayo when the bell saved him. Although Prada lost a point early in the fifth for low punches Abregu’s work rate dropped in the fifth and sixth allowing Prada to get in the fight. The seventh saw drama as a left cross from Prada put Abregu down. The Argentinian got up and was firing back by the bell. In the eighth a crunching right sent Prada into the ropes and Abregu cut loose with a barrage of hard shots that had Prada out on his feet. The referee gave the Venezuelan an eight count but saw that Prada was finished and counted on to ten. Tough fight for the 30-year-old Abregu, the WBC No 1. Now 29 wins by KO/TKO. He has won seven in a row since losing on points to Tim Bradley in 2010. That run includes wins over Marco Avendano, Thomas Dulorme and in April last year Antonin Decarie. Unfortunately he is not on Floyd Mayweather’s dance card so despite being No 1 has no hope of a title fight. Money talks-the WBC obey. The 29-year-old Prada, the WBC No 12, has never fought in Venezuela and despite his impressive record this was a big step up in opposition for him. As an amateur he was a South American Games silver medal winner and beat guys such as Tureano Johnson, Diego Chaves and Carlos Banteur.

Barrionuevo vs. Funes

Home town southpaw gets back in the winning groove with a decision over seasoned but slipping pro Funes. Barrionuevo made a positive start taking the first round as the busier fighter and hurting Funes with a left uppercut and finishing the round strongly. Funes rebounded to take the second scoring with hooks and uppercuts of his own. Barrionuevo then dominated with a sharp jab and uppercuts with Funes being out punched. Funes made an effort to turn the tide in the seventh as Barrionuevo slowed but the local fighter took the last trying hard to take the decision out of the hands of the judges. Scores 79-76 ½ twice and 78-76 ½ all for Barrionuevo. The 25-year-old FAB No 6 had a 17 bout winning streak broken by a loss to Ramon de la Cruz Sena in December, so starts again. Now 7 losses in a row for Funes.

 

Ramallo, Argentina: Light Welter: Juan Manuel Witt (26-0-2) W KO 2 Ben Alcides Cantero (14-6-1). Light Middle: Dario F Pucheta (18-2) W TKO 4 Nestor A Salas (3-7-1).

Witt vs. Cantero

The “Little Prince” retains the less recognized WPC version of the South American title with a kayo of Paraguayan.  The 25-year-old now has 18 wins by KO/TKO and had kayoed Cantero in three rounds in August for the vacant crown. Cantero is 3-4-1 in his last 8 fights.

Pucheta vs. Salas

Similar case here as Pucheta halts Salas early in the fourth. The 27-year-old “El Gallo” retains his version of the WPC South American title. Last time out in October Pucheta lost a technical decision to Brazilian Anderson Clayton for the WBFed title. First loss by KO/TKO for 40-year-old Salas. Neither Witt nor Pucheta are recognized or rated by the FAB and their fights are not considered to be valid by them.

 

Pavia, Italy: Welter: Gianluca Frezza (22-2-2,ND) W PTS 12 Giacomo Mazzoni (9-3-1). Italian champion Frezza adds the WBC Mediterranean title with a unanimous decision over Mazzoni. The local favourite pressed the fight from the start working inside the longer reach of Mazzoni. He swept the first three rounds and getting extra impetus as Mazzoni was deducted a point in the fourth over illegal use of his head. Mazzoni finally got into the fight late and in the seventh had his jab working and was able to box on the outside with Frezza this time being deducted a point. By the ninth the scores were close but Mazzoni lost another point for holding. Then the experience of Frezza came into play and although Mazzoni continued to work his jab Frezza was picking up the points and kept the pressure on to the end to get the decision. Scores 115-110, 115-111 and 114-111. Good win for the 34-year-old EBU No 8 who is on unbeaten run of 15 wins and one No Decision including reversing one of his losses. Mazzoni, 32, had only one eight round fight to his name so pacing the 12 rounds was a problem for him.

 

Mexico City, Mexico: Fly: Joebert Alvarez (14-0-1) W PTS 12 Julian Rivera (13-9-1).

Filipino Alvarez wins the vacant WBC Continental Americas title with a unanimous decision over local Rivera. It looked promising for Rivera when he floored Alvarez with a right in the second round. Alvarez was not fazed by the early set back but kept his boxing together and was busy and accurate with his attacks. He had to overcome another handicap when a clash of heads saw him cut on his left eyebrow. However, he defied those disadvantages and also the problems of fighting at altitude in what was a fast paced bout and boxed cleverly over the last four rounds to win a close but deserved decision. Scores 114-112 twice and 115-112. The 24-year-old southpaw “Little Pacman”, the WBA No 10, was having his first fight outside the Philippines. He is now based in California and training under Nonito Donaire Snr. Mexican champion Rivera lost on points to Juan Reveco for the interim WBA title back in 2012 and was 1-1 in two fights since then

 

Torrevieja, Spain: Light: Emiliano Casal (19-2-1) W TKO 5 Andoni Alonso (8-7-3).

