The Past Week in Action 14 May 2013

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.

May 8

Osaka, Japan: Light Fly: Kazuto Ioka (12-0) W KO 9 Wisanu (43-9-2). Straw: Ryo Miyazaki (19-0-3) W TKO 5 Carlos Velarde (23-3-1).

Ioka vs. Wisanu

Japanese talent Ioka takes a while to catch up with experienced Thai but then puts him away in style. Ioka was patient looking to counter punch southpaw Wisanu. Ioka was content to pick up the points and await his chance. After having Wisanu under pressure in the eighth the end came in the ninth when a right uppercut to the body put the Thai down and out. Ioka, 24, retains his WBA title. At 24, and after just 12 fights, he is already a double division champion. Wisanu was hardly a deserving challenger. The 29-year-old Thai was kayoed in nine rounds by modest Filipino Rey Loreto in 2011 and since then had run up five wins against easy opposition, but he fought hard in this one.

Miyazaki vs. Velarde

Miyazaki makes successful first defence of his WBA title. The tiny champion went to war from the start standing and trading with his Mexican challenger and taking the first round on the basis of some tasty left hooks. Although he had height and reach over the champion those tactics were to Velarde’s liking and he scored with his own hooks to take the second. In the third a left hook from the Mexican badly rocked Miyazaki. The champion kept up the pressure in the fourth as again they traded hefty left hooks. Miyazaki was the heavier puncher but Velarde was still dangerous and all three judges had the fight even at that point. In the fifth Miyazaki began by standing off and boxing, but then Velarde presented him with an opening and a right followed by yet another left hook flattened the Mexican. Now eleven wins by KO/TKO for 24-year-old Miyazaki. The three draws on his record were all technical draws. He moved down from light flyweight to win this title and struggled to make the weight for this defence. Velarde, 22, suffers only his second loss inside the distance. He was No 7 with the WBA but since losing an eight round decision to Edwin Diaz in 2011 he had scored three wins over very ordinary opposition and of his 23 victims 14 had never won a fight.

 

Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand: Petch Sor Chitpattana (18-0) W PTS 10 Me Wu Ling (1-2-1). Super Fly: Oleydong (48-1-1) W PTS 6 Falazona Fidal (20-35-1).

Chitpattana vs. Ling

Chinese novice Ling gives Chitpattana a tough night. Chitpattana was trying to use his height and reach over the early rounds but Ling was staying close and countering well and was in the fight with a chance. From the fifth the Thai decided to change tactics and then began to pressurise Ling and going to the body. Ling was warned after a clash of heads in the ninth and Chitpattana had the Chinese fighter rocking from a left as he put the fight beyond doubt. Chitpattana went all out in the last scoring with hard shots to head and body but Ling showed a good defence a strong chin. A lot of rounds were close but Chitpattana took the decision on scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94. The 19-year-old Thai southpaw retains his WBC International Silver title for the third time. Ling, 20, had looked ordinary in losing in three rounds in his previous fight in Thailand, but this performance should get him more fights.

Oleydong vs. Fidal

Easy win in meaningless fight for southpaw Oleydong. He repeats February win over Indonesian and takes every round. Oleydong scored with some hard body shots, but Fidal had no trouble lasting the distance. Scores 60-54 from all three judges. The 27-year-old former WBC strawweight champion is now No 2 super fly with the WBC and has won 13 in a row since losing his title to Kazuto Ioka in 2011. Now 21 visits to Thailand for Fidal and 21 losses.

 

May 9

 

Brisbane, Australia: Heavy: Alex Leapai (18-4-3) W KO 1 Joe Lloyd (2-5). Middle: Jarrod Fletcher (16-1) W TKO 6 Phil Kotey (28-7-2). Damien Hooper (2-0) W TKO 1 Kashif Mumtaz (8-37-1).

Leapai vs. Lloyd

Early night for Leapai. When Ghana’s John Napuri was ruled out following his blood tests Lloyd was ushered in as a very late substitute. It was no contest as the big Samoan went after Lloyd from the bell and put him down and out after just 78seconds. The 33-year-old Leapai is rebuilding after a crushing ninth round stoppage loss to Kevin Johnson in April last year. Now 23 wins by KO/TKO for WBO No 8 Leapai, but that rating flatters him. Lloyd has lost 5 of his last 6, but not much could reasonable be expected as he came in at such short notice.

Fletcher vs. Kotey

“Left Jab” Fletcher used his height and reach to out box and wear down Ghanaian Kotey. There was a scare when Fletcher suffered a bad cut, but in the sixth floored Kotey and he was battering away at the Ghanaian southpaw without reply when the fight was stopped. The 29-year-old WBA No 5 makes it four wins since a two round blow out loss to Billy Joe Saunders for the Commonwealth title in September; the list includes useful victories over Robbie Bryant and Randy Suico. “Sweet Pea” Kotey, 31, was halted in two rounds by Kell Brook in December 2010. He had won seven in a row, but that is deceptive, four of those victims had never won a fight and 3 had lost more than they had won.

