The Past Week In Action 2 July 2015

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

The Past Week In Action 2 July 2015

26 June

 

 

Liverpool, England: Super Middle: Rocky Fielding (21-0) W TKO 2 Brian Vera (23-10). Super Middle: Callum Smith (17-0) W PTS 12 Chris Rebrasse (23-4-3). Cruiser: Tony Bellew (24-2-1) W TKO 10 Ivica Bacurin (22-8-1). Super Middle: Martin Murray (30-2-1) W TKO 2 George Beroshvili (19-6-2). Light: Tommy Martin (12-0) W RTD 7 Terry Needham (7-3).

Fielding vs. Vera

Huge win for Fielding as he stops Vera in two rounds. Fielding made a great start flooring an overconfident Vera with a left uppercut in the first round. Fielding kept up the pressure in the second and knocked Vera off balance with some short punches. Vera stumbled forward with Fielding pushing him down onto his knees. There was then some confusion. The timekeeper started to count Vera got up and turned sideways on to Fielding as the referee was still moving in to take up the count Vera dropped his guard and was actually walking away from Fielding when he was nailed by left hook and went down on his back. Vera was up at five and after the completion of the eight count Fielding took him to the ropes and landed punches to head and body. Vera swung his way off the ropes to centre ring where another bunch of punches ending with a left to the head saw Vera stumble back with his guard down and the referee quickly stopped the fight. There was some controversy over the knockdown in the second but Vera ignored the rule about defending yourself at all times and he was already in deep trouble at that point. Fielding, 27, wins the vacant WBC International title and gets his twelfth win by KO/TKO. The former undefeated CBC champion was rated IBF 7(6)/WBA 15/WBO 15 and whilst Vera was unrated this quick win over such a seasoned fighter can only enhance those ratings. Vera, 33, has now lost 4 fights in a row with the other losses being twice on points against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and a wide decision to Willie Monroe Jr. so he may have a foot on the slippery down slope.

Smith vs. Rebrasse

Smith comes through tough test against Frenchman Rebrasse and wins the unanimous decision. Smith took the early rounds but Rebrasse was never out of the fight making the unbeaten Brit work hard as he constantly pressed. Smith had big advantages in height and reach but standing off and jabbing his way to a win is not Smith’s way. Rebrasse made a big effort in the fifth and sixth rounds but Smith whilst unsettled was picking his punches and countering Rebrasse to pocket the rounds. In the seventh Smith increased the use of his trademark body punches, particularly the left hook, and stood and traded with the Frenchman. The eighth and ninth saw those punches slowly sapping the strength of Rebrasse and in the tenth a wicked left hook saw Rebrasse go down on one knee. He was clearly in some pain but he got up and saw out the round. Through the last two rounds Rebrasse continued to take the fight to Smith but with no real success although through effort alone forcing Smith to fight hard to the bell. Scores 118-110 twice and 120-107. Many rounds were close and Rebrasse had a good spell mid-fight but despite having to work hard Smith was a clear winner even if the scores seemed a little harsh on the brave effort of Rebrasse. The 25-year-old Smith wins the vacant WBC Silver title. He damaged his left hand in the fifth round but it was still the defining punch in the fight and that shows just how focused and determined a fighter he is. He made headlines with his six first round wins in a row but fights like this will teach him more than those six fights combined. He is WBC 3/IBF 13(12) so a shot at a title in 2016 is a good bet with the chance he will make up for brother Paul’s two failed attempts. Rebrasse, 29, a former French, European Union and European champion also lost clearly to George Groves in September but also gave Groves a hard fight and is a tough test for any super middle.

Bellew vs. Bacurin

Bellew scores late stoppage over Bacurin. The Brit shook Bacurin in the first round and then put the Croatian down with a left hook in the second. He continued to land heavy punches in the third with Bacurin way out of his depth, but game. The Croatian soaked up more punishment in the fourth before being dropped in the fifth by a hard combination and although he got up he only just made it to the bell. Bacurin was trying to hold more but again in the sixth and seventh Bellew found openings for punches to head and body but he could not put the Croatian away. He was ditching his boxing in the eighth as he stood and traded trying to beat Bacurin down. A punch on the break angered Bacurin and for a while they just stood and banged away at each other. Bellew came close to ending it in the ninth as he scored the third knockdown of the fight putting Bacurin down with a right. Again the Croatian fighter got up and withstood more heavy punches to the bell. It looked as though Bacurin might actually see out the last round but it was not to be as another right sent Bacurin to the ropes and as Bellew was set to unload the referee stopped the fight. The 32-year-old “Bomber” may have been disappointed to not get this over early but after almost seven months out of the ring the extended fight will have been more beneficial than a quick blowout. Fourth win for the 32-year-old Bellew since losing in six rounds to Adonis Stevenson for the WBC light heavy title and moving up to cruiser. Wins over Valery Brudov, Julio Cesar Dos Santos and Nathan Cleverly have earned him ratings at WBO 2/IBF 8(6)/WBA 10 so he will have to hope for a shot as a voluntary defence with Yoan Pablo Hernandez (or Victor Ramirez). Bacurin, also 32, came in as a late replacement and did his job. He generally goes the distance with Jonathan Banks and big puncher Dmitry Kudryashov the only other fighters to have beaten him by KO/TKO.

Murray vs. Beroshvili

Murray gets back to business and to the winning ranks as he overpowers Georgian Beroshvili in two rounds. The former interim WBA champion scored with some cracking left hooks to the body in the first round with the Georgian looking pained at the bell. In the second a couple of rights to the head followed by a left hook to the body had Beroshvili down. He slowly and reluctantly made it to his feet and the referee took pity on him and stopped the fight. Gennady Golovkin may be too much of a stretch for Murray but the St. Helens fighter is strong enough to give anyone else a fight with a good chance of beating them. Beroshvili had won his last three fights but at very low level.

Martin vs. Needham

Martin makes heavy work of beating southpaw Needham. Martin was down in the first although he hotly contested the legitimacy of the knockdown and he just could not dominate the clever Needham. Martin stuck to the task and eventually began to grind Needham down but was running out of rounds. Martin had a good sixth and when he got his chance in the seventh he rocked Needham with a right and then began to pound away until the referee somewhat controversially stopped the fight. English champion Martin, 21, had scored good wins in his last two fights over Matty Tew and Ricky Bolan. Local fighter Needham had been stopped inside a round by prospect Phil Sutcliffe Jnr in his last fight in February.

 

Hidalgo, TX, USA: Light: Diego Magdaleno (28-1) W TKO 7 Jose A Gonzalez (24-2). Super Middle: Gilberto Ramirez (32-0) W PTS 10 Derek Edwards (27-5-1). Middle: Esquiva Falcao (10-0) W TKO 4 Aaron Drake (14-9).

Magdaleno vs. Gonzalez

Magdaleno gets win but fight fails to excite and ends in controversy. After two slow rounds the pace picked up a little but not enough to satisfy the crowd or the referee who halted the bout. Magdaleno was giving away height and reach and from the third had some success with a measured approach of working his way inside. Gonzalez was looking to counter and not to engage so there was little sustained action which brought some boos from the crowd. Magdaleno was moving in front by working hard when he got inside but neither fighter was really doing much scoring. Gonzalez decided to switch to southpaw and had some success in the sixth when a punch opened a cut over the left eye of Magdaleno. In the seventh Magdaleno landed a left hook to the body which landed on the belt line and sent Gonzalez to the floor where he proceeded to writhing around in agony. The referee had been unsighted and initially ruled Magdaleno’s punch a low blow. Gonzalez continued to wriggle in agony looking for a win by disqualification. The referee decided to give Gonzalez five minutes recovery time but when Gonzalez refused to continue the referee stopped the fight and crowned Magdaleno as the winner-rightly. Not the way that Magdaleno would have wanted to win but a win is a win. He collects the vacant WBO international title as he continues his build as a lightweight making it 5 wins in a row since losing a split decision to Roman Martinez for the WBO super feather title in April 2013. Gonzalez, 32, lost on a ninth round retirement against Ricky Burns in 2013 due an injured wrist. He took 19 months out and had scored two wins since against Antonio Joao Benito and Marvin Quintero.