Casal retains the Spanish title with stoppage of replacement challenger Alonso. It was a one-sided fight with Casal having a big edge in both height and reach. After dominating the first round with his jab Casal floored Alonso in the second. Over the next two rounds the punishment being handed out by Casal saw swelling around the right eye of Alonso and a second knockdown in the fourth. In the fifth with Alonso’s right eye almost closed Casal scored another knockdown and the fight was stopped. The tall, 5’11 ½” (181cm) Argentinian-born Spanish champion Casal, 32, the EU No 18, has won his last 10 fights, Fourth loss by KO/TKO for Alonso.

 

Fuenlabrada, Spain: Feather: Sergio Romero (7-3-2) W PTS 10 Kiko Amarillo (3-1-3). Light Welter: Ruben Nieto (15-0) W TKO 4 Fran Gonzalez (5-20-2).

Romero vs. Amarillo

Romero wins the interim WBC Latino title at the second attempt. This was very much a fight in two phases. Early Romero used his superior speed and technique to hold off the attacks of the aggressive but wide open Amarillo. Over the closing rounds the light hitting Romero tired badly under the relentless pressure and those rounds clearly went to Amarillo. Despite the presence of IBF super bantam champion Kiko Martinez in his corner he just could not close the gap. Scores 96-94 twice and 97-93, all for “Sugar” Romero. The 28-year-old local fighter is 4-1-2 in his last 7 fights including a loss to Ivan Ruiz for this same title and a draw with Antonio Rodriguez for the Spanish title. Catalonian Amarillo, 36, was short of experience with just five four round fights (which normally only count as test bouts) and one six round fight.

Nieto vs. Gonzalez

“Salsa” Nieto gets a stoppage win in this warm-up fight. The former undefeated EU champion was handing out punishment from the first with body punches and fast combinations. A hook to the body and a straight right put Gonzalez down on his knees in the second. Gonzalez got up and survived the third round but was taking punishment in the fourth when the fight was stopped. Nieto, 31, is the mandatory challenger to Italian Michele Di Rocco for the EBU title and has 7 wins by KO/TKO. Now 8 losses and one draw in his last 9 fight for Gonzalez

 

April 5

 

Rostock, Germany: Light Heavy: Juergen Braehmer (43-2) W TKO 6 Enzo Maccarinelli (38-7). Light Middle: Jack Culcay (17-1) W PTS 12 Salim Larbi (19-5-2). Super Middle: Tyrone Zeuge (13-0) W TKO 9 Gheorghe Sabau (10-1). Heavy: Kubrat Pulev (20-0) W TKO 3 Ivica Perkovic (20-24).Middle: Soufiene Ouerghi (7-3) W PTS 8 Dominic Britsch (28-2-1). Light Heavy: Enrico Koelling (13-0) W PTS 8 Mirzet Bajrektarevic (8-2). Welter: Lewis Rees (9-0-1) DREW 8 Renald Garrido (11-7-1). Middle: Liam Williams (9-0-1) W TKO 8 Yuri Pompilio (5-9-2).

Braehmer vs. Maccarinelli

Braehmer retain his secondary WBA title as Welshman Maccarinelli suffers a horrendous swelling which closes his right eye completely. A clash of heads early in the first round saw Braehmer emerge with a cut over his right eye. There was some confusion over whether Maccarinelli suffered his injury at the same time, but it did not show until later in the round when Braehmer landed a hard left hook. Whichever it was by the end of the round the swelling was evident. Southpaw Braehmer had looked sharp in the first round overcoming the height and reach of Maccarinelli by drawing the jab and then stepping inside with quick combinations and looked to have shaken Maccarinelli with a left hook at the end of the round. With the injury there was only going to be one ending and it was a question of when the fight would be stopped and not if it would be stopped. Braehmer did not have to take any chances as he had a half blind fighter in front of him and he made the eye injury a target. Maccarinelli knew he could not go the distance with the injury and he tried to take the fight to Braehmer. The German was cleverly throwing a right/left combination and then clinching before Maccarinelli could counter. Mid way through the third round the referee asked the doctor look at the injury, but Maccarinelli was cleared to fight on and landed a straight right at the end of the round which sent Braehmer back on his heels. Maccarinelli insisted in continuing the fight which showed tremendous courage. Braehmer scored with hard shots in the fourth and with heavy swelling beginning to show under the left eye of Maccarinelli it was amazing that the Welshman still fought on. Before the start of the fifth Maccarinelli’s corner man Gary Lockett told the Welshman he was giving him only one more round. Maccarinelli tried hard in the fifth scoring with a left hook to the body, but was still open to the shots from Braehmer that he could not see coming. The doctor again carried out an examination and it was ridiculous that he did not say the fight should be stopped as Maccarinelli was being too brave for his own good. Sensibly when the round finished Lockett pulled his man out of the fight before the start of the sixth. First defence of his title by the 35-year-old German and 11 wins in a row. The injury decided this fight, but Braehmer had looked sharp in that competitive first round. The 33-year-old Maccarinelli showed great courage in continuing with such a horrible handicap. The former WBO and European cruiser champion is currently the CBC light heavy champ and there are defences for him out there if he decides to continue but he has said he wants a return with Braehmer.

