The Past Week in Action 29 May 2018

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

Highlights

-Japanese “Monster” Naoya Inoue demolishes Jamie McDonnell inside a round to win secondary WBA bantam title

-Jerwin Ancajas wins wide unanimous decision over Jonas Sultan in IBF super fly title fight

-Khalid Yafai forces seventh round retirement by David Carmona to retain his IBF super fly title in his first USA outing

-Ken Shiro retains WBC light fly title with second round kayo of Ganigan Lopez

-Venezuelan Franklin Manzanilla stops WBC No 1super bantam Julio Ceja

-WBA No 1 light Evans Pierre moves to 31-1 with victory on big show in Haiti

-David Lemieux returns with a win but fails to make the contract weight and may now move to super middle

-Australian Jack Brubaker wins Commonwealth title final eliminator with points win over Tyrone Nurse

                                                WORLD TITLE SHOWS

May 25

 

Tokyo, Japan: Bantam: Naoya Inoue (16-0) W TKO 1 Jamie McDonnell (29-3-1,1ND). Light Fly: Ken Shiro (13-0) W KO 2 Ganigan Lopez (34-8). Super Bantam: Takuma Inoue (11-0) W KO 1 Waldo Sabu (12-12).

Inoue vs. McDonnell

The Japanese “Monster” Inoue lives up to his nickname with clinical destruction of McDonnell to win the secondary WBA title. McDonnell probed with his jab whilst Inoue studied the Englishman. Inoue then launched a furious attack with McDonnell pinned to the ropes McDonnell eased his way off the ropes to ring centre again probing with his jab. Inoue was giving away quite a bit in height and reach and was short with a couple of punches. Suddenly a left hook to the top of the head had McDonnell tottering back. Inoue moved after him and after missing with a right landed a left hook which put McDonnell down. McDonnell was up at six bouncing on his toes but when the eight count was over McDonnell was again trapped on the ropes and shipping heavy rights and lefts and slumped sideward to the floor and the referee stopped the fight just as McDonnell’s corner threw in the towel. The 25-year-old Inoue wins a third version of a world title but let’s not overlook that this was for the secondary WBA title with the real champion being Ryan Burnett so for me it is not really a third full title. This is his eleventh world title fight and his fourteenth win by KO/TKO. He goes on now to the WBSS which will decided who is the king of the bantams. McDonnell, 32, a former unbeaten European, British, Commonwealth and IBF champion suffers his first loss by KO/TKO. He was making the seventh defence of the secondary WBA title. He has said he will now move up to super bantam which would probably suit his 5’9 ½” (176cm) much better.

Shiro vs. Lopez

Shiro crushes Lopez in return match. Shiro had won the WBC title with a controversial majority decision over Lopez in May last year but this time he ends this one inside two rounds. Both were very tentative just probing with their jab and not looking to commit themselves. Shiro was holding his right cocked aiming to counter southpaw Lopez but in a cautious round neither fighter landed a punch. Shiro was more positive in the second stabbing out his jab and trying a few rights. Lopez tried a couple of wild swings and missed. Suddenly Shiro moved inside and dug a long right into the body of Lopez who fell to his hands and knees with his forehead resting on the canvas. He was in agony and was counted out. The 26-year-old Shiro was making the third defence of his WBC title and this gives him seven wins by KO/TKO. He had a 58-16 record as an amateur and turned pro after graduating from college. His father Hisashi Teraji is a former Japanese middleweight and OPBF light heavyweight champion who had a 20-1-3 pro record with a 14 bout winning streak when he retired in 2000. Former champion Lopez, 36,  suffers only his second loss by KO/TKO.

Inoue vs. Sabu

A good night for the Inoue family sees younger brother Takuma put poor Indonesian Sabu down and out with a body punch also in the first round. They don’t hang about these Inoue boys. Third win by KO/TKO for Inoue who won the OPBF title in only his fifth fight and is rated No 9 bantam by the WBC. Inoue was Japanese High School champion and was 52-5 as an amateur. It is that sort of background that explains why he can turn professional at 17 and already be looking for a world title fight. Eight losses by KO/TKO for Sabu.

 

May 26

 

Fresno, CA, USA: Super Fly: Jerwin Ancajas (30-1-1) W PTS 12 Jonas Sultan (14-4). Super Fly: Khalid Yafai (24-0) W RTD 7 David Carmona (21-6-5). Welter: Alex Besputin (10-0) W TKO 3 Saul Corral (28-12). Super Feather: John Moralde (20-1) W PTS 8 Ismail Muwendo (19-1).