Hooper vs. Mumtaz

Another early finish as former Olympian Hooper put away poor Mumtaz in 64 seconds. When Mumtaz went down the referee did not even bother to count. Two wins by KO/TKO for the controversial Aussie. Ricky Hatton’s new fighter, a 2012 Olympian competed at the 2009 and 2011 World Championships, lost to Anthony Ogogo on count back in the 2010 Commonwealth Games and was World Youth Champion in 2010. Mumtaz, 35, has now lost his last 13 fights.

 

Dallas, USA: Light Heavy: Medzhid Bektemirov (12-0) W PTS 12 Randy Griffin (26-4-3). Welter: Lanardo Tyner (30-8-2) W TKO 12 Ty Hendrix (21-4-1).

Bektemirov vs. Griffin

Texas-based Russian Bektemirov gets a unanimous decision over experienced Griffin after nearly closing out the fight early on a number of occasions. Bektemirov almost had Griffin out of there in the first round after staggering the for WBA middleweight challenger with an uppercut. Griffin was also in trouble in rounds three, six and seven, but in between times used his experience and good combination punching to pick-up some rounds. Scores 118-110 twice and 117-111. The 25-year-old Russian was taking a big step up here and had not previously impressed in just scraping by some mediocre opposition on split decisions, but perhaps he is still learning. “Gentleman” Griffin, 36, drew in 2007 and then lost on points in 2008 to Felix Sturm for the WBA middle title. After a loss to Kariz Kariuki in China in 2010 he was inactive until coming back with a win last November.

Tyner vs. Hendrix

“Pain Server” Tyner, 37, continued his current run of wins with a late stoppage of southpaw Hendrix and retains the WBC US title. Tyner was always just that bit in front although Hendrix kept it close with some fast counters. Tyner scored a knockdown in the seventh and then kept up the pressure. Hendrix finally crumbled in the last being down four times before the fight was stopped 30 seconds before the final bell. Five wins in a row for Tyner, four by KO/TKO. He has given useful tests to Wale Omotoso, Kevin Bizier, Jesses Vargas and Dierry Jean and went the full twelve round with Saul Alvarez in 2009. First loss inside the distance for “Head Honcho” Hendrix, 32, who was having his first fight since December 2011.

 

May 10

 

Detroit, USA: Welter: Vernon Paris (28-1,3ND) W PTS 10 Manuel Perez (19-9-1). Light: Cornelius Lock (21-6-1) W PTS 10 Lonnie Smith (14-5-3). Light Middle: Tony Harrison (12-0) W TKO 1 Ruben Galvan (27-23-4,2ND). Heavy: Ali Mansour (14-0) W KO 3 Brad Johnson (2-2).

Paris vs. Perez

Paris gets his second win of the year, but pushed hard by Perez. It was a case of Paris hitting harder but less frequently and Perez being busier and the aggressor. Paris was bigger, but did not seem to use that advantage, or his superior strength to bull Perez allowing the smaller man to often dictate the pace. Paris, 25, was picking his punches well but could not seem to shake Perez and many of the rounds were close and hard to score. At the end Paris may just have done enough to win, but the scores did not reflect the closeness of the fight. The judges gave it to Paris on scores of 98-92, 97-93 and a more reflective 96-94. The “Iceman” is rebuilding after the stoppage loss to Zab Judah in an IBF eliminator in March last year. Hawaiian-born Perez, 28, is capable of giving anyone a tough night when he is in form. He has wins over Edgar Santana and Jose Miguel Cotto and his losses have been to good opposition such as Brandon Rios, Diego Magdaleno, Mercito Gesta and Paul McCloskey.

Locke vs. Smith

Locke makes it two wins on his latest comeback. The 34-year-old southpaw started well, overcame a bad few rounds, and finished well to take the unanimous decision. In the early rounds Smith tired to brawl the skillful southpaw but paid for his tactics as Locke caught him coming in with hard rights. Smith did better in the fourth and fifth rounds as Locke was trading more. The sixth was a big round for Smith as he floored Locke twice, although the knockdowns looked to be debatable. From then on Locke, continuing to force the fight was in control and swept the closing rounds. Scores 97-91, 96-92 and 95-92. In 2008/09/10 Locke had an erratic period. He beat Roger Gonzalez (27-1) lost to Antonio Escalante (20-2), stopped Orlando Cruz (16-0-1) but then lost to both Daniel; Ponce De Leon and Mikey Garcia. He was then inactive from August 2010 until returning with a win in January. Smith, 26, the son of Lonnie Smith the former WBC light welter champion, has lost three and drawn one of his last four fights.

Harrison vs. Galvan

Hard-hitting prospect Harrison needed just 123 seconds to put chubby experienced loser Galvan down and out. The 22-year-old is the grandson of old pro Henry Hank and was trained by the late Manny Steward. He has ten wins by KO/TKO. The 40-year-old Galvan usually goes the distance, but not this time.

