The Past Week in Action 26 May 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 26 May 2015

May 22

 

Moscow, Russia: Cruiser: Grigory Drozd (40-1) W TKO 9 Lukasz Janik (28-3). Heavy: Alex Povetkin (29-1) W KO 1 Mike Perez (21-2-1). Cruiser: Rakhim Chakhkiev (23-1) W KO 8 Junior Anthony Wright (13-1-1). Heavy: Manuel Charr (28-3) W PTS 10 Alex Leapai (30-7-3). Cruiser: Dmitry Kudryashov (18-0) W TKO 6 Vikapita Meroro (28-5).

Drozd vs. Janik

Drozd makes successful first defence of his WBC titles as he halts Janik in the ninth. Drozd set a fast pace and had Janik on the back foot throughout the first round. The Russian scored well with left hooks to the body with Janik out of range with his counters. Janik was more active in the second getting his jab working and scoring with rights but also doing a lot of holding inside. Drozd was waiting too long to get own punches off. Drozd had a better third landing a series of punches along the ropes and with Janik again clinging on the referee stopped the fight and gave the Pole a stern warning. Drozd finished the round well scoring with a good straight right and keeping up the pressure on Janik. Drozd took a messy fourth doing the only real scoring in a round that was punctuated by too many clinches. Drozd turned up the heat in the fifth and was scoring well with his jab and left hooks to the body hurting Janik with a series of head shots with Janik’s work rate dropping as he tired. It was all Drozd in the sixth as he walked Janik down scoring with punches to heads and body whilst Janik spent most on the round on the back foot firing off only occasional inaccurate flurries and again looking tired. An eventful seventh saw Drozd opening up and scoring with a series of shots. Janik was constantly diving in to clinches and on one occasion he ended up with his back to Drozd who rested his left on the back of Janik’s head and reached around and landed a punch to Janik’s face. Janik decided to fake  he had received a rabbit punch and staggered down to the canvas. The referee did not apply a count or warn Drozd which seemed about righty. Drozd then staggered Janik with a thumping right and took him to the ropes. Drozd landed another right and a couple of uppercuts. Janik was holding and Drozd swung him around and down to the canvas. It was a dubious knockdown as Janik looked to have been wrestled to the floor but he was up quickly and the bell came shortly after but it was an exhausted Janik who trudged back to his corner. Drozd was scoring with thumping head punches in the eighth with Janik hiding behind  his guard and trying to nail Drozd with wild right counters. Again there was too much holding and a frustrated Drozd literally threw Janik to the canvas. In the ninth Drozd sent Janik staggering across the ring on wobbly legs. He followed up and released a storm of punches until the referee stopped the fight. Janik was on his feet but his legs were rubber. . The 35-year-old “Pretty Boy” has 28 wins by KO/TKO and 11 wins since losing to Firat Arslan back in 2006. It was no surprise that Janik tired as he came in at two weeks’ notice after former champion Krzys Wlodarczyk pulled out with an infection. The 29-year-old Pole lost a majority decision to Ola Afolabi  for the vacant IBO title in 2013.

Povetkin vs. Perez

Povetkin crushes Perez in 91 seconds. Both fighters started out just probing with their jabs and trying one or two heavier punches but neither really landed. After just one minute of non- action Povetkin landed a straight right that smacked into Perez’s jaw. The Cuban dipped at the knees and staggered back. He then tried to lunge forward. They tangled with Perez half turned away from Povetkin and the Russian landed thunderous right hook which sent Perez tumbling to the canvas on his back. He made it to his feet at seven and just stood stock still with his hands by his side obviously dazed. Perez lunged forward and although Povetkin landed a couple of cuffing head shots it was really the still dazed Perez  tumbling to the floor from his own momentum and the referee stopped the fight. The 35-year-old Russian retains the WBC Silver title and makes it 21 wins by KO/TKO. The former WBA secondary title holder has scored crushing victories over Manuel Charr, Carlos Takam and now Perez and for me is the second best heavyweight behind Wlad Klitschko who outpointed him in 2013. Cuban Perez, 29, won his first 20 fights but in 2014 was lucky to get a draw with Takam and lost a split decision to Bryant Jennings. His career is not over but this puts a big dent in his reputation.

Chakhkiev vs. Wright

Chakhkiev was coming forward from the outset. Stalking Wright and letting go thumping punches from both hands. Wright was on the back foot using his jab and some quick movement to stay out of trouble. Chakhkiev is neither quick nor elegant but he is powerful. In the third Wright decided to change his tactics and get on the front foot and mix it with the Russian southpaw and  that led to some heated exchanges with Wright caught by a powerful left and later in the round losing his gum shield before going back on the defensive. Wright was on the retreat throughout the fourth with Chakhkiev doing what work there was but not being able to corner Wright. A sharp right uppercut from Wright in the fifth stung Chakhkiev who replied with some bludgeoning punches but the fight got untidy by the end of the round. Wright again tried to box from centre ring and exchange shots with Chakhkiev in the sixth but by the end of the round the Russian was walking the American down. There was more feinting than fighting in the seventh and although Chakhkiev was winning the rounds he had yet to land a really hard punch on the elusive Wright. Chakhkiev was pressurising in the eighth with Wright spending too long on the ropes but Chakhkiev not really landing any really powerful punches. That changed when with 22 seconds remaining in the round a powerful left from Chakhkiev crashed into the ribs of Wright who went down and landed on his back. He made it to his knees but was clutching his right side and collapsed forward again onto his hands and knees and was counted out. The 32-year-old Chakhkiev wins the vacant IBO title and makes it 17 wins by KO/TKO. He was knocked out by Krzys Wlodarczyk in a challenge for the WBC title in 2013 and has rebuilt with 6 wins since then to climb to the No 1 spot in the WBC ratings. The former Olympic and World Military champion is nicknamed “The Machine” and it is fairly accurate. He is strong and hits hard but is ponderous and one-paced. Despite his 11 wins by KO/TKO Wright, 28, showed good skills but lacked the power to get Chakhkiev’s respect and had only once gone ten rounds.

Charr vs. Leapai

Charr gave away the first round as he just stayed behind a high guard and allowed Leapai to pound away with swinging shots most of which were blocked. Char had a better second round. Again he was allowing Leapai some free shots but when he opened up he stung Leapai with blazing combinations. The fight was going along at walking pace with both fighters flat-footed and in the third and fourth it was again a case of Leapai throwing more punches  and Charr fighting in spurts but doing the cleaner scoring. Charr decided to get on his toes at the start of the fifth but then got serious and was slamming home stiff jabs and straight rights at the static Leapai and ended the round with a series of head shots. A thumping right to the head at the start of the sixth saw Leapai staggered but after another two or three head shots Charr went back to hiding behinds his high guard and slotting punches through Leapai’s guard. There was a short break when Charr’s mouthguard came out and then a ridiculous period as Charr danced backwards around the ring until the referee told him to stop running and fight. The seventh, eighth and ninth saw Charr in complete control landing punch after punch as Leapai just trundled forward in a straight line with a leaky defence. Leapai went for broke in the last round but there was no chance his wild swings would land and Charr just continued to slot home his punches until the bell. Scores 100-90, 97-92 and 98-94. Charr was his usual irritating self but had no trouble with Leapai and only the hard chin of the Samoan kept him in the fight. The Beirut-born “Diamond Boy” got the win he needed after losing an upset decision to Johann Duhaupas in April so he keeps alive his slim chance of a second world title shot having been stopped in four rounds by Vitali Klitschko for the WBC title in 2012. Leapai, 35, was said to have retired after being easily beaten by Wlad Klitschko in 2013 and outclassed by Malik Scott in October but this was a good payday even if he never had the remotest chance of winning.