Ramirez vs. Edwards

Ramirez retains the WBO International and NABF titles as he takes wide decision over Edwards. After just edging the first two rounds Ramirez went on to win every round. The Mexican southpaw was just too big, strong and talented for a game but outclassed Edwards. Although the physical advantages helped Ramirez he was also much the better boxer and harder puncher. He rocked Edwards in the third and a sustained barrage In the fourth of a variety of punches from a variety of angles rounded off by a wicked left hook had Edwards on the ropes with a stoppage looking possible. Edwards survived that crisis and managed to stay out of trouble over the next three rounds. Ramirez forced another crisis in the eighth as he hammered away at a tiring Edwards with punches to head and body with Edwards trapped on the ropes and unable to escape. Again Edwards survived but his corner was concerned enough to be considering retirement if the punishment continued at this level. Ramirez closed the fight out by taking the last two rounds for a shut-out but Edwards shoewd guts to get through those last two rounds. Scores 100-90 from all three judges. The 24-year-old 6’2 ½” (189cm) Ramirez must get a world title shot next year and will be in with a chance against anybody at super middle. He is rated WBC2/WBA 3(2)/IBF 3(2)/WBO 2 being one of the few fighter rated inside the first three by all four sanctioning bodies. Edwards the 35-year-old “Black Lion” lost inside the distance to Adonis Stevenson and Matt Korobov but crashed the world ratings when he halted Badou Jack in 61 seconds in February last year. He didn’t really capitalise on that win as he did not fight for another ten months when he lost by a mile against Andre Dirrell in December. He was rated WBC 9/IBF 14(13) going in but is probably not going to go in any direction except down.

Falcao vs. Drake

Brazilian southpaw Falcao finding his feet as a pro and extends his winning streak as he batters Drake to defeat in four rounds. Now 6 wins by KO/TKO in his last 7 fights for the 25-year-old Olympic silver medallist. Drake is now 1-1 after returning to the ring after 5 years away.

 

Shelton, WA, USA: Middle: Dominic Wade (18-0) W PTS 10 Sam Soliman (44-13,1ND). Welter: Leonard Bundu (32-1-2) W PTS 8 Pablo Munguia (21-8). Super Welter: Omar Chavez (34-3-1) W PTS 10 Hector Munoz (23-15-1). Super Light: Raynell Williams (8-0) W PTS 6 Farkhad Sharipov (4-3). Super Welter: Levan Ghvamichava (15-1-1) W TKO 5 Cosme Rivera (38-21-3). Heavy: Oscar Rivas (17-0) W KO 1 Jason Pettaway (17-3). Middle: Brian Castano (9-0) W TKO 1 Todd Manuel (10-7-1). Super Welter: Erickson Lubin (11-0) W KO 1 Ayi Bruce (23-10).

Wade vs. Soliman

Wade gets hotly disputed split decision over former IBF champion Soliman but the styles did not mix well and it made it a difficult fight to score. Wade was the more technically correct boxer trying to work his jab and keep the experienced Soliman on the outside. Soliman has a style you could not and would not want to teach but it is very effective. The Aussie veteran kept the pressure on Wade for most of the fight with Wade using his jab effectively and scoring with good counters but not really being able to blunt Soliman’s lunging attacks. A critical point came in the fourth round when Wade scored a disputable flash knockdown. There was some punch and a lot of push as Soliman went down and that 10-8 round made a big difference at the end of the fight. Wade had good spells in the seventh and eighth shaking Soliman in the seventh and getting through with hard punches in the eighth. Soliman was scoring with quick single punches, doing most of the work inside and frustrating Wade with his herky-jerky in and out style. The fight never really caught fire but the unorthodox style of Soliman had seen him land more punches but the judges decided to give the decision to Wade. Scores 97-92 and 96-94 for Wade and 96-93 for Soliman. The 25-year-old Wade was having his first fight since December and meeting his first rated opponent. He will now be looking to get into the mix as the IBF seeks to find a challenger for David Lemieux. Although 41 Soliman is not talking retirement. He felt he won this one and that’s what the punch statistics indicated and he will be campaigning to try to regain the IBRF title he lost to Jermain Taylor in October.

Bundu vs. Munguia

Bundu returns with a win. The former undefeated European champion used his quick hand speed and reflexes, plenty of lateral movement and a stiff jab to outpoint Munguia. The Mexican never stopped ploughing forward but Bundu was just too slick and Munguia had very little success. Scores 80-72 twice and 79-73. The 40-year-old Italian was having his first fight since being outclassed by Keith Thurman in a challenge for the interim WBA light welter title in December. Bundu has the skills to give any fighter a tough test as he showed in wins over Lee Purdy and Frankie Gavin. Southpaw Munguia has useful wins over Antonio Pitalua, Samuel Vargas and Luis Grajeda but suffered consecutive losses earlier this year to Yudel Jhonson and Tony Harrison.

Chavez vs. Munoz

Chavez struggles to get by Munoz on a majority decision. This one saw no real consensus between the judges. Scores 99-91 and 96-94 for Chavez and 95-95.The tall 25-year-old looks to have found his level which is far below that of Dad and brother Julio Cesar. Munoz, 37, was 2-5 in his last 7 fights but all the losses to good level competition including Danny O’Connor and Jermall Charlo.

Williams vs. Sharipov

Williams continues unbeaten with unanimous decision over Sharipov. He had Shaipov down a couple of times but could not keep him there. Scores 60-52 from all three judges. The 26-year-old from Cleveland, a 2008 Olympian who lost to Juan Carlos Ramirez for a slot in London is still very much an unknown quantity as a pro. Sharipov from Kyrgyzstan was having only his second fight in just over two years.

Ghvamichava vs. Rivera

The Georgian “Wolf” extends his unbeaten run to six fights with stoppage of experienced former title challenger Rivera. His only defeat so far was a split decision to Albert Herrera in 2013 and now he adds this victory to good wins over Jonathan Garcia and Sergio Villanueva. Mexican Rivera, 38, lost to Zab Judah in a challenge for the WBA/WBC welter titles in 2005 but is now on the way to “trial horse” status.

Rivas vs. Pettaway

Rivas halts Pettaway in 2:25 of incident packed action. The big Colombian just hit too hard for Pettaway. He had Pettaway down within the first minute with a punch to the body but then landed a disgraceful punch whilst Pettaway was on one knee which resulted in Pettaway being given time to recover and the referee deducting two points from Rivas. When the fight restarted Rivas was like a raging bull he cornered Pettaway and floored him with a right to the head. Pettaway got up only to be put down by a left and the fight was stopped. The Canadian-based 28-year-old who represented Colombia at the 2008 Olympics and won a silver medal at the Pan American Games has now won his last 6 fights by KO/TKO.  Pettaway had been knocked out in four rounds by New Zealander Joseph Parker in March.

