The Past Week in Action 17 July 2019

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

Highlights:

-Ryota Murata regains the secondary WBA middle title with second round stoppage of Rob Brant

-Ken Shiro destroys Jonathan Taconing in WBC light fly title defence

-Rey Vargas outpoints Tomoki Kameda in WBC super bantam title defence

-Amir Khan stops Dilly Dib in Saudi Arabia and in other bouts in Jeddah Michell Banquez wins vacant IBO bantam title with points victory over unbeaten Prince Patel and South African Loreto Dlamini wins the vacant WBC International Silver feather belt with points victory over Dave Penalosa

-In heavyweight action Daniel Dubois knocks out Nathan Gorman in five rounds in clash of unbeaten English fighters, Joe Joyce outpoints Bryant Jennings for the WBO Gold title, Tony Yoka returns to the ring and stops Alex Dimitrenko in three rounds, Gerald Washington knocks out Robert Helenius in eight rounds, Hughie Fury stops Samuel Peter in seven and Charles Martin stops Daniel Martz in four.

-James Dickens, Martin Murray and Terry Flanagan win in Liverpool

-Ronny Rios ends the unbeaten run of Diego De La Hoya and there are wins for Shakur Stevenson, Vijender Singh, Marcus Morrison, Liam Williams, Joet Gonzalez and Joshua Greer

 

WORLD TITLE SHOWS

 

July 12

 

Osaka, Japan: Middle: Ryota Murata (12-2) W TKO 2 Rob Brant (25-2). Light Fly: Ken Shiro 16-0) W TKO 4 Jonathan Taconing (28-4-1).Super Feather: Joe Noynay (18-2-1) WTKO 6 Satoshi Shimizu (8-1).

Murata vs. Brant

Sometimes Murata is Dr Jekyll and sometimes Mr Hide. This time it was the good doctor who turned up and destroyed Bent in two rounds to regain the secondary WBA title.

Round 1

Brant went straight to work firing jabs and straight rights with Murata just covering up.  Brant then went onto the back foot countering the advancing Murata and with less than a minute gone Murata’s face was red from Brant’s punches. Murata had thrown too few punches in losing his title to Brant but now he began to let fly with purpose. Brant continued to outpunch Murata but Murata was connecting with some heavy rights to the head. As they traded before the bell it was Murata landing the heavier artillery but Brant’s early work just gave him the round

Score: 10-9 Brant

Round 2

Brant was snapping out jabs and landing short hooks but Murata was walking through the punches. A left to the body and a right to the head rocked Brant who was suddenly floundering as Murata connected with more heavy head shots until once again a left to the body and a right to the head sent Brant tumbling to the ropes. Brant tried to cover up but Murata drove him along the ropes. Brant reversed direction and tried to get off the ropes but was blasted with punches until trapped in a corner and a series of punches saw Brant tumble down to the canvas. He was up quickly but after the eight count Murata plastered Brant with punch after punch. The referee was about to step in a couple of times but Brant threw an occasional punch so the referee gave him a little more time but hooks and uppercuts from Murata had Brant stumbling badly and this time the referee did stop the fight. Murata, 33, had hardly put up a fight when losing the title to Brant in October Brant won then by ten points on two cards and eight on the third. This was a totally different Murata a fierce and focused fighter who just blew Brant away. It was the same when Murata lost to Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam for the vacant title in May 2017 and then halted N’Jikam in October 2017. Whether Jekyll or Hide turn up he is no match for Saul Alvarez, Demetrius Andrade, Gennady Golovkin or Jermall Charlo. Brant, 28, fought way above expectations when beating Murata and I can’t see him raising his game enough to compete in this very tough division.

Shiro vs. Taconing

Shiro makes a successful sixth defence of the WBC title with stoppage of a game but outclassed Filipino Taconing

Round 1

Shiro used his longer reach to keep Taconing on the end of his jab early when Taconing managed to bundle his way inside Shiro tied him up. Taconing tried to get under the jab but Shiro began to connect with straight rights at distance and landed right uppercuts as southpaw Taconing tried to come forward. Shiro shoved Taconing backwards to the canvas at the bell but it was not a knockdown.

Score: 10-9 Shiro

Round 2

Shiro was boxing beautifully. Quick movement, sharp accurate jabs and crisp uppercuts. Taconing continued to march forward but Shiro was too mobile and was again scoring with right uppercuts.

Score 10-9 Shiro                                                                  Shiro 20-18

Round 3

As Taconing lunged in Shiro met him with a perfectly timed right uppercut. Taconing was rocked and Shiro exploded with a series of lefts and rights. Taconing survived that crisis but Shiro was still planting rights on the Filipino’s head and was happy to stand and trade. A clash of heads shook Taconing and opened a vertical gash over his right eye. The doctor was asked to inspect the injury and allowed the fight to continue. The referee deducted a point from Shiro* under the WBC rule that if there is a cut in a clash of heads the boxer who is not cut loses a point. Taconing attacked fiercely but Shiro was still slotting home rights.

Score 9*-9                                                                    Shiro 29-27

Round 4

Taconing stormed forward in the fourth but was walking onto hard counters. Shiro began to drive forward landing inside. Taconing fought back and as he moved forward he was nailed with a right to the head that dropped him to his knees. He climbed up immediately but was unsteady and with blood trickling from the cut and from his nose the referee had seen enough and stopped the fight.

Shiro “The Amazing Boy” gets his ninth win by KO/TKO. He does not look a puncher but that is deceptive as the speed and accuracy of his punches together with the fact the his opponents tend to throw themselves forward trying to get past his jab has a cumulative effect as he showed here. The light flyweight division is not a strong one at this time so he may have to move up to be really tested. Taconing gave it his best shot but he never found a way to get inside and paid the price for his lunging attacks. This is his third shot at the WBC light fly title but he is a tough fighter with a good record and would have a better chance at one of the other three versions of the title.

Noynay vs. Shimizu

The Japanese fans were expecting to make it three out of three for the home fighters but Filipino Noynay scuppered those hopes as he batters the unbeaten former Olympian Shimizu in an all-southpaw contest. It was almost over inside the first three minutes. Shimizu stumbled after a southpaw left clipped his head and then he was staggered by a right jab. Shimizu then seemed to settle using his own right jab until a left to the head sent him stumbling back and he put his gloves on the canvas to avoid going down. After the count Noynay was connecting with hooks inside and then a left hook to the chin floored Shimizu hard. He was up at four and after the eight with almost one minute left in the round Shimizu wrestled Noynay to the floor landing on top of the |Filipino and then ran and held to the bell. It did not get much better in the second as Noynay rocked Shimizu three times with lefts to the head but Shimizu had a good third being on the front foot and looking to have Noynay on shaky legs. The fourth was Noynay’s as he battered Shimizu with right jabs and hooks inside. Shimizu was now showing swelling around his eyes. In a brutal fifth even though much the smaller man with the shorter reach Noynay was landing hurtful jabs and left hooks with Shimizu looking to have no defence against them. In the sixth Noynay was again getting through with heavy punches. The referee stopped the fight and had the doctor examine the swelling around Shimizu’s eyes but allowed the fight to continue. Noynay landed a series of punches and Shimizu turned away from the action and started to walk to his corner. With no indication the referee had stopped the fight Noynay pursued Shimizu and knocked him down but the referee stepped in accepting Shimizu’s surrender. “Jaw Breaker”  Noynay, the WBO No 6, retains his WBO Asia Pacific title in his fifth defence and gets his seventh win by KO/TKO. The 33-year-old Shimizu looked terrible. He showed no real power and very little punch resistance. Big things were hoped for as he won a bronze medal at the 2012 beating Isaac Dogboe before losing to Luke Campbell in the semi-finals. He will have hurt his reputation by surrendering in the middle of a round.

 

July 12

 

Carson, CA, USAL Super Bantam: Rey Vargas (34-0) W PTS 12 Tomoki Kameda (36-3). Super Bantam: Ronny Rios (31-3) W TKO 6 Diego De La Hoya (21-1,1ND).  Feather: Joet Gonzalez (23-0) W TKO 6 Manuel Avila (23-2-1). Welter: Alexis Rocha (14-0) W TKO 8 Berlin Abreu (14-3). Super Feather: Roger Gutierrez (22-3-1) W TKO 1 Eduardo Hernandez (28-1).

Vargas vs. Kameda

Vargas makes a fifth successful defence of his WBC title as he proves too quick and too tall for Kameda who pressed hard all the way but never came to terms with the champions physical advantages.

Round 1

As usual in a Vergas title defence his big advantage in reach dictated the tactics. Vargas was on the back foot moving and jabbing with Kameda taking quick steps forward behind a double jab trying to get close. The challenger did land one good right cross but Vargas was scoring with his jab and an occasional right.

Score: 10-9 Vargas.

Round 2

Excellent round from Vargas. After Kameda managed to pin him to a corner and land a couple of punches the rest of the round belonged to Vargas. Apart from the perennial left jab he was digging left hooks to the body and using the same punch to counter Kameda as he charged forward. Vargas chose to stand and trade for a few seconds and landed a flashing combination.