Culcay vs. Larbi

“Golden Jack” retains his WBA Inter-Continental title with comfortable if unimpressive win over ABU champion Larbi. Despite giving away height and reach Culcay’s superior speed and technique allowed him to open a lead over the early rounds. Larbi had his best moments in the middle rounds but did not have the power to seriously trouble the Ecuadorian-born German. Culcay was clinical rather than exciting and did not really step-up his attacks until the closing sessions and Larbi withstood the pressure. Scores 117-111 from all three judges. The 28-year-old WBA No 8 was  making the second defence in his second reign as WBA Inter-Continental champion as he restores his reputation after a since revenged loss to Guido Nicolas Pitto a year ago. Frenchman Larbi, 26, had an unbeaten streak of 16 fights broken with a kayo loss to Lukas Konecny for the interim WBO title in 2012 but is 3-3 since then.

Zeuge vs. Sabau

Zeuge retains his WBO Youth title with stoppage of Romanian southpaw. This was an easy night for Zeuge with Sabau’s head his only real concern. Zeuge managed to avoid any damage from the butts and floored Sabau four times before the referee finally halted the lopsided fight in the ninth round. The promising Zeuge, 21, a former European Youth Championships gold medallist and a sparring partner of Braehmer, has six wins by KO/TKO, but only makes it to No 21 in the EU ratings due to the low level opposition to date. Sabau, also 21, is based in Italy and this was his first fight scheduled for more than six rounds.

Pulev vs. Perkovic

Easy win for Pulev over 24 hour notice substitute Perkovic. The Bulgarian was able to land heavy jabs and rights over the three rounds in what was virtually a paid sparring session. Despite suffering a nose injury from a hard shot from Pulev in the second Perkovic came out for the third and lasted to the end of the round. He considered he had done enough at that point and did not come out for the fourth round. Second win for Pulev since beating Tony Thompson in an IBF final eliminator but he stands in line alongside WBA No 1 Luis Ortiz until after Wlad Klitschko makes a WBO title defence against Alex Leapai. Coming in at such short notice after Joey Dawejko pulled out Perkovic had probably promised three rounds and no more. Who can blame the 39-year-old Croatian who is always pitched in far above his head?

Ouerghi vs. Britsch

Never go over old ground particularly if the ground was tricky to negotiate the first time. Britsch paid the price for ignoring that advice and lost for the second time in his last four fights. When these two fought in December Britsch had to climb off the floor twice to get a controversial majority decision. With that at the back of his mind he probably took too cautious approach. Learning his lesson from that first fight he chose to fight at a distance and not get involved in a brawl. The tactic worked well with Britsch outboxing the Tunisian and building a good lead. Ouerghi staged a strong finish putting Britsch under pressure to make the fight close, but although his work rate dropped Britsch looked to have just edged it. Last time he did not deserve the decision but got it, this time he looked to have just done enough to win but lost. Scores 79-73, 77-75 and 76-76 for Ouerghi. With his lack of experience, the two Britsch fights being his only eight rounders, and his 86 seconds kayo loss to Culcay victim Sabau, the Italian-based 26-year-old Ouerghi should not have been a major obstacle for the German prospect. His loss to Roberto Santos in 2012 and these two under par performances against Ouerghi are set-backs for Britsch and show he has his limitations and he has to rebuild.

Koelling vs. Bajrektarevic

Olympian Koelling remains unbeaten with wide unanimous decision over Croatian. Koelling was in charge for most of the fight. He had his jab working well and scored throughout with hard hooks. However the fight never really caught fire and it was a competent, workmanlike performance from Koelling with the Croat’s southpaw style presenting him with some problems. He had Bajrektarevic wobbling in the last round but had to settle for going the distance. Scores 80-72 twice and 79-73. The 24-year-old German, a World Youth silver medallist and 2012 Olympian has 4 wins by KO/TKO. Croatian champion Bajrektarevic has never lost by KO/TKO.

Rees vs. Garrido

Rees looks unlucky to have to settle for a draw. The young Welsh prospect had the speed and southpaw skills. Garrido had the aggression but if you are going to wear a lion costume into the ring you had better roar at least a little bit. The early rounds went to Rees as he outboxed the Frenchman and built what looked to be a winning lead. However, despite hurting Garrido on occasion he had been unable to knock him over and Garrido came on strong over the last two rounds to snatch a majority draw. Scores 76-76 twice and 77-75 to Rees. A Disappointing result for the 24-year-old Welsh champion, a former double Welsh amateur champion, but some useful experience. Garrido, 30, the FFB No 8 light welter, is 2-4-1 in his last 7 fights.

Williams vs. Pompilio

Having moved down from Middleweight Williams gets a good win in an awkward scrap. The Welsh found gaps in the defence of the Portuguese-born Pompilio using superior hand speed to open up Pompilio. Williams was not satisfied with a points victory and in the last round a right to the chin unhinged the legs of Pompilio and the fight was stopped. Good performance by the 21-year-old former Welsh amateur champion and World Youth Championships competitor who registers his 4^th win by KO/TKO. First loss by KO/TKO for 30-year-old Spanish-based Pompilio who gave Williams a good test.