Kudryashov vs. Meroro

The stocky ginger-bearded Russian was stalking Meroro at a walking pace in the first with the Namibian proving an elusive target. Kudryashov slightly increased his walking pace in the second but just could not nail Meroro who was throwing quick light punches and then lunging in and clinching to deny Kudryashov punching room. The Namibian’s clinching was clearly irritating Kudryashov in the third and the fight was becoming untidy and Kudryashov was not letting his punches go. Meroro’s clinching was even worse in the fourth but the referee let him away with it and Meroro was smothering the fight and frustrating Kudryashov. The Russian managed to close the space in the fifth and was able to shake Meroro with a right. The referee finally gave Meroro a warning for holding and then let the Namibian continue to clinch as Kudryashov put him under more pressure. In the sixth Meroro tried to walk forward and land a couple of punches but Kudryashov nailed him with a left hook to the head. Meroro’s legs wobbled and Kudryashov chased him into a corner and landed another right with Meroro going down on one knee. Meroro was up at three and after the eight count Kudryashov followed him around the ring getting home some heavy shots before landing a wicked left to the body that had Meroro writhing in agony and he was counted out.

 

Corona, CA, USA: Super Welter: John Thompson (17-1) W TKO 2 Brandon Adams (17-2). Heavy: Andrey Fedosov (28-3) W TKO 8 Donovan Dennis (12-2,1ND).

Thompson vs. Adams

Thompson rides out first round storm to stop Adams in the second and win the Boxcino tournament. A pumped up Adams came out throwing punches and took Thompson to the ropes and within the first ten seconds a long left reached Thompson’s chin. He stumbled forward and down on one knee but it looked more a case of Thompson also being off balance  and he was up quickly and obviously not hurt. That knock down was probably the worst thing that could have happened for Adams as he now went wildly looking for a kayo crowding Thompson and winging wild rights which looked dangerous but missed. Thompson had big edges in height and reach and he kept cool under the furious attacks from Adams. Adams was still leading with right swings in the second and loading up on his punches. He backed Thompson towards a corner but as he came in Thompson landed a stunning chopping right to the chin of Adams and added a left hook for good measure and Adams was sent staggering backwards. Now it was Thompson unloading the power shots and two left hooks and a right put Adams down in a corner. He was up quickly, took the eight count and was trying to fight back but Thompson crashed home a bundle of head shots and the referee stepped in to give the unsteady Adams a standing count. At the conclusion of the eight count the referee took a long look Adams but let the fight continue. Thornton jumped on Adams and more head punches saw Adams beginning to slide down the ropes as the referee stopped the fight. Big win for the 26-year-old “Apollo Kidd who now has 6 wins by KO/TKO. His 6’1” (185cm) height and long reach will make him a difficult opponent for many super welters and winning this tournament which had the interim WBA-NABA and vacant WBO Inter-Continental titles tagged on assures him of a world rating from both bodies. By winning the middle tournament last year Willie Monroe found his way to a title fight so who knows where it will take Thompson. A bronze medal winner at both the NGG and National PAL tournaments Thompson was knocked out in two rounds by unbeaten Frankie Galarza in January last year. Adams lost to Monroe in the middleweight final last year and was favoured to win this one but paid the price for a wild man approach. At 25 he can come again.

Fedosov vs. Dennis

Fedosov wins Boxcino tournament with stoppage of Dennis. The first two  rounds saw southpaw Dennis boxing cleverly slipping and ducking the punches from Fedosov whilst scoring points with his own punches. A sign of thing to come arrived in the third round when a right from Fedosov put Dennis down. Despite this Dennis had a good fourth round and boxed well in the fifth. Fedosov really took control late in the sixth when he stung Dennis with rights and in the seventh he put Dennis down with a salvo of hard punches. The American made it to his feet and to the bell but had nothing left. Fedosov ended it in the eighth with a thumping right that put Dennis down and although he again dragged himself to his feet he was on unsteady pins and the referee stopped the fight. After losing to Lance Whittaker in 2010 and to Bryant Jennings in 2013 Fedosov was largely inactive until beating Nat Heaven and Lenroy Thomas in the earlier rounds of the Boxcino. The Californian-based Russian has 23 wins by KO/TKO and victory in this tournament should lead to some big matches.  After winning his first 10 fights Dennis, 27, suffered a shock in April last year when being halted by Nat Heaven inside a round. He found partial redemption in the Boxcino with wins over Steve Vukose and Romanian Razvan Cojanu. Now he had to rebuild again.

 

Indio, CA, USA: Feather: Eric Hunter (21-3) W KO 1 Antonio Escalante (29-8). Feather: Abraham Lopez (18-0-1) W KO 5 Alfred Tetteh (23-4-1). Super Bantam: Joet Gonzalez (10-0) W PTS 8 Jose A Beranza (36-33-2). Heavy: Taishan Dong (5-0) W KO 1 Lance Gauch (5-9-2). Super Middle: Paul Valenzuela (7-1-1) W PTS 6 Antonio Gutierrez (18-1-1).

Hunter vs. Escalante

Hunter destroys a much faded Escalante in one round. At the mid-point of the round a left hook from Hunter scored the first knockdown and although Escalante made it to his feet a hard body/head combination put him down for a second time. With the round nearing its end Escalante bought some time by spitting out his gum shield but it was a futile attempt as when the fight recommenced Hunter landed heavily to head and body and the referee stopped the fight with 15 seconds left in the round. “The Outlaw” Hunter goes to 11 wins by KO/TKO. He has lost only two of his last 18 fights and both of those were dumb disqualifications. He has wins over Jerry Belmontes, Yenifel Vincent and Rene Alvarado and is IBF 5(4). As an amateur he was National PAL winner but just failed to make it through the Olympic box-offs which cost him a slot at the 2004 Olympics. El Paso-based Mexican Escalante is hurtling down the slope. He is 5-6 in his last 11 fights with all 6 losses by KO/TKO including being wiped-out in three rounds by Miguel Berchelt in his last fight in October.

Lopez vs. Tetteh

Lopez gats another win as he continues his comeback. Lopez dominated this one from start to finish finding Tetteh an easy target scoring with uppercuts and hook . Tetteh was tough but had limited technique and Lopez was able to land heavily in each round. Tetteh was in the fight briefly at the end of the third but never really troubled Lopez.  He ended things late  in the fifth with a vicious left hook to the body that put Tetteh down in agony and the Ghanaian failed to beat the count. After winning his first 18 fights Lopez, 27, walked away for three years only returning to the ring in March with a majority draw against Juan Carlos Martinez. He has 13 wins by KO/TKO. Tetteh, 36, “The Stinging Bee”, a former CBC title challenger was out of his class and now has two losses by KO/TKO.

Gonzalez vs. Beranza

Gonzalez gets in eight rounds of work against grizzled Mexican battler Beranza. Former class amateur Gonzalez was able to pierce the veterans guard and pile up the points in every round. Beranza did what he was there to do-soak up the punishment, go the distance and make Gonzalez work. Scores 80-72 twice and 79-73. Gonzalez, 21, a former NGG silver medal winner, WSB competitor and final Olympic Trials participant, had a scare last year when he was temporarily suspended after giving a positive test, but the temporary suspension was lifted after he was cleared of the offence at a hearing and continued his career. Managed by Frank Espinoza and promoted by Golden Boy he was moving up to eight rounds for the first time and is making steady progress. Beranza, 39, has lost 10 of his last 11 fights but all on points and he has only failed to last the distance four times in his career.