Score: 10-9 Vargas                                                    Vargas 20-18

Round 3

Kameda needed to be on the front foot to win this but Vargas was making that impossible. The champion was following his jab with hooks from both hands rocking Kameda back on his heels and when Kameda came forward he was met either with a counter or was chasing a shadow.

Score: 10-9 Vargas                                                    Vargas 30-27

Round 4

Vargas took this one but he was not as dominant. Kameda was pressing harder and had some success along the ropes landing a three-punch combination to the head but Vargas was scoring consistently with his jab and left hooks to the body.

Score: 10-9 Vargas                                                    Vargas 40-36

Official Scores: Judge Lou Moret 39-37 Vargas, Judge Kevin Scott 39-37 Vargas, Judge Zachary Young 40-36 Vargas

Round 5

Kameda was still chasing Vargas down but without success. With his huge stride length and quick footwork Vargas was able to get away from trouble with ease and then step back in rage quickly with a burst of punches and connected with some hard rights to the head.

Score: 10-9 Vargas                                                    Vargas 50-35

Round 6

Kameda managed to land two crisp left hooks in this one but again he was being kept on the end of the champion’s jab and running into hooks and uppercuts as he leapt forward. The pace was ferocious with Kameda chasing hard but Vargas was in control.

Score: 10-9 Vargas                                                    Vargas 60-54

Round 7

Kameda stood off in this one inviting Vargas to come forward. That was to the champion’s liking as he was able to thread jabs through Kameda’s guard and follow those with some strong right crosses. Eventually Kameda changed tactics but was swinging wildly and leaving himself open to counters.

Score 10-9 Vargas                                                     Vargas 70-63

Round 8

This was a much closer round. In his early attacks Kameda landed some hard hooks with a right to the head the best punch he had landed in the fight. Vargas was not throwing as many punches and Kameda just outworked him.

Score: 10-9 Kameda                                                  Vargas 79-73

Official Scores: Moret 79-73 Vargas, Scott 78-74 Vargas, Young 79-73 Vargas

Round 9

In this one Kameda decided to throw his arms wide and invite Vargas to com e forward and hit him. Vargas did that but coolly spearing Kameda with jabs and straight rights and by the time Kameda got serious Vargas already had the round won and had no trouble stifling Kameda’s attacks.

Score: 10-9 Vargas                                                    Vargas 89-82

Round 10

It was jab and move with some hard rights in the mixture from Vargas. Kameda was throwing himself into violent attacks but Vargas was tying him up inside. Kameda landed a couple of quality left hooks but Vargas closed the round with a series of quick, accurate punches.

Score: 10-9 Vargas                                                    Vargas 99-91

Round 11

Kameda piled forward throughout this one. He managed to land a few hooks looking to have briefly have buckled the knees of the champion  but not a lot of scoring was done with Vargas short with his jabs and not throwing many rights with Kameda just edging it .

Score: 10-9 Kameda                                        Vargas 108-101

Round 12

Kameda stupidly threw away a point early in this last round. He was holding Vargas against the ropes and when the referee stepped between them to break them up Kameda then connected with a couple of head punches thrown past the referee and was rightly deducted a point*. Kameda attacked ferociously and managed to land some short punches inside with Vargas just happy to dance to the bell;.

Score 9*-9 Tied                                                 Vargas 117-110

Official Scores: Moret 117-110, Vargas, Scott 117-110, Young 117-110 Vargas

It is difficult to see where Vargas goes from here. There are no big money fights for him in his own division and although he is skilful his last six fights have all been points victories which have generated little in the way of excitement. Unification fights with Daniel Roman and Emanuel Navarrete would be attractive if they could be made but Vargas is a difficult fighter to look good against and is in danger of becoming the Guillermo Rigondeaux of the super bantams. Former WBO bantam champion Kameda was interim WBC champion going into this one and he will probably get another title shot in 2020 as he is an attraction.

Rios vs. De La Hoya

Rios proves a road block on De La Hoya’s way to a title shot. This was a fiercely contested contest. De La Hoya is a fighter who likes to take a fight inside and work to the body. Rios had the same idea so they traded hard body punches for much of  the six rounds. Rios made the better start digging left hooks to the ribs with De La Hoya seeming to lack any snap in his work. De La Hoya improved some using his jab more and connecting with straight rights to the head putting Rios on the defensive. Rios came back into the fight strongly with his inside work and slowly took control. By the fifth de La Hoya looked to be flagging and the body punching from Rios was having its effect. In the sixth Rios was still working the body and as De La Hoya moved inside Rios met him with a left to the body and then a vicious right uppercut. De La Hoya went down on one knee watching the count. He was up at eight but then told the referee he did not want to  continue and the fight was over. A points loss to Rey Vargas for the WBC super bantam title in 2017 was a blow but in some ways the stoppage loss to Azat Hovhannisyan was the one that put a question mark over the future of Rios. With De La Hoya being rated No 3 by the WBA this win puts Rios back into the title mix. A shocking loss for De La Hoya. Not so much for losing to Rios but for the way he simply chose to quit. His “no mas” moment. He is 24 and a “name” so can hopefully put this behind him.

Gonzalez vs. Avila

Gonzalez collects a couple more titles as he stops Avila in the sixth round. The 25-year-old Californian adds the vacant WBA Continental and WBO Global titles with his fourteenth victory by KO/TKO. He has won 8 of his last 9 bouts inside the distance. He sits behind Shakur Stevenson at No 2 in the WBO ratings so there are some good challenges ahead for Oscar Valdez. Avila was flying high after winning his first 22 contests but then lost a wide unanimous decision to Joseph Diaz in May 2017. Following a routine win in November 2017 he did not fight against until drawing with Jose Gonzalez in March this year.

Rocha vs. Abreu

Rocha grinds down Abreu in a gruelling inside battle. Rocha was on top of Abreu from the off. He was standing in close pounding Abreau’s body with hooks. Abreu was almost static at times in front of Rocha getting the worst of the exchanges. He was making Rocha’s job easy for him as he was not firing back often enough or hard enough and not moving. Abreu did start to move around a little in the fifth and sixth but took a beating in the seventh as Rocha began to switch his punches from head to body. A right to the head followed by a left hook to the body and a right uppercut seriously weakened Abreu in the seventh.  A big right shook Abreu in the eighth and a left hook sent him against the ropes. Somehow he stayed upright but Rocha then unloaded with head punches and with Abreu stumbling the referee stopped the fight. The 22-year-old southpaw was defending the WBC Continental Americas title and this is his ninth win by KO/TKO.  He was coming off a good win over Mexican-based Japanese fighter Shoki Sakai in April and may soon be ready for better opposition. Puerto Rican Abreu put together a run of seven wins but was then inactive for 17 months before losing on a third round retirement against Gary O’Sullivan in May last year.

Gutierrez vs. Hernandez

Tremendous upset as Venezuelan stops unbeaten WBC No 3 Hernandez inside a round. Both of these fighters have scored most of their wins by KO/TKO and Hernandez seemed to have no respect for Gutierrez’s power. Hernandez was marching forward trying to work inside and had early success with a punch causing a cut inside Gutierrez’s mouth but he was being caught with rights to the head with every step he took. Gutierrez hammered home a series of rights which first stopped Hernandez in his tracks and then put him on the canvas on his back. Hernandez tried to rise but toppled over again and the referee promptly waived the fight over. Gutierrez,24, now has 19 wins by KO/TKO but he did not seem a dangerous opponent having consecutive losses in 2018 against Hector Tanajara and Oscar Duarte. He was rated WBO 9 going into this fight  now he has beaten the WBC No 3 so a world title shot is a possibility. Hernandez is just 21and he can rebuild. He has WBC champion Miguel Berchelt as an example as Berchelt was once stopped in 99 seconds by Luis Florez but is now a champion.

 

July 11

 

Rome, Italy: Middle: Marcus Morrison (21-3) TKO 9 Emanuele Blandamura (29-4). Light Heavy: Serhiy Demchenko (22-14-1) W TKO 7 Hakim Zoulikha (26-11). Cruiser: Tommy McCarthy (15-2) W RTD 2 Francesco Cataldo (7-6). Light: Emiliano Marsili (38-0-1) W PTS 6 Brayan Mairena (10-12-1). Super Welter: Vincenzo Bevilacqua (16-0) W PTS 6 Novak Radulovic (9-4-1). Light Heavy: Valentino Manfredonia (1-0) W PTS 4 Sokol Arsic (1-3-2).