Ancajas vs. Sultan

in the first world title fight between two Filipinos in 93 years Ancajas turns in another masterly performance and controls and dominates this fight with Sultan and retains his IBF title.

Round 1

Ancajas took control immediately. Sultan was trying to draw Ancajas southpaw jab and counter but he was too slow. Ancajas was scoring with darting jabs and long lefts and easily avoiding Sultan’s punches

Score 10-9 Ancajas

Round 2

Sultan had a much better round. He was getting past the jab and scoring with rights to the body. Ancajas was still very quick and accurate with his jab and long lefts and outscored Sultan.

Score 10-9 Ancajas                                                                                     Ancajas 20-18

Round 3

Sultan scored with a solid right in this one but then was wild as he tried to follow that up. The problem was that Sultan was only looking to land a big punch whereas Ancajas was outworking him scoring regularly with his jab and long lefts and moving too quickly for Sultan to get him to trade.

Score 10-9 Ancajas                                                                                     Ancajas 30-27

Round 4

The hand speed and clever movement of Ancajas once again had him getting through with his jab and straight lefts and as the round closed he scored time and again with rapid bursts of punches to head and body.

Score 10-9 Ancajas                                                                                     Ancajas 40-36

Round 5

Ancajas had the jab and straight left combination working well again in this one. He was also standing in the pocket and scoring with series of body punches. Sultan was still throwing hopeful rights but was being caught with counters when he rushed in.

Score 10-9 Ancajas                                                                                     Ancajas 50-45

Round 6

Another round for Ancajas. It was closer with Sultan having some success with rights early but then Ancajas brought his jab and straight left into play and rapped home combinations to head and body with Sultan not able to pin the champion down.

Score

10-9 Ancajas                                                                                                Ancajas 60-54

Round 7

It was difficult to see how Sultan was going to win a round never mind win the fight. In this one in the early action instead of dropping back and countering Ancajas was stepping in to meet Sultan’s rushes and punishing him with hooks and uppercuts inside. He then boxed on the outside and scored with jabs and long lefts. If there was a down side it was that Ancajas was not loading up on his punches and not really shaking Sultan.

Score 10-9 Ancajas                                                                                     Ancajas 70-63

Round 8

Sultan was waiting too long before throwing a punch. He was also just lunging in straight lines so Ancajas knew both when and where to find the target with counters. Whilst Sultan was waiting Ancajas was working and finding gaps for jabs, hooks and straight lefts and although Sultan scored with a heavy left Ancajas took the round.

Score 10-9 Ancajas                                                                                     Ancajas 80-72

Round 9

A close one that Sultan just edged. A clash of heads early in the round unsettled Ancajas and his work became a little ragged at times. Although Sultan threw himself to the floor after missing with a punch he was more disciplined in his work and scored well inside.

Score 10-9 Sultan                                                                                       Ancajas 89-82

Round 10

The pace dropped a bit in this one. Sultan had some success early but then the quick jabs and flurries of punches inside saw Ancajas outwork Sultan and he was much more accurate with his punches.

Score: 10-9 Ancajas                                                                                   Ancajas 99-91

Round 11

Ancajas decided to stand and exchange punches moving less and giving Sultan some openings. The difference was in the fast combinations from Ancajas and his excellent defence work. Sultan was throwing less and missing more with the best punch of the round a head jarring short right hook from Ancajas and it was another round for Ancajas.

Score 10-9                                                                                          Ancajas 109-100

Round 12

Ancajas really piled on the punishment in the last. A desperate Sultan was lunging forward and being met with hooks and uppercuts. At distance Ancajas also tee-off on the challenger with long lefts and rights with Sultan looking exhausted and well beaten

Score 10-9 Ancajas                                                                         Ancajas 119-109

Official Scores; 119-109, 119-109 and 117-111 all for Ancajas

The 26-yerar-old “Pretty Boy” was making the fifth defence of his IBF title and this is the first time he has had to go the distance in one of those title fights. He really is a class performer. He defends with great skill and movement and attacks with precision and power now what he needs are some career defining fights against the other top names in this division or the bantamweights. Sultan, 26, had plenty of guts and put in plenty of aggression but he was never fast enough. He advanced in straight lines and by lunging in with his attacks made it easy for Ancajas to counter or dodge. He earned his title shot with wins over Makazole Tete and former champions Sonny Boy Jaro and John Riel Casimero but was never in contention in this one.

