The Past Week in Action 17 September 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.

                                    The Past Week in Action 17 September 2013

September 11

 

Osaka, Japan: Light Fly: Kazuto Ioka (13-0) W KO 7 Kwanthai (43-2-1). Straw: Ryo Miyazaki (20-0-3) W PTS 12 Jesus Silvestre (27-4). Super Bantam: Malcolm Tunacao (33-3-3) W TEC DEC 5 Imron (0-3).

Ioka vs. Kwanthai

Another sparkling display of skill and power sees Ioka retain his WBA title. With the edge in height, reach skill and power Ioka was able to dominate this fight. Ioka used a strong body attack to slow the Thai and although Kwanthai did score with some good right hand punches Ioka just continued to break Kwanthai down. Both landed hard punches in the sixth but Ioka ended it in the seventh. After hurting Kwanthai with body punches Ioka landed a quick body to head combination that put the challenger down in agony and he stayed there for the count. The 24-year-old Ioka was making the second defence of his WBA title. The former undefeated WBA/WBC strawweight champion won the Japanese straw title in his sixth fight and the WBC title in his seventh fight so more than half of his pro fights have been world title fights. He may be looking to move up to flyweight to add a third division title. Kwanthai, 29, had won 12 fights in a row since losing his WBA straw title to Muhammad Rachman in 2011.

Miyazaki vs. Silvestre

Miyazaki holds on to his WBA title in a bloody battle, but looks lucky to get the majority decision. The taller Silvestre made a good start with long rights, but the champion was scoring well to the body when he got inside. In the second the first of many head clashes saw Miyazaki badly cut over his left eye. Mexican Silvestre probably had a slight edge after the first three rounds. Up to the end of the ninth it was a case of quality from Miyazaki and quantity from Silvestre with the Mexican busier but not being accurate enough and Miyazaki picking his punches better. The blood from the cut over his left eye was hampering Miyazaki’s vision and thing got worse in the tenth when he suffered another bad cut, this one over his right eye. Silvestre was in control over the closing three rounds, almost flooring Miyazaki with a left in the eleventh and looking to have done enough to win. The judges did not agree with scores of 115-113, 115-114 and 114-114. Second successful defence for 25-year-old Miyazaki. Cuts are a regular feature of his fights as his three draws were all technical draws due to cuts. He showed bravery in continuing with two severe cuts here. “Negrito” Silvestre, 23, the interim champion, deserves a return.

Tunacao vs. Imron

Poor match sees Filipino Tunacao floor Thai novice before a clash of heads leads to a cut that brings the fight to a close. It goes to the scorecards with Tunacao getting the decision on scores of 50-43 twice and 50-42. The 35-year-old “Eagle Eye was having his first fight since being halted in the last round by Shinsuke Yamanaka in a challenge for the WBC bantam title.

 

Plaridel, Philippines: Feather: Lorenzo Villaneuva (25-1,1ND) W PTS 10 Alvin Makiling (9-7-3). Light Fly: Rommel Asenjo (24-3) W KO 1 Brobro Languido (4-11-1).

Villanueva vs. Makiling

Villanueva continues his rebuilding with points win over Makling. Third win for the 27-year-old “Thunderbolt” since crushing two round kayo loss to Daud Cino Yordan for the vacant IBO title in May last year. Only the third time Villanueva has had to go the distance for a win. Now 4 losses and 2 draws for Makling in his last 6 fights, but he has yet to lose inside the distance.

Asenjo vs. Languido

ALA team southpaw Asenjo lives up to his “Little Assassin” nickname as he puts away Languido late in the first round.  The 25-year-old has 19 wins by KO/TKO. He has also won 19 of his last 20 fights with the only loss being to Raul Garcia for the WBO straw title in 2011. Only 2 wins in his last 13 fights for Languido.

 

September 12

 

Las Vegas, NV, USA: Welter: Shawn Porter (22-0-1) W PTS 10 Julio Diaz (40-9-1). Super Middle: Badou Jack (15-0-1) DREW 10 Marco Periban (20-1-1). Light Middle: Hugo Centeno Jr (19-0,1ND) NO DEC 4 Julian Williams (13-0-1,1ND). Middle: Jermall Charlo (16-0) W TKO 7 Rogelio De la Torre (10-4). Light Middle: Errol Spence (8-0) W TKO 1 Jesus Tavera (5-4,1ND). Light: Robert Easter (7-0) W TKO 1 Lance Williams (6-2). Heavy: Dom Breazeale (7-0) W TKO 3 Jon Hill (6-3). Middle: Terrell Gausha (6-0) W TKO 1 Bruce Runkie (5-3-1). Feather: Diego De La Hoya (1-0) W TKO 3 Luis Cosme (8-4-1).

Porter vs. Diaz

Porter wins unanimous decision in this return match but fight closer than the scores suggest. After three rounds the fight was fairly even but in the fourth Porter did the better work inside and although Diaz banged back Porter was in his stride. After a good fourth he had Diaz hurt in the fifth and outworked him in the sixth. Diaz staged a rally to win the seventh and perhaps just about did the better work in the eighth. However, Porter staged the stronger finish to sweep the last two rounds to put the decision beyond doubt. Scores 97-93 twice and 98-92. Porter wins the vacant USBA title and retains his NABO title as well as settling the matter of who is best after they fought a draw in December. The 25-year-old “Showtime” has taken a while to establish himself but has wins over Hector Munoz, Alfonso Gomez and Phil Lo Greco (25-0). He is IBF 7/WBO 7 and WBA 15 but should move up now in the IBF and WBO ratings as it was their sub-titles involved here. Former IBF light champion Diaz, 33, lost his title to Juan Diaz in a unification match in 2007 and is 6-5-1 in his 12 fights since then. However, he had shown in his last three fights, a win over Hector Sanchez (19-2) a draw with Porter and a very close loss to Amir Khan in April, that he is far from a shot fighter.