Morrison vs. Blandamura

Morrison wins the vacant WBC International title with stoppage of Blandamura after a stirring battle. There were plenty of fierce exchanges over the early rounds with both fighters being rocked. Blandamura was fighting with his heart and not his head as Morrison was the harder puncher and the Italian’s corner was urging him to box but Blandamura was unwilling to take a step back or take a punch without immediately firing back.  He was also facing a taller opponent with a longer reach so used his experience to work around Morrison’s jab. Morrison rocked Blandamura with rights in the fifth sending the home fighter staggering into the ropes but Blandamura fought back. It was a fast-paced, open fight and at the end of the eighth it was very evenly balanced on the cards although Morrison was getting on top late in the eighth rocking Blandamura with eye-catching head punches. In the ninth Blandamura started by pinning Morrison against the ropes and hooking to the body. Morrison made it off the ropes and was beginning to let his punches go when the action was stopped so that Blandamura’s bootlace could be retied.  Morrison then landed four hard rights to the head. An exhausted Blandamura absorbed them but a fifth sent him down on his hands and knees. He crawled to the ropes and levered himself up but was gazing out into the crowd in no condition to continue and the referee stopped the fight with Blandamura collapsing in the referee’s arms and having to be carried to his corner and it was some time before he recovered.  26-year-old Englishman Morrison registers his fifth win in a row and his 15^th win by KO/TKO. A real power performance. Blandamura, 39, was trying to regain the title he held back in 2012. A former European champion he was stopped in eight rounds by Ryota Murata in a challenge for the WBA secondary title in April last year. He is a tremendously popular fighter so the hope is he will now retire but Blandamura did say he likes fighting so much he may continue.

Demchenko vs. Zoulikha

In a return match Demchenko comes from behind to stop Frenchman Zoulikha and collects the vacant European Union title. Demchenko had injured his left arm some time prior to the match and made a cautious start. Zoulikha was buzzing around the bigger man able to find plenty of gaps for his wide hooks. Demchenko looked hesitant and was not really throwing enough punches and although Zoulikha was cut over his left eye in a clash of heads in the third by the end of the fourth round he had built a lead. Demchenko was cut badly over his right in a clash of heads in the fifth and Zoulikha was connecting with hooks around Demchenko’s high guard. As Zoulikha came forward Demchenko exploded a right to the Frenchman’s head. Zoulikha was out on his feet stumbling to left and right and then pitching down to the canvas on his hands and knees. It looked impossible for him to get up but he did and despite more heavy rights from Demchenko Zoulikha was punching back at the bell. An amazing recovery. They both fought hard in the sixth with Demchenko getting on top late in the round. In the seventh a big right from Demchenko shook Zoulikha and then Demchenko drove Zoulikha across the ring landing lefts and rights until the referee made a good stoppage. The 39-year-old Ukrainian-born Rome-adopted Demchenko had beaten Zoulikha on a technical decision to win the EU title and this victory marks the start of his third spell as EU champion. He has a spotty record but is dangerous as he showed here. Zoulikha, 35, the EBU No 5, is also a former EU title holder but has tended to lose the big fights.

McCarthy vs. Cataldo

McCarthy floors late substitute Cataldo twice on the way to victory. Cataldo took the fight at just three days notice when Fabio Turchi was forced to pull out due to an injury. McCarthy was content to just dance around the slower Cataldo in the first firing jabs and trying an occasional right. McCarthy planted his feet in the second going for power and knocked Catalano down with two rights. Cataldo beat the count and managed to stay out of trouble until the end of the round when heavy punches from McCarthy put him down again. He was up and waited out the eight count with the bell going at the end of the count but his corner then retired their man. The 28-year-old Belfast-based McCarthy makes it 8 wins by KO/TKO. His two losses have been in hard contests against Matty Askin and Richard Riakporhe. Cataldo, 37, is a former Italian title challenger but is now 1-4 in his last 5 fights.

Marsili vs. Mairena

Just a light workout for Marsili.  He breezed through this one with too much skill and experience for the very limited Nicaraguan winning every minute of every round. Scores 60-54 for southpaw Marsili from the judges. The 42-year-old southpaw has been floating around the upper levels of the world ratings for years now but has never landed a title fight and it is difficult to see how he can land one now. Twelfth loss in a row for Spanish-based Mairena.

Bevilacqua vs. Radulovic

Former undefeated Italian champion Bevilacqua eases his way to victory with decision over Kosovon-born Radulovic. Bevilacqua made a slow start but then took charge and easily outpointed Radulovic without every looking as though he could stop him. Scores 59-55 twice and 60-54 for 25-year-old southpaw Bevilacqua who is still looking for his first inside the distance win. Third loss in his last four fights for Radulovic.

Manfredonia vs. Arsic

Manfredonia hands in his vest and enters the pro ring for the first time. Arsic was no real test. He was able on occasions to take advantage of Manfredonia’s low guard to connect with some punches but Manfredonia was always in charge. Score 39-37 from the three judges.  Brazilian-born Manfredonia is a former Italian amateur champion who won a gold medal at the European Union Championships and a silver at the European Games before representing Italy at the 2016 Olympics in his home country but at 29 time is against him as a pro. Serb Arsic had no chance in this one.

 

July 12

 

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Welter: Amir Khan (34-5) W TKO 4 Billy Dib (45-6,1ND). Feather: Lerato Dlamini (13-1) W PTS 12 Dave Penalosa (15-1). Bantam: Michell Banquez (19-1) W PTS 12 Prince Patel (19-1-1) W. Heavy: Hughie Fury (23-2) W TKO 7 Samuel Peter (38-8).

Khan vs. Dib

Khan too fast and too big for Dib and floors Dib twice before the fight is stopped in the fourth round. In a messy start the two fighters got tangled a few times. The real action came late in the round with Khan firing a burst of punches most of which missed and Dib taunting Khan for missing. Khan floored Dib in the second with a short left hook inside. Dib did not look badly shaken and after the eight count moved and held to the bell that seemed to go 18 seconds early. Khan was stringing 5-6 punch combinations together in the third and Dib was under pressure all the way. The fight ended in confusion in the fourth. Khan took Dib to the ropes and connected with a volley of hooks and uppercuts with Dib dropping to the floor. The referee had only just started the count when the towel came in from Dib’s corner flashing past the referee who did not see it. Dib’s second climbed into the ring and started to walk over to Dib. The towel had landed behind the referee who was still counting. Dib’s corner man started to back up waiving his hands as if to retract the retirement and Khan’s corner were celebrating. Not having seen the towel the referee was surprised to see Khan’s men in the ring celebrating and then waived the fight off. Kahn wins the vacant WBC International title. This one was just about the money and will have done nothing to improves Khan’s chances of a fight with the winner of Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman but he showed that he still has great hand speed and gets in some ring time as he waits to see what door open next. Former BF feather champion Dib, 33, stepped in as a substitute and the speed of his corner’s action in throwing in the towel showed that they knew their man was overmatched against a more talented and naturally bigger fighter.

Dlamini vs. Penalosa

A sparkling performance from the relatively unknown Dlamini which nets him the vacant WBC Silver title. Dlamini was quicker than southpaw Penalosa and was able to land some good body punches and use fast movement to get in and out before Penalosa could counter. Constant changes of direction by Dlamini had Penalosa searching for a target and not throwing enough punches. Penalosa scored well with body punches in the third but generally he was a step behind the speedy Dlamini. Penalosa was walking forward in the fourth when a counter right hook from Dlamini put him on his rump. He was up quickly and the bell went shortly after the count was over. Dlamini’s tactics did not vary. He was slotting jabs through the guard of Penalosa then moving quickly out of range before springing back in the a series of punches and getting out with a frustrated Penalosa swishing air. The only success for the Filipino came when he could pin Dlamini to the ropes or when Dlamini chose to stand and trade but those occasions were few. The referee had the doctor examine Penalosa in the ninth suspecting a jaw injury but the doctor cleared Penalosa to continue as Dlamini boxed his way to victory. Scores 117-109 twice and 118-110. After losing his first pro fight Dlamini has now won 13 in a row and although small for a featherweight at 5’5” he looks a very good fighter. Penalosa, the son of former IBF champion Dodie, had won 6 of his last 7 fights inside the distance and was No 10 with the WBO but was comprehensively outboxed in this fight.

Patel vs. Banquez

Banquez wins the vacant IBO title with unanimous decision over unbeaten Patel. Venezuelan Banquez set out his stall early connecting with strong jabs and thudding body punches through the high guard the taller southpaw Patel. Banquez was outworking Patel and more worrying for the Englishman he was also being out jabbed. Patel had some success when he worked his jab and long rights but Banquez had more variety in his work hooking to head and body. There was not a lot of power in Banquez punches but he was rattling off combinations on a static Patel. By just walking in behind a high guard Patel was not using his reach advantage and was allowing Banquez to pick his spots and then move too quickly for Patel to counter. The high guard approach was not working for Pastel but he had no plan B and although he did better over the closing rounds Banquez still outworked him and was a clear winner. Scores 119-109 twice and 118-110 for Banquez. The 29-year-old Venezuelan has a heavily padded record with his first 14 opponents having just 11 wins between them and he lost a wide decision to Chilean Miguel Gonzalez last June in his only fight of note. He displayed a tremendous work rate here but Patel’s tactics made it easy for him and he will struggle against better opposition. Patel’s record was also heavily padded with a series wins over low level opposition in Hungary. He had won the UBO and WBFederation title and was No 6 with the WBO and the IBF had him at 14(13) but he was a big disappointment here.