Yafai vs. Carmona

After Carmona came in 3 ½ lbs over the weight this went ahead as a title fight with Yafai in only his second fight out of the UK easily retaining the WBA title by flooring Carmona three times and forcing his retirement after seven rounds.

Round 1

After the traditional probing with jabs Yafai began to let his punches go and scored with a hard right and a left hook. A left to the temple saw Carmona take a step back and then go down. Carmona was up at five and when the fight resumed took the fight to Yafai and had the champion backing up. Another left seemed to rock Carmona but he stood and traded with Yafai on at least even terms to the bell.

Score 10-8 Yafai

Round 2

They both landed some thudding punches early in the round and it was very even. Over the closing minute Yafai found the target with a series of rights and looked to have rocked Carmona.

Score 10-9 Yafai                                                                                          Yafai 20-17

Round 3

Another round for Yafai. He was quicker and varied his work more mixing speedy jabs, uppercuts and hooks. Carmona was landing some hefty hooks to the body, often straying low, but was being caught out by the hand speed of Yafai and eating some tasty jabs.

Score 10-9 Yafai                                                                                          Yafai 30-26

Round 4

After some messy wrestling at the start of this one Yafai landed a low left hook and wrestled Carmona to the floor. The referee applied a count over Carmona’s complaining but when the action resumed Carmona walked in chucking hooks to the body. Yafai doubled up on his left hook to head and body and then rocked Carmona with a straight right and just before the bell another left hook shook Carmona.

Score 10-8 Yafai                                                                                          Yafai 40-35

Round 5

They were both going to the body in this one with Yafai landing more and Carmona loading up and being wild with some of his shots. After landing a series of body punches a left/right/left sent Carmona down heavily. He was in deep trouble but after the count was swinging punches. A couple went low and then Yafai landed a body punch and as Carmona dropped he landed a glancing punch to the top of Carmona’s head. The referee did not count but signalled for Carmona to get up. He gave Carmona some recovery time and deducted a point from Yafai for hitting Carmona when he was down. Just before the bell Carmona was wobbled by a left hook. So the scores reflected a seven for Carmona for the two knockdowns and 9 for Yafai for the foul so Yafai won the round but lost that point.

Score 9-7 Yafai                                                                                            Yafai 49-42

Round 6

The pace dropped a little at the start. Carmona landed some thumping hooks but Yafai showed some high class combinations tripling up his left jab and firing to head and body with Carmona backing off under pressure.

Score 10-9 Yafai                                                                                          Yafai 59-51

Round 7

Yafai started this one slowly with Carmona firing hooks. Over the second half of the round Yafai was snapping Carmona’s head back with left hooks and he staggered the Mexican a couple of time before the bell

Score 10-9 Yafai                                                                                         Yafai 69-50

Carmona retired at the end of the round.

Official Scores; 69-59-69-59 and 68-60 for Yafai

Third defence of his WBA title for the 28-year-old from Birmingham and fifteenth win by KO/TKO. He was looking to make a big impression in his first fight in the USA and was a class above Carmona who had taken Naoya Inoue the distance in a challenge for the WBO super fly title 2016. Carmona, the WBA No 10 was just too slow and predictable to match the champion. The talk now is of either an Ancajas vs. Yafai unification fight perhaps later this year or Yafai vs. Roman Gonzalez.

Besputin vs. Corral

Unbeaten Besputin punches too hard for experienced Corral. The Russian was in control all the way although Corral came to fight and was always trying to charge inside. In the third as Corral forged forward Besputin dug in two left hooks to the body and stepped aside to let Corral slump to the floor. Corral beat the count but a right to the body had him staggering back and Besputin followed landing a couple of head punches. He cornered Corral and two lefts to the body put Corral down again and the referee just waived the fight off. In theory this was Besputin’s first ten round fight but instead it produced his eighth win by KO/TKO with both Breidis Prescott and 20-0 Juan Ruiz in his list of victories. Mexican Corral now has four losses by KO/TKO but has been in with Mike Alvarado, Sadam Ali, Josesito Lopez and Victor Ortiz.