Castano vs. Manuel

Castano, supposedly the next big fighter to come out of Argentina gets quick win. Castano tracked Manuel until cornering him and then land a left hook to the body and a right to the chin with Manuel collapsing to the canvas. With the help of the ropes Manuel was up at five and took the eight count. Manuel tried to fight back but Castano landed a series of punches that had Manuel sagging into the ropes with the bottom rope holding him up. He was up at three and the referee gave him another eight count. Manuel then ploughed forward trading punch for punch with Castano and forcing the Argentinian back across and around the ring. Castano was also slamming home head and body punches but was wild and wide open and Manuel was getting through with hard punches of his own. The power of Castano prevailed and a couple of hard head punches saw Manuel slump back into the ropes again. He was again up at five and after the eight count the referee took a long look at Manuel before allowing the fight to continue. Castano raced in just wildly swinging punches and although Manuel was again scoring with some shots of his own when some more head punches from Castano got through the referee stopped the fight. The 25-year-old Castano makes it 8 wins by KO/TKO. As an amateur he beat Errol Spence and Esquiva Falcao. He showed impressive punch power but lost his head completely when trying to finish Manuel.

Lubin vs. Bruce

Lubin puts away Bruce inside a round. The young southpaw floored Bruce with a right to the body. After the eight count Lubin jumped on Bruce and stunned him with right and unloaded some more head shots that saw the Ghanaian go down on one knee indicating he was through for the night. The 19-year-old looks a great prospect. A former NGG champion he has 8 wins by KO/TKO and already has points victories in good learning fights against experienced fighters in Noe Bolanos and Norberto Gonzalez. Bruce, 20, suffers his 7^th loss by KO/TKO.

 

Junin, Argentina: Super Feather: Mauricio J Munoz (30-6) W PTS 12 Daniel Brizuela (28-5,1ND). Welter: Guillermo de Jesus Paz (23-26-4,1ND) W PTS 10 Gumersindo Carrasco (22-3,1ND). 

Munoz vs. Brizuela

Munoz retains his South American title with a majority decision over Brizuela. The was a close, hard fought contest with Munoz building a slight lead over the first five rounds. Brizuela closed the gap by edging the sixth in some hot exchanges. Munoz regained control and built a winning lead by taking the next four rounds only for Brizuela sweep the last two as Munoz tired. Scores 116-113 twice and 114-114. With this win the 29-year-old “Chucky” unified the title as Brizuela was the interim champion. Munoz came up short in title challenges against Toshiaki Nishioka for the WBC super bantam and Evgeny Gradovich for the IBF feather titles. Brizuela, also, 29, had a run of 1-3 with losses to Daud Yordan for the vacant  IBO light title, Tommy Coyle in an unforgettably dramatic fight, and Luke Campbell. He had bounced back with two wins. Brizuela competed at the 2004 Olympics beating Mickey Bey in the Americas qualifiers.

Paz vs. Carrasco

Paz springs a major upset with unanimous decision victory over Carrasco. It was Carrasco who made the better start edging the first two rounds and totally dominating the third. Southpaw Paz got into the fight and edged the fourth and took the fifth only to have that advantage ruined as he lost a point for continually pushing Carrasco down. The sixth was close but there was turning point in the seventh when Paz put Carrasco down. In the eighth the referee finally got tired of low punches from Carrasco and deducted a point from him. The ninth was close enough to be scored either way but Paz staged a strong attack in the last to win that round. It had looked a very close fight but the judges had it clearly for Paz with scores of 97 ½-92 ½, 97-93 and 96 ½-92. Going in Paz was unrated by the FAB and was 4-7-1 in his last 12 fights. Carrasco, whose losses had been to Lee Purdy and a majority decision to fellow-Argentinian Elias L Vallejos, had won his last 5 fights and was rated FAB No 3.

 

Manerba del Garda. Italy: Middle: Alessandro Goddi (19-1-1) W PTS 10 Riccardo Lecca (11-2-1). Super Middle: Alessandro Sinacore (11-0) W PTS 6 Miguel Sebe (18-79-4).

Goddi vs. Lecca

Goddi wins the vacant WBC International title with well deserved victory over his fellow-countryman in an entertaining and competitive match in line with the good quality the WBC International titles set. It was a fast paced open bout with good boxing from both contestants. Goddi was the one making the running and was quicker and more accurate with his punches with Lecca looking to draw Goddi into traps and land counters. Both showed good defensive skills and by the end of the eighth Goddi had built a winning lead. Lecca went all out in the ninth catching Goddi with a series of heavy punches. A clash of heads saw Lecca emerge with a cut over his left eye and the referee deducted a point from Goddi. They both battled hard in the last but Goddi had done enough to take the verdict. Scores 96-93 twice and 97-92 with the latter not really representative of how close Lecca made it. Goddi, the Italian champion is 8-0-1 in his last 9 fights. Lecca, 36, had lost to Francesco Di Fiore for the Italian super welter title in 2013 and had moved up to middle where he had scores three wins.

Sinacore vs. Sebe

Sinacore remains unbeaten with points victory over Romanian veteran. The 30-year-old southpaw from Rome seems to lack power but has skill. Sebe, 39, has only been beaten by KO/TKO 7 times in his 101 fight and 14 plus year career.

 

Opunake, New Zealand: Cruiser: James Langton (8-2) W TKO 7 Monty Filimaea (10-13-1). Local farmer/fighter Langton wins the New Zealand title with stoppage of champion Filimaea. Langton had Filimaea down in the third and dominated the fourth, fifth and six. He had Filimaea groggy with a right hook in the seventh and then poured on the punches until the referee stopped the fight. The 41-year-old Langton (he turned pro at the age of 39) makes it 8 wins in a row and gets his fourth win by KO/TKO. Samoan “MadDog” Filimaea had turned his career around after losing 8 of his first 9 fights but was halted in two rounds by Brian Minto in a cruiserweight tournament in March.

 

Managua, Nicaragua: Feather: Josue Bendana (8-5-4) W PTS 10 Eusebio Osejo (28-25-2). Light Fly: Cristofer Rosales G (13-2) W PTS 9 Roger Collado (12-2-6).

Bendana vs. Osejo

Bendana wins a majority verdict over veteran Osejo but it does not get him the national title. Bendana was the aggressor in this one with southpaw Osejo showing good defensive work to frustrate the much younger fighter. In the end it was youth and a strong right hand that won out as Osejo tired badly in the late rounds and threw away whatever lead he had built and only just survived to the final bell. Scores 95-94 twice for Bandana and 94-94. The 19-year-old Bandana failed to make the weight so could not win the title.. He turned pro at 17 and is now 5-0-2 in his last 7 fights. Osejo, 29, has been in with Jhonny Gonzalez and Cris Mijares and taken them both the distance.

Rosales vs. Collado

Rosales wins the unanimous decision. Collado was competitive over the early rounds but as the fight progressed he faded and despite having the handicap of a bad gash on his left cheek Rosales came on strong. By the end Collado was a tired, well beaten and also a bloodied.. Scores 89-84 ½,87-84 and 88-84 ½ . The 20-year-old Rosales wins the vacant WBA Fedecentro title. He has lost only one of his last twelve fights and that was to unbeaten Brit Khalid Yafai. This is his third win since then. Collado,29, was also in good form being 7-0-4 in his last 11 fights.

 

Davao City, Philippines: Super Bantam: Edrin Dapudong (31-6) W KO 2 Richard Garcia (25-22-1). Super Bantam: Rey Laspinas (20-11-5) KO 6 Rolando Magbanua (25-3) . Super Feather: Lorenzo Villanueva (29-1,1ND) W KO 1 Hagibis Quinones (5-15-1). Light Fly: Rommel Asenjo (27-4) W PTS 10 Michael Rodriguez (13-41-1).

Dapudong vs. Garcia

Dapudong looks strong as he moves up to super bantam. The former IBO super fly champion took the first round with a blistering body attack and ended the fight with two vicious left hooks to the body in the second. Now 19 wins by KO/TKO for the 28-year-old from Cotabato who lost in three rounds to Herman Marquez for the WBA fly title in 2011. Now 6 losses in a row for Garcia. He failed to make the weight for this fight and had to wear 10ozs. gloves instead of 8ozs.