Fury vs. Peter

A poor fight ends early as Peter retires in the seventh round claiming an arm injury. Fury was too speedy and too tall for the 38-year-old Nigerian who although quicker than he looks was restricted to some dangerous looking swings and a few fouls. Fury was able to flit around the ring catching Peter with quick jabs and occasional rights. Peter was warned for a low punch in the third, lost a point for hitting on the break in the fourth and was warned for low punches in the fifth with Fury taking quite a while to recover. In the same fifth round Peter also landed two deliberate punches to the back of Fury’s head. Fury was content to outbox Peter connecting with long jabs and right hand counters and was able to score at distance and hold in close.. Although four inched smaller Peter was 43lbs heavier than Fury and tired from trundling after Fury. He had run out of gas in the seventh and after a clinch he indicated that in twisting his arm he had suffered an injury and could not continue. No real benefit here to Fury except for a few rounds of ring time and a payday. His only current rating is No 15 with the IBF and if he is going to climb he needs to set his sights higher than oldies such as Peter.  The former WBC champion from Nigeria has left his best days way behind and is too fat and slow to be a test for a young fighter such as

 

Liverpool, England: Feather: James Dickens (27-3) W PTS 10 Nathaniel May (21-2).Super Middle: Martin Murray (38-5-1) W PTS 10 Rui Manuel Pavanito (10-9-1). Light: Terry Flanagan (34-2) W KO 5 Jonas Segu (19-9-2).Welter: Sam Maxwell (12-0) W TKO 2 Oscar Amador (10-21).

Dickens vs. May

Dickens sues skill and speed and two knockdowns to bear Australian hope May. In a fast start May was coming forward with strong left hooks to the body and Dickens was using his right jab and some good body punches of his own. A right to the temple staggered Dickens in the second with May landing a couple more clubbing shots until Dickens used movement and his jab to blunt the Australian’s attack. Dickens controlled the action with his jab in the third and fourth. May went down early in the fourth. It was ruled a slip but later in the round a short right hook put May down and after he got up Dickens kept him pinned on the ropes firing hooks and uppercuts to the bell. May tried to up his pace in the fifth but again had trouble getting past Dickens jab and when May missed with a couple of punches he overbalanced and fell to the floor for a questionable knockdown. May fought back fiercely in the sixth and seventh rumbling forward but he was being outworked and looked to be tiring as Dickens consistently scored with his right jab and straight lefts. Dickens boxed intelligently in the eighth and ninth spearing May with jabs and he was now the one doing the pressing. May needed a knockout in the tenth but too often he was swinging wildly and Dickens kept moving pinging May with quick jabs and May just could not land anything of note. Scores 97-91, 97-92 and 96-92 all for former British champion Dickens who wins the vacant IBF European title. His losses have come against Kid Galahad and Thomas Patrick Ward for the British super bantam title and Guillermo Rigondeaux for the WBA title. The win over May is his fifth on the bounce. May, 22, had won his last 17 fights and was IBF No 8(7). Dickens outboxed him here but at 23 he can come again.

Murray vs. Pavanito

Murray moves back up to super middle and gets an easy victory over limited Pavanito. Murray’s jab was too strong for the Portuguese fighter and he was able to control the action in every round. Murray never really had to engage a high gear but he did get some useful work. Pavanito was trying to come forward and Murray was content to let him do so on occasions. Murray used his power to keep Pavanito trapped against the ropes and landed some meaty hooks to the body but did not press too hard.  Pavanito landed some crisp uppercuts in the third and Murray hurt Pavanito with lefts to the body in the sixth and seventh and staggered him twice in the eighth as it began to look as though Murray was trying to finish the fight inside the distance. He had Pavanito in deep trouble in the ninth but the Portuguese fighter survived that and was still there at the final bell. Referee’s score 99-92 for Murray. There will be much tougher fights ahead for Murray. This was his first fight since losing to Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam in a WBC Silver middleweight title defence in December and there plenty of goods fights for him out there. Pavanito had won five moderate level fights going into this one. He took his lumps and never really threatened an upset.

Flanagan vs. Segu

Flanagan gets back into the winning groove with win over Tanzanian Segu. Flanagan was content to let Segu dance about prodding out left jabs but just before the bell when the Tanzanian rushed in Flanagan met him with a short left to the chin that put him down. Segu made it to his feet and although he took more punishment he defied Flanagan’s efforts to end the fight. Flanagan found the awkward rushing tactics of the Tanzanian were making it difficult for him to land cleanly and he had to be careful as Segu was throwing himself forward head first. In the fourth Flanagan was anticipating Segu’s charges and connecting regularly with straight lefts. In the interval Segu sat head down and hardly even lifted his head so that his second had to thrust his mouthguard in his mouth. Segu then made no attempt to throw a punch but just backed into a corner with Flanagan hardly able to land a punch before Segu slumped to the canvas  sitting resting with his back on the ropes and he made no move at all to try to rise so was counted out. After consecutive losses to Maurice Hooker and Regis Prograis last year the former WBO light champion has dropped out of the ratings so will be looking to get some wins under his belt and land a title shot. Segu was lightweight in terms of power and ability and took the easy way out.

Maxwell vs. Amador

WBO European champion Maxwell was untroubled in this one. He was finding gaps with his jab and connecting with quick rights to the head. Just before the bell a stiff jab caught the advancing Amador and he went down. He arose quickly just as the bell sounded. In the second Amador aimed to get inside but walked onto a right hook that dropped him to his knees with his head touching the canvas and he stayed like that for the full count.Ten wins by KO/TKO for the Liverpool fighter. Sixth defeat by KO/TKO for Nicaraguan Amador and his 14^th loss in a row.

 

Hollywood, FL, USA: Welter: Derrick Cuevas (22-0-1) W PTS 10 Jesus Beltran (17-3-2). Heavy: Ivan Dychko (9-0) W KO 2 Nate Heaven (9-3).

Cuevas vs. Beltran

Puerto Rican hope Cuevas retained the WBA Fedelatin title with all three judges seeing him a clear winner with scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92. In winning his last 17 fights the 24-year-old from Guaynabo has worked his way through the usual suspects in Silverio Ortiz, Breidis Prescott, and Ed Paredes. Beltran had lost only one of his last 18 fights.

Dychko vs. Heaven

Dychko makes it nine out of nine as he kayos Heaven in two rounds. Heaven was down twice with a booming right causing the second knockdown and ending the fight. The 28-year-old 6’9” Kazak has won all of his fights by KO/TKO taking less than 16 rounds in total. In the amateurs he won two silver medals and a bronze at the world championships and lost to Anthony Joshua in the semi-finals in the London Olympics. Heaven, 6’6” and 33-years-old was having his first fight four over four years but at 33 he is much younger that Dychko’s last two victims Maurice Harris at 43 and Ray Austin at 48 so need to get too excited over Dychko yet.

 

Everett, MA, USA: Super Welter: Greg Vendetti (22-3-1) W PTS 12 Michael Anderson (17-3-1). Super Light: Luis Arcon (8-0) W KO 3 Mario Lozano (18-4-1).

Vendetti vs. Anderson

Popular local battler Vendetti wins a world title of sorts as he outpoints New Jersey’s Anderson to pick up the vacant IBA belt. Vendetti’s non-stop punching tactics were just too much for Anderson who could not match the phenomenal work rate of “The Villain”. Vendetti dominated every minute of every round with Anderson too busy defending to stage any meaningful offence of his own and by the end of the twelve rounds he was a battered and beaten man. The fight was so-one-sided that one of the judges saw a couple of round 10-8 even without a knock down. Scores 120-108 twice and 120-106 for Vendetti. He scored an important win over Japanese toughie Yoshihiro Kamegai in August last year and has lost only one of his last 18 fights. That was a stoppage against world rated Michel Soro in December and this is Vendetti’s second win since then. Anderson, 38, was having only his second fight in four years having been out of the ring from June 2015 until returning with a win in December last year.

Arcon vs. Lozano

Arcon is just too good for this level of opposition. After hunting down Lozano in the first he ended the fight with a brutal kayo 70 seconds into the second. The 27-year-old Venezuelan has won his eight fights by KO/TKO taking less than 17 rounds in total.  He was a silver medallist at the Pan American Championships and the South American Games, took a bronze at the Pan American Games and competed at the 2016 Olympics. Argentinian southpaw Lozano suffers his third inside the distance loss this year.