Mansour vs. Johnson

Mansour does overtime as he takes three rounds to halt Johnson. The bout started badly for the 34-year-old Canadian as a clash of heads in the first round left him with a cut on his forehead. Mansour was unfazed and although he found the former MAA fighter an awkward opponent he finished the job in the third with a left uppercut and a straight right. Each of Mansour’s last four fights had ended in the first round. After being out for almost two years, Mansour has now had six fights in five months. Novice Johnson had lost inside a round to Jordan Shimmell in March.

 

Miami OK, USA: Light Welter: Dierry Jean (25-0) W TKO 4 Cleotis Pendarvis (17-4-2). Middle: John Thompson (12-0) W PTS 8 Geovanni Rodriguez (8-1).

Jean vs. Pendarvis

Jean wins again but has to survive a bad cut. Over the first two rounds Jean was pressing the action but Pendarvis was scoring well with counters. In the third round in a clash of heads the Haitian-born Jean suffered a bad cut over his right eye and by the end of the third it was hampering his vision. That spurred him to increase the pace of his attacks. In the fourth an overhand right to the chin put Pendarvis down. He arose but was unable to keep Jean away and after a few more shots the referee stopped the fight. The 31-year-old Jean, who moved to Canada when he was ten-years-old, has 17 wins by KO/TKO. Jean was No 3 with the IBF, but actually the top rated fighter as positions 1 and 2 are vacant. As this was an IBF eliminator it puts him to No 1 and in line to challenge the winner of the Lamont Peterson vs. Lucas Matthysse fight. Southpaw Pendarvis had won his last six fights and although the opposition had not been strong he was USBA champion and No 7 with the IBF (the 5^th rated fighter).

Thompson vs. Rodriguez

Tall 24-year-old Johnson wins wide unanimous verdict over unbeaten Puerto Rican. Thompson had height and reach over the unbeaten southpaw but again had to go the distance. Thompson took the first two rounds, but Rodriguez bounced back to take the third. Thompson had a big round in the fourth as he twice had Rodriguez down but Rodriguez did not appear badly hurt. Thompson was able to use his height and reach to control the next three rounds although Rodriguez made them close. Knowing he was behind Rodriguez took chances in the last ands paid for it with two more knockdowns. Thompson was looking to finish it but Rodriguez was there at the bell. Scores 78-70 twice and 78-71. The Newark prospect “Apollo Boy” has only four wins by KO/TKO and trainer Buddy McGirt needs to teach him to keep his chin tucked in as he leaves himself exposed at times. As an amateur Thompson won bronze medals at the US-Under 19, US National PAL and National Golden Gloves tournaments. Puerto Rican Rodriguez took a couple of rounds, but in the end did well to last the distance. He was a silver medallist in the 2006 Puerto Rican Nationals.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Bantam: Juan Carlos Payano (13-0) W TKO 2 Jhon A Molina (32-24-3). Middle: Michael Oliveira (21-1) W TKO 3 Francisco Cordero (28-2). Bantam: Jose Martinez (8-0) W TKO 4 Geyci Lorenzo (12-8).

Payano vs. Molina

Southpaw Payano retains his NABA and WBA Fedelatin titles with second round stoppage of Colombian veteran Molina. The 29-year-old Payano was a star of the Dominican amateur side winning silver medals at two Pan American Games and competed at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. He has wins over Luis Maldonado and Jose Luis Araiza. He had taken nine rounds to stop Molina in July. Molina, 36, had two world title shots. His fight with Nelson Dieppa for the WBO light fly title ended in a technical draw and he lost on points to fellow Colombian Kermin Guardia for the interim WBO title. That was a long time ago. Now he has lost his last 6 fights, 5 by KO/TKO.

Oliveira vs. Cordero

Oliveira “The Brazilian Rocky” makes it four wins in a row as Colombian Cordero suffers an arm injury and is unable to fight on and retires at the end of the third. Oliveira looked to have edged the first two rounds. The 23-year-old Brazilian wins the vacant WBA Fedebol title and retains his interim WBC Latino title. His only loss was a stoppage against Acelino Freitas in June. Cordero, 26, was stopped in six rounds by Jorge Solis for the interim WBA title way down at super feather in 2010.

Martinez vs. Lorenzo

Puerto Rican “Chiquiro” Martinez used a strong jab to take control of this fight. His Dominican opponent had his own style and used his head more often than his fists. Martinez also had to contend with various tactics as Lorenzo clinched and wrestled. Ignoring all that Martinez was soon getting through with hard punches and in the fourth had Lorenzo reeling and the referee stopped the fight. Six wins by KO/TKO for the 20-year-old prospect. Lorenzo has lost 7 of his last 8 fights, six of those by KO/TKO.

 

Olsztyn, Poland: Super Middle: Geard Ajetovic (23-8-1) W PTS 12 Przemyslaw Opalach (12-2). Light Heavy: Dariusz Sek (19-0-1) W PTS 8 Farouk Daku (16-5). Middle: Maciej Sulecki (14-0) W PTS 8 Francis Tchoffo (10-9). Super Middle: Norbert Dabrowski (12-0) W PTS 6 Olegs Fedotovs (16-12).