 

Tijuana, Mexico: Fly: Giovani Segura (32-3-1) W KO 10 Felipe Salguero (19-6-1). Bantam: Juan Alberto Rosas (39-8) W TEC DEC 9 Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. (22-1-2). Light Welter: Aaron Herrera (26-3) W PTS 8 Misael Castillo (26-3). Feather: Francisco Pina (6-6-4) W PTS 6 Rogelio Jun Doliguez (18-1-2).

Segura vs. Salguero

A relentless Segura finally grinds down a tremendously brave and combative Salguero. Right from the opening bell Segura was coming forward hunting down Salguero. He was not look too hard to find. Segura was a punching machine throwing hooks to body and head and driving Salguero to the ropes for most of the first round. However Salguero was slamming back at every opportunity he got and Segura also had to eat punches. The pace was frantic with hardly a clinch and both just letting their shots go for three minutes in every round. Most of the time Segura was coming forward but Salguero never stopped throwing his own punches and occasionally turned the tables and had Segura on the ropes and catching more than he was throwing. An amazing fourth round saw Salguero trap Segura on the ropes and blast away for the first minute of the round only for Segura to fire back and put Salguero down with a ferocious left hook. Salguero was up quickly and after the completion of the eight count the bell went immediately. Segura came out looking for the finish in the fifth only for Salguero to again launch a furious attack that had Segura backing up. A clash of heads saw Salguero cut over the right eye as they continued to trade shots. The sixth and seventh again saw Segura matching forward throwing hook after hook to the body with Salguero blasting back whenever he could but he was now cut under the right eye also. In the eighth the fight seemed to turn as Segura’s work rate dropped as they both tired and now it was Salguero doing the pressing and Segura fighting with his back to the ropes. Segura was back in control at the start of the ninth relentlessly attacking the body and driving Salguero to the ropes . Salguero was still firing back and at the end of the round again had Segura on the ropes. In the tenth clubbing shots from Segura finally broke down the resistance of Salguero and after a series of hard shots to the head an exhausted Salguero suddenly tumbled sideward’s along the ropes to the canvas with the referee immediately waving the fight off. Not even Segura can take many fights like this, not at 32 anyway. After losses to Brian Viloria and Edgar Sosa “The Aztec warrior” has rebounded with wins over Jonathan Gonzalez, Herman Marquez and this must have been as tough as either of those. The former WBA/WBO light fly champion is now rated WBO 1/WBA 4/IBF 15(13) so right in .line for a shot at fellow Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada. Third loss by KO/TKO for the incredibly brave Salguero. He lost on points to Donnie Nietes for the WBO light fly title in 2012 and to John Riel Casimero for the IBF title in October.

Gonzalez vs. Rosas

Experience tells as Rosas takes away the unbeaten record of young Gonzalez on a technical decision. “Topo” Rosas came out fast taking the fight to Gonzalez overwhelming the younger fighter with sheer pressure and work rate. Gonzalez was being denied punching room to make use of his longer reach and although he fired back when he could did not have a plan B as they stood toe-to-toe trading hooks and short crosses inside. The fight was brought to an end in the ninth round when a clash of heads left Rosas with a bad cut on his forehead. It went to the score cards with Rosas winning on scores of 80-72, 78-74 and 77-75. The 29-year-old former IBF super fly champion bounces back after losing to Daniel Rosas in October.  And gets a win that puts him back in the world ratings. “Little Cobra” Gonzalez, 21, found this too much of a jump in quality of opposition but at 21 has time to learn from this and comeback even stronger. He is the son of former WBC feather champion, also Alejandro, and could yet emulate his father.

Herrera vs. Castillo

Herrera climbs off the floor to get a well deserved unanimous verdict over Castillo in a battle of two second level fighters on the brink of making it to the top table. Castillo is a thunderous puncher and when he put Herrera down in the second it was a time of danger for the Yucatan fighter. Herrera was not fazed. He took the mandatory eight count and then proceeded to coolly box his way to victory. Local fighter Castillo always posed a threat with his power, but Herrera dominated the action and took the decision. Scores 78-72 twice and 77-73. Herrera won his first 24 fights but then faltered as the opposition got tougher and had lost 3 of his last 4 fights going in with losses in his two fights last year to Jason Pagara and Selcuk Aydin. Another loss would have been a huge setback, but this was the perfect riposte to those losses. Castillo had rebounded from inside the distance losses to Carlos Winston Velasquez and Luis Arceo with five wins by KO/TKO so his rebirth is derailed. This is only the third of Castillo’s 29 fights to go the distance.