Moralde vs. Muwendo

Moralde makes it a good night for Filipino boxers as he floors Ugandan Muwendo twice but has to settle for a points victory. Muwendo was always competitive with his high work rate and swarming attacks. Moralde was forced to fight hard all the way but his left hook won him the fight. In the first as they were trading punches a left hook to the chin saw Muwendo step back and then go down heavily, He made it to his feet quickly and went straight back into the fray. The Uganda was very much in the fight until in the sixth a carbon copy bit of action saw Moralde land a counter left hook which floored Muwendo. Again Muwendo beat the count and they continued to exchange punches to the final bell. Scores 76-74 twice and 77-73 so the two 10-8 rounds cost Muwendo dear. Good win for 24-year-old Moralde as he rebuilds after inside the distance loss to Toka Kahn Clary in December. Muwendo, who represented Uganda at the 2007 World Championships, was meeting his toughest test so far and could very easily have won this one.

 

OTHER SHOWS

May 24

 

Pyrmont, Australia: Welter: Jack Brubaker (14-2-1) W PTS 12 Tyrone Nurse (35-4-2). Welter: Ben Savva (9-1) W PTS 12 Kyron Dryden (10-2). Super Welter: Tim Tszyu (9-0) W TKO 4 Larry Siwu (27-11).

Brubaker vs. Nurse

Local fighter Brubaker wins Commonwealth Council final eliminator with close decision over more experienced Nurse. The visitor had an edge in reach and was a slippery opponent with Brubaker finding it hard to pin him down over the early rounds. Brubaker was pressing but Nurse was moving well and landing some good rights. Nurse was probably a bit in front after four but Brubaker was working the body and shook Nurse with a big right in the fifth and attacked throughout the sixth landing heavy rights with Nurse work rate having dropped dramatically. Nurse got back into the fight in the seventh throwing more and landing well to the body but all of the rounds were close.  The eighth was again close with Jack working well inside and Nurse better at distance. Brubaker seemed to outwork Nurse in the ninth with the tenth very close. A tiring Nurse was spoiling too much over the last two rounds as he tired and Brubaker probably did enough to open a gap but it had been a close fight. Scores 116-112 twice and 115-113 for Brubaker. The first two seem a bit harsh on Nurse but with so many close rounds the difference between 116-112 and 115-113 is one round scored differently. Brubaker, 26, a worthy winner and will now look to get a return with Kris George. He challenged George for the Commonwealth title in October when the fight was stopped due to a bad cut suffered by Brubaker. Should be an excellent fight. The 28-year-old Nurse will feel he won this one. The former British champion lost his British title to Jack Catterall in October and this is the first time in his career he has suffered consecutive defeats. He has been in a whole series of tough fights and is still a force at domestic level.

Savva vs. Dryden

Savva wins wide unanimous decision over Dryden. Savva took the first two rounds controlling the fight from distance with his jab. Dryden came into the fight more if the third but was still being outworked. The fourth was messy until the end when a body punch from Savva put Dryden down in pain. He beat the count and was saved by the bell. Dryden rebounded well in the fifth and early in the sixth but Savva ended the round strongly and Dryden was cut. Savva had a strong seventh and Dryden survived a ringside physician’s examination of his cut. Savva took the eighth and in the ninth Dryden lost a point for low punches. In the tenth Savva was also cut and there was quite a bit of blood around. Both were tired and both fought hard over the last two rounds both of which Savva took, Scores 119-107, 118-109 and 117-109 for Savva who retains the OPBF title. Born in England and twice an Eastern Counties champion Savva now trains and works out of a gym in Sydney and has had a fair bit of success with the amateurs he trains. Dryden had won his last eight fights and is No 9 in the Australian ratings.

Tszyu vs. Siwu

Tszyu much too good for Indonesian Siwu. Tszyu shadowed the back tracking Siwa through the first round scoring with some whiplash lefts to the body with Siwa never straying more than a couple of paces from the ropes. It was the same pattern in the second with Tszyu adding overhand rights to the party. Again Siwa hardly strayed from the ropes. They could have set up a couple of tables and chairs in the centre of the ring and served meals without the diners being troubled. For round three it was almost a case of read round two except that Siwu ventured off the ropes a couple of times and Tszyu rocked him with a big right and a right uppercut. Early in the fourth a chopping right floored Siwu. He got up but looked reluctant to continue and when the referee asked him to walk forward he did a bad job of it and the fight was stopped. Now seven wins by KO/TKO for the 23-year-old son of the great Kostya as he makes the first defence of his WBC Asian Boxing council title. He was calling out Anthony Mundine Jr but even though Mundine was just under 160lbs in his fight in January and was 43 this month it is perhaps a bit early to be aiming that high. Indonesian Siwu, 35 usually goes the distance and this is only his fourth loss by KO/TKO.