Jack vs. Periban

Jack remains unbeaten, but only just as the judges see it as a majority draw. Despite a bad cut over his right eye caused by a punch in the fourth Periban was boxing well in the early rounds and picking up points with his busier style. Jack was carrying out an act of attrition with hard single shots to slow the tall Mexican. The Swedish “Ripper” begin to take over in the late rounds and by the end of the ninth had closed the earlier gap and perhaps edged ahead. Periban had a better tenth beating Jack to the punch and getting through with some good shots to head and body making it anybody’s fight. Scores 95-95 twice and 96-94 to Periban, so Periban actually needed to take that last round on two cards to avoid defeat. The 29-year-old Jack has moved up in class with fights against Farah Ennis and now Periban. After a run of 8 wins by KO/TKO Jack had now had to go the distance in 5 of his last 7 fights, but he still looks a threat in the super middle division but a bit flattered by his WBA 6/WBC 9 rating. Periban, 28, was having his first fight since losing a majority decision to Sakio Bika for the vacant WBC title in June. He is still No 1 with the WBC. Neither fighter will have been happy with the draw, but neither did their reputations any harm either.

Centeno vs. Williams

A mild upset seemed to be on the cards here as Williams built an early lead and seemed to on his way to a big win as he took all three completed rounds. Unfortunately a clash of heads left Williams with a slight cut and Centeno with a worse cut on the left side of his face. Centeno said he could not continue and the fight then became a no decision and the WBC International title remains vacant. Both the 22-year-old Centeno and the 23-year-old William remain unbeaten and hopefully will meet again for the title.

Charlo vs. De la Torre

Charlo had a weight advantage in this, but De la Torre, whose last fight was for the TexasState welterweight title, took the fight to the bigger man and was busier with Charlo looking to end it with single shots. Eventually De la Torre slowed and weakened as the punches from Charlo had their effect. The unbeaten Charlo, who had the height and reach as well as power over De la Torre finally caught up with his fellow-Texan and floored him with a left hook in the seventh with the referee then saving De la Torre from further punishment. The 23-year-old Charlo has wins over Orlando Lora, Luis Hernandez and a kayo of IBF No 9 Antwone Smith and this was win No 12 by KO/TKO. He may now move up to middle and is rapidly gaining on twin brother Jermell who is IBF No 13. First loss inside the distance for De la Torre.

Spence vs. Tavera

Once again southpaw Olympian Spence shows his power as he floors poor Tavera twice. Each time with punches to the body. The fight was stopped to give Spence his fifth first round win in his last six fights. The 23-year-old prospect needs better opposition as he will learn nothing from these bad matches. Tavera has lost 3 of his last 4 fights now,

Easter vs. Williams

The same goes for Easter. He too produced some vicious body punching to put Williams down three times to end the fight. The tall 22-year-old US Olympic team alternate has talent but has won all of his fights inside the first three rounds. Williams out of his depth.

.Breazeale vs. Hill

Olympian Breazeale gives poor Hill a beating for three rounds. Breazeale used his long jab to set Hill up and then proceeded to put the West Virginia fighter down in the second round. Another knockdown in the third saw the referee rescue Hill. The 6’6 ½” (199cm) 28-year-old Breazeale has won all of his fights by KO/TKO including a useful win over Lenny Thomas (16-2). Hill had won 3 of his last 4 fights inside a round, but poor opposition.

Gausha vs. Runkie

Another poor match as Gausha floors Runkie twice before the mismatch is halted. Olympian Gausha, 26, the US National Champion in 2009, has four wins by KO/TKO. Runkie just fodder really.

De La Hoya vs. Cosme

Nice start for the nephew of Oscar. The 19-year-old from Mexicali uses a concerted body attack to wear down Puerto Rican Cosme. Both were trading left hooks with De La Hoya the harder puncher. With Cosme on the ropes in the third De La Hoya had Cosme wobbling with a right and then put him down with a quick burst of punches. The referee stared the count but then decided Cosme was finished and waived it off. Early days but the teenager showed fast hands and good combination punching. Worth watching. Cosme had been kayoed by a body punch in the first round against Joseph Diaz in his last fight in July.

 

Melbourne, Australia: Light Welter: Czar Amonsot (24-3-3) W KO 3 Steven Wills (17-2-2). Light Welter: Qamil Balla (6-0-1) W PTS 10 Jack Brubaker (5-1-1). Welter: Jeff Horn (4-0-1) W KO 1 Samuel Colomban (21-6). Super Bantam: Ibrahim Balla (3-0) W PTS 4 Anuntachai (5-6)

Amonsot vs. Wills

In an all-southpaw fight the “Czar of Bohol” wins the vacant PABA title with kayo of Australian Wills. This one was a war while it lasted. Amonsot was tough and heavy handed but Wills fought back every time he was hurt. Eventually the punching power of Amonsot told and when Wills was floored in the referee stopped the fight immediately. The 28-year-old Amonsot, an Australian-based Filipino and No 1 in ANBF ratings has 6 wins and 2 draws since losing to Mike Katsidis for the interim WBO light title in 2007. Southpaw Wills, a former undefeated Australian champion, was unable to make his height and reach advantages tell and loses inside the distance for the second time. He was halted in six rounds by Kaizer Mabuza for the vacant IBO title in March 2012.

Balla vs. Brubaker

“Golden Boy” Balla wins the vacant Australian title with hard fought unanimous decision over Brubaker in another was. Balla was the better boxer and got through with the cleaner shots, but Brubaker had Balla hurt on a couple of occasions and they fought toe-to-toe at the end and had the crowd on their feet. Scores 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94. After drawing in his first fight the 5’10” (175cm), 24-year-old former World Championships representative has won six in a row. He is the eldest of two very promising former amateurs. Brubaker, the ANBF No 9 is 21 and can come again.

Horn vs. Colomban

Horn wins Australian title with shock 78 seconds kayo of veteran Colomban. On paper this looked a tough test for the former armature stand-out. In early sparring Horn looked sharp. As Colomban moved in a short, chopping right caught him on the side of his chin and he slipped sideways to end up face down on the canvas. The referee did not count and the doctor was in the ring quickly. Colomban recovered ok. “The Hornet”, a 25-year-old from Brisbane, had less than seven rounds of pro experience going in, three of those in a technical draw in his last fight when his opponent was cut in a clash of heads. He was Australian amateur champion in 2009 and 2011. He competed at the 2011 World Championships and was a quarter-finalist at the 2012 Olympics. Definitely one to follow. First loss inside the distance for Cameroon-born Colomban. He is a former WBFound champion but lost on points to Denton Vassell for the Commonwealth title in 2011.This was his third attempt at winning an Australian title.