Pina vs. Doliguez

Huge upset as Pina, selected as an easy opponent for unbeaten Doliguez, pulls off a well deserved win. The Mexican made a sensational start flooring Filipino Doliguez inside the first minute. That took Doliguez out of his stride and the two-handed aggressive attacks of Pina gave southpaw Doliguez too much to do to claw back the two point first round. Scores 59-55 twice and 57-56. Pina was 1-6-1 in his previous 8 fights but that win was another upset against double world champion challenger David De La Mora in December. Doliguez , 22, the WBO No 8, had been held to a draw by Ruben Tamayo in July, his only other fight in Mexico, but had then scored a good win with a stoppage of Giovanni Caro in Las Vegas in December.

 

Ciudad Delicias, Mexico: Middle: Marco A Rubio (59-6-1) W KO 10 Domenico Spada (38-5). Super Feather: Edgar Monarrez (17-2) W KO 7 Juan Jose Montes (23-5-2). Middle: Marcos Reyes (31-1) W TKO 2 Idiozan Matos (32-19).

Rubio vs. Spada

Rubio wins the interim WBC title (I thought they had given those up?-silly me) with kayo of Italian Spada. Rubio was not at his best with the aggression and rough tactics of Spada unsettling the experienced Mexican. Spada was determined to fight inside making it difficult for the Mexican to find room for his heavy guns and smothering and clinching when he could. Despite this Rubio was edging the rounds and was ahead 40-36 on two cards and 39-37 on the other. Spada continued to try to brawl but in the sixth round lost two points for rabbit punches and was putting in some dangerous head work. Rubio was winning without impressing. At the end of the eighth it was still the Mexican’s fight with Rubio ahead 80-72, 79-71 and 78-72. Spada changed his tactics looking to do more scoring himself giving some room and inviting Rubio to trade. For a while Rubio stuck to his boxing but in the tenth uncorked a left cross that crashed into Spada’s jaw and sent the Italian down for the count. So a title of sorts for the 33-year-old Mexican at the third attempt having lost to Kelly Pavlik for the WBC/WBO titles in 2009 and to Julio Cesar Chavez for the WBC title in 2012. Now he waits for Sergio Martinez and Miguel Cotto to settle their business and then he might get a chance at the real title. The 33-year-old Spada “The Vulcano” did what he though he had to do to win, but it was not working and he finally gave Rubio the one chance he needed to end the fight. Spada has no luck in interim title fights having twice lost to Sebastian Zbik for the same interim title. He had done nothing of note since losing to Darren Barker for the EBU title in 2011 but still somehow found himself in the WBC No 2 spot.

Monarrez vs. Montes

Monarrez retains his WBC Fecombox title with a kayo of useful Montes. Monarrez quickly took control of the fight. His hard rights had swellings appearing on both cheeks of Montes. His challenger fought back hard but was taking heavy punishment and began to fade. Monarrez ended the fight in the seventh. He floored Montes with a right. Montes made it to his feet but another right put him down and he failed to beat the count. The 24-year-old “Bachelor” was having his first fight in eleven months. Montes, also 24, a former WBFed champion, lost to Tomas Rojas for the WBC super fly title in 2011 and was in some tough matches in 2013 losing to Martin Casillas, drawing with Julio Cesar Miranda and losing to Julio Ceja.

Reyes vs. Matos

“Dorado” Reyes just hits too hard for Brazilian southpaw Matos.  The heavy pnching Mexican shook Matos in the first and then floored him three times in the second to force the stoppage. The lanky 26-year-old, the WBC No 15, has won 18 in a row and reversed his only loss. This was victory No 24 by KO/TKO. Matos, the Brazilian champion, now has 16 losses by KO/TKO.

 

Peyrano, Argentina: Light: Sergio M Gil (15-3-2) W KO 9 Alejandro D Gomez (13-24-5,1ND). “The Russian” Gil wins the vacant IBF Latino title with kayo of late substitute Gomez. Gil had Gomez down in the first but the durable Gomez stayed in the fight. Gil had won every round before a left hook to the body in the ninth put Gomez down and he was unable to beat the ten count. Now 11 wins by KO/TKO for the 23-year-old FAB No 6 who is 9-1-1 in his last 11 fights. Only the third loss by KO/TKO for the 36-year-old Gomez.

 

Abbeville, France: Heavy: Johann Duhaupas (31-1) W KO 7 Janne Katajisto (16-2-1). Despite a couple of injuries Duhaupas kayo’s brave Finn to retain his EU title. Physically this looked a total mismatch between the 6’5” (195cm) Frenchman and the short-armed 5’11” (180cm) very tubby “Finnish Butterball”. As it turned out Katajisto proved to be a tough and persistent challenger who just kept walking in to get close where he could work. Duhaupas was always in control but the strong determined little Finn was making him work hard. Duhaupas was able to use his huge physical advantages to score at a distance and was boxing his way to victory when he exploded one devastating right in the seventh round which put Katajisto out. During the fight Duhaupas suffered injuries to both his elbow and his thumb. The 33-year-old was making the first defence of his EU title and now has 20 wins by KO/TKO. This was his 13^th win in a row since losing to Francesco Pianeta in 2008. The 36-year-old Katajisto more resembles a Sumo wrestler than a boxer, but he is a tough determined battler who as an amateur was Finnish champion in 2006/7/8 and competed at both the 2009 World Championships and the 2011 European Championships.