 

Petionville, Haiti: Super Welter: Wilky Campfort (25-3) W PTS 11 Rodrigo Mejia (14-11-3). Light: Jackson Marinez (13-0) W PTS 11 Rolando Giono (22-10,1ND). Super Light: Evens Pierre (30-1) W KO 7 Francisco Contreras (31-9). Super Welter: Johan Perez (24-5-2,1ND) W PTS 10 Aristides Quintero (20-12-2). Light: Pablo Vicente (12-0,1ND) W KO 1 Brayner Vazquez (9-4). Light: Roger Gutierrez (19-1-1) W KO 1 Willy Morillo (4-5).

Campfort vs. Mejia

“Silky” Wilky proves too clever for modest Mexican veteran Mejia and retains the WBA Fedelatin title with comfortable unanimous verdict. Scores 110-91 ½, 108 ½ -103 and 107-102 for Campfort. A twenty fight winning run earned Haitian Campfort a shot at the IBF title but he was stopped in four rounds by Jermall Charlo in 2015. In 2016 he lost a wide decision to unbeaten Pole Patryk Szymanski but he has steadied the ship with four wins and is No 12 with the WBA. Mejia, 39, the current Mexican welter champion and former national super welter champion had won his last three fights. At the show the promoter Jacques Deschamps was honoured for his contribution to sport in Haiti and in particular boxing.

Marinez vs. Giono

Good win for Dominican Marinez which nets him the vacant WBA Fedelatin title. Scores 110-99, 109-100 and 108-101 for Marinez. First step up to ten rounds (Ok eleven rounds- what a stupid distance) for Marinez. Panamanian Giono lost to Emanuel Lopez for the interim super feather title in 2015 in a title fight where neither fighter deserved to be fighting for a title. Giono has lost 3 of his last 4 contests with all of the losses to unbeaten fighters.

Pierre vs. Contreras

“The Sun City Kid” extends his run to 18 wins in a row and gets his twentieth win by KO/TKO as he finishes experienced Contreras with a body punch in the seventh. Pierre struggled to find the distance early but improved as the fight went along and the finish was impressive. Contreras was still very much in with a chance and pressing hard in the seventh with Pierre on the back foot throwing hooks. Finally a wicked left to the body sent Contreras down wriggling on the floor in agony and he was counted out. The 34-year-old Haitian has reversed his only loss and is No 1 with the WBA so right in line for a shot at Vasyl Lomachenko. It remains to be seen whether the WBA will insist on Lomachenko fighting Pierre. Sun City is not what it sounds like. It is one of the worst slum areas in Haiti. Pierre remembers his roots and goes to evangelical groups there to speak against drugs and crime and regularly buys and send food to Sun City. At 34 Contreras is no longer “Dominican Boy”. This is his fourth loss in his last five fights and in fact it seems his last fight as he has now said he has finished with boxing and wants to spend more time on religious study.

Perez vs. Quintero

Former interim WBA super light champion Perez too good for game Panamanian-based Spaniard Quintero. Scores 100-92, 99-91and 97-94 for Perez. The 34-year-old Venezuelan scored wins over 22-0-1 Yoshihiro Kamegai and 48-0-1 Paul Spadafora in title fights before losing his title to Mauricio Herrera on a majority decision in 2014. He suffered consecutive losses last year against Sadam Ali and Fabian Maidana and has dropped out of the ratings. Quintero is 0-7-1 in his last 8 fights with the fights being in five different countries.

Vicente vs. Vazquez

Young Cuban prospect Vicente continues to show his power as he blows away Dominican Vazquez in 69 seconds. Vazquez was charging forward into counters from Vicente. He took a couple of shots to the head and when he charged in again two rights to the head from Vicente sent him down and referee immediately stopped the fight. Vicente gets his tenth win by KO/TKO including seven in a row, it would be nine but a first round knockout was changed to a ND when on review it was seen that the finishing punch was low. Now 24 as an amateur Vicente was Cuban Youth champion, twice Cuban Senior champion and three times runner-up and the competition does not get fiercer than domestic championships in Cuba. Third loss in a row for Vazquez.