Balla vs. Anuntachai

Ibby, the younger brother of Qamil wins every round in a contest with Thai Anuntachai that was unruly at times. Scores 40-36 from all three judges. Ibby, 22, competed at the World Cadet, World Junior and World Senior’s Championships and also the Commonwealth Games and the London Olympics. He looks a good prospect. The tough Thai, also 22, has only lost inside the distance once.

 

Manchester, NH, USA: Light Welter: Danny O’Connor (23-1) W PTS 8 Raul Tovar (11-8-1). Light Middle: Chris Gilbert (10-0) W TKO 3 Anthony Chase (11-2).

O’Connor vs. Tovar

O’Connor keeps busy with undemanding win over Texan. He had no trouble reaching Tovar with his southpaw jab and also scored well to the body in close. He had Tovar wobbling with a hard left in the seventh and some follow-up shots, but could not finish the fight and a game Tovar was there to hear the bell at the end of the eighth. Scores 79-73 twice and 80-73. Nine wins in a row for O’Connor since upset loss to Gabriel Bracero in 2011. Over the past year O’Connor’s weight has been as low as 142lbs and as high as 152lbs but he looks the be settling at welter. Tovar, strictly a prelim fighter, has only failed to go the distance once so he did his job.

Gilbert vs. Chase

A bit of rubbish matching saw Gilbert remain unbeaten with a stoppage of Chase. He waited out an early flourish from Chase and when he opened up in the second round the fight was virtually over. He floored Chase with a right and then came close to ending it as he put Chase down twice more. Chase lasted out the round but when another right floored him in the third the referee stopped the massacre. The 28-year-old Gilbert had won 6 of his last 7 fights by KO/TKO, but there is not much kudos in beating a 42-year-old guy who has been inactive for over 12 years!

 

September 13

 

Mar del Plata, Argentina: Light Heavy: Roberto Bolonti (33-2) W KO 4 Rodrigo Chavez (9-7-1). Argentinian Bolonti chases down Chavez and finishes the fight with one right in the fourth. Over the first three rounds Chavez was throwing light jabs and straight rights with Bolonti just throwing single wild right hand shots. Chavez was too often leaving his chin open with a hands at his hips style of defence, clinching whenever Bolonti got inside, and even taunting Bolonti at times. Bolonti was just coming forward and finally caught up with Chavez in the fourth. With Chavez backed up to the ropes Bolonti threw a left that was blocked and then a right which landed on the chin and put the Chilean down on his knees and bent over with his face on the canvas. The referee got to six when the towel came in from the corner of Chavez who took a time to recover. Now 22 wins for the 34-year-old “La Bestia” and his third win since being outclassed by Tony Bellew in November.  Chilean Chavez has won only one of his last five fights.

 

Edmonton, Canada: Welter: Steve Claggett (17-2-1) W TKO 6 Francesco Cotroni (7-3). “The Dragon” wins the Canadian title with stoppage of Cotroni. It was Cotroni who came out swinging right hands in the first and second rounds. Claggett kept his cool using his jab and hooks to the body which eventually had their effect. From the third it was Claggett who was landing the big punches. He punished a fading Cotroni with body punches in the fourth and fifth and ended the fight in the sixth. Cotroni was on the ropes and taking hard punches to head and body when his corner threw in the towel. The 24-year-old from Calgary has 12 wins by KO/TKO. He was No 2 in the Canadian ratings and makes it two wins since an upset loss to Frenchman Alex Lepelley in March. Second loss in a row for No 5 Cotroni who holds the NBA version of the Canadian title.

 

Budapest, Hungary: Light Middle: Attila Kovacs (31-4) W TKO 5 Lajos Munkacsy (9-7-3). Cruiser: Sandor Nagy (10-0) W TKO 5 Csaba Faur (6-2). Feather: Zsolt Bedak (19-1) W TKO 4 Ignacio Kassai (13-29-2).

Kovacs vs. Munkacsy

“The Viper” Kovacs wins the vacant Hungarian title. Kovacs had Munkacsy hurt in the second and under pressure in the third. Munkacsy looked on the point of folding in the fourth and was cut by his right eye. A left hook put Munkacsy down in the fifth and although he got up he was taking more punishment when the referee stopped the fight. The 39-year-old Kovacs is a former undefeated IBO champion beating Steve Conway for the title in 2006. He has 19 wins by KO/TKO and is unbeaten in his last 6 fights. His losses have all been on the road in France, Russia, Ukraine and South Africa. After being inactive since 2001 the 35-year-old Munkacsy has had a busy year and is now 5-2 in seven fights in 2013

Nagy vs. Faur

“Alexander The Great” retains his national title in his first defence. Faur was in the fight over the first two rounds but then policeman Nagy took over. A right hook shook Faur in the fourth. In the fifth a southpaw straight right followed by a body punch put Faur down and he was unable to continue. The 31-year-old Nagy keeps his 100% record of wins inside the distance, six of which have come within the first round. Faur, 2, was stepping up from four round fights and found the class gap too wide.

Bedak vs. Kassai

“Mr Lefthook” makes it four wins on his comeback. That Bedak left hook almost ended it in the first with only the bell saving Kassai. Another left hook had Kassai down on his knees at the end of the second. For a change Bedak put Kassai down with a straight right in the fourth and although he made it to his feet the referee rightly stopped the one-sided fight. The 29-year-old Bedak’s only loss was a tenth round stoppage against Wilfredo Vazquez for the WBO super bantam title in May 2010. He was then out of action until March this year. Bedak was an outstanding amateur. He was Hungarian champion in 2002/3/4 and 5, competed at the 2004 Olympics and got a bronze medal at the 2006 European Championships and a gold medal at the European Union Championships that year, beating Joe Murray in the final. It would be nice to know what has happened to his younger brother Pal who was even more successful as an amateur but has not fought since 2010. Kassai had won 4 of his last 5 fights, but now has 10 losses by KO/TKO.