 

Tacoma, WA, USA: Heavy: Jermaine Franklin (19-0) W PTS 10 Jerry Forrest (25-3). Heavy: Constantin Bejenaru (14-0,1ND) W TKO 6 Jose Corral. Super Feather: Giovanni Mioletti (17-0) W PTS 10 Luis Porozo (14-1). Feather: Eric Hunter (22-4) W TKO 5 German Meraz (62-57-2,1ND)

Franklin vs. Forrest

Franklin remains unbeaten with controversial split decision over Forrest. They started trading punches in a hectic first round with Franklin looking for another quick win and Forrest matching him punch for punch. The pace slowed in a close second with Franklin landing a good right. Forrest boxed cleverly in the third slotting home southpaw jabs and long lefts. Franklin was able to work Forrest over against the ropes in the fifth and they both landed well in the sixth. Franklin was attacking hard over the seventh and eighth but Forrest was slick and quick and changing angles. Franklin had a strong ninth. Forrest looked to be tiring and Franklin was landing well to the body and they both put in a big effort in the last. Scores 97-93 twice for Franklin and 96-95 for Forrest. The scores for Franklin looked too wide and the one for Forrest looked about right.  Michigan’s Franklin, 25, rode his luck a little here but it was a good test and a good learning fight. Lafayette’s Forrest had an 18-bout winning streak snapped but will consider himself unlucky to lose.

Bejenaru vs. Corral

New York-based Moldovan Bejenaru stops Mexican Corral in a bout that was hastily cobbled together after BJ Flores was denied a licence on medical grounds and his fight with Otto Wallin was cancelled. Bejenaru quickly shook of the dust from twenty months of inactivity and was soon landing some heavy shots on the slow and overmatched Corral. Bejenaru rocked Corral in the fourth and pounded on Corral all the way. A savage combination in the sixth had Corral in deep water and the fight was halted. The 30-year-old Bejenaru was high in the world ratings after wins over  unbeaten Stivens Bujaj and Thabiso Mchunu before inactivity halted his climb. Although born in Moldova he boxed for Romania as an amateur winning national titles at 81 &91kg, competing at the 2005, 2007 and 2009 World championships and twice taking a silver medal at the European Union Championships. Now 35 he could not really afford that 20 months off. Corral, 38, is 1-6 in his last 7 fights.

Mioletti vs. Porozo

There was another former top level amateur in this fight but Ecuadorian Porozo after making a good start then faded badly and lost the unanimous decision to Chicago southpaw Mioletti.  Porozo brought his skills from the amateur days with him and outboxed Mioletti early. He was quick and smart and sliding punches through Mioletti’s guard. Mioletti pressed hard and shook Porozo with a left in the third. The Ecuadorian recovered and continued to box skilfully. Mioletti just kept pressing and eventually Porozo slowed and Mioletti was able to finish strongly to emerge a good winner. Scores 98-92 twice and 97-93 for Mioletti. It was the right result but the first two cards were harsh on Porozo. The 24-year-old Mioletti, a crowd favourite at the Battle on the Boat, is being matched sensibly. He had won his last four fights by KO/TKO but will have learned more from this fight than those other wins.  Porozo, 29, competed for Ecuador at the 2008 Olympics, the 2007 and 2009 World Championships and the Pan American Games.

Hunter vs. Meraz

As with Bejenaru Hunter also had a thick coat of dust to disperse. Meraz with over 120 fights behind him was hustling and bustling early proving a more testing opponent than expected. Hunter eventually found the range and floored Meraz with left hook in the third. He continued to press Meraz hard over the fourth with the Mexican looked to have adopted survival tactics. In the and fifth a banging together of heads saw Meraz cut over his left eye. The referee had the doctor examine the cut and he advised the fight be stopped. As it had gone past the fourth round it was decided on the scorecards with Hunter in front 50-44 on all three score sheets. First fight for Hunter since losing to Lee Selby in an IBF featherweight title challenge in April 2016. Meraz is 1-10 in his last 11 fights.

 

July 13

 

London. England: Heavy: Joe Joyce (10-0) W PTS 12 Bryant Jennings (24-4). Middle: Liam Williams (21-2-1) W TKO 2 Karim Achour (27-6-3). Heavy: Daniel Dubois (12-0) W TKO 5 Nathan Gorman (16-1). Super Feather: Archie Sharp (16-0) W PTS 10 Jordan McCrory (18-6-1). Super Fly: Sunny Edwards (12-0) W PTS 10 Hiram Gallardo (12-3-2).

Joyce vs. Jennings

Important victory for Joyce who goes past the eighth round for the first time on his way to victory. Joyce made a confident start with some hefty jabs. Jennings then began to land with jabs and quick hooks inside. Joyce was looking slow and ponderous but nothing Jennings hit him with seemed to even register with Joyce. The next three rounds belonged to Joyce. He does not snap his jab but pushed it with a great deal of power behind it and he was using that, his strength and extra poundage to force Jennings to the ropes and score with long heavy lefts and rights The fifth was closer as Jennings moved more and threw more punches. Joyce was still swinging heavy punches which hurt wherever they landed but Jennings outscored him in the sixth and seventh. He was blocking many of Joyce’s punches and connecting with hooks and rights to the head but it was still a case that nothing he landed had any effect on Joyce who at times reminds one of George Foreman in his style and power. Joyce worked hard to take the eighth. He was walking forward pumping out lefts and rights and keeping Jennings on the back foot. Joyce again worked hard in the ninth throwing punches but Jennings came on late in the round. Joyce was looking arm weary and it was now a case that very little Joyce was landing was stopping Jennings moving forward. The tenth saw some good two-way action with Joyce connecting with powerful jabs and clubbing head punches and Jennings seeing out the storm and firing back. Late in the round a left from Jennings went low and the referee deducted a point although it looked harsh, however Jennings landed another low punch before the bell and was given a last warning. Joyce outworked Jennings in the eleventh and kept Jennings trapped on the ropes as he pounded away. Jennings was blocking most of the punches but not throwing any himself. Scores 118-109, 117-110 and 115-112 all for Joyce. I saw it 116-112 for Joyce. The two big pluses for Joyce, apart from the win, were that he went twelve rounds and that he beat a heavyweight who was not all washed up unlike Bermane Stiverne and Alex Ustinov. The downside is that he never had Jennings really hurt at any time in the fight whereas both Luis Ortiz and Oscar Rivas had stopped Jennings. Joyce’s only rating before this fight was No 14 with the WBC and Jennings was unrated. Joyce is the official challenger to European champion Agit Kabayel with the deadline for agreement or purse offers of 7 August. Kabayel is rated No 3 (2) with the IBF with only Kubrat Pulev ahead of him-the No 2 spot is vacant- so a win over Kabayel would put Joyce very close to a world title fight but Kabayel is 19-0 and has a win over Derrick Chisora. At 34 Jennings is not finished yet and there are a whole clutch of young heavyweights out there looking to get a name on their list of victims.

Williams vs. Achour

Williams crushes Achour to win the vacant WBC Silver title. Williams had his jab working well in the opening round forced Achour onto the back foot landing with a hefty left hook to the body. Williams continued to come forward with Achour hiding behind a high guard and already looking to be in survival mode hardly throwing a punch. In the second Williams was firing hard jabs and testing the Frenchman’s guard with following rights. He took Achour to a corner and connect with body punches. Achour escaped from the corner but was caught with a powerful right hook and stumbled back before dropping to the canvas on his side. He made it to his feet only for punches from Williams sending him stumbling back to a corner and down for a second time. Achour got up but was finished and after the eight count the referee stopped the fight. The 27-year-old British champion from Wales now has 16 wins by KO/TKO. His two losses came in 2017 against Liam Smith the first on a cut and the second a majority decision. Up at middle now he looks a real threat. Achour, a former French, European Union and WBC International champion  was 13-1-1 going into this one with the loss being on points to David Lemieux over twelve rounds in May last year. This is his first inside the distance defeat.

Dubois vs. Gorman

Dubois wins the vacant British title with stoppage of previously unbeaten Gorman. Dubois made a confident start coming forward behind quick jabs and connecting with some right crosses. Gorman was on the back foot looking to counter and landed a sharp uppercut inside. There were some furious exchanges in the second with Dubois landing some good rights one of which opened a cut over the left eye of Gorman. A series of clubbing rights in the third sent Gorman down on his knees and reopened the cut. After the count Gorman threw himself forward firing wild punches but Dubois took charge again and had Gorman under pressure to the bell. In a quieter fourth Dubois continued to stalk the retreating Gorman trying to open him up with the jab and landed rights crosses. Dubois staggered Gorman badly with a right early in the fifth and after good work with his jab put Gorman on the floor with a right to the head. Gorman made it to his feet but the referee stopped the fight. The 6’5” 21-year-old Londoner showed maturity and power here. He worked his openings with his jab, kept cool picking his moments to attack and then demonstrated why his nickname is “Dynamite” with some big rights. Gorman was never in with a chance. He was outboxed and outpunched with Dubois proving to be in a different class.