Gutierrez vs. Morillo

Venezuelan Gutierrez, 23, also has impressive inside the distance statistics He wiped out Dominican Morillo late in the first round for his sixteenth win by KO/TKO. A straight right to the head floored Morillo. He got up and was unsteady. However the referee let him continue but another right put Morillo down and the referee stopped the fight with Morillo complaining about the stoppage. Gutierrez’s only loss is to more experienced Rene Alvarado on a stoppage in Los Angeles in July last year. He had won four on the bounce by KO/TKO since then but poor opposition. Morillo had won his last two fights.

 

May 25

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Cruiser: Pablo Farias (30-3) W PTS 10 Jose Ulrich (17-2). Farias wins the national title from Ulrich with a split decision that seemed a clear win for Farias. It was Farias who made the better start. He crowded the taller Ulrich cutting down the ring and scoring well to the body. He used clever upper body movement t dodge under right crosses from Ulrich and the champion could not get his jab working with Farias building an early lead. Ulrich did better over the middle rounds having a good sixth. Farias steadied the ship with a good seventh before Ulrich finally had his distance and seemed to edge the eighth and ninth.  Farias boxed cleverly in the tenth and at the bell was the one celebrating. Scores 97-93 and 97 ½ -95 ½ for Farias and 95 ½ -96 ½ for Ulrich. Farias, 30, started out as a super middle and is small for a cruiser at 5’9” (175cm). He was, 19-0 at the start of his career and was knocked out in five rounds by Arthur Abraham for the WBO European title in 2012. He is now 12-1 since then and was Argentinian No 1. Ulrich was making the first defence of his title but lost his unbeaten tag in March when he was stopped in three rounds by Argentinian Juan Basualdo.

 

Toulouse, France: Light Heavy: Doudou Ngumbu (38-8) W PTS 12 Yoann Kongolo (11-1). In an incident packed tough fight Ngumbu holds on to the WBC Francophone title but only just. This one was close all the way with one knockdown making the difference. After losing a point in the fifth for infractions of the rules Ngumbu score the knockdown in the sixth. Kongolo fought hard trying to claw back those two points but in a frantic twelfth both fighters were deducted a point for fouls and that was enough for Ngumbu to hold onto the title. Scores 113-111 twice and 112-112 for the DRC-born local. Second defence for Ngumbu who had good wins last year over 20-0-2 Bilal Laggoune and Jonathan Profichet but was outpointed by Igor Mikhalkin for the IBO title in December. Swiss fighter Kongolo holds both the EBU-External title and the WBC International Silver title and deserves a return but first he returns to action in August in Saint Tropez under K1 rules.

 

Agde, France: Light: Florian Montels (13-2-2) W PTS 10 Matthieu Lehot (11-9.). Super Feather: Karim Guerfi (27-4) W PTS 6 Nikoloz Kokashvili (21-15-1)

Montels vs. Lehot

Fighting in his home town Montels wins the French title with unanimous decision over champion Lehot.  Montels has now won 5 of his last 6 fights with the loss being on points against world rated Yvan Mendy. Lehot was making the first defence of the title.

Guerfi vs. Kokashvili

Guerfi, 31, gets comfortable win over Georgian. Only five weeks after losing to Michael Dasmarinas for the vacant IBO bantam title and announcing his retirement Guerfi re-appears as a super featherweight and wins of scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55. It remains to be seen whether the former European champion intends to continue or retire-for good. Seven losses in a row for Kokashvili

 

Palermo, Italy: Super Light: Massimiliano Ballisai (21-5) W TEC DEC 7 Giancarlo Bentivegna (12-2). Ballisai wins the vacant Italian title on a technical decision after Bentivegna is cut in a clash of heads. After a cautious opening round Bentivegna forced the pace in the second with Ballisai trying to box on the outside. Bentivegna has a good fourth as he managed to pin Ballisai to the ropes for long periods and score to the body. The fourth was a messy round with too many clinches which Bentivegna probably just edged but the critical round was the fifth. As Bentivegna again tried to force Ballisai to the ropes Ballisai landed a right uppercut which put Bentivegna down. He beat the count and despite being under pressure made it to the bell. Bentivegna was marching again in a close sixth and in the seventh a clash of heads opened a serious cut on the left eyebrow of Bentivegna. Serious enough to end the fight which was decided by the cards with Ballisai winning on scores of 67-65 twice and 67-66. Bentivegna was the home town fighter and disgraceful scenes followed the result with chairs flying and a smoke bomb exploding with the police having to work hard to restore order and escort the officials to their hotel. An  Important win for the 33-year-old former Italian champion. Three losses in a row against Edis Tatli for the European title, Yvan Mendy and Timo Schwarzkopf meant he could not afford to lose this one. Bentivegna, 36, had won his last four but as to a return where and when may depend on the investigations into the trouble.