 

Mexico City, Mexico: Middle: Alejandro Barrera (22-1) W PTS 6 Juan Raygoza (7-6-1). Barrera has the edge in height, reach and technique. He chose to box whilst Raygoza knew his best chance was in landing a big punch. It made for an entertaining fight with Raygoza pressing and Barrera slotting jabs and counters through the defence of Raygoza. Some rounds were close and Barrera just deserved the majority verdict. Scores 59-56, 58-56 and 57-57. Barrera “The Chosen One”, who had been only able to train lightly due to a throat infection, goes through to the next round of the Campeon Azteca tournament. He had a 19 fight winning streak broken in May when he lost to Armando Robles (20-1-1).

 

Mexico City, Mexico: Light Middle: Pedro Munguia (16-4) W Jon Duran (13-5-1).

The “Undertaker” wins the vacant Mexican title with a close majority verdict over Jonathan Duran. Both fighters were looking to finish this early so a lot of hard trading went on over the opening rounds. Munguia looked to have the harder punch, but Duran was a better boxer and used his reach well to score at a distance. Munguia had Duran hurt on the ropes in the third, but in the fifth Duran opened a bad cut on Munguia’s nose. They continued to fight on even terms right to the end with the heavier punching of Munguia just giving him the edge. Scores 116-113, 115-113 and 114-114. Munguia had held the Mexican welter title but lost it in his third defence to Alvaro Robles. That was on a nose injury. Duran, 21, is 2-5 in his last seven fights but came close here.

 

Merida, Mexico: Middle: Jose Pinzon (24-5) W PTS 10 Alan Campa (14-1,1ND). Super Feather: Eduardo Torres (14-0) W KO 3 Armando Cruz (3-4). Super Bantam: Jose Silveira (15-9) W PTS 8 Carlos Koh (7-7-2).

Pinzon vs. Campa

Pinzon wins in a war against Campa. In the first two rounds it looked as though Pinzon would be lucky to last the distance as Campa battered him to head and body. Pinzon took over in the third and used his height and reach and quicker hands to even things up. Campa took the fourth but Pinzon had a big fifth when he floored Campa with a body shot and opened a cut on his right eyebrow. It was Pinzon’s round in the sixth and Campa lost a point after a clash of heads which left Pinzon with a cut on his right cheek. A body punch put Campa down a the end of the seventh but he fought back hard in the last three rounds despite suffering a cut on his left eyebrow. Pinzon wins on scores of 98-89, 97-90, and 95-92. Pinzon, who struggled to make the weight, had the edge in experience in this. Three of his losses have been in big fights against Pawel Wolak, Rogelio Medina and Saul Roman. Only the second ten round fight for Campa who gave Pinzon a tough night.

Torres vs. Cruz

Too easy for “Lalo” Torres against novice Cruz. After taking the first two rounds a left put Cruz face down on the canvas with no count needed. Now 9 wins by KO/TKO for local fighter Torres. Cruz no real test.

Silveira vs. Koh

Despite being the more experienced fighter Silveira struggled against the local Koh and in the end was lucky to escape with a split decision. The 34-year-old Silveira has been in with Shinsuke Yamanaka, Chris Martin, Cesar Seda and Erik Morel but needed the win after being 2-6 in his last 8 fights. Koh really just a prelim fighter.

 

East London, South Africa: Light Thompson Mokwana (19-8-1) W TKO 11 Patrick Malinga (28-8-2). Mokwana wins the vacant South African title and probably puts an end to his battles with Malinga. For a while it looked as though Malinga was going to be the winner. He set a fast pace and his aggression saw him build a good lead by the end of the tenth. However the pace caught up with a tiring Malinga and Mokwana snatched victory by forcing the referee to stop the fight in the eleventh. This is the fourth time these two have clashed in fights for the South African light title and 26-year-old Mokwana now has three wins and a draw in the sequence. The last time they fought was in March. That ended in a split draw and some strange scoring with one judge having Mokwana 5 points ahead and one Malinga 9 points ahead and neither judge was named Ross. The 36-year-old Malinga, the brother of Vusi and Peter, may now call it a day. His father, who trained all of the brothers, died in May and Peter was hoping to dedicate his win to him.

Swindon, England: Super Middle: Kelvin Young (13-3) W PTS 10 Sam Couzens (10-11). Local fighter Young gets revenge and retains his BBB of C Southern Area title. Couzens was coming forward but with Young able to find his way to slot home good counters. The local was on top in the second but Couzens scored the best punch of the third when he landed with a right to the head. Couzens was losing his gumshield from the first round and by the end of the fourth had lost if three times without penalty. Young scored with good counters in the fifth and sixth as he got some momentum in his work. Couzens banged back in the seventh but when his gumshield came out again Young got through with a barrage of headshots before the action was stopped to allow Couzens to recover his gumshield. A right put Couzens down in the eighth although it was more a case of Couzens being off balance. Young had a good tenth but lost the advantage due to a point deduction. He took the decision on the referee’s card 98-91. The 6’2” (188cm) Young, 26, had been stopped in four rounds by Couzens in a non-title fight in May. Couzens, 27, had bounced back from a run of four inside the distance losses with two wins but lost this one clearly.

 

Hammond, IN, USA: Super Middle: Derrick Findley (21-11-1) W TKO 7 Mike Jimenez (11-0).Super Middle: Donatas Bondoravas (18-4-1) W PTS 6 Skyler Thompson (12-8,1ND).

Findley vs. Jimenez

Findley breaks a streak of four fights without a win as he halts previously unbeaten Jimenez. From the opening bell Findley was walking through Jimenez’s jab and working inside with hooks to the body and chin. Jimenez was trying to work behind his jab, but Findley would not be denied and Jimenez was spending most of the time fighting a defensive fight with his back to the ropes. A right from Findley put Jimenez down in the third but despite being caught with more rights Jimenez made it to the bell. Jimenez did a little better in the next two rounds with time to recover from low blows from Findley in each round helping him get some breathing space. Findley continued to break Jimenez down in the sixth and with Jimenez taking more punishment early in the seventh Jimenez’s corner threw in the towel. The 29-year-old Gary “Superman” had lost 3 of his last 4 fights, but those losses were to J’Leon Love, Curtis Stevens and Gilberto Ramirez so he was used to facing a different class of opponents. Jimenez, 26, had beaten Mike Walker and veteran Antwun Echols and had won his last 5 fights by KO/TKO, but Findley was a much tougher opponent.