Laspinas vs. Magbanua

Laspinas pulls out an unexpected victory. The fight was going to plan for the favoured GAB No 3 Magbanua as he built a lead over the first five rounds putting himself in front on all three cards. A lack of focus in the sixth presented Laspinas with a chance and he took it in the shape of a crunching right hook which floored Magbanua. Although he managed to climb back to the vertical his legs were going horizontally and the referee stopped the fight. The unrated Laspinas was 2-5-1 in his last 8 fights going in so was intended to be just another victim for Magbanua. Laspinas was to have fought Villanueva but when Magbanua’s opponent was injured he was moved over to face Magbanua instead.  Magbanua, a former top amateur was on a run of 6 wins on the bounce but paid for overconfidence.

Villanueva vs. Quinones

Villanueva blows away Quinones in just 34 seconds. Villanueva came out throwing bombs and a couple of combinations landed and put Quinones down heavily with his corner immediately throwing the towel in the ring. The 29-year-old Villanueva moves to 25 wins by KO/TKO.  The GAB No 1 was knocked out in two rounds by Daud Yordan for the vacant IBO title in 2012 a fight which showed he badly needed to improve his defence. He has won 6 fights since then but his defence is still suspect. Poor Quinones who came in as a late sub is 2-10-1 in his last 13 fights.

Asenjo vs. Rodriguez

“Little Assassin” Asenjo wins unanimous decision over experienced Rodriguez. The 26-year-old southpaw has lost in title shots at Raul Garcia for the WBO minimum and in March this year to Juan Francisco Estrada for the WBA/WBO flyweight titles. He will look to regroup and work his way back into contention. Rodriguez no sort of test. Although durable he is 0-10-1 in his last 11 fights.

 

Moscow, Russia: Super Light: Ramal Amanov (8-0) W PTS 10 William Gonzalez (23-9-1). Super Middle: Stan Kashtanov (33-1) W TKO 5 Konstantin Piternov (18-8).

Amanov vs. Gonzalez

Amanov outboxes Gonzalez for wide decision. Gonzalez was trying to force the fight and Amanov was being pushed hard but boxed on the outside. Amanov was doing the cleaner scoring in every round although Gonzalez was always dangerous. Amanov had Gonzalez on the floor in the sixth but there was some doubt about the authenticity of the knockdown. Amanov took no chances and continued to use good movement and a strong southpaw jab to keep Gonzalez out. Scores 100-89,100-91 and 100-94.  The 30-year-old Russian-based Azeri was in his first ten round bout. Panamanian Gonzalez, 32, lost on a third round kayo to Marcos Maidana for the interim WBA light welter title in 2009 but has been largely inactive with only three fight in almost five years.

Kashtanov vs. Piternov

Ukrainian Kashtanov wins the Russian title as Piternov retires with injury. Kashtanov had built a lead going into the fifth round when Piternov suddenly stopped fight complaining of an injured shoulder and was unable to continue. A bit political with the Donetsk fighter contesting the Russian title. Kashtanov’s sole loss was a split decision against Karoly Balzsay for the vacant WBA secondary super middle title in 2011. He won the interim WBA title with a second round kayo of Jaime Barboza in August 2013 but never defended the title and was inactive for 20 months before returning with a win in April. Champion Piternov suffers his second inside the distance loss in a row.

 

Accra, Ghana: Super Feather: Patrick Ayi (11-0) W PTS 8 Michael Pappoe (12-2). Bantam: Emmanuel Quartey (19-2) W PTS 8 Billy Quaye (5-15)

Ayi vs. Pappoe

Ayi gets good win over dangerous puncher Pappoe. Ayi was a clear winner although the margins from the judges differed but the right result was what mattered. Scores 80-71, 78-75 and 77-75. Ayi was moving up from feather where he was the West African champion. Pappoe had won his last 7 fights by KO/TKO but was outboxed here.

Quartey vs. Quaye

Quartey too good for modest Quaye and boxes his way to unanimous decision. Scores 79-73 twice and 80-74. Five wins in a row for Quartey. His two losses were against Ray Commey and South African Tshifihiwa Munyai. Six losses in a row for Quaye.

 

Boksburg, South Africa: Middle: Walter Dlamini (12-1-1) DREW 10 Tebogo Malose (6-4-2).Bantam: Klaus Mboyane (18-10-2) W PTS 10 Tapiwa Tembo (5-5). Welter: Jason Bedeman (18-2-3) W TKO 6 Ray Kupula (0-7).

Dlamini vs. Malose

The Gauteng Province title remains vacant after Dlamini and Malose fought to majority draw. Dlamini was the favourite going in having a better record and a bit more experience. However, Dlamini was lethargic throughout the fight and below his usual standard and was lucky to escape with a draw. Scores 95-95 twice and 98-92 for Malose. Dlamini gave concern as he suffered severe stomach cramps after the fight and that plus his poor showing was put down to an energy tablet given by one of his seconds before the fight. He had won his first 12 fights and then lost a split decision to Chris Buthelezi for the South African title. He was No 6 in the BSA ratings.  Malose had lost in a challenge for the South African super welter title in 2013 and had then lost his subsequent two fights. He was No 8 in the BSA ratings.

 

Mboyane vs. Tembo

Mboyane given ten hard rounds by Zimbabwean Tembo on his way to the split decision. Mboyane made his usual 100% aggressive start but Tembo showed excellent defensive skills and quick accurate counters. That was the pattern of the fight with Mboyane trying to overwhelm Tembo being much the busier but Tembo, despite suffering a cut in the second round,  landing the more accurate shots. Scores 97-93 and 97-94 for Mboyane and 96-94 for Tembo. Southpaw Mboyane, 33, a former South African bantam champion, was coming off a very good win over Brit Ross Burkinshaw just 26 days earlier. Tembo does most of his fighting in South Africa and had won 4 of his last 5 fights.

Bedeman vs. Kupula

“Bad Man” Bedeman returns to the ring with a win as he stops poor Kupula in six rounds. The 26-year-old Bedeman was having his first fight since losing inside a round to Ali Funeka in September 2013. The Johannesburg fighter has 15 wins by KO/TKO so he has the power but it has been his dioscipline that has let him down in the past and that has to be retested. Kupula was having his first fight in a year so it was surprising he hung around until the sixth round.

 

Madrid, Spain: Super Light: Nicolas Gonzalez (15-0) W RTD 2 Gheorghe Ghiompirica (8-54). Gonzalez gets a quick win as Ghiompirica decides not to come out for the third round. The Romanian came out aggressively throwing a barrage of punches. Gonzalez waited out the storm and did some scoring of his own as the round ended. Similar start in the second but eventually Gonzalez started to slam punches to Ghiompirica head and body and the Romanian wilted. In the last action of the round Gonzalez shook Ghiompirica with a right and Ghiompirica’s corner retired their man before the start of the third round. Now 10 wins by KO/TKO for the 27-year-old Spanish prospect who was having his second fight in three weeks. Ghiompirica, 36, is nearing 18 years as a pro and the little Romanian (5’2” 157cm) has only lost by KO/TKO 4 times in his 61fights.

 

Salinas, CA, USA: Welter: Alan Sanchez (16-3-1) W PTS 8 Carlos Lozano (7-5). Middle: Paul Mendez (18-2-2,1ND) W PTS 10 David Lopez (41-16-1).

Sanchez vs. Lozano

Sanchez takes unanimous decision over late replacement Lozano. Sanchez had a pile of height and reach on his side and was able to use those physical advantages and quicker hand speed to outbox and outscore the Mexican southpaw. Scores 79-73 twice and 80-72. The 24-year-old is 12-1-1 in his last 14 fights including a win over once rated Ed Paredes in his last fight in December. Lozano is 2-4 in his last six and came in at short notice when Canadian Steve Claggett was refused entry to the United States and the bout was down rated to eight rounds.