Ajetovic vs. Opalach

This looked a step too far for Opalach and so it proved. British-based Serb Ajetovic was just too good and too experienced for the 26-year-old Pole. Opalach had never been beyond six rounds so he started slowly to conserve energy. However, when he tried to raise his pace Ajetovic was able to slot home punch after punch and never let Opalach get into the fight. A very honest Opalach admitted after the fight that it had been too steep a step up and that Ajetovic was just too goods for him. He also said that he felt that Ajetovic could have stopped him late but did not want to do that in the front of Opalach’s home fans. Scores 119-108, 118-110 and 117-111. The 32-year-old Ajetovic was 6-7 in his last 13 fights but that was more due to the strength of the opposition than any slippage on his part. He wins the vacant IBF International title. The young local fighter goes back to the drawing board.

Sek vs. Daku

Routine win for Sek. Always in control he won every round with Daku just looking to survive. Daku lost a point in the second round for kidney punches and despite a big effort from Sek in the last round he lasted the distance. Scores 80-71 from all three judges. The draw on the record of the 26-year-old Pole was of the technical variety. Southpaw Daku, 28, who I believe is a Kenyan based in Holland, has lost 5 of his last 6 fight, but also went the distance with European champion Marcos Nader in 2012.

Sulecki vs. Tchoffo

Sulecki wins wide unanimous decision but the fight was not all one-sided. The stronger and with better technical skills the Warsaw fighter won every round, but he was under heavy pressure in the fourth and some of the late rounds were scrappy and close. Scores 80-71 from all three judges. Sulecki, 24, has only four wins by KO/TKO. French-based Cameroon Tchoffo, 25, has lost his last three but kept his record of always going the distance.

Dabrowski vs. Fedotovs

Dabrowski wins clearly. After a strong start over the first where he scored well with body shots Dabrowski allowed his work rate to drop and Fedotovs came into the fight more as both fighters tired. The 24-year-old Pole wins on scores of 60-54. Latvian Fedotovs has lost 4 of his last 5 fights including being halted by Chris Eubank Jr in December.

 

Nakhon Sawan, Thailand: Bantam: Pungluang (44-2) W TKO 2 Juma Fundi (19-9-1). Fly: Kwanpichit (22-0-1) W TKO 5 Tarek Krab (1-4).

Pungluang vs. Fundi

Former WBO champion Pungluang has no trouble with Tanzanian. Pungluang was patient in the first round. Fundi scored with some body punches, but Pungluang did enough to win the round with a series of hard jabs. In the second two left hooks put Fundi down. He managed to get up but his legs were wobbling and the referee stopped the fight. Pungluang, 25, win the vacant WBO International title. Now 29 wins by KO/TKO for the One Songchai gym fighter who lost his WBO title to Paulus Ambunda in March. Fundi loses inside the distance for the fourth time. He is ok against local opposition but when he steps up he is well beaten.

Kwanpichit vs. Krab

Kwanpichit halts game Tunisian in the fifth to make it a double for the One Songchai team. The 31-year-old WBO No 4 put Krab down with a right in the second. Krab got up and at the start of the third was swinging punches with more hope than accuracy. Kwanpichit was getting through with hard body shots and uppercuts. Krab soaked up punishment in the fourth and fifth and then retired with an arm injury. Nine wins by KO/TKO for Kwanpichit. First fight since 2008 for French/Tunisian Krab.

 

Ban Mi, Thailand: Super Fly: Tepparith (23-3) W PTS 12 Jecker Buhawe (14-8-1).

Tepparith vs. Buhawe

Former WBA champion Tepparith given harder night than expected against young Filipino but wins wide unanimous decision. Tepparith, 24, wins interim WBC ABC title. Scores 119-110 from all three judges. Second win since losing his title to Kohei Kono in December. The 22-year-old Buhawe is No 9 bantam with the GAB.

 

 

 

 

May 11

 

Glasgow, Scotland: Light: Ricky Burns (36-2) W TKO 9 Jose A Gonzalez (22-1). Super Feather: John Simpson (25-9) W PTS 12 Choi Tseveenpurev (36-7). Cruiser: Steve Simmons (8-0) W TKO 3 Mike Sweeney (12-3-1). Super Middle: Rocky Fielding (14-0) W KO 1 Michal Nieroda (11-4). Feather: Jon Slowey (14-0) W PTS 6 Eddie Nesbitt (3-2).