Bondoravas vs. Thompson

Lithuanian Bondoravas just had far too muck skill for loser Thompson. Bondoravas dominated every round with his faster, more accurate punching and had Thompson hurt in the middle rounds. It was a one-sided fight with Thompson doing well to last the distance. Scores 60-54 from all three judges. The 33-year-old Bondoravas has won 6 of his last 7 fights with the defeat being on a cut against Brian Vera in fight where he was giving a good account of himself. He probably left it too late to turn pro. A top amateur Bondoravas competed at the World Military Championships in 2003/2004/2005 and 2006, winning a bronze medal in each of the first three Championships. Thompson has lost 5 of his last 6 now and is strictly “opponent” class.

 

Detroit, MI, USA: Light Middle: Tony Harrison (15-0) W TKO 3 Marcos Primera (20-28-2). Middle: Bronco McKart (55-10-1) W TKO 4 Dan Wallace (9-12,1NC).

Harrison vs. Primera

A disappointing night for prospect Harrison as Primera acts his age and after two rounds dedicated to survival he fails to answer the bell for the third round. The 23-year-old Harrison deserves better opposition. He now has 12 wins by KO/TKO but fights like this help no one. Venezuelan Primera, 38, has lost 17 of his last 18 fights. It takes some believing but the one win in that run was a stoppage of world title challenger Curtis Stevens in 2006

McKart vs. Wallace

McKart had some trouble with the awkward style of Wallace but got the job done. He kept pressing with Wallace only looking to survive but the veteran caught up with him enough to score three knockdowns before the fight was stopped in the fourth. First fight since losing in seven rounds to Anthony Mundine in July last year for the 42-year-old former WBO light middle champion. Again this was a poor fight and a poor match. “Flawless” Wallace (how deluded can a guy get?) has managed 11 losses and one no decision in his last 12 fights.

 

Newark, NJ, USA: Light Middle: John Thompson (13-0) W PTS 8 Brandon Quarles (10-2-1). “Apollo Kid” Thompson remains unbeaten with unanimous decision over Quarles. The 24-year-old local out boxed Quarless in every round. He used a fast, sharp jab and good footwork to keep Quarless on the outside. By the fourth Thompson was also using a good body attack and overhand rights and Quarless was wilting. A shot in the sixth saw Quarless go down on one knee and then get a standing count. Quarless went down again in the seventh and took another standing count as Thompson finished strongly. Scores 80-70 from all three judges as Thompson moves to 13 wins. Quarless is 1-2-1 in his last four fights, but has yet to lose inside the distance.

 

Chester, PA, USA: Feather: Mike Oliver (26-5,1ND) W DISQ 1 Eric Hunter (17-3).

Oliver gets a win with disputed disqualification over Hunter. The incident came when Hunter wrestled Oliver to the canvas. Oliver rose immediately but before the referee could step in Hunter nailed Oliver with a left hook that put him down. Between the time Oliver got up and Hunter threw his hook the referee had not had time to step between the boxers or wipe Oliver’s gloves. Oliver was given five minutes to recover but when he was unable to continue, and as Hunter had thrown the punch before being told to box on, he was disqualified. Needless to say Hunter’s management will formally protest the decision. Oliver breaks a run of three losses in a row. Hunter was coming off a good win over Jerry Belmontes so the least he will want is a return.

 

 

September 14

Las Vegas, NV, USA: Light Middle: Floyd Mayweather Jr (45-0) W PTS 12 Saul Alvarez (42-1-1). Light Welter: Danny Garcia (27-0) W PTS 12 Lucas Matthysse (34-3). Light Middle: Carlos Molina (22-5-2) W PTS 12 Ishe Smith (25-6). Welter: Pablo Cano (27-3-1) W PTS 10 Ashley Theophane (33-5-1). Super Middle: Ron Gavril (7-0) W PTS 8 Shujaa El Amin (12-5). Light Middle: Chris Pearson (9-0) W TKO 1 Josh Williams (9-6). Super Middle: Luis Arias (7-0) W PTS 6 James Winchester (16-9,1NDS).

Mayweather vs. Alvarez

Another brilliant dominating display by Mayweather as he outboxes young Alvarez. Mayweather just had too much skill speed and movement for a willing Alvarez. Over the first two rounds both were establishing their jab with Mayweather edging the first and Alvarez doing enough work to take the second. In the third Mayweather opened his full bag of tricks. He was slotting his jab through the defence of Alvarez and getting through with straight rights. Alvarez was trying to counter but Mayweather was bobbing and weaving and Alvarez could not find the target. The fight heated up in the fourth with the boxers getting into a shouting match with each other. Alvarez was trying to go to the body. There was more trading on the inside but with his jab and fast combinations Mayweather was controlling the fight. The fifth was a closer round but again although Alvarez was able to land some good jabs and hooks Mayweather was sliding away from the punches and scoring with jabs and left hooks. They both tried some rough stuff in the sixth and Alvarez was trying to up his pace, Mayweather was unfazed and was scoring with fast combinations and had the better of the last few seconds of the best action round so far. Alvarez was trying to turn the tide with a big attack in the seventh but Mayweather nailed him with a right uppercut, drove Alvarez back to the ropes and worked Alvarez over with both hands. In the eighth Alvarez was able to force Mayweather to the ropes and had his best round as he got through with some hard body punches. The ninth saw Alvarez showing the first signs of tiredness and his work became sloppy. Mayweather had Alvarez on the ropes for a change and he staggered Alvarez with a right and was doubling up on his jab to pile up the points. The tenth saw Mayweather completely on top with a tiring Alvarez being backed up and although he did get through with a good right Mayweather was snapping the young Mexican’s head back with his jab and scoring with quick combinations. A tired Alvarez was trying to land the big punch he needed in the eleventh but the hand speed and movement of Mayweather just left Alvarez a very frustrated man. Again in the last Alvarez was looking for the one punch and roughing Mayweather up on the inside. Mayweather knew he had the fight won and played it safe to the bell. The talk should all have been about the masterly performance of Mayweather but the score of 114-114 from Judge C.J. Ross hogged some of the headlines and gave a distorted picture as the result will go down in boxing history as a majority verdict. The other two judges saw it 117-111 and 116-112 for Mayweather who wins the WBC title and retains the WBA Super title. Even at 36 it is difficult to see where someone can be found to give Mayweather a real test. Because of the money involved everyone wants to fight him, but there are no obvious next steps as he is a huge margin better then any fighter at 147 or 154lbs. What makes this performance even more remarkable is that Mayweather damaged his left elbow about half way through the fight and still outclassed a tough and talented young Alvarez. Now 22 world title fights in 5 different divisions for Mayweather who has indicated he may retire after his current contract with Showtime expires. The 23-year-old Mexican loses his WBA “unified title” and his WBC title. However he remains capable of beating anyone else at 154lbs and made Mayweather fight hard for his win. He had been reported as having trouble getting down to the catch weight of 152lbs, but he made it and was up around 165lbs by fight time. He earned his money the hard way and has a great future.