 

Managua, Nicaragua: Fly: Herald Molina (16-8-3) W PTS 10 Nerys Espinoza (30-11-2,2ND). Welter: Edwin Palacios (10-1-1) W KO 10 Michael Mora (11-2).

Molina vs. Espinoza

Molina retains his national title with split decision over Espinoza. Molina was just that bit faster against an Espinoza who has slipped a long way from his best. Neither fighter impressed on the night but Molina did enough to win. Scores 97-93, 97-94 and 94-96. Molina, 32, is an in-and-out performer but is 6-1-2 in his last 9 fights. Espinoza, 32, is going in the opposite direction and is 1-6-1 in his last eight fights. In better days he had two shots at the IBF light fly title and one at the WBA version.

Palacios vs. Mora

All Mora had to do to win this one was get through the last three minutes. He had outboxed the harder punching Palacios and was in front 87-84 after nine rounds. With just only a minute to go to the bell one shot from Palacios put Mora down and out cold. The 25-year-old Palacios wins the vacant Nicaraguan title and makes it six wins by KO/TKO. Mora, 21, had won his last 7 fights and came so close to making it eight.

 

Gizycko, Poland: Super Middle: Przemyslaw Opalach (15-2) W PTS 10 Baker Barakat (39-16-4). Opalach gets convincing win over Syrian-born German Barakat. The 27-year-old Pole had Barakat down three times with body punches but just could not get the determined German out of there. Scores 100-87, 100-89 and 99-88. Opalach wins the vacant WBC Baltic title. He has won 6 of last 7 fights losing only to useful British-based Serb Geard Ajetovic. Barakat, 33, is 3-5 in his last eight fights including losses to Marco Nader, George Groves and Dimitri Sartison.

 

Bath, England: Middle: Nick Blackwell (15-3) W PTS 10 Terry Carruthers (15-17-6). Middle: Danny Butler (23-5) W TKO 4 Martin Concepcion (19-11). Light Welter: Joe Hughes (9-1) W PTS 10 Kris Dochev (9-14).

Blackwell vs. Carruthers

Blackwell just too good for former Prizefighter finalist Carruthers and wins every round. Referee’s score 100-91 for Blackwell. The West Country fighter’s losses have been to world rated fighters in Martin Murray for the British and CBC titles, Billy Joe Saunders for the same titles, and a short notice fight with Max Bursak, when he had Bursak on then canvas. At 23 he has plenty of time and with more experience can reach the top. Former Midlands Area champion Carruthers, 28, was 4-2 in his previous six fights.

Butler vs. Concepcion

Butler keeps his hopes of a second shot at the British title alive with a stoppage of Midlands Area champion Concepcion. The 26-year-old local fighter has Concepcion down twice with Concepcion retiring at the end of the fourth round. Butler retains his English title for the second time. He challenged Darren Barker for the British title in 2009 coming in at just two days notice and losing on a seventh round stoppage. He had a couple of bumps in the road after that losing in the 2010 Prizefighter and dropping a close decision to Bradley Pryce, but he has won his last four fights by KO/TKO. Concepcion, 32, is an experienced fighter who has been in with Blackwell, Barker, Sergey Rabchenko and others.

Hughes vs. Dochev

Hughes outclasses Bulgarian for the International Masters title. Hughes dominated all the way but Dochev climbed off the floor to go the distance. Referee’s score 100-89. Hughes jumps straight from six round fights to ten rounds successfully. He has won his last 5 fights. The young Bulgarian has lost 4 of his last 5 fights.

 

London, England: Middle: John Ryder (17-1) W TKO 9 Jez Wilson (11-2-1). Light Welter: Ricky Boylan (11-0) W TKO 6 Krzys Szot (18-12-1).

Ryder vs. Wilson

The “Gorilla” wins again. Ryder overcame strong resistance from Wilson to halt his opponent in the ninth round. Wilson started brightly trying to take the fight inside but over the first four rounds Ryder had the superior technique and was picking his shots well and outscoring Wilson. The fight changed from the fifth with Ryder nursing an injured hand. That allowed Wilson to get through with hard rights and give Ryder trouble over the middle rounds. Southpaw Ryder was sill picking up the points and hurt Wilson with body punches in the eighth but Wilson fired back before the end of the round. Ryder found another gear in the ninth and a combination rounded-off by a left had Wilson floundering and he went down on one knee. The referee gave Wilson an eight count but then decided he was not fit to continue and stopped the fight. Now ten wins by KO/TKO for the 25-year-old Ryder and his second since losing a very close decision to WBO No 3 Billy Joe Saunders for the British and CBC titles in September. A performance that marked Ryder as one to watch. Sheffield’s Wilson had won five in a row but this was his first fight in 13 months.

Boylan vs. Szot

Boylan gets six rounds of experience against Pole Szot. Boylan was dominant over the first two and the last two rounds with Szot making the middle two rounds competitive with his smart boxing but not really doing enough to win the rounds. Referee’s score 60-54. The Southern Area champion was coming off a good win over Tony Owens and is making steady progress. The 35-year-old Szot has settled into the “opponent” role and has lost 8 of his last 9 fights.