Burns vs. Gonzalez

Burns retains his WBO title as Puerto Rican Gonzalez retires at the end of the ninth round claiming a broken wrist. Gonzalez was in front 87-84 on all three cards at the time. This was very much a technical fight with both being smart boxers. The early rounds were close but Gonzalez seemed to be having the best of the action as Burns was having difficulty getting his jab working. Gonzalez probably took the first two rounds with his more accurate punching and with Burns busier but being off with his jab. The third was even and Burns seemed to have his best round so far in the fourth. Gonzalez was clearly on top in the fifth shaking Burns with a right and forcing Burns to the ropes. The champion banged back late in the round but it belonged to the challenger. It was more of the same in the sixth with Gonzalez winning the battle of the jabs and also getting through with body punches. The seventh was the best round of the fight. Gonzalez shook Burns with a right and was blazing away with the champion in trouble. Burns turned things around by shaking the Puerto Rican with a right only for a left from Gonzalez to hurt Burns but the champion to shrugged that off and looked strong at the end of the round. That strong reaction from Burns may have been what broke the Puerto Rican’s heart never mind his wrist. In the eighth Burns was finally getting his jab snapping and took control of the round and the fight. Suddenly Gonzalez looked very tired and Burns was on top in the ninth making Gonzalez fight off the ropes. At the end of the round Gonzalez retired. Not a satisfactory ending with Gonzalez well ahead but with Burns coming on strong the last four rounds would have been very interesting. The 30-year-old Scot retains his WBO title for the third time. He has won 21 in a row and nearly all against tough/world class opposition. No matter what he faces he shows a champions heart to find a way to win. Gonzalez, 29, showed he was in world title class himself and he will come back and fight for a world title again.

Simpson vs. Choi

Great fight between two experienced battlers. Simpson edged the first with his superior hand speed but Choi had him under pressure. The Mongolian kept up the pressure in the second driving Simpson to the ropes with a right only for Simpson to fire back with a right of his own. The third saw Choi switch to the body to try to slow the Scot down whilst Simpson boxed on the back foot and began to use his jab to pick up points. The pattern was set for the rest of the fight with Choi hunting down Simpson and aiming for the body and Simpson using good footwork, a strong jab and counters to offset Choi’s work. Choi’s tactics seemed to be working as he hurt Simpson with an overhand right in the eighth, but Simpson battled back to take the ninth only for Choi to get through with hard body shots in the tenth. Both fought hard over the last two rounds with Simpson perhaps just having the edge. The judges gave it to Simpson on scores of 117-112, 116-112 and 116-113 although it looked closer than that. The 29-year-old Simpson, a former Commonwealth and British featherweight champion, wins the vacant WBC International Silver title. Most of Simpson’s fights are close and sometimes he gets the breaks and sometimes not. This one he fought hard for. Choi felt he had been robbed and stormed out of the ring. The 41-year-old Manchester-based Choi had lost a points verdict against Daud Cino Yordan for the IBO featherweight title in November. This is the first time he has lost successive fights, but on this showing he is a long way from being finished. These two could fight again-please.

Simmons vs. Sweeney.

Simmons just too strong and punches too hard for Sweeney. The Scot was scoring with body shots from early in the first and at the end of the round a left hook put Sweeney down. He got up but the bell went before Simmons could capitalise on his success. It was the same in the second with Simmons coming forward and scoring with hooks to the body and straight rights. The punishment continued in the third and by the end of the round Sweeney was also cut over his left eye and wisely retired. The 28-year-old from Edinburgh wins the vacant Celtic title. He has four wins by KO/TKO and has yet to lose a round as a pro. As an amateur he fought at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships and won a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Irishman Sweeney was having his first fight in 13 months. The only other time he has lost inside the distance was on a show in Mexico back in 2009.

Fielding vs. Nieroda

The popular Fielding needed less than a minute to dispose of Pole Nieroda. Liverpool’s 25-year-old English champion put Nieroda down with a vicious left to the body. The Pole made it to his feet but was in some distress and the referee stopped the fight. Now eight wins by KO/TKO for Fielding and his fifth quick win in a row. Nieroda, 22, had been stopped in three rounds by the now WBO champion Robert Stieglitz in January.

Slowey vs. Nesbitt

Glasgow southpaw Slowey just edges out Belfast’s Nesbitt. Slowey was the better boxer and Nesbitt the presser. Slowey boxed his way through the first to put that round in the bag, but Nesbitt collected the second as he got through with jabs and rights. In the third Nesbitt went down for a flash knockdown which proved decisive. Nesbitt found a way through Slowey’s guard with rights to take the fourth but Slowey’s quicker and more accurate punching gave him the fifth. Nesbitt finished strongly as Slowey tired and took the last. Slowey got the decision on the referee’s card by 58-56. A good fight with both coming out with credit. The 22-year-old Slowey is yet to win a fight inside the distance and lack of a punch may hamper him as he moves up. Nesbitt, 24, ran this one close and will improve with more activity.

 

Doncaster, England: Bantam: Jamie McDonnell (21-2-1) W PTS 12 Julio Ceja (24-1). Bantam: Stuart Hall (15-2-1) W PTS 12 Sergio Perales (22-2).

McDonnell vs. Ceja

McDonnell wins the vacant WBC bantam title in front of his home fans with a majority decision over Mexican Ceja. With Ceja’s record of 22 wins by KO/TKO in 24 fights McDonnell could not afford to take any chances and he boxed an educated, clever fight. Ceja took the first two rounds and over the first third of the fight he was the busier and showed his power to build a slender lead. Despite this he was not pressing enough and McDonnell used his height, reach and skills to overtake Ceja’s lead and build one of his own. He needed it as Ceja won the tenth and had him hurt with a right in the eleventh. No one really dominated the last. Ceja had only once gone past six rounds and never past ten so he may have been conserving his energy over those middle rounds. It was the edge in experience that made the difference as McDonnell paced the fight better and was strong enough at the finish to hold off the rush from Ceja. Scores 118-110, 115-113 and 114-114. The 27-year-old McDonnell, a former Commonwealth, European and British champion, makes it 13 wins in a row. The 20-year-old “Pollito” will come again and will win a title one day. His team are sure to lodge a protest with the WBC.