Garcia vs. Matthysse

Great win for champion, but underdog, Garcia as he retains WBC title for the fourth time and WBA title for the third time. Matthysse started like the favourite and edged the first three rounds. Garcia fought back to take the next two  rounds, but also got a warning for low punches. Matthysse was back on top in the sixth closing Garcia down and shortening his punches. They both land hard left hooks at the start of the seventh but Matthysse was showing some worrying bruising below his right eye and Garcia finished the round with combinations that landed flush on the face of the Argentinian. The eighth was Garcia’s round as the right eye of Matthysse was almost shut and hampering his vision allowing Garcia to score shots that Matthysse couldn’t see coming. The Argentinian showed his strength and determination by bouncing back to take the ninth as Garcia seemed to be tiring. Matthysse was coming forward in the tenth, getting caught with lefts he can’t see coming, but forcing Garcia back and scoring with a hard right to the body to take the round. It looked as though Matthysse might take the tenth when he knocked Garcia’s mouthpiece out and Garcia also got another warning for a low punch. However Garcia landed a big left hook to the body that put Matthysse down. That knockdown looked to have given Garcia the edge on the scorecards going into the last round and he tried to cement his position by scoring with fast combination and body punches. Unfortunately one of those body punches went low and Garcia lost a point making what looked to be a 10-9 into a 9-9 at best. Scores 114-112 twice and a harsh 115-111, all for Garcia. A great fight and Matthysse deserves credit for the way he fought for half the fight with impaired vision, but also for showing real class when losing a tight decision not complaining but only complimenting Garcia on his win. Still only 25, Garcia showed that he has grown into the title and is now the best in the division-bar Juan Manuel Marquez. Naturally Garcia wants Mayweather, but he may move up to welterweight anyway where he could look to fight the winner of Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios. You have to feel sorry for the 30-year-old Matthysse who had lost on split decisions against Zab Judah and Devon Alexander in title fights but fought his way back with inside the distance wins over Humberto Soto, Mike Dallas and Lamont Peterson, only to lose a close decision in his third title shot. It is said that a return with Garcia will happen, but even if not against Garcia, hopefully Matthysse will get a fourth title shot as he is an exciting fighter with a good punch who makes for good TV.

Molina vs. Smith

Molina wins IBF title with split decision over champion Smith. This was not an attractive fight on paper and so it proved. No real highlights as the styles did not make for a good fight. Molina was generally the aggressor with Smith countering or smothering the Mexican’s attacks. Molina was simple outworking Smith who was just not doing enough work and letting Molina dictate the pace. Molina seemed to take the first four rounds with Smith seeming too cautious. The champion came into the fight more in the middle rounds. The fight got untidy in the late rounds with Molina careless with his head and Smith doing plenty of clinching. Neither fighter really staged a strong finish and Smith just let his title dribble away. Scores 116-112 and 117-111 for Molina and 116-112 for Smith. “King” Molina,30, has made it the hard way with wins over Ed Paredes, Kermit Cintron and Cory Spinks plus a draw with Erislandy Lara. The only loss in his last 15 fights had been a disqualification against James Kirkland in March last year in a fight he was losing badly. Molina is hard to beat, but his style is hard to like. Smith loses his title in his first defence. It took Smith almost 13 years of campaigning to win the title and has held it for less then seven months. At 35 he is unlikely to get another chance and this was a poor performance with so much of his future hanging on the result.

Cano vs. Theophane

Cano gets a good win over Brit Theophane but the split decision should have been unanimous. The 23-year-old Mexican made a good start and is the aggressor with Theophane scoring with counters whilst Cano worked the body. Cano staggered Theophane with a big left in the third that rocked Theophane back on his heels. Again in the fourth it was the body punching of Cano that was catching the eye and helping him build a lead. In the fifth Cano again rocked Theophane this time with a right but then Theophane closed the round strongly. The British fighter finally found a way into the fight and as Cano tired and  Theophane outscored the Mexican in the seventh and eighth. Cano came back strongly in the ninth with body punches and uppercuts and the last was close with Cano just edging it. Scores 98-92 and 97-93 for Cano and 96-94 for Theophane. The 23-year-old Cano, a former interim WBA light welter champion, is now 4-3 in his last 7 fights but the losses have been to Erik Morales for the vacant WBC light welter title, Paul Malignaggi for the WBA welter title, and a razor thin decision to Shane Mosley. “Treasure” Theophane, 33, and now under the promotional banner of Mayweather, was rebuilding after his surprise loss to Darren Hamilton in May last year. He lost a split decision to Danny Garcia back in 2010 and then scored good wins over Delvin Rodriguez, Lenny Daws and Jason Cook before the loss to Hamilton.

Gavril vs. El Amin

Romanian Gavril, 27, given eight good rounds of work by El Amin (Dion Savage). Gavril had won his last four fights by KO/TKO and although he had El Amin rocking a couple of times he could not get him out of there and had to go the distance. Scores 79-73 from all three judges. El Amin has had first round losses to Marco Periban and Adonis Stevenson and was stopped in 85 seconds by Phil Williams in his last fight so Gavril may have been expecting an early night.

Pearson vs. Williams

The promising 22-year-old Pearson blasted Williams early and the referee stopped the fight after just 74 second with Williams’ face a mask of blood. Pearson, the 2011 US amateur champion makes it 7 wins by KO/TKO in a row and 8 in his 9 fights. Williams had won 4 of his last 5 fights. The loss in that run was to Jermall Charlo when he retired at the end of the fifth round.