Mendez vs. Lopez

Mendez has to fight hard to get split decision over oldie Lopez. Mendez made a better start but Lopez seemed to have taken the third and the fight was close at the midpoint. From there it looked as though veteran southpaw Lopez was fading and Mendez was handing out some fierce punishment. However, Lopez was far from finished and he rocked Mendez badly in the eighth and it now looked as though Mendez was the one tiring fastest. Over the last two rounds both fought hard with Mendez just having the edge but Lopez never giving up. Scores 98-91 and 97-92 for Mendez and 96-94 for Lopez. Mendez, 26, “El Gallo Negro” is now unbeaten in his last 14 fights. Lopez, 37, at one time had a run of 16 wins in a row which earned him a fight with Austin Trout for the WBA secondary title in 2011. He lost a wide decision and after that had one fight a year for each of the next three scoring a good win over Julio Cesar Garcia in 2012 and drawing with Don George in 2013 but losing to Jose Uzcategui (21-0) in 2014. In January this year he lost on points to Marcos Reyes.

 

 

Ontario, CA, USA: Light: Jose Roman (21-1-1) W PTS 8 Marco A Lopez (24-7).

Roman floors Lopez on the way to unanimous decision victory. They both started sharply with Lopez doing enough to edge the first round but Roman having a big second round when he floored Lopez with a left hook. It remained a close fight over the middle rounds but Roman was much busier as the fight moved into the later stages. Lopez was scoring with good counters but Roman was throwing more and landing more but it was a much closer fight than the scores indicate. Scores79-72, 78-73 and 77-74. The 27-year-old 6’0” (183cm) tall Roman lost a split decision to Robert Osiobe in 2012 but this is his seventh win since then including victories over Hector Velazquez and Martin Cardona. He should be ready to step up to ten rounds soon. Lopez at 5’7” (170cm) was giving away a lot in height and reach and the last score looked a better representation of the trouble he gave Roman here. After winning his first 18 fights he has found it tough with losses to Kevin Mitchell, Takahiro Ao and Felix Verdejo amongst other.

 

Niagara Falls, NY, USA: Super Welter: Dennis Hogan (22-0-1) W PTS 10 Kenny Aril (14-8-1). Light: Tony Luis (20-3) W PTS 8 Edward Valdez (13-11-2). Middle: Joe Greene (26-1) W TKO 3 Guy Packer (5-40-2). Heavy: Jarrell Miller (14-0-1) W TKO 1 Excell Holmes (2-6-1,1ND).

Hogan vs. Abril

Hogan retains the WBA NABA title with unanimous decision over slick southpaw Abril. It took the unbeaten Irishman three rounds to figure out the best way to deal with Abril by which time the challenger had built small lead. From the fourth Hogan started to pressure Abril more and Abril’s work became messy and his work rate dropped. By the end of the sixth Abril’s corner were getting onto their man to get into the fight or get out of it. Abril was then the one pressing the fight but Hogan showed good skills boxing well on the back foot and slotting home counters on the advancing Abril. The challenger probably did enough to take the eighth to make a close fight but Hogan again upped the pace in the ninth and boxed his way sensibly through the last. Scores 97-93 twice and 96.94. The 30-year-old “Hurricane”, a former All-Ireland amateur champion with well over 100 amateur fights to his credit, has now won 19 in a row and is rated IBF 7/WBA 12. If he keeps winning then next year could see him getting a shot at Cornelius Bundrage or Demetrius Andrade. First fight in 20 months for Abril and now three losses in a row after being beaten by Alex Perez and Brad Solomon.

Luis vs. Valdez

Canadian Luis returns to action with points win over Valdez. Luis controlled the fight from the outset as he got back into the winning groove with Valdez struggling to be competitive. Scores 80-72 twice and 79-73. First fight for Luis since his loss to Derry Matthews for the interim WBA title in April. New York-based Dominican Valdez was inactive from April 2013 until returning with a low level win in March.

Greene vs. Packer

Greene was another returnee. The New York southpaw showed no rust as he put Packer down with a body punch in the first round. Greene continued to attack the body in the second and forced Packer to dip a knee onto the canvas with another body punch in the third. Packer got up but was under fire when the referee halted the fight. The 29-year-old Greene, a former NGG Champion, won his first 22 fights before dropping a points decision to Vanes Martirosyan in 2010. Greene then fought only once in each of years 2011, 2012 and 2013, all wins but he then disappeared from the scene with his last fight being that win in January of 2013. Packer, 41, now has 24 losses by KO/TKO

Miller vs. Holmes

Brooklyn’s Miller has no trouble disposing of Holmes. The 26-year-old “Big Baby” a former top flight kick boxer and MMA exponent had an early career draw with Joey Dawejko but has now won 9 on the bounce 7 of those by KO/TKO. In the past he has picked some good tips acting as a sparring partner to both of the Klitschko brothers. Four losses in a row for Holmes.

 

Dallas, TX, USA: Super Light: Maurice Hooker (18-0-2) W TKO 5 Eduardo Galindo (10-1-1). Hooker wins the vacant WBO NABO title with stoppage of Galindo. Both guys tested the other guys chin in the first round but then Hooker wised-up settled down and used his big edges in height and reach and superior skills to outbox and bust up Galindo. Hooker stuck to that plan and at the end of the fifth round the doctor ruled Galindo unfit to continue due to a very bad cut over his right eye. Galindo came in 5lbs over the contract weight and refused to try to lose the weight in the 2 hours allowed and in fact came in slightly heavier at the second weigh-in. He was fined and the adjusted target for Galindo was 150lbs but he came in at 151lbs. Despite this Hooker decided to go ahead with the fight and got his reward. This was the first title fight of any kind in Dallas since the great Curtis Cokes retained his welter title with a win over Willie Ludick in 1968. The 25-year-old “Mighty Mo” gets win No 14 by KO/TKO. Mexican Gallardo was stepping up in both distance and opposition as this was to be his first ten round fight.

 

 

27 June

 

Carson, CA, USA: Welter: Tim Bradley (32-1-1,1ND) W PTS 12 Jessie Vargas (26-1). Feather: Oscar Valdez (16-0) W PTS 10 Ruben Tamayo (25-6-4). Welter: Toka Kahn Clary (16-0,1ND) W KO 6 Jonathan Perez (33-12,1ND).

Bradley vs. Vargas

Bradley gets convincing win over Vargas with a referee’s mistake clouding the issue somewhat but we got the right result. Bradley was fierce and focused taking the fight to Vargas and scoring with hard overhand rights and body punches and rarely letting Vargas get any sort of toe hold in the fight. Bradley built an early lead as his attacks had Vargas more concerned with defence than attack. In the third Vargas was finding gaps that Bradley was leaving due to his aggression and firing back with some hard counters which started a swelling by Bradley’s left eye. However Bradley was the scoring the more eye-catching punches although both were rocked by hard shots in the fifth. Bradley landed a hard overhand right on his way to taking the sixth and he was finding plenty of gaps to bang home his punches with Vargas being the marked up fighter. Vargas had his best round so far in taking the seventh but the eighth and nine were close and not helping him to eat into Bradley’s big lead. Bradley eased the aggression a little in the tenth and eleventh but was still doing enough to stay well in front. Going into the last Vargas needed a knockout. There was no sign of that until a thunderous counter right slammed into Bradley’s jaw. His knees dipped and he staggered sideways away from Vargas who chased after him. With his back to the ropes Bradley sidled along two sides of the ring tracked by Vargas but looking to have recovered his legs. Vargas finally caught up with him but had not been able to land a clean shot when suddenly the referee stepped between them and waived the fight over. Vargas immediately started celebrating rushing across the ring to climb on the ropes waiving his arms in triumph. He came down to the earth with a bump when it was explained that the referee thought he had heard the bell and the fight was over but it seems he had mistaken the ten second buzzer for the bell so huge controversy. However, Bradley was hurt and shaken but not in any danger and would have seen out the remaining seconds even if the fight had gone those extra little bit of time. A fast paced entertaining fight with Bradley the clear winner but still haunted by a “but” even when he turns in a class performance. The 31-year-old “Desert Storm” is still very much in the big picture and on this performance deserves to be there. Bradley wins the WBO interim title but he is at a level where titles are of limited importance. Vargas loses his unbeaten tag. He just came up against a much better fighter on the night. The 26-year-old Californian can certainly come again.