Hall vs. Perales

The better boxing of Hall sees him through against southpaw puncher Perales Hall boxed his way to victory but Perales was dangerous at times and made the fight close. Scores 117-111 twice and 115-113. Hall, the Commonwealth champion wins the vacant IBF Inter-Continental title. Texan Perales, 25, had built impressive statistics against mediocre opposition

 

Toluca, Mexico: Light Fly: Adrian Hernandez (27-2-1) W PTS 12 Yader Cardoza (15-5). Welter: Jhonny Navarrete (28-6-1) W PTS 10 Francisco Reza (12-7).

Hernandez vs. Cardoza

Hernandez, 27, retains WBC title on unanimous decision but Cardoza performs above expectations. The challenger made a good start shaking Hernandez with a right in the second round. Hernandez, fighting in front of his home crowd, fired back to wobble Cardoza with an uppercut in the third, but Cardoza stayed on his feet. Hernandez took the fourth and fifth as he concentrated on attacking the body of the Nicaraguan. There were plenty of toe-to-toe exchanges in the sixth but at the end of the round Hernandez had a bad swelling which had almost closed his left eye. Hernandez took the seventh and eighth again using the body attack and also getting through with shots to the chin. At the end of the eighth the scores were 79-73, 79-74 and 78-74 for the champion. Cardoza was under pressure in the ninth, tenth and eleventh but showed guts and a good chin. In the last, with Hernandez hardly able to see out of his left eye Cardoza staged a big finish relying on his right coming in on the blind side of Hernandez. Scores 116-112 twice and 118-110. Since regaining his title with a stoppage of Kompayak in October “The Confessor” has made defences against two very modest challengers. Cardoza, 24, was never in with a chance of winning and had done nothing to merit his high rating with the WBC, but he put up a gutsy performance and it could open the door to other big fights.

Navarrete vs. Reza

The tall “Vaquero” made it eleven wins in a row with a unanimous decision over Reza. Scores 98-91 twice and 99-90. The 25-year-old, 5’10 ½”, welter is unbeaten since losing a majority decision to Jose “Piston” Lopez in 2011. Reza has been in some tough matches and usually goes the distance.

 

Laredo, USA: Feather: Vic Darchinyan (39-5-1) W TKO 4 Javier Gallo (18-7-1). Super Feather: Oscar Valdez (4-0) W TKO 1 Rocco Espinoza (4-7,1ND).

Darchinyan vs. Gallo

Darchinyan wins but has some shaky moments along the way. After some early probing Darchinyan was looking to get home with right hooks and southpaw straight lefts. Gallo, the smaller man, was only using his left to set up rights and was throwing plenty. Darchinyan was generally quicker to get his punches off but near the end of the round as Darchinyan walked in behind a right/left combination he walked onto a right from Gallo and visibly wobbled. Gallo was throwing leather to try to capitalise but Darchinyan quickly recovered and was firing back at the end of the round. At the start of the second Darchinyan sent Gallo reeling back with a left. The Armenian/Australian followed up with a barrage finished off with a straight left which put Gallo down. Gallo did not move until the count reached six but then quickly climbed to his feet. Darchinyan tried to finish it then, but Gallo fought back and was again dangerous with rights. A straight left from Darchinyan put Gallo down again. Once again it looked as though Gallo was not going to get up, but again he suddenly propelled himself upright. Two lefts from Darchinyan had Gallo staggering but as a confident Darchinyan marched forward he walked into a left which again shook him. For the next 30 seconds Gallo was suddenly the one looking for a finish with Darchinyan scrambling to avoid getting nailed. In his excitement Gallo left himself open and was floored by a four punch combination from Darchinyan to end an eventful second round. The third saw Darchinyan in control and slotting lefts through Gallo’s guard in a painful round for Gallo. Early in the fourth yet another left sent Gallo down. He Landed on his backside but then lowered his back onto the canvas and the referee had seen enough. At 37 Darchinyan, now with Top Rank, is looking for one more world title. He was impressive in beating Luis Orlando Del Valle in September, but was leaving himself too open in this fight. Four losses in his last five fights for 29-year-old Mexican Gallo, but one of those losses was a majority decision against Rodel Mayol and another to world rated Drian Francisco.

Valdez vs. Espinoza

Young Mexican prospect Valdez had an early night. The former Olympian came out punching and floored Espinoza with a body shot. Espinoza got up only to be floored by a left. He beat the count but after a right put him down the referee stopped the fight. The Nogales-born 22-year-old has won all four of his bouts by KO/TKO. One win in his last

 

Namur, Belgium: Feather: Alex Miskirtchian (23-2-1) W KO 2 Andras Varga (8-6-2). Just a light warm-up for European champion Miskirtchian as he knocks out young Hungarian in two rounds. Varga ended flat on his back out cold. The 27-year-old Belgium-based Georgian now has ten wins in a row. He is the second rated by the IBF and WBA No 9 and WBC No 10. Four losses by KO/TKO for 20-year-old Varga.