Sharp vs. McCrory

Sharp floors and outpoints McCrory in WBO European title defence.  Sharp scored in the first with a left hook then used his superior speed to get inside and land another good hook then ducked and weaved around McCrory’s attempts to counter. Sharp was taller with a longer reach and quick hands and McCrory only really had any success on the occasions when he could catch Sharp on the ropes. Sharp also fitted in some very showy work but there was nothing showy about the left hook to the ribs that put McCrory down in the third. McCrory bent forward with his head touching the canvas and it looked as though the fight was over but the Scot got up and danced through the few seconds to the bell. McCrory had a good spell at the end of the fifth as he connected with some head shots as they stood and traded but other than the skills of Sharp were the deciding factor in the fight. Sharp switched guards seamlessly and rattled McCrory with hooks and uppercuts. McCrory tried to walk through the punches to force Sharp back but he was being showered with quick punches by Sharp who was able bob and weave around McCrory and then pop up and clout McCrory with counters on his way to a wide points victory. Scores 98-91 for Sharp on the three cards as he retains the WBO European title. That WBO European title gets Sharp a No 10 rating with the WBO. He has lots of talent but is in a tough division.  McCrory has now lost three of his last four fights but the other two losses have been against 29-2 Patrick Kinigamazi for the WBFederation title and unbeaten Sam Bowen for the British title.

Edwards vs. Gallardo

Edwards breezes past crude Mexican Gallardo. Edwards was able to slot jabs through the Mexican’s poor defence and connect with counters as Gallardo piled forward head down. Gallardo was on the floor in the second but it looked as though he slipped after missing with a punch but it resulted in an eight count. Edwards was comfortable boxing either orthodox or southpaw. His jabs were too quick for Gallardo to block and his foot speed allowed Edwards to dart inside to score and then get out of range before Gallardo could counter. Gallardo kept lunging forward but he was too crude to pose any threat to Edwards, The downside is that Edwards never had Gallardo in any trouble and never looked close to stopping him. Scores three times 99-90 for Edwards. He is the younger brother of WBC champion Charlie  and will be aiming to become the second world champion in the family but super fly is a very strong division. Gallardo is the WBC Youth silver champion but to put that in context his defence of that title in March was against a fighter who had never previously had a pro fight.

 

Minneapolis, MN, USA: Welter: Jamal James (26-1) W PTS 10 Antonio De Marco (33-8-1). Heavy: Gerald Washington (20-3-1) W KO 8 Robert Helenius (28-3). Welter: Bryant Perrella (18-2) W TKO 3 Dominique Dolton (22-3-1). Heavy: Charles Martin (27-2-1) W TKO 4 Daniel Martz (18-7-1). Bantam: Gary Antonio Russell (14-0) W PTS 10 Francisco Pedroza (13-9-2). Light: Carlos Balderas (9-0) W TKO 7 Robert Frankel ( 37-22-1). Super Light: Gary Antuanne Russell (10-0) W KO 3 Larry Ventus (9-14-1).

James vs. De Marco

Fighting in his home city James outpoints De Marco over ten tough, entertaining rounds. James had height and reach on his side and De Marco had his experience and his southpaw stance going for him. James was the aggressor in the first pinning De Marco to the ropes early and firing a burst of punches. Late in the round with De Marco backed into a corner they both threw plenty of punches with James getting the better of the trading. De Marco changed tactics in the second coming forward and forcing James to the ropes and clobbering him with overhand rights. James fired back and for the rest of the round both fighters were letting their hands fly in an exciting melee. De Marco had taken that round but sanity returned in the third and fourth as James boxed on the outside with De Marco chasing. He had some success when he was able to get close but James was monopolising the scoring. The pace slowed in the fifth with James using his jab to keep De Marco out and landing hurtful rights to the head. James let himself be dragged back into a brawl in the sixth with De Marco connecting with some rib-bending right hooks. They went to war again in the seventh but this time it was James connecting with the better punches. A hard right drove De Marco back and at the end of the round De Marco had swellings under both eyes. It was brawl time again in the eighth and James was throwing more and landing more but with De Marco connecting with some corrosive hooks and uppercuts. James was on his bicycle in the ninth moving around the slower De Marco back peddling for much of the time but scoring with his jab and short bursts of punches. De Marco was so exhausted in the tenth that a left jab sent him reeling across the ring and down but the referee decided it was not a knockdown. They both fought fiercely to the last bell with James pounding on De Marco at the end. It had been tough, gruelling and exciting fight and it was great to see the two fighters showing so much respect for each other as they embraced at the end. Scores 98-92 for James on the three cards. The scores were correct but could not reflect the way that De Marco made James fight so hard for every point. The 32-year-old James is tall for a welter at 6’2” and has good hand and foot speed and some power. His only defeat is a points decision against Yordenis Ugas in 2016 and he has registered victories over Ionut Dan Ion, Diego Chaves, Mahonri Montes and now De Marco. He is handily placed at WBA 5/WBC 11/IBF 13 (12) but probably needs a win over a rated fighter to put himself in line for a title chance. Former WBC lightweight champion De Marco, 33, is slower and fleshier than at his peak and falls to 2-5 in his last 7 fights but all of the losses have been to world class opposition.

Helenius vs. Washington

Washington outlasts Helenius for an eighth round victory. Helenius controlled the early action with his longer reach .Washington was having trouble getting past the jab of Helenius and when he did get past it Helenius was countering him with sharp rights. The Finn hurt Washington with a couple of rights late in the third but Washington stepped up his pace in the fourth landing some good jabs and long rights. The pace of the fight was slow and the rounds were close. Helenius took the fifth and sixth with some strong jabs with Washington landing some quick punches inside early in the seventh as Helenius was looking exhausted. It was a tired man’s fight in the eighth until Washington connected with a right cross that shook Helenius, Washington then threw a bunch of hooks that sent Helenius staggering across the ring and down on his back with his head resting on the bottom rope. The referee started the count but with Helenius in some distress he waived the fight over. The 37-year-old Washington was level on two cards before being stopped by Deontay Wilder in a WBC title fight in 2017 but inside the distance defeats at the hands of Jarrell Miller and Adam Kownacki had banished him from the ratings and this fight was one he could not afford to lose. Swedish-born Helenius has lost only three fights but they have been critical to his career. He was knocked in six rounds by Johann Duhaupas and lost a decision to Dillian Whyte when winning either fight could have led to a world title shot but with this loss that dream has died.

Perrella vs. Dolton

Floridian Perrella continues along his switchback ways as he stops Dolton in what looked a very even match on paper. Both fighters were quick off the mark Dolton snapping out jabs and southpaw Perrella not as quick but more accurate and Perrella was the one connecting. Having been on the back foot in the first Perrella began taking the fight to Dolton in the second. He was using lots of right hooks and switching his attack to head and body. He connected with a powerful left hook which sent Dolton staggering to the ropes but the bell went before he could capitalise on that. Perrella jumped on Dolton at the start of the third pinning him against the ropes and firing hooks and uppercuts. Dolton tried to fight his way off the ropes but Perrella kept unloading until the referee steeped in a halted the contest. After winning his first fourteen fights Perrella then lost to Yordenis Ugas, beat Alex Martin then dropped a majority verdict against Luis Collazo but it was an upswing for him here his 14^th win by KO/TKO. Dolton has lost swing fights against Justin DeLoach and Jamontay Clark but had won his last three fights by KO/TKO.

Martin vs. Martz

Martin a few classes above Martz and gets an inside the distance win. In the first southpaw Martin was much quicker than the lumbering Martz and was able to slot home right jabs to head and body and was on target with occasional lefts. Martin’s punches caused a big bruise to grow under the right eye of Martz in the second but Martz managed to land a couple of clubbing rights . Martin began to find the range in the third connecting with long lefts to the head of Martz. Just seconds into the fourth a left to the head from Martin had Martz backing up and then going down on one knee. Martz was up at nine but when he tried to take the fight to Martin he was caught with three head punches and then a left to the body and dropped to one knee again. He got up at eight but did not complain when the referee waived his arms to end the fight. The 33-year-old former IBF champion has a rebuilding job on his hands after losing a close decision to Adam Kownacki in September and this is another very small step on the road back. The 6’7 ½” Martz loses badly whenever he tries to step up.

Russell vs. Pedroza

Just a light workout for the talented Russell as he wins every round against young Mexican Pedroza. Scores 100-90 for Russell from the three judges. The 26-year-old is the middle brother of the three Gary Russells fighting pro and is the only one of the three not to go to the Olympics. He is being over-protected and is ready for better opposition. Pedroza, 25, is really just a prelim level fighter.

Balderas vs. Frankel

Former Olympian Balderas continues to knock the opposition over and moves to eight wins inside the distance with stoppage of seasoned pro Frankel. It is the first time the 23-year-old Californian has had to go past the fourth round for victory so some useful ring time against Frankel. Balderas gained entry to the 2016 Olympics through his record in the World Series of Boxing so did not have to go through the Trials but he lost in the quarter-finals in Rio to Cuban  star Lazaro Alvarez. Frankel, 39; was a replacement and a much tougher opponent than the guy he replaced but now often finds himself in the role of a late notice fighter brought in to face a rising young prospect.

Russell vs. Ventus

It is now ten fights and ten wins by KO/TKO for Russell. He blasted out Detroit’s Ventus with three knockdowns before the fight was stopped late in the third round.  The 23-year-old Maryland southpaw, the younger brother of both WBC feather champion Gary and Gary Antonio Russell. Gary Antuanne was National Golden Gloves champion and competed at the 2016 Olympics. His ten wins have taken him less than 19 rounds. Ventus drops to six defeats by KO/TKO.