Dong vs. Gauch

A grossly overweight Gauch boxed his way through the first round against the lumbering Dong who towered over him. In the second a chopping right from the Chinese fighter flattened Gauch who was down for almost ten minutes and  had to leave the ring on a stretcher. The 7’0” (213cm) tall Chinese fighter (actually 6’11” but they rounded it up) is nicknamed “The Great Wall” and has had no amateur experience so looks crude as he is learning on the job. He tried basketball, MMA and kickboxing before this. Gauch is 2-5-2 in his last 9 fights.

Valenzuela vs. Gutierrez

Score one against the house fighter as Valenzuela gets revenge for 2013 defeat. Valenzuela outworked the young Mexican prospect to hand him his first loss. Definitely not in the script. Scores 60-54, 58-56 and 57-57. Easily the biggest win so far for Valenzuela. Gutierrez, 21, had taken the unanimous decision when they met in 2013.

 

Atlantic City, NJ, USA:  Super Middle: John Magda (10-0) W TKO 2 Miguel A Munguia (31-33-1). Feather: Gervonta Davis (11-0) W TKO 1 Alberto Mora (5-4). Super Bantam: Juan Dominguez (19-0) W TKO 2 Mario Macias (26-1,1ND).

Magda vs. Munguia

Southpaw prospect Magda impresses with second round stoppage of Mexican Munguia. After out boxing Munguia in the first Magda forced the stoppage early in the second. The Rutherford 23-year-old now has 7 wins by KO/TKO including 5 first round endings. Munguia, 32, is 2-5 in his last 7 fights with all five losses by KO/TKO.

Davis vs Mora

Davis takes only 75 seconds to dispose of “Ironman” Mora. The exciting 20-year-old from Baltimore had won 10 of his fights by KO/TKO with experienced Mexican German Meraz going the full six rounds but having to climb off the floor twice to do it. This is also the third first round win in his last 4 fights for Davis. He won the gold medal at the 2012 NGG’s by beating Joet Gonzalez but lost to Gonzalez at the National Championships. Mora, 20 was stepping up to 8 rounds for the first time but that proved irrelevant-as did his nickname.

Dominguez vs. Macias

Dominican “Baby Tito” Dominguez had Macias down twice before their fight was stopped in the second round. The Brooklyn-based Dominguez has 13 wins by KO/TKO but is still untested. Macias, 29, is 2-8 in his last 10 fights. He has lost his last 4 but no one is doing him any favours as the opposition including Dominguez had combined record of 94-0-1.

 

Las Vegas, NV, US:A: Light: Richard Commey (22-0) W TKO 8 Bahodir Mamadjonov (17-2). Middle: Arif Magomedov (15-0) W TKO 1 Darnell Boone (21-22-4).

Commey vs. Mamadjonov

CBC champion Commey impresses in his first fight in the US with stoppage of Mamadjonov to win the vacant IBF Inter-Continental title. The Uzbek southpaw took the first couple of rounds as Commey made a slow start. The Ghanaian got into his stride in the third and landed some power punches in the fourth. He again showed his power in the fifth shaking and staggering Mamadjonov who had to fight hard to make it to the bell. Mamadjonov regrouped in the sixth out boxing Commey but it was a temporary reprieve. Commey dominated the seventh hurting Mamadjonov with rights and again having him in trouble. Commey ended it in the eighth flooring Mamadjonov and although the Uzbek made it to his feet he was under heavy fire when the referee stopped the fight. The 22-year-old Commey was gifted his first dozen wins by some atrocious matching but then showed his talent in beating good level opposition in Kris Hughes, Paul Truscott, Gary Buckland for the CBC title, Samir Ziani (17-1-1) and Thompson Mokwana and there will be tougher tests ahead but Commey, who has 20 wins by KO/TKO, impressed in his first US fight. Mamadjonov, 27,a former double World Military Champion, had good credentials. His only previous loss was a split decision to current WBA secondary title holder Darleys Perez and he had scored wins over unbeaten Angelo Santana and Ghanaian Osumanu Akaba.

Magomedov vs. Boone

Magomedov halts experienced Boone in the first round. Magomedov floored Boone heavily with a right but the veteran beat the count. The fight was allowed to continue with Boone trying to fight back. After a couple more punches from Magomedov Boone looked to stumble forward as if going down and the referee stopped the fight although it looked a questionable stoppage.. The 22-year-old Russian has 9 wins by KO/TKO. He was having his first fight in the US and has good wins over Alex Theran, Patrick Mendy and Mike Zerafa. “Deezol” Boone is one of the great imponderables. How do you assess a guy who has a negative record but has a genuine stoppage win over Adonis Stevenson and has also beaten Phillip Jackson Benson (15-1) Willie Monroe Jr. and Calvin Green and floored Andre Ward when they fought in 2005?

 

Luzhniki, Russia: Light Heavy: Dmitry Bivol (3-0) W KO 4 Joey Vegas (17-11-2).

Former top amateur Bivol takes an ambitious step after only two fights but gets a win over experienced Vegas. Bivol was forcing the fight coming forward behind a stiff jab and letting go fast combinations. Vegas was looking to draw the lead from Bivol and counter and even tried a brief session of rope-a-dope but without much success as Bivol was boxing a controlled fight. Vegas was more active in the second but only letting his punches go in short bursts whilst Bivol kept up a busy stream of jabs and straight rights. In the third a combination from Bivol had Vegas backing to the ropes and Bivol just kept throwing punches until Vegas dropped to the floor to avoid the storm. He got up but Bivol chased him down and again unleashed a series of punches that put Vegas down. He arose again as the bell went. Bivol was looking to end it in the fourth and took Vegas to the ropes and landed three or four punches. Vegas went down on his knees covering his right eye with his glove indicating one of the punches might have included a thumb to the eye but the referee just counted the Ugandan out. The 24-year-old Kyrgyzstan-born Russian was twice World and also European Cadet Champion, was a bronze medal winner at the World Junior Championships and Russian Junior and Senior champion which is why they were confident enough to take this step. Vegas, 33, is 1-5-1 in his last 7 fights but has some good wins and is usually the away fighter.

 

Barrio Santa Paula, Argentina: Super Middle: Ezequiel O Maderna (23-2) W TKO 1 Rolando W Mansilla (11-2-1). Maderna retains the Argentinian title with early stoppage of overmatched Mansilla; Maderna wasted no time going straight after Mansilla. He landed some heavy jabs and as Mansilla tried to get inside for some shelter Maderna thumped home a right to the chin that sent Mansilla crashing heavily to the canvas. Mansilla made it to his feet but was on unsteady legs and another right to the chin had him staggering and defenceless and the referee stopped the fight. Fifth defence of his Argentinian title for Maderna and win No 15 by KO/TKO. The 28-year-old “El Olympico” –he competed at the 2008 Olympics losing to Shawn Estrada-had a bad 2013 losing to Edwin Rodriguez and Thomas Oosthuizen (a split decision) but has now won three in a row. Mansilla, 29, the FAB No 4 had lost to Ruben Acosta for the South American title in January.

 

Coronel Moldes, Argentina: Super Welter: Jose Carlos Paz (17-2) W PTS 10 Martin Fidel Rios (15-5-3). Super Light: Gumersindo L Carrasco (22-2,1ND) W TKO 3 Pedro L Prieto (7-10-1).

Paz vs. Rios

Local fighter Paz has to overcome a slow start to win unanimous decision. Rios was using his edge in reach to score with his left jab and banging home combinations to build an early lead. Once Paz managed to get inside and work the body the fight changed and Paz was scoring with hooks to the body and slowly tiring Rios. Paz swept the eighth and ninth and an exhausted Rios spat out his gum shield in the last to get a breather. Scores 98-95 ½, 97 ½-95, 96 ½-96. After losing his second pro fight Paz had a run of 15 victories before losing a close decision to Juan M Bonanni in February. He is rated No 9 with the FAB. “El Terrible” Rios, a former Argentinian champion, is 2-3-1 in his last 6 fights and is FAB No 8 at middleweight.