Arias vs. Winchester

Arias wins every round against Winchester as he has to go the distance for the third fight in a row. Scores 60-54 from all three judges The 23-yeare-old “Cuba” the US amateur champion in 2008 and 2010 is trained by Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. He needs to rediscover the punching power that had given him three wins in a row by KO/TKO. First loss inside the distance for Winchester. He has lost 5 of his last 6 fights but he has been matched tough against guys such as Mike Medina(25-3-2), Joey Hernandez (22-1-1) and Jorge Melendez (24-2-1).

 

Rotherham, England: Super Bantam: Kid Galahad (15-0) W TKO 10 James Dickens (16-1). Heavy: Hughie Fury (9-0) W TKO 1 Shane McPhilbin (8-8-1). Middle: Chris Eubank Jr (11-0) W TKO 3 Alex Ribchev (15-9-1).

Galahad vs. Dickens

Galahad wins the vacant British title, but Dickens makes him fight hard for his win.  From the start Galahad was working his jab and since he constantly switch guards that was either a left jab or a right depending on his mood. Southpaw Dickens lacked the speed and skill of Galahad, but he was dangerous with swinging punches from his southpaw stance. Galahad was taking no chances and was cautious with Dickens looking to lure him onto his left hooks. Galahad was building a lead with his fast jab which Dickens had no answer to, but he was not letting his hands go freely. Every time Galahad did throw a combination Dickens would come right back at him and was making the rounds close. Dickens upped his work rate and his aggression in the fourth to take that round, but the fifth and six the went to Galahad as he displayed his silky skills avoiding Dickens punches with a quick bob or a slight head movement and then firing quick combinations. Dickens was back in the fight taking the seventh and eighth as he was forcing Galahad onto the back foot and Galahad was missing with his counters. The ninth saw Galahad upping the pace he was getting through with jabs, body punches and quick one-two’s. What spoilt it for him was a point deduction for pushing Dickens head down. He had been warned in earlier rounds and the referee made it clear that the next time would result in a disqualification. Galahad made that irrelevant as in the tenth he fired a short right and then hit Dickens on the jaw with a chopping left which put Dickens down. Galahad was already celebrating but Dickens managed to climb to his feet. However he was shaky on his legs and as the referee was stopping the fight just as Dickens corner was also signaling for the fight to be stopped. The 23-year-old Qatar-born Galahad showed again that he is one of the most skillful boxer in Britain and also carries a punch to finish a fight, but at times Dickens made him struggle. There are potentially some exciting British battles at super bantamweight with Scott Quigg about to fight Yoandris Salinas for the full WBA title. Carl Frampton is the European champion having won the title by stopping the now IBF champion Kiko Martinez and Galahad (Barry Awad) being Frampton’s mandatory challenger. The 22-year-old “Jazza” Dickens, the EBU No 4, was very much the outsider but he actually increased his standing with his strong showing.

Fury vs. McPhilbin

Fury gets another win but no real satisfaction. This was never a good match with former British cruiserweight champion McPhilbin giving away 6” in height and having weighed only 200lbs in a fight in May. Fury was able to keep McPhilbin on the outside with his jab and tie-up McPhilbin on the inside. Suddenly after a lunging attack McPhilbin was letting his left arm hang down at his side, rubbing it and grimacing in pain. Fury tried to take advantage and had McPhilbin under pressure but McPhilbin made it to the bell and his retirement was not unexpected due to the pain from his shoulder injury. The 18-year-old Fury is still untested but looks to be promising. McPhilbin, 27, has now lost six and drawn one of his last seven fights

Eubank vs. Ribchev

Eubank now seems to be finding his feet as a pro. In his earlier fights he was winning and showing some touches of class, but also struggling against modest opposition at times. Late sub Ribchev gave him some problems over the first two rounds, but Eubank closed in style in the third.  A combination put Ribchev down and although he beat the count Eubank was firing away when the referee stopped the fight. Now six wins by KO/TKO for the 23-year-old son of the former WBO champion. He has wins over Bradley Pryce and Tyan Booth and is improving-slowly. Bulgarian Ribchev, 30, has lost 4 of his last 5 fights, but went the distance with WBO No 4 Brian Rose and this is the first time he has failed to last the distance.

 

Rama, Canada: Feather: Logan McGuinness (20-0-1) W PTS 12 Sergio Santillan (30-13-3). Cruiser: Denton Daley (11-0) W PTS 10 Jean Marc Monrose (26-7). Light Middle: Brandon Cook (11-0) W PTS 8 Tebor Brosch (7-5-5).

14

McGuinness vs. Santillan

Local fighter McGuinness takes unanimous decision over Argentinian Santillan to win the vacant NABA title. First fight McGuinness since he won the NABA super feather title in December. The 26-year-old is a former NABA lightweight champion. His last 7 fights have all been for NABA titles and in three different divisions. McGuinness has said he now intends to campaign as a featherweight. South American super bantam champion Santillan, 39 had lost only one of his last eight fights.

Daley vs. Monrose

Good win for Canadian Daley as he successfully defends his NABA title with wide unanimous decision over Frenchman Monrose. Daley had some problems with the smaller Monrose and was not able to score to the body as freely as he has in the past. However he was able to outbox the Frenchman in every round to get an impressive win. Scores 100-90 from all three judges. The 6’2” (188cm), 31-year-old “Brampton Bomber” also holds the NABF title and is WBC 10/WBA 13 and ready for better opposition. Montrose, 32, lost his first pro fight inside the distance but then won his next 25 running up victories over Kamel Amrane and Johny Jensen which won him the French and European titles. However he has now lost 6 of his last 8 fights but against some good opposition such as Marco Huck, the only other fighter to beat him inside the distance after that bad start to his career, Steve Herelius and Grigory Drozd.

Cook vs. Brosch

“Bad Boy” Cook retains his Canadian title with unanimous decision over Borsch. Cook was able to control the bout with his better boxing and scoring inside with some good uppercuts. A frustrated Brosch lost points in the fifth and sixth for low blows and another in the seventh for a butt. Scores 77-72 twice and 78-71. The 27-year-old Cook had won the title with a first round stoppage of oldie Fitz Vanderpool in June. Brosch, the Canadian No 10, had registered a good result when drawing with Sam Vargas in 2011 but had lasted less than a round against Ivan Redkach in his last fight in October.