Valdez vs. Tamayo

Valdez wins as expected. There was a minor shock for the hot prospect when he was floored in the very first round. However it came about through Tamayo standing on the left foot of Valdez as he threw a punch with Valdez thrown off balance as he leaned back to avoid the punch and Valdez was not seriously shaken. From the second round Valdez was in control and looking to repay the first round insult/injury but Tamayo is an experienced good quality fighter and he did not fold. Valdez was handing out some severe punishment gradually beating Tamayo down. Tamayo showed he was still in there pitching when he made Valdez back-off in the fifth with a left hook to the body but apart from that the fight was one-sided. Tamayo eventually slipped into survival mode and lost a point in the seventh for low blows and had his right eye closed from the power of the fists of Valdez. Scores 98-90 twice and 99-90 all for Valdez. The 24-year-old from Nogales represented Mexico at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, was World Youth Champion, won a silver at the Pan American Games and a bronze at the World Championships where he lost to Vasyl Lomachenko. He has wins over experienced fighters such as Juan Ruiz, Alberto Garza and Jose Ramirez and should break into the world ratings next year. Southpaw Tamayo, 26, had lost in five rounds to Jesus Cuellar in a challenge for the interim WBA feather title in his last fight in December.

Clary vs. Perez

Clary moves to ten wins by KO/TKO as he puts away Perez in the sixth. Clary always had the fight safely in hand controlling the action with his southpaw right jab before ending it in the sixth with a left hook. The Liberian-born 23-year-old is making good progress under the radar with sensible matches. He is a former NGG champion and US National silver medal winner. Now three losses in a row to high quality opposition for Perez  having been beaten by Horacio Garcia (26-0) and Luis Rosa (19-0) prior to the Kahn Clary fight.

 

Melbourne, Australia : Super Middle: Zac Dunn (18-0) W PTS 12 Max Bursak (31-4-1). Super Middle: Renold Quinlan (9-1) W TKO 1 Ricardo M Ramallo (18-8-1,1ND). Super Middle: Mike Jimenez (18-1) W KO 3 Francisco R Benitez (11-2).

Dunn vs. Bursak

Dunn climbs off the floor to outpoint Bursak and win the vacant IBF title. The local fighter looked to have a real job on his hands as the experienced Bursak started the fight well and then put himself in the lead as he knocked the young Australian down with a right on the inside  in the third round. Dunn was not badly shaken but from that point on he was the one pocketing the rounds. Instead of trying to match Bursak punch for punch Dunn showed he could adapt and was working on the outside and boxing his way to victory. Bursak was rough on the inside and dangerous with his head and Dunn also had the handicap of a cut up on his forehead. He closed the gap in points Bursak had built and using superior skills and a higher work rate went in front. Bursak remained dangerous and a fiercely contested tenth round, the best of the fight, showed that Bursak was giving his all. The Ukrainian had been twelve rounds often in his career but Dun had never been past the tenth but Dunn  had paced the fight well and although he tired a bit over those last two rounds he had done enough to take a well deserved decision over an experienced and dangerous opponent. Scores 115-111 twice and 116-110. Great win for Barry Michael’s protégé. Still only 24 Dunn is now a world champion but I am sure he won’t rest there and will soon want to get into the mix in one of the toughest divisions. Bursak, 30, a former undefeated European middle champion was unbeaten in his first 25 fights before losing to Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam for the interim WBO title in 2012. He had some good wins beating Jean Marie Sainte, Prince Arron and Nick Blackwell before losing back-to-back fights to Jarrod Fletcher and Martin Murray last year. He then moved up to super middle and had scored two more wins before the Dunn fight. He claimed to have broken his hand in the third round of this fight so he did well to last the distance.

Quinlan vs. Ramallo

Quinlan brushed aside Argentinian Ramallo to win the vacant IBO International title. Quinlan caught Ramallo early and had him down twice before the referee halted the fight with 14 seconds left in the first round. The 25-year-old Fijian-born Quinlan turned pro at 19 back in 2008 but had only three fights in his first 4 years as a pro but since returning he has been much more active. His only loss came in his last fight in December when he lost by just 1, 1 and 2 points against world rated Jake Carr for the Australian title. Definitely worth watching. Ramallo, 32, has only lost to top opposition with Marco Antonio Rubio, Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam, Schiller Hyppolite and Dunn on his list of opponents.

Jimenez vs. Benitez

Chicago vs. Argentina in Australia! In boxing all things are possible. Jimenez moves to 12 wins by KO/TKO and collects the UBF All American title with third round kayo of Benitez. The 28-year-old Jimenez had his winning streak broken at 17 in February when he was stopped by Jesse Hart so is starting a rebuild process. Benitez was also hoping to rebuild after his streak was broken at 11 wins by Australian Rohan Murdock in May.

 

Ajax, Canada: Super Welter: Brandon Cook (15-0) W KO 4 Gogi Knezevic (28-6-1).

Cook wins vacant WBA Inter-Continental title with kayo of Georgian. Cook went to the body from the outset and put Knezevic down with a punch to the liver in the second. Knezevic only just survived and rode out some rocky moments in the third. In the fourth Another body punch opened Knezevic up for an uppercut to the chin and down he went. He managed to get as far as kneeling on the canvas being held up by an arm draped across the ropes and he was counted out. Now 9 wins by KO/TKO for the 24-year-old local fighter. Austrian Knezevic, 35, had won 7 of his last 8 fights.

 

Rome, Italy: Light Heavy: Mirco Ricci (16-2) W TKO 7 Rogerio Damasco (18-3-2). Super Welter: Emanuele Della Rosa (36-2) W PTS 10 Felice Moncelli (12-4-1).

Ricci vs. Damasco

Local fighter Ricci retains the WBA Inter-Continental title with stoppage of overmatched Brazilian. Ricci won every round as Damasco had no answer to the speed and class of the former undefeated Italian champion. Ricci was finding gaps through the poor defence of the Brazilian and by the fourth it so easy he had started to mock his opponent. After a one-sided fifth Ricci rocked Damasco time and again with left hooks in the sixth and Damasco did not come out for the seventh round. The 24-year-old Roman makes it 5 wins by KO/TKO.  He lost a majority decision to German Dominic Boesel in 2013 but has won 6 on the bounce since then including an upset victory over unbeaten Enrico Koelling (16-0) in February and is now rated No 8 by the EBU. Damasco has typical Brazilian record of 3 fights outside Brazil and three losses with the other two losses both coming in the first round.