Carrasco vs. Prieto

“Pitbull” Carrasco wears down late sub Prieto. It was a one-sided fight with Carrasco taking the first two rounds before flooring Prieto in the third. Prieto survived the round but his corner retired their man before the start of the fourth round.  Now 16 wins by KO/TKO for Carrasco but he was given a reality check when Brit Lee Purdy outclassed him and halted him in four rounds at the end of 2012. The 28-year-old former Argentinian champion has won his last 4 fights as he rebuilds and is FAB No 3. He represented Argentina at the 2005 and 2007 World Championships. Prieto was having his first fight since September 2012. He came in as a very late replacement after original opponent Gustavo Vittorio withdrew due to the death of his father.

 

Rosario, Argentina: Super Feather: Raul H Centeno (19-1-1) W PTS 10 Pablo M Barboza (23-6). Centeno retains the WBC Latino title with a unanimous decision over local fighter Barboza. The fight was close over the first four rounds with the southpaw Barboza just having the edge. He went ahead in the fifth as he put the defending champion down. Centeno took over from the sixth using his speed and better skills to create openings. In the eighth Centeno launched a furious attack that had Barboza in trouble and the referee gave the challenger a standing count. In the ninth a right uppercut from Centeno put Barboza down to effectively seal the win. Barboza got up and they battled away in the last with Centeno making sure there was no late slip up. Scores 96-91, 96-92, 96-93. Second defence of his title for 26-year-old Centeno. He is unbeaten in his last 10 fights and is sitting at No 2 lightweight in the FAB rankings. “Bad Boy” Barboza, 30, the Argentinian lightweight champion had been knocked out in 5 rounds by Chad Bennett in his last fight in April.

 

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada: Super Light: Yves Ulysse Jr (7-0) W TKO 5 Noel Mejia Rincon (13-5-1). Heavy: Donovan Ruddock (40-5-1) W PTS 6 Eric Barrak (8-3).

Ulysse vs. Rincon

Ulysse gets another win as he eventually catches and disposes of Rincon. The Canadian prospect dominated the opening rounds with Rincon constantly under fire. A fierce attack in the fifth was punctuated by a searing right uppercut that put Rincon down. He took the eight count whilst Ulysse in the neutral corner was holding the ropes and leaning forward to his full extent ready to catapult off the ropes. He did just that running across the ring and landing another right that saw Rincon drop to a knee and the referee stop the fight. Now 5 wins by KO/TKO for the Canadian No 4 who represented Canada at both the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships. He needs stiffer tests. Mexican Rincon gets his third loss by KO/TKO.

Ruddock vs. Barrak

Ruddock makes heavy weather of getting his second win on his return. Ruddock had to come from behind to snatch the majority decision after Barrack provided tougher than expected opposition. Scores 58-56 twice and 57-57. The 51-year-old Ruddock says his aim is to regain the Canadian title that he first won in 1988 and regained in his last fight before retiring in 2001. Barrak, 37, the Canadian No 5 is a former MMA competitor.

 

Clichy la Garenne, France: Super Bantam: Amor Belahdj Ali (14-3-1,1ND) W PTS 10 Faycal Messaoudene (6-23-1). Belahdj gets unanimous verdict over Messaoudene in French title fight. Champion Belahdj took the fight to Messaoudene with his usual aggressive style with Messaoudene trying to box and keep it an open fight. Messaoudene just did not have the power to keep southpaw Belahdj out and although he did well in the middle rounds Belahdj staged a strong finish twice knocking out Messaoudene mouthguard out in the last round. Scores 98-92, 97-94 and 96-94. Belahdj was making the first defence of the national title that he won with a points victory over Messaoudene in January last year. He had drawn and lost to Ali Hallab in previous French title fights. He lost a split decision to WBO No 3 Zsolt Bedak in June. Messaoudene had lost 4 of his last 5 going in but the win was against unbeaten former top amateur Jeremy Beccu.

 

Port-au-Prince, Haiti: Light: Evens Pierre (25-1) W PTS 11 Jesus Cruz Bibiano (15-10). Light Heavy: Azea Augustama (19-2) W KO 3 Eduardo Mercedes 28-13).

Pierre vs. Bibiano

Pierre returns home to defend his WBA Fedelatin title with wide unanimous decision over Mexican Bibiano. The “Sun City Kid” simply boxed the eras off Bibiano. His speed and movement bamboozled Bibiano from the outset and in the second a left hook put the Mexican down. He recovered and kept marching forward but Pierre was too elusive and raked Bibiano with counters from both hands. Bibiano never gave up chasing but he was always a step behind the clever Haitian who put on a class show. Scores 110-99 twice and 109-100. Now 13 wins in a row for the Miami-based 31-year-old who was inactive for 20 months before returning in November with a stoppage of experienced Rene Gonzalez. He is rated 8(7) by the WBA and is hoping for a title fight late this year or in 2016. Bibiano, 30, was 5-2 in his last 7 fights going in to this one and had a win over Cesar Vazquez (25-1).

Augustama vs. Mercedes

Augustama made it a double for Haiti as he overpowered Dominican Mercedes and knocked him out in three rounds. The Florida-based Haitian has 11 wins by KO/TKO. His only losses have been a majority decision against Denis Grachev and a points loss to Edwin Rodriguez. He retains his WBA Fedelatin title. He comes from a boxing family and was an outstanding amateur competing at the 2008 Olympics and was also a gold medal winner at the NGG beating J’Leon Love on his way to the final. Mercedes has had a switchback career. He was 6-9 in his first 15 fights and then won his next 18, 14 by KO/TKO but is back down to earth again now being 4-4 in his last 8. The Jacques Deschamps promotion was the first boxing show in Haiti for quite some time and was a success with the Haitian President attending. It has been a good 7 month spell for Deschamps who guided Nicholas Walters to prime position with the Jamaican’s win over Nonito Donaire.

 

Kecskemet, Hungary: Feather: Robert Laki (9-0-1) W PTS 10 Imre Nagy (11-7). Heavy: Zsolt Bogdan (10-0) W PTS 10 Jean Marc Monrose (27-8). Cruiser: Imre Szello (7-0) W KO 6 Miguel Velozo (17-4-2). Light Heavy: Balazs Kelemen (23-1) W PTS 6 Robert Talarek (10-11-2).

Laki vs. Nagy

Laki wins the vacant Hungarian title with comfortable decision over Nagy. Laki had the superior skills and was scoring well with combinations to head and body with Nagy soaking up the pain but not giving in. Nagy tried hard to find a knockout punch in the last, the only round he won, but Laki was too smart and boxed his way to the decision. Score 99-91 from all three judges. The 23-year-old local is a former Hungarian amateur champion under his real name of Robert Lakatos and was in his first ten round fight. Nagy, 24, is 3-4 in his last 7 fights having lost on his travels to Maxi Hughes, Steve Wilcox and Paul Hyland.

Bogdan vs. Monrose

“Bulletproof” Bogdan gets unanimous decision over former EBU champion Monrose. The styles blended well and made for an interesting fight. The Hungarian was the busier and outscoring Monrose but the Frenchman won enough rounds to be competitive. Bogdan suffered a shoulder injury late in the fight but had done enough to hold off Monrose. Scores 97-93 twice and 97-94.  The Romanian-born Bogdan adds the interim Hungarian International title to the Global Boxing Federation title he won by outpointing Danny Williams in December. Monrose, 33, the EBU 19 is on the slide and is 3-8 in his last 11 fights.