 

Mexicali, Mexico: Light Welter: Jesus Gurrola (20-5-3) W PTS 10 Armando Robles (23-2-2). Good win for Gurrola against local favourite Robles. The local had all of the physical advantages but Gurrola fought a smart fight getting inside where he could work to the body. Robles staged a strong finish but just not enough as the judges all gave it to Gurrola on scores of 96-94. “The Panther” has won 7 of his last 8 fights losing only to Silverio Ortiz in June. Southpaw Robles, 35, had an unbeaten streak of 22 fights broken in April-also losing to Ortiz.

 

Huntington, NY,USA: Middle: Joshua Clottey (37-4,1ND) W PTS 10 Dashon Johnson (14-13-3). Light Welter: Chris Algieri (18-0) W TKO 7 Wilfredo Acuna (14-13). Heavy: Constantin Bejenaru (4-0,1ND) W PTS 4 Excell Holmes (2-2-1).

Clottey vs. Johnson

Moving up to middle, Clottey wins wide unanimous decision over Johnson. The “Grand Master” from Ghana, a former IBF welter champion, was having his first fight since beating Calvin Green in November 2011. Not a top class showing by Clottey with the rust to shake off. He had too much skill for the limited Johnson getting through constantly with his jab and firing occasional combinations to force Johnson to fight off the ropes in most rounds. Johnson lost a point in the fifth for pushing Clottey to the canvas but was never really in the fight. Scores 100-89 twice and 99-90. The 35-year-old Bronx-based Ghanaian, a former IBF welter champion, took 20 months out after back-to-back losses to Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao and then beat Calvin Green before lapsing into another period of inactivity. “Fly Boy” Johnson, 25, has lost 9 of his last 10 fights, but the win was a kayo of unbeaten Adam Trupish in March, which seems to have ended the Canadian’s career.

Algieri vs. Acuna

Another win for local hero Algieri. After dominating the first four rounds Algieri shook Acuna early in the fifth but despite Algieri’s best effort Acuna survived to the bell-just. Algieri handed out more punishment in the sixth and seventh with a game Acuna absorbing a beating. The extent of the beating was apparent in the seventh when Acuna’s right eye was almost closed by a swelling under the eye. The doctor examined the damage at the end of the seventh and the fight was stopped. The tall 29-year-old Algieri makes it 8 wins by KO/TKO and is building on a career-best win over Mike Arnaoutis in July. Nicaraguan southpaw Acuna, 31, has lost 9 of his last 10 fights, six of them to unbeaten fighters.

Bejenaru vs. Holmes

Moldavian-born Romanian Bejenaru cleans-up the no decision on his record with an easy points win over a reluctant Holmes.  The Kevin Rooney trained southpaw had Holmes hurt in the second but Holmes was in survival mode and stayed there to the end of the four rounds. Scores 40-35 twice and 40-36. When these two fought in May a clash of heads left Bejenaru with a cut on his forehead which led to the no decision. The 29-year-old Bejenaru was a star of the Romanian amateur scene winning the national title five times, twice winning a silver medal at the European Union Championships, taking a bronze at the European Championships and competing at the 2005, 2007 and 2009 World Championships. At 5’10” and around 215lbs he is small for a heavyweight by today’s standards, but he has quality.

 

September 15

 

East London, South Africa: Light Welter: Zolani Marali (23-5) W PTS 12 Mzolisi Yoyo (21-5). Super Feather: Xolani Ndongeni (11-0) W PTS 12 Themba Tschicila (25-11-3).

Marali vs. Yoyo

Marali retains his WBFed title with unanimous decision over South African champion Yoyo. It was a rough fight in which Marali made a slow start but took control in the later rounds. He used his superior skills to control the fight at range and was able to outbox Yoyo with ease. With neither fighter willing to take any risks there was little heat in the fight and Yoyo had no real answer to the dominant jab of 36-year-old “Untouchable”. Scores 119-110, 119-112 and 117-111.  First defence of his title for the former South African and WBFound super bantam and WBFound super feather titles. He won his latest title by beating Ali Funeka in December. Yoyo, 35, had won his last 8 fights.

Ndongeni vs. Tschicila

In an all-southpaw fight Ndongeni retains his South African title with a majority decision over Tschicila. As with Marali Ndongeni’s main weapon was his right jab. Again it was a messy fight with few highlights. Ndongeni built an early lead and then held-off a strong finish from Tschicila. Scores 118-110, 115-113 and 114-114 although Ndongeni looked a clear winner. First defence of his title for 22-year-old Ndongeni. Fifth attempt by Tschicila to win a South African title, one at bantam, one at super bantam, one at feather and now two at super feather.

 

September 16

 

New York, NY, USA: Light: Mark Davis (18-0) W PTS 10 Carlos Vinan (10-11-5).

Good showcase for the skills of former top amateur Davis. He is too fast of hand and foot for Vinan. However, the Newark-based Ecuadorian is a tough customer and just kept trundling forward and making Davis fight. Davis a clear winner but got an important ten rounds as he rebuilds after inactivity. Scores 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93. David, 26, was inactive from November 2011 until July this year when he returned with a win over Robert Osiobe. David was US amateur champion in 2005 and 2006 and competed at the 2005 World Championships. Vinan had also had about 2 years of inactivity before returning in May and losing on points to Teon Kennedy.

 

Abbreviations

ANBF=Australian National Boxing Federation who administer Australian titles

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

FAB=Argentinian Boxing Federation

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

IBO=International Boxing Organisation

NABA=North American Boxing Association, a WBA affiliate

NABF=North American Boxing Federation a WBC affiliate

NABO= North American Boxing Organisation, a WBO affiliate

NGG=US National Golden Gloves

PABA=Pacific & Asian Boxing Association, a WBA affiliate

WBFed=World Boxing Federation, a sanctioning body

WBFound=World Boxing Foundation, a sanctioning body

WBU=World Boxing Union, a sanctioning body

USBA= United States Boxing Association, an IBF affiliate