 

Brooks, CA, USA: Super Fly: Bruno Escalante (12-1-1) W PTS 10 Victor Ruiz (12-3).

Escalante retains his IBA title as he boxes his way to victory over aggressive Mexican Ruiz. The Mexican was busy and aggressive form the start and it did not help that Escalante injured his left hand, a problem for any fighter. Escalante did not panic as Ruiz edged the early rounds. The Filipino-born local fighter was landing the harder shots and took the middle and late rounds with some clever boxing and good counters. Scores 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94. Seven wins in a row for 25-year-old Escalante and the second defence of his IBA title as he progresses steadily. First fight in the USA for Ruiz who has now lost 2 of his last 3 fights.

 

New York, NY, USA: Super Bantam: Rafael Vazquez (11-1) W KO 5 Manuel de los Reyes Herrera (21-13-1). Light Middle: Frank Galarza (13-0-2) W KO 2 Franklin Gonzalez (16-12).

Vazquez vs. Herrera

Vazquez retains his WBA Fedelatin title with kayo of Colombian southpaw Herrera. Vazquez almost ended it when he floored southpaw Herrera in the second but the Colombian survived. The ending was only delayed and in the fifth a left to the body from Vazquez put Herrera down for the count. The 36-year-old Puerto Rican is enjoying his “Dynamite” nickname as he has won 6 of his last 7 fights by KO/TKO, including a kayo of world rated Leon Moore, and this was his eighth in all. Eight losses by KO/TKO now for the 33-year-old Herrera

Galarza vs. Gonzalez

Galarza also increased his KO percentage with a second round destruction of another southpaw. Galarza was just too big for the rusty Dominican and after controlling the first round he ended the fight with a hard right/left combination in the second. A couple of draws against medium level opposition have blotted the record of the tall 28-year-old Galarza but he has won his last four fights by KO/TKO and as with Vazquez has eight in total. The 38-year-old Gonzalez was having his first fight in 14 months and has lost 4 of his last five with all of the losses being by KO/TKO.

 

El Paso, TX, USA: Light Middle: Abraham Han (22-1) W KO 2 Juan C Candelo (32-14-4). “Abie” shows impressive punch power in kayo of oldie Candelo although a bit of bad luck for the Colombian is also a factor. Han landed a crushing right in the first that put Candelo down so heavily it look as though there was no way he was getting up. However somehow he made it. Han continued the punishment in the second round and floored Candelo again. As Candelo was heading for the canvas he grabbed Han and they both fell. Han got up but Candelo could not due to a suspected broken ankle. Han wins the vacant UBF Inter-Continental title and makes it 14 wins by KO/TKO. With an experienced team of Louis Burke and Bob Spagnola guiding him Han has won three in a row since losing to Glen Tapia in July. The 40-year-old Candelo lost to Winky Wright for the IBF light middle title in 2003 but this was his first fight in 15 months.

 

Georgetown, Guyana: Fly: Dexter Marques (14-2) W PTS 12 Rudolph Hedge (7-2-3).

Marques retained his WBC Cabofe title with a unanimous decision over Jamaican Hedge. Marques controlled the fight with his jab and collected the early rounds as he constantly jerked Hedge’s head back with snapping lefts. With the scores at 80-73, 80-74 and 79-73 after eight rounds Hedge was in danger of being shut out altogether. Despite being cut over his left eye Hedge pressed hard over the last four rounds with some success but was never able to close the gap as Marques continued to score with hard combinations. Scores 117-111 twice and 119-110. Now 9 wins in his last ten fights for Marques, the last six in a row. Two visits to Guyana and two losses for Hedge who was having his first fight since losing to Elton Dharry in February last year.

 

March 6

 

Tokyo, Japan: Light Fly: Naoya Inoue (6-0) W TKO 6 Adrian Hernandez (29-3-1). Fly: Akira Yaegashi (20-3) W KO 9 Odilon Zaleta (15-4). Fly: Roman Gonzalez (39-0) W TKO 3 Juan Purisima (11-5-1). Feather: Satoshi Hosono (25-2-1) W TKO 10 Yuki Ogata (19-1-1).

Inoue vs. Hernandez

Japanese “Wonder Boy” Inoue wins WBC title in only his sixth fight with stoppage of much more experienced Mexican title holder. Hernandez is a renown slow starter but he was given no chance to get into the fight early anyway as Inoue drove him into the ropes with body punches just a minute into the fight and continued the assault to the end of the round. Inoue dominated the second and shook Hernandez with a left in the third that robbed the champion of what assurance he had left. At the end of the round the referee took a close look at a cut that had opened over the left eye of Hernandez but the fight was allowed to continue-but not for long. Hernandez made a big effort to turn the fight around in the fourth but even though he may have edged the round it was a vain effort. In the fifth with Hernandez bleeding heavily a huge right from Inoue sent the Mexican to the canvas and when he got up he turned his back and the fight was stopped. The speed, power and maturity shown by Inoue was remarkable in someone having only his sixth pro fight and it is impossible to say just how great the awesome 20-year-old “Monster” will turn out to be. “Confessor” Hernandez, 28, was making the fifth defence of the WBC in his second reign as champion. He had lost only one of his last 17 fights and had reversed the loss so this was a champion at his peak and not on the down slope.