Szello vs. Velozo

Former top amateur Szello recovers from an indifferent start to halt Velozo. “Imo” had problems early with the awkward style of the Cuban Velozo but slowly figured Velozo out and closed the show. A salvo of punches put Velozo down in the sixth and although he made it to his feet he was in no condition to continue and the referee stopped the fight. The 31-year-old Hungarian champion makes it 4 wins by KO/TKO. He was one of the most successful of modern day Hungarian amateur fighters having over 300 contests winning gold at the EU championships and a bronze medal at the World Championships with wins to his name over Artur Beterbyiev and Shawn Estrada.  Czech-based Velozo suffered back-to-back losses in 2014 against unbeaten fighters Dominic Boesel on a majority decision and a stoppage by Sergey Ekimov.

Kelemen vs. Talarek

“Balu” Kelemen makes a return to the winning column with a points victory over Pole Talarek. First fight for the 36-year-old Hungarian champion since losing his unbeaten record on a ninth round stoppage against big hitter Vincent Feigenbutz in March. Fifth fight of the year for the busy Talarek who had 11 bouts in 2014. He had won his last two fights.

 

San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy: Super Middle: Roberto Bassi (8-1) W PTS 10 Roberto Cocco (16-13-1). Bassi holds on to his Italian title in front of his own fans with unanimous decision over Cocco but fight closer than the scores indicate. Cocco was the busier fighter attacking the body to slow the younger hometown fighter. The problem for Cocco was that Bassi did a good job of blocking the punches whether to head or body. Bassi was throwing less but landing more make good use of his jab and straight rights. The judges went for quality over quantity with two scoring it 97-93, which did not reflect the closeness of the fight, and a 96-94 which was more representative. Bassi deserved the win but Cocco wants a return. Now 5 wins in a row for Bassi but he is still looking for his first inside the distance win. Cocco, 38, a former undefeated national champion at the weight has now lost 3 of his last 4 fights with the other losses coming in 2014 against Mariano Hilario and Andrea Di Luisa in EU title fights.

 

Bangkok, Thailand: Feather: Jirapan (11-0) W KO 3 Rofiq Aditya (2-1-1). Super Fly: Kongfah (21-0) W KO 3 Ricky Morales 4-2-1)

In a mismatch Thai Jirapan kayos Indonesian to win the WBC Youth Silver title. Jirapan looked a couple of divisions heavier than the small Indonesian and it was obvious that this fight was not going to last long. Constantly switching guards Jirapan was walking Aditya down over the first rounds but only being able to get home with a few glancing shots. In the third a right to the body from Jirapan sent Aditya down on his knees to be counted out. Now 8 wins by KO/TKO for the Thai but this was a poor excuse for a title fight.

Kongfah vs. Morales

Another abysmal match sees unbeaten Kongfah kayo another poor Indonesian novice. The Thai started out southpaw but changed guard in each of the first four rounds. He was too powerful for Morales who at least tried to stand and exchange over the first two rounds. He was constantly being rocked by left hooks to the body and long rights and by the end of the third all of the fight had gone out of him. Kongfah handed out a series of wicked body punches as he chased Morales down in the fourth and fifth and in the sixth a series of punches to head and body saw the referee step in and stop the fight. Kongfah has 13 wins by KO/TKO and this was a pointless fight as he had kayoed Morales in three rounds in March. Kongfah’s opposition has been awful with nine never having had a fight, two never having won a fight and three having combined records of 3-55-2 with Morales the only fighter to have a positive record and even then it was only 4-2-1.

 

May 23

 

Boston, MA, USA: Super Middle: James DeGale (21-1) W PTS 12 Andre Dirrell (24-2). Light Heavy: Edwin Rodriguez (27-1) W TKO 3 Craig Baker (16-1). Middle: Gary O’Sullivan (21-1) W KO 2 Melvyn Betancourt (29-2). Super Bantam: Jonathan Guzman (19-0) W TKO 5 Chris Esquivel (27-7). Welter: Danny O’Connor (26-2) W TKO 5 Chris Gilbert (12-2). Super Feather: Logan McGuinness (23-0-1) W PTS 6  Gerardo Cuevas (17-14). Super Ryan Kielczewski (23-1) W KO 1 Anthony Napunyi (15-15).

DeGale vs. Dirrell

DeGale becomes the first British Olympic gold medallist to win a world title as he beats Dirrell on a unanimous decision for the vacant IBF title. The Brit made a good start winning the first round on all three cards as he worked well inside and landed some good shots from both hands. After an unfortunate start to the second he came close to ending the fight. Early in the round a punch from Dirrell opened a cut over the right eye of DeGale but De Gale responded with an overhand southpaw left which put Dirrell down. The American was up quickly only for a salvo from DeGale punctuated by another left to put Dirrell down again. Dirrell recovered well and fought back just doing enough to take the third but DeGale dominated the fourth despite Dirrell changing guard to try to get an edge. After those four rounds DeGale was up on all cards at 39-35 twice and 40-34 on the other. The fight was slipping away from Dirrell and there did not seem there was much he could do to change it as DeGale was slamming home right jabs, moving well and being first to the punch. He out boxed Dirrell in the fifth and again in the sixth drawing blood from the American’s nose and ending the round strongly. At the half way point of the fight DeGale was 6 points in front on two cards and 8 points on the other. It was Degale’s fight to win if he just kept his foot on the gas-but he did not. The seventh saw DeGale’s work rate drop and he was no longer the fluid fighter he had been over the first six rounds. Now Dirrell was coming forward blocking most of DeGale’s punches and it was his jab doing the scoring. The scenario was the same in the eighth and ninth with DeGale’s corner trying to rekindle the earlier fire as they could see DeGale letting the fight slip away. By the start of the eleventh although he was way ahead on one card the gap was only two points on the other two. A strong finish would see Dirrell force a majority draw so DeGale had to find something. He did in the eleventh and twelfth doing some effective body punching as Dirrell seemed to tire slightly from his rally and DeGale did enough to emerge the deserving victor. Scores 114-112 twice and a hardly indicative 117-109 that did not reflect those rounds 7, 8, 9 and 10 where Dirrell was dominant. A great victory for 29-year-old DeGale all the better for coming in America against an American.   He lost a majority verdict to George Groves in 2011 but rebounded to win the European title and score ten wins in a row including inside the distance victories over Brandon Gonzalez and Marco Periban to lift himself to the No 1 spot with the IBF and in position to fight for the vacant title. There are plenty of options out there for the new champion with a big fight planned for London in October with names such as Groves, Carl Froch, Andre Ward and Gennady Golovkin being bandied about. Meanwhile he can bask in the glow of being a world champion as the best answer to those who wrote him off after the Groves loss. Dirrell is far from finished at 31. His only other loss was a split decision against Froch in the Brit’s hometown. He was inactive for 21 months after suffering a brain injury when beating Arthur Abraham in 2010 but had built himself back with six wins and will fight for the super middle title again perhaps in 2016.

Rodriguez vs. Baker

Rodriguez halts previously unbeaten Baker in controversial stoppage. Rodriguez took the first two rounds. He was busier than the slow starting Baker throwing more punches and landing more. Late in the third Rodriguez had Baker pinned on the ropes and was landing hard overhand rights when the referee stepped-in and halted the fight. Baker showed clearly his surprise at the fight being stopped and it looked a bit premature but in fairness to the referee Baker was not punching back. “La Bomba” Rodriguez, 30, took 11 months out after losing to Andre Ward for the WBA super middle title in November 2013 and now has three wins since moving up to light heavy. Texan “Black Cat” Baker, 31, took a trip down to Argentina in November for a win and then crashed the ratings in February with a stoppage of highly rated Cuban Umberto Savigne.