 

Newark, NJ, USA: Bantam: Joshua Greer (21-1-1) W PTS 12 Nikolai Potapov (20-2-1). Feather: Shakur Stevenson (12-0) W KO 3 Alberto Guevara (27-5). Super Middle: Vijender Singh (11-0) W TKO 4 Mike Snider (13-6-3,1ND). Light Joseph Adorno (13-0)W KO 2 Adriano Ramirez (10-4). Super Light: Julian Rodriguez (17-0) W KO 1 Hevinson Herrera (24-18-1).

Greer vs. Potapov

Greer gats majority decision over Potapov with more heat being generated by the decision than the actual fight. Potapov seemed to go in front over the opening three rounds but Greer clawed his way back into the fight forcing Potapov back with some strong jabs and straight rights. The six was close as first Potapov and then Greer had good spells but the crowd was getting restive over the low tempo of the fight. The seventh was also close but Potapov had done the better work. The crowd was booing again as neither fighter really seemed to be ready to take chances. The closer rounds had been going to Potapov but Greer came on strong over the closing rounds to make it tight but with most feeling Potapov had done enough to win. Scores 116-112 and 115-113 for Greer and 114-114. With the No 2 place in the IBF ratings vacant Greer No 4 qualified to fill that spot by beating Potapov who was rated No 11. With IBF champion Naoya Inoue engaged in the WBSS final and Filipino Michael Dasmarinas No 1 Greer will probably have to wait until 2020 to get his title shot. Brooklyn-based Russian Potapov lost to on a seventh round retirement against Omar Narvaez in October 2017 but somehow found his way into the IBF top 15 in September  2018 with his only fight after the loss to Narvaez being over a guy with an 11-45-3 record in a fight in which Potapov weighed 130 ¼ lbs! He was an even more surprising No 3 with the WBO so may drop down their list.

Stevenson vs. Guevara

Fighting in his home city Stevenson crushes a reluctant Guevara inside three rounds. Guevara had only one gear in the opener and it was reverse. Stevenson prowled after the experienced Mexican occasionally landing with long southpaw lefts but was unable to bring Guevara to trade punches. Guevara tried some lunging attacks in the second but Stevenson easily evaded them and then got throught with a couple of punches with Guevara briefly trapped on the ropes. Stevenson then stepped in and connected with a straight left to the body and a right to the side that had Guevara sliding gown to the canvas. He was up quickly but after the count a right from Stevenson put him down again. Guevara was up at eight and the round was over. Stevenson was doing some show-boating as he pursued Guevara in the third. Guevara was given some rest time after a left from Stevenson landed low  but then Stevenson caught  Guevara with three head punches that sent the Mexican tumbling to the floor. Guevara arose just as the referee counted ten and there was no real conviction in Guevara’s protest that he had beaten the count. The 22-year-old Olympic silver medallist retains the WBO NABO title with his seventh win by KO/TKO. He is No 1 with both the WBO and WBA so is the mandatory challenger for both Leo Santa Cruz and Oscar Valdez but probably needs another two or three fights before going against either champion. Guevara, 28, has had shots at both the IBF and WBC titles at bantam but was coming off a loss against Hugo Ruiz in January and was never in this fight and looked a beaten man from the first bell but then he came in as a substitute at eight days notice.

Singh vs. Snider

Indian Singh returns to the ring with a stoppage over Snider. After taking a round to dust off his skills Singh landed a right in the second which sent Snider into the ropes but Snider did not go down. Singh dominated the second and third and was beating on Snider in the fourth when the referee halted the fight. The 33-year-old Singh competed at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics winning a bronze medal in 2008. As an amateur he recorded wins over Badou Jack, Terrell Gausha and Ron Gavril. This is his first fight since December 2017 and he may struggle to make an impact now. Fourth loss by KO/TKO for 38-year-old Snider.

Adorno vs. Ramirez

Adorno bangs out Ramirez in two rounds. The New Jersey-born Adorno took the first with some quick accurate jabbing and then put Ramirez away in the second.  A left hook floored Ramirez for the first knockdown and although he made it to his feet he was clobbered by stunning left hook and then a left-right combination that sent him down and the referee stopped the fight with bothering with a count. The 20-year-old prospect makes it eleven wins by KO/TKO. He turned pro at 17 and is an outstanding talent. Third loss in a row for Dominican Ramirez.

Rodriguez vs. Herrera

In his first fight for almost two years “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez finds his punch again as he blasts out seasoned pro Herrera. A right to the chin put the Colombian down and although he made it to one knee he was counted out at the one minute mark. The New Jersey hope, a former National Golden Gloves champion, put together a run of eight wins inside the distance but then had to go the distance for his next three victories. He was then out of action due to a shoulder injury. This is his seventh first round victory. Herrera falls to 2-6 in his last 8 bouts.

 

Antibes, Francs: Heavy: Tony Yoka (6-0) W TKO 3 Alex Dimitrenko (41-6). Bantam: Elie Konki (7-0) W PTS 10 Sebastian Jacobs (4-2-1). Super Welter: Souleymane Cissokho (10-0) W KO 4 Jose Carlos Paz (23-10-1). Super Welter: Ahmed El Mousaoui (30-3-1) W PTS 8 Alex Sharonov (12-4-2).

Yoka vs. Dimitrenko

Yoka returns after a one year suspension for ducking the testers three times and stops Dimitrenko. A nothing first round saw both fighters just pushing out jabs with no power or conviction and usually coming up short and not throwing anything except jabs. Yoka showed more purpose in the second trying to come in behind his jab and punch to the body. He forced Dimitrenko back and connected with a couple of hooks and uppercuts. Dimitrenko was throwing very little and mainly just moving on the back foot to avoid Yoka’s punches. After a cautious start to the third Yoka stepped inside and landed a right cross and then used the same hand to connect with an uppercut with Dimitrenko dropping to his knees. Dimitrenko only just beat the count. When the action resumed Yoka landed three rights to the head with Dimitrenko spinning round and collapsing over the top rope and almost tipping out of the ring as the referee stopped the fight. Fifth win by KO/TKO for 6’7” Frenchman a gold medal winner in Rio who scored wins over unbeaten pros Joe Joyce, Fillip Hrgovic and Ivan Dychko when in the amateurs. Dimitrenko, 37, suffers his third inside the distance loss in a row and the punches that finished him here did not look that great. Officially he was under suspension until October from the California Commission on the basis of a possible fractured shoulder suffered when losing to Andy Ruiz in April. However the suspension was either until October or until, cleared by a physician so I would have thought by passing the doctor’s medical check for this fight he was effectively cleared by a physician.

Konki vs. Iacobas

“The Spider” Konki makes a successful second defence of the French title with unanimous decision over former undefeated champion Iacobas, The 27-year-old Konki, one the best French prospects in the lighter divisions, was a six-time national champion in the amateurs and competed at the 2016 Olympics. Iacobas won the French title in April last year but never defended it and this is his first fight since then.

Cissokho vs. Paz

Another outstanding display by Cissokho sees him crush Argentinian Paz in four rounds. A left and a right to the side of the head floored Paz in the first and he was never in the fight after that. Solid jabs kept Cissokho in control and Paz was just soaking up punishment. Cissokho was also connecting with wicked body punches which quickly drained away the Argentinian’s resolve. He was shaken by an uppercut in the third and almost cut in half by a body punch. In the fifth as Paz tried to fight his way off the ropes he was forced back and another body punch had Paz dropping to his knees in pain and he was counted out even the towel came flying in from Paz’s corner. The Senegalese-born Olympic bronze medallist registers his seventh win by KO/TKO and looks ready to start collecting some belts. Paz had scored wins over Omar Chavez and Jorge Paez Jr, was beaten by Jaime Munguia and Anthony Fowler but only lost on a split decision against Ramon Alvarez.

El Mousaoui vs. Sharonov

El Mousaoui comes in at short notice as a replacement for injured Cedric Vitu and outpoints the tough but limited Sharonov. El Mousaoui rocked the Russian a few times with right crosses and some searing uppercuts but could not find a punch to end things. Sharonov lost a point in the third for a low punch and battled hard but El Mousaoui was just too good for him. Scores 80-71 twice and 79-73. The 29-year-old former EU champion had been re-thinking his career after losses to Jeff Horn and Ceferino Rodriguez but after eleven months of contemplation and with a win under his belt will be aiming to get back in to contention for the EU or EBU titles.

 

Ladispoli, Italy: Heavy: Luca D’Ortenzi (10-1) W TKO 8 Sergio Romano (10-13-3). Local boxer D’Ortenzi wins the vacant Italian title with stoppage of Romano. Over the first two rounds “Gentleman” D’Ortenzi found plenty of space and outboxed “Wild Boar” Romano. In the third Romano pressed harder and cut down D’Ortenzi’s space getting inside and working well. The fight was close over the fourth and fifth but in the sixth D’Ortenzi rocked Romano with punches and then had him in deep trouble with a left hook. Romano made it to the bell although taking more punishment and he fought his way through the seventh. D’Ortenzi wrote the final chapter in the eighth. A heavy right stunned Romano and although he stayed upright another booming punch had the referee stepping in to save Romano. D’Ortenzi, 21, lost a close verdict to Salvatore Erittu for the Italian cruiser title in July last year and at 6’1” and under 210lbs he is small by today’s heavyweight standards. Romano was having his second shot at this title having been beaten on points by Fabio Turchi also in July last year.