Yaegashi vs. Zaleta

Yaegashi retained his WBC title but had a much harder task than Inoue. He was continually trying to walk down his Mexican challenger but Zaleta was quick and busy. Yaegashi was the aggressor and the harder puncher but Zaleta was constantly finding gaps for his quick counters and took many of the early rounds. Yaegashi’s strength and body punches began to tell from the fifth and at the end of eight rounds he had clawed his way into a slight lead on two cards 77-76 and 77-75 and was level at 76-76 on the third. Zaleta was finally weakening and Yaegashi provided the perfect finish with a right that put Zaleta down. He wobbled to his feet but the referee rightly completed the count. Third defence of his WBC title for the 31-year-old former WBA secondary strawweight title holder. He has 10 wins by KO/TKO and this was his third Mexican victim in a row. “Olympico” Zaleta, 28, had lost 2 of his last 3 fights the last two of those fights at light flyweight and he was coming of a loss but somehow found himself at No 8 in the WBC flyweight ratings.

Gonzalez vs. Purisima

Yaegashi got a view of what was awaiting him as his next challenger “El Chocolatito” almost cut Filipino Purisima in half with body shots before the referee saved Purisima in the third. The ruthless Nicaraguan drove Purisima around the ring with the Filipino bravely battling back but outclassed. Gonzalez belaboured him both upstairs and down until the referee took pity on Purisima and ended the uneven contest. The 26-year-old former undefeated WBA straw and light fly champion has 33 wins by KO/TKO and will start as favourite against Yaegashi-even in Japan. Purisima, 22, had won 4 of his last 5 fights but was in way over his head here.

Hosono vs. Ogata

Hosono protects his WBA No 3 rating and wins the vacant JBC title with late stoppage of previously unbeaten Ogata. Hosono has lost twice in shots at secondary WBA titles, super bantam and feather, and to Chris John for the real WBA feather title. He has 19 wins by KO/TKO. Despite the impressive looking record of Ogata it was significant that he lacked punching power and this was the first time they had risked him over ten rounds.

 

Abbreviations

ABC=Asian Boxing Council an affiliate of the WBC

ABF=Asian Boxing federation. I assume this is an affiliate of the IBF

ABU=African Boxing Union an affiliate of the WBC

ACC=WBC Asian Council Continental title

ANBF=Australian National Boxing Federation who administer Australian titles

BBB of C=British Boxing Board of Control

BBB of C Southern/Central/Midlands/Scottish Area etc. British Area titles

BDB= Bund Deutscher Berufsboxer one of the German boxing bodies

B & H=Bosnia & Herzegovina

BSA=Boxing South Africa responsible for administering boxing in South Africa

CBC=Commonwealth Boxing Council a sanctioning body for titles competed for by citizens of Commonwealth countries

CISBB-WBC title covering the rump of the USSR and the Slovenian Boxing Board

DRC=Democratic Republic of the Congo

EBU=European Boxing Union

FAB=Argentinian Boxing Federation

FFB=French Boxing Federation

GAB=Philippines Games & Amusement Board responsible for administering boxing in the Philippines

IBA=International Boxing Association a sanctioning body

IBF=International Boxing Federation a sanctioning body

IBO=International Boxing Organisation a sanctioning body

JBC =Japanese Boxing Commission

NABA=North American Boxing Association, a WBA affiliate

NABF=North American Boxing Federation a WBC affiliate

NABO= North American Boxing Organisation, a WBO affiliate

NGG=US National Golden Gloves

NZPBF=New Zealand Professional Boxing Federation a national sanctioning body

OPBF=Orient & Pacific Boxing Federation

PABA=Pacific & Asian Boxing Association, a WBA affiliate

PBF=Philippines Boxing Federation, a sanctioning body in the Philippines

UBF=Universal Boxing Federation a sanctioning body

UBO=Universal Boxing Organisation a sanctioning body

USBA= United States Boxing Association, an IBF affiliate

USBO=United States Boxing Organisation an WBO affiliate

WBA=World Boxing Association a sanctioning body

WBC=World Boxing Council a sanctioning body

WBFed=World Boxing Federation, a sanctioning body

WBFound=World Boxing Foundation, a sanctioning body

WBU=World Boxing Union, a sanctioning body

IBF WBA Rating=Both bodies leave vacancies in their ratings so when showing a IBF or WBA rating for a fighter where there is a vacant position ahead of them in the rankings which affects his rating I will put his numerical rating i.e. No 6 and in brackets and his rating based on the number of fighters ahead of him so IBF 6 (5) shows his numerical position is 6 but there are in fact only 5 fighters listed ahead of him due to one or more of the higher rating positions being vacant.