O’Sullivan vs. Betancourt

O’Sullivan too strong and aggressive for Dominican champion Betancourt. From the outset the difference in punch power was obvious and Betancourt was always just one punch away from defeat. O’Sullivan had Betancourt on the retreat in the first with a sustained body attack. Betancourt had a better second round as he was more aggressive and looking to trade. A big mistake as O’Sullivan was soon bouncing head-jerking shots off the Dominican and was willing to take one to land one. Betancourt was now in in full retreat. A searing left/ring combination sent Betancourt stumbling along the ropes and down on his back. He pulled himself by using the ropes but at the end of the eight count was still dazed and the fight should have been stopped then. Instead O’Sullivan drove him along the ropes and slammed home a series of head shots until Betancourt went down on his back obviously out of the fight but the referee pedantically insisted on counting the full ten instead of waiving the fight over so Betancourt could get assistance. The Cork boxer has 14 wins by KO/TKO. His loss was a wide unanimous decision against Billy Joe Saunders in July 2013. He was then out of the ring for 11 months and has scored 5 wins since then including a 75 seconds stoppage of Anthony Fitzgerald. “Spike” boxed in this one wearing a kilt but his post victory jig was not quite up to Lord of the Dance standard. Betancourt’s record was heavily padded and a good example of what passes for competitive matching in the Dominican Republic with only four of his opponents having positive records. He showed some good touches but despite his 23 wins by KO/TKO is no dynamite punch

Guzman vs. Esquivel

Guzman continues unbeaten with win over Mexican Esquivel. The Dominican prospect showed his range of skills using his reach advantage to good effect. Esquivel gave him a good test before being pulled out due to a bad cut before the start of the sixth round.  Now 19 wins by KO/TKO for the 25-year-old Guzman. He looks a good one for the future although his record at this stage is padded with some way below par opponents. He is rated IBF 8(6)/WBA 11. “Italiano” Esquivel, 28, looks to be on the slide. The former WBC Silver champion lost in eleven rounds to Shinsuke Yamanaka for the vacant WBC bantam title in 2011but now has three losses in a row by KO/TKO.

O’Connor vs. Gilbert

O’Connor easily brushes aside Gilbert for stoppage in fifth. The popular local fighter took a round to go to work but once he did he was too much for Gilbert to handle. In the second a right to the body put Gilbert down for the first time and another body punch had him down again before the bell. Things got worse for Gilbert in the third when what looked like a slip was counted as a knockdown and a punch opened a cut over his right eye. Gilbert was landing a few shots of his own but in the fifth body punches again proved Gilbert’s undoing and after he was floored for the second time in the round the fight was stopped. The 30-year-old southpaw O’Connor has 10 wins by KO/TKO. A former NGG and US National champion O’Connor won his first 14 fights before being outpointed by Gabriel Bracero in 2011. He bounced back with nine wins before dropping a split decision to veteran Vivian Harris in October 2013. He was then inactive for a year and this is his third win by KO/TKO since his return. This was a huge step up in class for Gilbert and he was just not good enough to be competitive.

McGuinness vs. Cuevas

McGuinness continues his comeback from injury with points win over Cuevas but has to climb off the canvas for victor. A left from Cuevas put the Canadian down briefly in the first round leaving McGuinness with a two point deficit after just three minutes. From there McGuinness gradually took control working the body and outscoring Cuevas over the remaining five rounds. Scores 57-56 from all three judges. Third win for the once highly rated 27-year-old McGuinness since returning to the ring after an 18 month break caused by injuries. Cuevas, the son of former WBA welter champion Pipino Cuevas has lost 6 of his last 7 fights to tough opposition.

Kielczewski vs. Napunyi

Kielczewski gets back to winning ways with one round victory over Kenyan veteran. The “Polish Prince” used a succession of body punches to do the job with Napunyi being counted our whilst down on one knee. The 25-year-old Kielczewski, a former New England Golden Gloves champion and NGG silver medallist lost his unbeaten tag on a split decision against Danny Aquino in April. Napunyi, 32, now had 10 losses in his last 11 fights.

 

Cordoba, Argentina: Light: Fernando D Saucedo (55-6-3) W TKO 8 Juan J Farias (16-8-1). Saucedo again proves too good for domestic opposition. From early on Farias had fallen into survival mode so it became a question of when Saucedo would win and not if. In the seventh a hard combination from Saucedo of a right to the chin and two hooks to the body floored Farias. He was up taking the eight count when the bell went. The reprieve was short as Saucedo stormed into Farias in the eighth and with Farias turning away indicating he was finished for the night the fight was stopped. Only the ninth win by KO/TKO for 33-year-old Saucedo a former WBA feather and IBF super feather title contender. Farias, 34, had looked to be turning his career around with a run of 11 wins and a technical draw but had that illusion shattered when Miguel Roman stopped him in three rounds in September.

 

Liverpool, Australia: Super Feather: David Browne (21-1-1) W TKO 4 Denkamon (22-5). Super Welter: Rocky Jerkic (10-0) W KO 3 Eakkhunphol (10-7). Light: Valentine Borg (10-1) W TKO 4 Amon Yuchareon (0-9-1).

Browne vs. Denkamon

Browne retains the WBC Eurasia Pacific title with win over Thai Denkamon who retires after four rounds. Browne had big edges in height and reach and had no trouble scoring and breaking down the Thai. Browne, 28, was unbeaten in his first 16 fights before losing a technical decision to Billy Dib in 2009. After a win in October that year he was inactive until returning in December 2013 since when he has won 5 fights. He is the ANBF No 4. Denkamon, also 28, suffers his third loss by KO/TKO. He had won 10 of his last 11 fights going in but his ten victims had managed only one win between them.

Jerkic vs. Eakkhunphol

Jerkic continues to show promise as he halts Thai to win the vacant IBO Asia Pacific title. After dominating the fight Jerkic ended it with a body punch at the mid-point of the third round. The tall 27-year-old, the ANBF No 2, has 8 wins by KO/TKO including 6 in his last 6 fights. His 10 wins have taken up less than 23 rounds but Eakkhunphol is only the second victim with a positive record and he is 3-6 in his last 9 fights so early to judge how good Jerkic is at this stage.

Borg vs. Yuchareon

Borg gets stoppage win over poor Australian-based Thai opponent who retired at the end of the fourth round. Too easy for the former undefeated Australian champion and current ANBF No 3. In April Yuchareon had snapped his 8 bout losing streak with a draw but is back to losing again.

 

Gunnedah, Australia: Super Feather Corey McConnell (15-1-1) W TKO 1 Mongkolchai (12-3). “Baby Hulk” McConnell gets this one over quickly as he stops Thai in 104 seconds. McConnell hurt Mongkolchai early with a left hook. He followed the retreating Thai driving him back with stiff left jabs. A right to the head stunned Mongkolchai who momentarily dropped his hands. McConnell moved in and landed two left hooks to the body which put Mongkolchai down on his knees and the fight was stopped. McConnell, 29, wins the vacant PABA title and gets only his second win by KO/TKO. His sole loss was a fifth round stoppage against IBF No 1 Lee Selby for the CBC title in 2013. He has rebounded with 4 wins garnering the German version of the WBU title and the WBC International title which he no longer holds. First loss by KO/TKO for Mongkolchai who had won his last 5 fights. Sounds good but those 5 victims had combined records of 1-17.