 

Shediac, Canada: Cruiser: Chris Norrad (12-0) W PTS 8 Alex Hamel (3-1). Middle: Brandon Brewer (7-0) W PTS 6 Emmanuel Guzman (1-7).

Norrad vs.Hamel

NABA Canadian champion returns after 15 months out with a unanimous decision over Hamel. Norrad, 30, used his superior skills to control the fight over the less experienced but good puncher Hamel. Norrad came close to a stoppage win in the third but Hamel survived and fought back hard over the late rounds to make it a close, competitive fight. Scores 79-75 twice and 78-77. Hamel, 30, had won all three of his fights inside the distance, two in the first round and one in the second so eight rounds was a step up for him.

 

 

 

Brewer vs. Guzman

Despite flooring Quebec’s Guzman in the second and third round Brewer could not close out the fight and had to go the full six rounds although winning every round. The 28-year-old local won on scores of 60-52 twice and 60-53.

 

Karlsruhe, Germany: Heavy: Alex Petkovic (47-4-4) W PTS 12 Timo Hoffmann (40-9-2,1ND). After a slow first round this one came alight and Petkovic and Hoffmann fought a hard, close fight with both having periods of ascendancy. Many rounds were difficult to score as Petkovic had to work inside against the 6’7” German. Despite it looking an even match the judges saw it differently and gave it to Petkovic on scores of 118-110, 118-111 and 116-112 with even the last score seeming unfair to Hoffmann. Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Petkovic, 32, retains his GBU title and is unbeaten in his last 16 fights, but against very poor opposition. These two fought to a draw for the vacant WBO European title in 2010. Petkovic had his better days at cruiser where lost a majority decision to Johnny Nelson for the WBO title in 2003.  He was 42lbs heavier in this bout than he weighed for the Nelson fight. Hoffmann, 38, has been around for a long time without hitting the heights. He lost to Frans Botha for the WBFoundation title in 2009 and in his most recent fight was halted in 122 seconds by novice Ian Lewison in the February Prizefighter.

 

Tijuana, Mexico: Light Welter: Alberto Beltran (14-1-1) DREW 8 Rafael Cobos (12-4-5). Super Bantam: Raul Hirales (18-2-1) W PTS 8 German Meraz (41-24-1). Light: Luis A Arceo (27-11-4) W PTS 6 Jose Valdez (3-8-2). Super Bantam: David De La Mora (25-3) W TKO 2 Claudio Loreto (0-2).

Beltran vs. Cobos

This one ended in a draw with most agreeing that it was the right result. Beltran had the height and reach and Cobos needed to get inside to score. Beltran led early but from the third Cobos was getting inside and scoring with good body shots and forcing Beltran to fight off the ropes. Cobos looked to be on top in the fourth and fifth but Beltran found room and was scoring with accurate shots to head and body in the sixth. The last two rounds saw both letting their punches go in some furious action that had the crowd on their feet. Scores 77-75 for Beltran, 79-78 for Cobos and 76-76. The 24-year-old Beltran, the brother of world rated Miguel, was moved up to main event when his brother had to pull out of his fight. Beltran is unbeaten in his last 13 fights now. Cobos fought much better than his record indicated he could.

Hirales vs. Meraz

It looked as though this one would finish early when “Streaky” Hirales floored Meraz in both the first and third rounds. The fight went downhill from there with “Gravedigger” Meraz just intent of survival and closing down the fight. Hirales kept his boxing together and was in cruise control with Meraz doing a bit better over the last two rounds. Some strange scoring with Hirales winning on scores of 80-70, 78-72 and 76-74. Hirales, 29, lost on points to Carl Frampton in May and Adrian Young in September, but came back well with a win over Oscar Gonzalez (20-1). Meraz had won 6 of his last 7 fights going in.

 

 

Areco vs. Valdez

Old pro Areco struggles against inexperienced Valdez. The 34-year-old “El Vampiro” has lost his bite and had to fight hard to get a majority verdict in what should have been an easy fight. Scores 58-56 twice and 57-57. Disappointing for Areco as in his last three fights he had stopped Misael Castillo (21-1) and beaten useful opposition in Adalberto Borquez and Ricardo Dominguez. Valdez had lost his last seven fights.

De La Mora vs. Loreto

De La Mora needed a win, but this was a disgrace. After 23 straight wins, the 24-year-old Mexican had lost a hotly disputed decision to Koki Kameda for the secondary WBA title in 2011. He was then stopped in nine rounds by Anselmo Moreno for the real WBA title in April last year and lost a wide points decision to Ryosuke Iwasa in October. He did not need a tough test for his return, but fighting a one fight novice was ridiculous. “Morita” handed out a steady beating until the referee stopped the fight in the second round.