Della Rosa vs. Moncelli

Della Rosa retains the national title but only after a late scare. Della Rosa was too mobile and clever for Moncelli over the first two rounds although Moncelli showed his power by shaking Della Rosa with a right in the third. Della Rosa went back to his cool, clinical boxing opening Moncelli up time and again with the left and then banging home hard rights. By the end of the eighth Della Rosa had amassed a winning lead and Moncelli needed a knockout. Moncelli attacked furiously in the ninth and a right sent Della Rosa tumbling into the ropes but there was also a push involved. Della Rosa got through the round but in the tenth it was all Moncelli again as Della Rosa struggled to survive but made it to the bell. Scores 96-94 twice and 96-95 all to Della Rosa. The 35-year-old local was making the first defence of his national title and whilst he showed his cool skills he also showed his vulnerability as he had when being stopped in eight rounds by Isaac Real for the vacant European title in May last year. That loss snapped an 11 bout winning streak Dell Rosa had fashioned since losing a split decision to Sebastian Zbik for the interim WBC title in 2009. Moncelli, 21, had won this title last year but relinquished it without defending it. He had won his last 8 fights going into this one and will come again.

 

Ecatepec, Mexico: Super Middle: Marco A Periban (22-3-1) W TKO 5 Carlos A Jerez (42-19-3). Periban much too strong for Argentinian veteran Jerez. The Mexican handed out punishment to the game visitor in every round. It was really just a question of how much punishment Jerez’s corner was willing to let their man take and they had seen enough by the fifth and chucked the towel in half way through the round.  The 30-year-old Periban trying to get back into the title picture. He won his first 21 fights but in 2013 lost a majority decision to Sakio Bika for the vacant WBC super middle title and fought a draw with current champion Badou Jack before losing in three rounds to James DeGale in November 2014. This is second low level win in 2015. Jerez, 36, takes only his third loss by KO/TKO having gone the distance with such luminaries as Saul Alvarez, Lucas Matthysse, Anthony Mundine and Max Bursak. He had scored a couple of wins at prelim level this year.

 

Chontales, Nicaragua: Bantam: Yesner Talavera (14-3-1) W PTS 10 Jose Rios (13-3-1,2ND). Talavera continues good current run with unanimous decision over Rios to win the national title. Scores 96-94 twice and 97-93. The 20-year-old new champion is 7-1-1 in his last 9 fights and was moving up to ten rounds for the first time. Hometown fighter Rios, 25, drops his title in his first defence

 

Mandaluyong City, Philippines: Light: Tosho Makoto Aoki (20-12-2) W TKO 3 Eddy Comaro (32-24-5). Japanese fighter Aoki continues to find the Philippines a happy hunting ground. Aoki took a couple of rounds to corner the overmatched Comaro but when he did catch him in the third he produced the punches to put the Indonesian down three times for an automatic stoppage. The 36-year-old Aoki suffered four losses in a row in 2010/2011 and then took 17 months out before re-launching his career in the Philippines. Since then he has won 7 in a row, all by KO/TKO and this was his second defence of his WBC ABC title. Comaro, 29, turned pro at 15 and has a very in-and-out record but had won his last 3 fights.

 

Krynica Zdroj, Poland: Super Light: Michal Syrowatka (13-0) TKO 3 Tarik Madni (19-8-1). Cruiser: Michal Cieslak (8-0) W TKO 8 Antoine Boya (6-8-1).

Syrowatka vs. Madni

Syrowatka floors and halts Madni to win the WBC Baltic Silver title. Syrowatka had his jab working well and was also scoring with good body punches with Madni not really able to launch any offence of his own. In the third a left uppercut/right cross combination put Madni down. He made it to his feet but was under fire when his corner threw in the towel.  The 27-year-old Pole is making good progress. This is his fourth win by KO/TKO and he already has victories over then unbeaten Michal Chudecki and experienced Felix Lora. Belgian Madni, 39, is 4-3-1 in his last 8 fights and this is only his second loss by KO/TKO.

Cieslak vs. Boya

Cieslak returns with late stoppage of Frenchman. The first two rounds were close as Cieslak took a while to adjust after being out for nine months. From the third he increased the pace of the fight getting his combination punching working and outboxing Boya. Cieslak had won every round although it looked as though the Frenchman was going to take Cieslak the distance but with the final bell less than 30 seconds away and Boya shipping too many punches  the referee stopped the fight. The 6’3” (190cm) 26-year-old Pole gets his fourth win by KO/TKO. This was his first scheduled eight round fight. Boya had run up five wins but the wheels have come off as it is now two losses in a row by KO/TKO.

 

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico: Super Feather: Orlando Cruz (21-4-1) W TKO 4 Edwin Torres Lopez (25-5-1). Super Feather: Alberto Machado (11-0) W TKO 1 Alvaro Ortiz (7-3-1).

Cruz vs. Torres

Cruz gets stoppage win in his first fight for 14 months. He outboxed fellow-Puerto Rican Torres and then used a terrific right hook to unhinge the legs of Torres and force the stoppage. Cruz wins the vacant WBA Fedecentro title. Cruz dropped out of the active scene after back-to-back losses to Orlando Salido for the vacant WBO title and Gamaliel Rodriguez for the WBO NABO title. Torres, 40, came in as a late substitute. He started his career with three losses and a draw but going into this one had lost only one of his last 25 fights.

Machado vs. Ortiz.

Machado disposes of Ortiz in quick time. After some preliminary sparring southpaw Machado put Ortiz down with a right/left combination to the head. Ortiz was up at eight but looked rocky. Machado landed another right/left combination and Ortiz went down on his back on the canvas and the referee stopped the fight without counting. Now 9 wins by KO/TKO for “El Explosivo”. He fights out of one of the widest stances I have seen but has fast hands and real power. Ortiz in over his head.

 

Bangkok, Thailand: Fly: Amnat Ruenroeng (16-0) W PTS 12 John Riel Casimero (21-3). Minimum: Denver Cuello (36-5) W TKO 5 Boy Tanto (9-17).Welter: Manus Boonjumnong (1-0) W PTS 4 Jamed Jalarante (23-19-1).

Ruenroeng vs. Casimero

Ruenroeng retains the IBF title but does not improve his image with a foul filled performance. The former Muay Thai fighter must have thought he was back in his old craft as he wrestled Casimero to the floor in the very first round and received his first warning. In between the wrestling he was showing good skills with a lightning quick jab and smothering any attempts Casimero made to get into a groove. Ruenroeng showed a bit more of his real talent in the second as he floored the onrushing Filipino with a right although Casimero was disgusted at being given a count as he felt he had been thrown down. Casimero looked to have repaid Ruenroeng in the third as he knocked the champion backwards with a left but despite Ruenroeng’s glove touching the canvas no knockdown was called. Ruenroeng was in full spoiler mode in the fourth, fifth and sixth getting his own punches home and then clinching or going for a headlock to stop Casimero landing any counters. Casimero must have been convinced it was not his night in the seventh when he was put down from what looked more of a push then a punch. The champion was continuing to get away with holding and wrestling and even a formal warning in the eighth did not convince him to change his tactics. It is a pity he followed these tactics as he is a quick, accomplished fighter. When he could Casimero was scoring with hard shots from both hands but was never able to sustain his attacts. The referee finally deducted a point from Ruenroeng in the eleventh but too late to have any impact on the outcome. Scores 116-110, 115-110 and 113-112. The 35-year-old Ruenroeng was making the fourth defence of his title and has now beaten four tough opponents, Kazuto Ioka, McWilliams Arroyo, Zou Shiming and Casimero but this latest one is one to forget. Former IBF light fly champion Casimero, 25, was calling for a return-outside Thailand but I can’t see the IBF granting that-but who knows.

Cuello vs. Tanto

Cuello got one for the Philippines as he easily beat Indonesian Tanto. The former WBC title challenger put Tanto down in the third and fifth rounds before the fight was stopped. The 28-year-old southpaw is hoping to get a second shot at a world title later this year. Tanto has lost 3 of his last 4 fights.