 

Maroochydore, Australia: Welter: Cameron Hammond (12-0) W KO 4 Jese Rayudi (4-2-1). Super Fly: Brad Hore (5-1) W PTS 10 Afrizal Tamboresi. Middle: Kerry Hope (21-7) W TKO 1 Jamed Jalarante (23-18-1).

Hammond vs. Rayudi

Hammond given torrid time by inexperienced Rayudi before ending things in the fourth. Rayudi came out setting a frantic pace throwing so many punches that Hammond could not find space to get his own game going. The pace caught up with Rayudi in the fourth and Hammond floored the Fijian with a right to the temple. Somehow Rayudi made it to his feet but Hammond met him with a right and then a left hook that almost lifted the Fijian off his feet and he was not going to get up from that thunderbolt. The 25-year-old “Hammer” was making the second defence of his WBA Oceania and knew that a win would also put him in a leading position to challenge for the CBC title. The Ricky Hatton promoted former Australian amateur champion represented Australia at both the Commonwealth Games, where he lost on points to Callum Smith, and the 2012 Olympics. He has 6 wins by KO/TKO. New South Wales State champion Rayudi provided plenty of action but was in over his head with top prospect Hammond.

Hore vs. Tamboresi

“The Pocket Rocket” Hore wins the vacant WBFound Asia Pacific title with wide unanimous decision over Indonesian Tamboresi. The Australian southpaw had Tamboresi down in the fourth but could not keep him there and had to settle for a comfortable points win. Scores 100-90 twice and 100-92. The 33-year-old Hore’s loss was a kayo by Filipino Roberto Lerio for the Australian bantam title in 2013. After winning the Queensland State title in May 2013 he was inactive until returning with a win 18 months later. Hore is one of those outstanding amateurs who left it too late to turn pro. He was a 5-time Australian champion winning his first title in 2000 and his last in 2009, competed at the Commonwealth Games, the World Championships twice and also the Olympics before turning pro at 30. Indonesian Tamboresi record looks incomplete to me so I have not quoted one.

Hope vs. Jalarante

Former EBU champion Hope kicks-off his Australian campaign with a quick win over experienced Indonesian. Hope had Jalarante down early and the fight was stopped. The 33-year-old Welshman sprang a huge surprise in 2007 when he beat the world rated European champion Grzegorz Proksa only to lose the title back to Proksa four months later. He then went 3-3 in 6 fights with losses to top quality opposition in Darren Barker and Eamonn O’Kane and also lost to Frankie Borg for the BBB of C Welsh Area title in his last bout in March 2014. Hope faces Mike Zerafa (17-1) next month in a fight that will have a big impact on his Australian adventure. Jalarante is 3-11 in his last 14 fights and this is lost No 13 by KO/TKO.;

 

Spa, Belgium: Super Feather: Faroukh Kourbanov (8-0) W PTS 10 Angelo Turco (5-6). Cruiser: Geoffrey Battelo (31-5) W KO 2 Goga Abuladze (20-8)

Kourbanov vs. Turco

Kourbanov wins the vacant Belgian title with split decision over Turco in an entertaining hard fought battle. Kourbanov needed all of his skills to hold off the aggression of Turco and it was a very close fight over the first four rounds. Kourbanov built a lead over the next four rounds and then held off a strong challenge from Turco to earn the verdict. Scores 97-94, 97-93 and 95-96 for Turco. The Kyrgyzstan-born Kourbanov, 23, was moving up to ten rounds for the first time. Turco has now lost 5 of his last 6 fights and he too was in his first ten round fight.

Battelo vs. Abuladze

Now 6 kayo wins in a row for Battelo as he knocks out Georgian Abuladze in the second. The tall 35-year-old rarely goes the distance whether he wins or loses as he has 27 wins by KO/TKO and 6 losses the same way. He lost twice in shots at the EBU title being halted by both Marco Huck and Lubos Suda and is probably hoping for another shot at the title although it appears unlikely. Now 7 losses by KO/TKO for Abuladze.

 

Moncton, Canada: Super Bantam: Tyson Cave (26-3) W TKO 3 Jovanny Soro (39-19-1). Super Welter: Brandon Brewer (14-0-1) W KO 2 Gyula Vajda (18-10). 19

Cave vs. Rojas

Cave “owns” Soto after three wins over the Mexican. The “Prince of Hali” outpointed Soto over ten rounds in 2012 and stopped him in four rounds in 2014. The 33-year-old southpaw is looking for another shot at the interim WBA title. He lost a split decision to Oscar Escandon in December and is aiming to land a fight with new champion Moises Flores. Soto is 6-6 in his last 12 fights with all 12 fights ending in KO/TKO.

Brewer vs. Vajda

Local fighter Brewer knocks out Hungarian Vajda in two rounds. The tall “L-Jack” Brewer has 7 wins by KO/TKO and is CNC No 2. Vajda goes to 8 losses by KO/TKO having also been knocked out in two rounds by Steve Claggett in Canada last year.

 

Kauhava, Finland: Light Heavy: Juho Haapoja (26-6-2,1ND) DREW 10 Serhiy Demchenko (15-7-1). Welter: Juho Tolppola (26-6-1) W PTS 10 Matias Laitinen (7-1).

Haapoja vs. Demchenko

Haapoja was looking to get revenge for a controversial stoppage loss to Demchenko in January. The Finn had learned from his mistakes and came with a game plan of strengthening his defence and out boxing the Ukrainian. He worked the plan well over the first half of the fight but was shaken by a punch late in the sixth as Demchenko found the range. Demchenko continued to force the fight and it was a case of Haapoja scoring more but Demchenko landing the harder shots. Disaster almost struck when the Finn was floored by a right in the ninth but Haapoja recovered and they fought on even terms in the last. Scores 96-94 to Haapoja, 97-94 to Demchenko and 95-95. It was as close as the scores indicate but Demchenko was a little unlucky not to get the verdict. The 34-year-old Haapoja a former EU champion lost big fights to Mateusz Masternak for the EBU title and to Silvio Branco and Rakhim Chakhkiev for the WBC Silver title. He had rebuilt to an extent with 5 wins until being derailed by the loss to Demchenko. The 35-year-old Italian-based Ukrainian had been going in the opposite direction with 4 losses in a row before the win over Haapoja.

Tolppola vs. Laitinen

Experience told here as Tolppola gets unanimous decision over Laitinen to win the vacant Finnish title. The was a very technical fight with both fighters showing good skills but Tolppola having the edge. Tolppola controlled the centre of the ring and kept the pressure on the much taller young boxer not allowing him to use his physical advantages. Laitinen had some success with his fast, accurate jabs but Tolppola was always able to come back stronger and was a clear winner. Scores 98-94 twice and 100-90. “TNT” Tolppola, 33, is not really a knockout puncher despite the nickname. He has not won a fight by KO/TKO since 2005. As with Haapoja he is now staying active in the hope of another title shot having failed twice to win both the EBU and EU titles. He took 5 years out after his last EU title loss in 2009 and has scored four wins since returning. Laitinen, 23, showed good skills and was jumping from 6 rounds up to 10 rounds and can come again.

 

Ferrara, Italy: Super Welter: Marcello Matano (15-1) W TKO 7 Mathias Zemski (15-3). Cruiser: Leonardo Bruzzese (14-1) W TKO 10 David Rettori (7-4-1). Welter: Gianluca Frezza (23-2-2, 2 ND) W TKO 4 Italo Brussolo (10-8-2).