 

Mexico City, Mexico: Light Welter: Javier Prieto (20-7) W TKO 9 Cesar Soriano (24-29-1). Bantam: Christian Esquivel (26-4) W KO 7 Ricardo Roman (8-4. Light: Gilberto Gonzalez (20-3) W KO 2 Gustavo Viramontes.

Prieto vs. Soriano

Prieto makes successful first defence of his Mexican title with stoppage of veteran Soriano. Prieto was always in control of this one and had the speed, power and youth to wear down Soriano. The end came in the ninth when a left uppercut put Soriano down. He made it to his feet, but after 3 or 4 more punches from Prieto the referee stopped the fight. Now 15 wins inside the distance for 25-year-old Prieto and fourth win by KO/TKO since losing a split decision to WBC No 2 Roberto Ortiz in April 2012. Soriano, 35, comes up short again. He was unsuccessful in four shots at the Mexican lightweight title.

Esquivel vs. Roman

Esquivel gets win in first fight since losing to Malcolm Tunacao in a WBC eliminator in December. “Italiano” hit Roman with everything but just could not put him away. Roman was in full survival mode until the referee stopped the one-sided fight in the seventh. The 26-year-old Esquivel had lost in eleven rounds to Shinsuke Yamanaka in a fight for the vacant WBC bantam title in 2011.

Gonzalez vs. Viramontes

Somehow Viramontes survived the first round, but not the second. Viramontes was down twice from hooks to the body and was counted out on the second occasion. The 25-year-old 5’10” tall Gonzalez has 16 wins by KO/TKO. Viramontes claimed a 15-3 record before the fight.

 

Millersville, USA: Super Middle: Phillip Jackson Benson (12-1) W TKO 7 Maxell Taylor (18-5-1).

Benson vs. Taylor

When the main event fell out Benson vs. Taylor was up rated to top the show. Benson took his chance to shine as he destroyed experienced southpaw Taylor with a body attack. Benson was going to the body from the start and also getting through with hard rights. This was Taylor’s first fight since January 2012 and he never really got started. The body shots had Taylor in deep trouble in the fifth, but he gamely fought back in the sixth. In the seventh the body punches finally took their toll and with Taylor not fighting back the referee stopped the contest. The 28-year-old Jackson makes it eleven wins by KO/TKO and wins the vacant WBC Fecarbox title. He has won nine in a row with eight of those wins coming inside the distance. Only the second loss inside the distance for 28-year-old Taylor with the other being against banger Don George in 2011. He beat Vanes Martirosyan as a Junior and won a silver medal at both the National Golden Gloves and National PAL.

 

Huntington, USA: Heavy: Vinny Maddalone (36-8) W TKO 3 Richard Carmack (12-1,1ND). Light Heavy: Lionel Thompson (13-2) W PTS 8 Yathomas Riley (8-1,1ND).

Maddalone vs. Carmack

Maddalone started fast but the vast (324lbs) Carmack was ready to mix it. Maddalone was scoring heavily with body and head shots, but Carmack was getting through with uppercuts and showing a speed which belied his weight and opened cuts over both of Maddalone’s eyes. Carmack seemed to be tiring by the end of the second. In the third Maddalone hurt Carmack badly with an uppercut and then sent him down with a volley of hooks and it was stopped with just three seconds left in the fight. The popular Maddalone, 39, keeps his career alive as he makes it 28 wins by KO/TKO in his second fight since losing to Tyson Fury in July. All of Vinny’s loses have been to top quality opposition. “Silverback” Carmack was coming off a one round stoppage win over Carl Davis in November.

Thompson vs. Riley

Thompson win unanimous verdict over returning Riley. Thompson had to overcome height and reach handicaps, and Riley had to shed three years ring rust. Thompson managed to get inside and work to the body as southpaw Riley failed to make those physical advantages tell and Thompson was able to score from distance with sharp, accurate shots. Riley was cut up but did enough to edge some of the close rounds and it was a tight decision. Scores 77-75 twice and 79-73. “Lonnie B “ Thompson, 27, had a rocky 2012 when he lost a split decision to Nelson Poulard and was stopped in three rounds by world rated Sergey Kovalev. However, he bounced back well halting Chuck Mussachio in two rounds in February. As an amateur Thompson won a hatful of titles. Riley, 30, was out of action from 2010 after being jailed on a murder charge, but was released when proven innocent. He was National Golden Gloves champion and was runner-up at the 2008 USA Olympic Trials. With more action he will improve.

seven fights for Espinoza.

 

May 12

 

Leicester, England: Light: Rendall Munroe (25-3-1) W TKO 1 Laszlo Fekete (6-2). Munroe takes an easy one for his comeback. The former WBC super bantam challenger walked through the young Hungarian and floored him with a combination. Fekete made it to his feet but was in no condition to continue and the fight was over after just 101 seconds. Southpaw Munroe, 32, had announced his retirement after losing in six rounds to Scott Quigg in November. Munroe has since had a change of mind and has returned. He was 133lbs for this fight and will not fight down at super bantam again. Fekete had been stopped inside a round in his last fight also.