Boonjumnong vs. Jalarante

Former amateur star Boonjumnong makes a belated entry to the professional ranks with a points win over Indonesian Jalarante. The 35-year-old Thai won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics, a silver at the 2008 Games and a bronze in the World Championships. He also collected a room full of other medals winning gold three times at both the South East Asian Games and King’s Cup and a gold at the Asian Games. He will either go quickly up to 10/12 round level or fade away. Three losses in a row for Jalarante.

 

Blackpool, England: Welter: Adam Little (13-0 W PTS 10 Lee Mould (7-1-1). Welter: David Avanesyan (20-1-1) W TKO 6 Dean Byrne (17-5-2).

Little vs. Mould

Little wins the English title with unanimous decision over Mould in battle of two BBB of C Area Champions. Little had his jab working well from the start and Mould never really found an effective way to counter it. Mould did enough to stay in contention but already in front by the end of the fifth Little cemented his position with a good sixth round and some effective body punching in the seventh. Both fighters fought hard over the closing three rounds packing in plenty of action to the end. Scores 99-92, 98-93 and 97-94. The 24-year-old “Big Man” Little has been impressive in his move up to ten rounds in his last two fights. Mould, 25, was coming off a good win over unbeaten Robert Dixon and will have better nights.

Avanesyan vs. Byrne

Russian Avanesyan gets his second win in a British ring after halting Byrne in six rounds. The 26-year-old Avanesyan lost to Andrey Klimov in his second pro fight so is unbeaten in his last 20 including wins over Kaizer Mabuza and Carlos Herrera and has a useful draw with Aslanbek Kozaev. Now 3 losses and a draw in his last 4 fights for 30-year-old Dubliner Byrne.

 

Bethlehem, PA, USA: Welter: Jamal James (17-0) W PTS 8 Michal Balasi (10-7).

James extends his winning run with wide unanimous decision over Balasi. James put Balasi down with a right in the first round but Balasi managed to avoid any more trouble before the bell. From the second James used his height and reach and superior speed to outwork and outscore Balasi who was only competitive in short spells. James tried for the knockout in the last round but Balasi soaked up the punishment and stayed the course. Scores 80-71 twice and 79-73 for James. The Minneapolis 26-year-old is ready for bigger tests and holds wins in local bouts over Mohammed Kayongo and Wayne Martell. He did not win one of the big prizes as an amateur but collected a silver and won bronze medals at the NGG’s. Balasi was 10-1 in his first 11 fights but now has 6 losses in a row.

 

 

Quincy, MA, USA: Cruiser: Chris Traietti (18-3-0) W TKO 6 Jose H Corral (18-18).

Local fighter Traietti makes it 8 wins in a row as he batters game but rusty Corral to defeat in six rounds. It was never a competitive fight with Traietti putting Corral on the back foot from the first and grinding down the Mexican with thumping shots to head and body for round after round. Traietti was unable to knock Corral over but in the sixth after a searing left hook had Corral stunned the referee stopped the fight. Traietti doing a nice job of rebuilding after being beaten in two rounds by Edwin Rodriguez in 2011. First fight for Corral in almost five years and loss No 5 in his last 6 fights.

 

Detmold, Germany: Super Welter: Besar Nimani (19-1) W KO 1 Peter Orlik (10-10-1). Super Welter: Sefer Seferi (20-0) W KO 1 Radenko Kovac (2-7). Super Middle: Christian Pawlak (22-8-1) W KO 4 Fadil Pasalic (1-5). Super Middle: Armand Cullhaj (18-5-3) W TKO 3 Zoran Sekularac (16-6).

Nimani vs. Orlik

Nimani returns to the ring with a win. The 29-year-old took only 1:54 of the first round as he landed a wicked combination of punches to the body. Orlik went down on one knee and stayed there until the ten was counted. The German-based Kosovon Nimani had his winning streak broken at 18 when he was halted in four rounds by experienced French battler Frank Haroche Horta in April. Hungarian Orlik, 20, falls to 5 losses by KO/TKO. He is a very busy young fighter with 10 fights in 2014 and already 8 this year.

Seferi vs. Kovac

Seferi gets fed another poor victim. He shook Kovac with a left-right combination and then ended the fight with a vicious left to the body that had Kovac writhing on the floor in agony whilst the referee tolled out the ten. The 36-year-old Macedonian has yet to meet even a low level opponent. When they talk about digging up fighters for him I think the really do use shovels. Kovac, 31 has now lost his last 5 fights by KO/TKO.

Pawlak vs. Pasalic

Pawlak wins in foul fest. These two hardly landed a legal blow as they threw away the rule book and butted, hit low, wrestled and elbowed etc.  their way through the first three rounds. Finally in the fourth Pawlak landed a right hook and Pasalic went down for the full ten count. The 35-year-old German-based Pole Pawlak goes to 13 wins by KO/TKO and is 4-3 in his last 7 fights.

Cullhaj vs. Sekularac

Cullhaj makes it three wins in a row by KO/TKO as he stops 56-year-olod Sekularac in three rounds. Sekularac just walked forward from the first bell with Cullhaj content to work on the back foot and thump home hard counters which had Sekularac in trouble over the first three minutes. Cullhaj continued to score heavily in the second and floored Sekularac with right hook but the veteran made to his feet and to the end of the round. In the third a combination from Cullhaj opened a bad cut over the right eye of Sekularac and the fight was halted. The 24-year-old Albanian-born, German-based Cullhaj makes it 12 wins by KO/TKO. He lost to world rated German Tyrone Zeuge for the WBO Youth title in June last year and this is his third win in a row by KO/TKO. Serb Sekularac boxed up until 1999 and was then inactive for 8 years. He is 2-4 since his return.

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Middle: Cristian F Rios (20-6-3) DREW 10 Gaston A Vega (24-9-1).  Close fight sees Rios retain the national title with split draw against Vega. The champion took the first round with some sharp counters and body punches. Vega battled back and took the second using the right as a classic counter to southpaw Rios. In the third and fourth Rios was back in control scoring to head and body and taking the fight to Vega. The fifth was a big round for Vega as he floored Rios with a right and he also took the sixth as Rios took time to recover from the knockdown. Rios was back in the fight and edged the seventh with his better boxing. The eighth and ninth were close and could have been scored either way. With both tired in the tenth Rios scored with some good uppercuts and stayed out of trouble to take the round he needed to preserve his title. Scores 95-94 to Rios, 95-94 to Vega and 95 ½-95 ½. The 32-year-old from Tucuman was making the second defence of his title and is now unbeaten in his last 8 fights. Vega, 31, had lost consecutive fights to Rafael Sosa and Rohan Murdock in 2014 but had rebounded with two wins and was rated No 8 by the FAB.

 

Toowoomba, Australia: Super Light: Xu Chan (6-2) W PTS 10 Kris George (7-0). Light: Jack Asis (34-18-5) W PTS 8 Hero Tito (10-7-1).

Chan vs. George

A fast-paced boxing match between two relative novices provided plenty of action but the wrong result for the locals. Chinese southpaw Chan was just that little bit quicker and more accurate and just deserved the close decision. Scores 96-94 from each of the judges. The 20-year-old Chan wins the WBO Oceania title and can expect to get more work in Australia. George, 25, fought hard trying to get inside and work Chan’s body but was just outboxed in what will have been a good learning fight for him.

Asis vs. Tito

IBO super feather champion Asis just squeezes by modest Indonesian opponent on a split decision in a non-title bout. The Aussie-based Filipino is now unbeaten in his last 14 fights but was given a much harder fight by Tito than that anticipated. Scores 78-74 and 77-75 for Asis and 77-75 for Tito. Asis was coming off a very good win over unbeaten Kye Mackenzie in April which won him the vacant IBO title. Tito has lost two of his last three fights but earlier in his career he took the current IBF No 2 super light Ik Yang to a majority decision so can be a danger on his night.

The show was staged as a tribute to the late Braydon Smith.