 

Kingston, Jamaica: Heavy: Vladimir Tereshkin (21-0-1) W RTD 8 Williams Ocando (21-9). Light: Headley Scott (14-1) W PTS 8 Jesus Laguna (22-16-3).

Tereshkin vs. Ocando

Russian southpaw Tereshkin towered over cruiserweight Ocampo and had about 50lbs weight advantage. Tereshkin was able to use his height and longer reach to work Ocando over at distance. Ocando showed some good head movement as he duck around and under Tereshkin’s jabs but he was too small to be really competitive. Tereshkin was able to force Ocando to the ropes and batter away to head and body. It was never anything but a lost cause for Ocando and he did not come out for the ninth round. The 6’6” Russian has won his last 13 fights by KO/TKO but no real tests in his list of victims. Venezuelan Ocando loses whenever he gets adventurous over his opposition and this is his eighth defeat by KO/TKO.

Scott vs. Laguna

Scott, born in New York but a Rastafarian of Jamaican decent, hustled, bustled and bullied Laguna all the way taking every round with the judges all scoring the fight 80-72 for Scott. His loss was a stoppage against unbeaten Giovanni Mioletti in November and this is his third win since then. Laguna drops to

 

Rosarito, Mexico: Middle; Luis Ramon Campas (108-17-3) W RTD 5 Alexis Canett (12-3-2). Former IBF light middle champion “Yori Boy” Campas makes one of his rare appearances and grinds down inexperienced Canett. Campus just kept working the body of Canett. For a few rounds Canett was able to stand his ground and work inside with Campas but by the fifth he was exhausted and could hardly lift his arms and retired at the end of the round. Now 47 Campas has scored 82 wins by KO/TKO. It is now 32 years since he had his first pro fight. Canett just an inexperienced prelim level fighter.

 

Tonala, Mexico: Super Light: Gabriel Valenzuela (18-2-1) W KO 4 Nery Saguilan (39-13-1). Valenzuela pushes a sliding Saguilan a bit further down the hill with a fourth round kayo. Valenzuela was on the attack from the start and scoring strongly to head and body. Saguilan tried to punch with him but was getting the worse of the exchanges. In the fourth a straight right crashed into the head of Saguilan and put him down and out. Valenzuela a 24-year-old from Guadalajara wins the vacant WBC Fecarbox title his first title as a pro. He extends his unbeaten run to 16 contests with his eleventh win by KO/TKO. The eccentric 31-year-old Saguilan was once flying high in the ranking but is now 2-8 in his last 10 fights.

 

Managua, Nicaragua: Super Light: Francisco Fonseca (25-2-1) W TKO 7David Bency (14-11-1,1ND). Light: Freddy Fonseca (26-3-1) W Moises Olivas (14-13).

Fonseca vs. Bency

Fonseca wears down and halts Bency.  For the first two rounds the bigger Bency managed to hold his own against the powerful body punches of Fonseca. That was as good as it was going to get for gutsy Bency and from the third Fonseca slowly cut him down piling on the punishment until Bency was struggling in the seventh and the referee stepped in over Bency’s protests.  Fonseca went 19-0-1 in his first 20 fights until knocked out in eight rounds by Gervonta Davis in a fight for the vacant IBF super feather title in 217. Davis failed to make the weight which is why the fight was for the vacant title. Fonseca had a second shot at the IBF title in December last year but lost on points against Tevin farmer. He has scored three inside the distance wins this year. Bency, really a super-light, now has four losses by KO/TKO.

Fonseca vs. Olivas

Southpaw Freddy makes it a family double as he stops Olivas.  Fonseca put Olivas down in the fourth and was punishing Olivas in the fifth when the fight was halted. In his last fight in May Fonseca was stopped in seven rounds by Joseph Diaz in a fight for the vacant WBA Gold title. Fonseca had kayoed Olivas in two rounds in May last year.

 

Boquete, Panama: Feather: Bryan De Gracia (25-2-1) W RTD 1 Daniel Diaz (23-9-2).Super Fly: Luis Concepcion (38-8) W KO 4 Felix Moncada (9-11-1).

De Gracia vs. Diaz

Panamanian De Gracia brushes aside Nicaraguan Diaz with ease. The hard-punching De Gracia floored Diaz twice. He also opened a gash on the left side of the visitor’s cheek and Diaz retired before the start of the second round. The 25-year-old “The Rock” blew any chance of a title shot this year when he was stopped in nine rounds by 21-1-3 Eduardo Ramirez in March but at 25 the chance will come again. This is win No 21 by KO/TKO for him. Diaz, 35, has been thrown in over his head quite a few times and suffered losses in the USA, Mexico and the Philippines.

Concepcion vs. Moncada

Concepcion, a former holder of the secondary WBA fly and super fly titles, is given a gift in the shape of late substitute Moncada. After a slow start Concepcion punched too hard for the Nicaraguan. He got away with some questionable body punching before putting Moncada down in the fourth with a body punch-which Moncada complained was low-and that ended the fight.  A necessary win for the 33-year-old Panamanian following consecutive losses to unbeaten fighters Andrew Moloney and Alex Marin. Sixth loss in a row for Moncada.

 

Conroe, TX, USA: Light Heavy: Alfonso Lopez (31-3) W RTD 4 Alex Theran (21-4). Texan Lopez wins the vacant WBO NABO title with win over Colombian Theran.  The 37-year-old Texan is in his twelfth year as a pro and with this title and nine wins in a row he may find himself in the WBO ratings. Once a star of the Colombian amateur scene Theran went 17-1 at the start of his time as a pro but inside the distance losses to Tureano Johnson and Radivoje Kalajdzic have blunted his ambitions.

 

Ekaterinburg, Russia: Super Feather: Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov (14- ) W KO 2 Jhon Gemino (20-12-1). Yaqubov crushes Filipino Gemino with a devastating body punch. Yaqubov pressed hard in the first but Gemino managed to avoid any real trouble. In the second Yaqubov landed two good southpaw lefts to the body and then drove home a third that sent Gemino to the floor in agony. He rolled around and then lay face down on the canvas and never looked likely to make it to his feet. Tajikistan southpaw Yaqubov, 24, is WBC International champion and rated No 13 by that body. This is his ninth win by KO/TKO and he looks very useful. Gemino had won his last three fights including a victory in Japan and a win over 22-1 Carlos Ornelas in Mexico so he looked capable of testing Yaqubov until that body punch landed.

 

Cordoba, Argentina: Middle: Francisco Torres (13-3) W PTS 10 Jonathan Sanchez (15-4-1).

Torres outpoints Sanchez to win the “Copa Carlos Monzon Super 8” tournament. This was an even fight over the first four rounds but then Torres took control and dominated the action. He outboxed Sanchez and stayed cool despite Sanchez’s using his elbows and employing his head as a third fist. The skill, movement and counter-punching of Torres hovered up the rounds and a frustrated Sanchez was lucky only to suffer one deduction for a butt in the sixth. Scores 98-92 twice and 97-92. Torres also wins the vacant Argentinian title. He was very much an outsider when this Tournament started but he beat two of the favourite’s Alan Castano and Gonzalo Coria on the way to the final so deserved to emerge the winner.  Sanchez had won his last three fights.

 

Toowoomba, Australia: Light: Gaige Ireland (7-3-2) W TKO 4 Brent Rice (8-2).  Ireland regains the Australian lightweight title with stoppage win over Rice. The stoppage was due to a cut above the right eye of Rice. Ireland had lost the title to Jacob Ng in his first defence in December. Former Australian super feather champion Rice had dropped his national title in his second defence in November.

 

Fight of the week (Significance): Tony Yoka’s stoppage of Alex Dimitrenko was a big result for French boxing and there are some good young fighters there who can fly on his coattails

Fight of the week (Entertainment): Marcus Morrison vs. Emanuele Blandamura was action all the way with honourable mention to Jamal James vs. Antonio De Marco

Fighter of the week: I go for Ronny Rios for his win over Diego De La Hoya with honourable mention to Daniel Dubois for his crushing victory over Nathan Gorman

Punch of the week: Marcus Morrison’s right hook that put away Emanuele Blandamura was special and the body punch from Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov that finished Jhon Gemino was devastating

Upset of the week: Joe Noynay beating highly touted Olympian Satoshi Shimizu was a big surprise as was Roger Gutierrez destroying 28-0 Eduardo Hernandez inside a round.

Prospect watch: Featherweight Loreto Dlamini 13-1was a revelation in beating Dave Penalosa and Joseph Adorno 13-0 again showed his KO power and is a lightweight to watch.