Matano vs. Zemski

Matano retains IBF Inter-Continental title with win over game but out-gunned German. Matano made a cautious start as Zemski showed good defensive skills. The fight changed when Matano started to attack the body. Suddenly Zemski was fading fast and obviously uncomfortable under the body shots. In the seventh Matano was chasing Zemski from corner to corner. The German momentarily slipped to the canvas but only got up very slowly and was already looking pleadingly at his corner. No towel came in and a body punch from Matano saw Zemski go down. He struggled to his feet just as the bell rang and the German’s corner retired their man. Matano, 28, a former Italian champion, was coming off a good win when lifting the IBF belt with a decision over Jussi Koivula (17-1) in February. Zemski, 30, had won 7 of his last 8 fights and this is second loss by KO/TKO, with body punches being his undoing in both.

Bruzzese vs. Rettori

Bruzzese wins vacant Italian title with late stoppage of Rettori. Bruzzese had a big edge in skill but Rettori decided to just try to walk through Bruzzese’s punches and force him to trade. He paid the price for those tactics in the long run and was also lucky to survive a bad third round. Late in the round Bruzzese scored with a series of hard shots and Rettori was only saved by a standing count which allowed him to last to the bell. Despite that Rettori continued his forward march into the left jabs and uppercuts of Bruzzese. In the tenth Bruzzese again got through with some clubbing head shots and Rettori went down heavily. He tried to get up but just stumbled into the ropes and the fight was over. Hometown fighter Bruzzese regains the title he lost to Maurizio Loviglio in December 2013. Rettori, 37, was in his first bout scheduled for more than six rounds and lacked the skills to compete here.

Frezza vs. Brussolo

Former undefeated Italian welter champion Frezza extends his unbeaten run to 17 fights with stoppage of old foe Brussolo. Frezza, having his first fight for 13 months, was well on his way to a win when the fight was stopped due to a bad cut suffered by Brussolo. Frezza, 35, had outpointed Brussolo twice, once in a defence of his Italian title. Brussolo, who has had two shots at the Italian title, is 1-5-1 in his last 7 fights.

 

Metepec, Mexico: Super Bantam: Rey Vargas (24-0) W PTS 10 Edward Mansito (13-2-2). “King” Vargas floors Filipino early but is forced to go the distance for his win. Vargas had all the physical advantages and the punch so this was always going to be an uphill battle for Mansito. A short right hook put Mansito down in the first but he showed real guts by getting up and lasting to the bell. With a big edge in reach Vargas was able to land power punches from the outside and was too big and strong on the inside. He allowed Mansito to take the initiative over the late rounds but speared the advancing Filipino with searing punches to head and body. Mansito was never really in deep trouble again after the second round and showed why he has yet to lose by KO/TKO. Vargas won every round and got in some useful work as this is only the fourth time he has had to go the distance for a win. Scores 100-88 from all three judges. The 24-year-old Nacho Beristan trained fighter is rated WBC4/IBF 5(3)/WBO 7 and should be fighting for a world title next year. “The Nightmare” Mansito, 22, had won his last 10 fights

 

Los Mochis, Mexico: Super Feather: Adrian Young (22-1-2) W TKO 10 Marco A Juarez (8-4-1). Bantam: David Sanchez (28-2-2) W TKO 2 Walberto Ramos (23-7-2).

Young vs. Juarez

Young gets late stoppage but only after war with unfancied Juarez. Young took the fight to Juarez but despite his lack of experience the Baja Californian boxer showed good skills and scored well with counters. The scores were even after eight rounds but Juarez had a big ninth only to be exhausted by the effort and he had nothing left in the tenth with Young landing heavy punches to force the stoppage. “Chinito” Young, 22, has 18 wins by KO/TKO and victories over useful opposition in Raul Hirales and Silvester Lopez. Juarez has lost 4 of his last 5 fights and had never gone past the eighth round before so fought better than expected.

Sanchez vs. Ramos

WBA interim champion Sanchez blows away Colombian inside two rounds. A supremely confident Sanchez was walking the retreating Colombian down in the first round. Late in the round he threw a right and a left and Ramos tottered backwards and down although both punches looked to land on the gloves and he was up at two and able to fight on. In the second Ramos stood and traded more. Sanchez drove him to a corner and was throwing hooks and uppercuts. Ramos slid down the ropes and the referee stepped in and stopped the action but instead of giving Ramos a standing count he waived the fight on. Sanchez landed a wicked left uppercut and Ramos again slid down the ropes but this time touched the canvas. He was up at two and after the eight count was completed Sanchez landed a right to the head that had Ramos staggering across the ring and down to the canvas on his back. The referee immediately stopped the fight. Now 22 wins by KO/TKO for the 23-year-old “Tornado” and 18 wins in a row. His last loss was to Mario Macias in 2010. The same Mario Macias who was halted in two rounds by Juan Dominguez in Atlantic City on Saturday. Ramos, 33, lost to Omar Narvaez for the WBO fly title in 2006 and had won 12 of his 13 fights since then but he lacked the power to stand up to Sanchez.

 

Glasgow, Scotland: Heavy: Gary Cornish (21-0) W TKO 4 Zoltan Csala (8-2).

Cornish wins vacant IBO International title with stoppage of Csala. It was an easy nights work for the 6’7” (201cm) “Highlander as he towered over the tubby Hungarian who was 6’ 2 ½” (189cm) and fought out a crouch accentuating the difference. Cornish worked behind his jab throwing in some useful rights and dominating the first three rounds. Csala could not find a way to get inside and paid for it in the fourth. As he tried to walk in a stiff jab from Cornish suddenly had Csala’s legs quivering. Cornish cut loose with both hands driving Csala to the ropes and he was firing head and body shots with nothing coming back when the fight was stopped The 28-year-old Cornish has won 8 of his last 9 fights by KO/TKO and is rated No 15 by the EU. He is ready for and deserves better opposition. Hungarian champion Csala, 33, had gone the distance with unbeaten knockout puncher Arnold Gjergiaj in February.

 

Abbreviations

ABC=Asian Boxing Council an affiliate of the WBC

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

ABU=African Boxing Union an affiliate of the WBC

ACC=WBC Asian Council Continental title

ANBF=Australian National Boxing Federation who administer Australian titles

BBB of C=British Boxing Board of Control

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

BDB= Bund Deutscher Berufsboxer one of the German boxing bodies

B & H=Bosnia & Herzegovina

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

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

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

DRC=Democratic Republic of the Congo

EBU=European Boxing Union

FAB=Argentinian Boxing Federation

FFB=French Boxing Federation

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

GBC= Global Boxing Council a sanctioning body

IBA=International Boxing Association a sanctioning body

IBF=International Boxing Federation a sanctioning body

IBO=International Boxing Organisation a sanctioning body

JBC =Japanese Boxing Commission

NABA=North American Boxing Association, a WBA affiliate

NABF=North American Boxing Federation a WBC affiliate

NABO= North American Boxing Organisation, a WBO affiliate

NCC=National Championships of Canada

NGG=US National Golden Gloves

NZPBF=New Zealand Professional Boxing Federation a national sanctioning body

OPBF=Orient & Pacific Boxing Federation

PABA=Pacific & Asian Boxing Association, a WBA affiliate

PAL= Police Athletic League a major US Amateur tournament

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

UBF=Universal Boxing Federation a sanctioning body

UBO=Universal Boxing Organisation a sanctioning body

USBA= United States Boxing Association, an IBF affiliate

USBO=United States Boxing Organisation an WBO affiliate

WBA=World Boxing Association a sanctioning body

WBC=World Boxing Council a sanctioning body

WBFed=World Boxing Federation, a sanctioning body

WBFound=World Boxing Foundation, a sanctioning body

WBU=World Boxing Union, a sanctioning body

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

the higher rating positions being vacant.