 

 

Warsaw, Poland: Heavy: Izuagbe Ugonoh (18-1) W RTD 2 Fred Kassi (18-8-1). Heavy: Artur Szpilka (21-3) W PTS 10 Dominick Guinn (35-12-1). Light Heavy: Norbert Dabrowski (22-7-2) W PTS 8 Robert Talarek (20-13-2).

Ugonoh vs. Kassi

Ugonoh gets very unsatisfactory win over Kassi who retires after two rounds of non- action giving a pain in his head as the reason. Kassi constantly switched guard but with either guard all he was doing was pawing with jabs which fell short of the target. Ugonoh was tracking Kassi around the ring. He was much quicker had big advantages in height and reach and slid home a couple of jabs in a quiet first round. The second round was another non event with both fighters just pawing with jabs until the last ten seconds when Ugonoh moved in and tried some rights which missed. After the bell astonishingly Kassi retired saying that his head hurt and the non-fight was over. Ugonoh was having his first fight since being knocked out in five rounds by Dominic Breazeale in February last year and was hoping to get some work here. He was disgusted with Kassi and refused to acknowledge him in any way after the retirement. Only Kassi knows how concerning his head pain was but he made his decision. Neither fighter had landed a punch so it was not to avoid punishment so we have to respect his judgement on safety grounds.

Szpilka vs. Guinn

Szpilka returns to action with wide unanimous decision over Guinn. Southpaw Szpilka was too quick and too mobile for oldie Guinn. He was able to slot home jabs and quick rights with Guinn too slow to block or counter. Szpilka came in at his heaviest ever weight and boxed very conservatively not really forcing hard and taking no chances and Guinn was no real threat at any time. The pattern changed very little with Szpilka content to box his way to victory with Guinn mainly hiding behind a high guard and he posed no threat with the crowd showing displeasure at his lack of effort. Szpilka came off script in the last when he tried for a knockout. He put Guinn down with a left hook but Guinn got up and lasted the distance. Scores 100-89 twice and 99-90 all for Szpilka. First fight for the 29-year-old “Pin” after back to back losses inside the distance against Deontay Wilder for the WBC title and in July last year a fourth round stoppage against Adam Kownacki. Szpilka is hoping for a return with Kownacki as a way back into the ratings. At one time 43-year-old Guinn was 24-0 before losing to James Toney for the IBA title in 2005. Now he is 11-12-1 in his last 24 fights losing 3 of his last 4.

Dabrowski vs. Talarek

Dabrowski goes 2-1 ahead in fights with Talarek with unanimous decision in a gruelling eight round battle which provided plenty of action, Talarek establish a lead over the first three rounds as he marched forward getting past Dabrowski’s right jab and landing hooks and uppercuts inside. By the third Talarek was showing a bad cut over his left eye but was still going strong. Early in the fourth a straight left from Dabrowski staggered Talarek and he held on desperately. Dabrowski was now badly bruised under his left eye but landed some more heavy lefts only for a gutsy Talarek to bang back as they traded punches to the bell. In the fifth a left hook from Dabrowski put Talarek down heavily. Talarek beat the count but after three thumping lefts to the body from Dabrowski Talarek staggered across the ring and went down again. He managed to get upright and moved enough to stay out of trouble to the bell. From the sixth Dabrowski was on the front foot with Talarek suffering with blood from the cut hampering his vision and he also tired from his early fast pace. Dabrowski stayed on top and took the late rounds for the win. Scores 78-72 twice and 77-73 for Dabrowski. He beat Talarek on a majority decision in 2015 but lost to him in an eight round fight last year. Talarek lost on points to Brit John Ryder in 2016 but had won seven in a row including useful wins over 18-1King Davidson, 21-1-1 Goekalp Oezekler and former French champion Frank Haroche.

 

Tuscaloosa, AL, USA: Heavy: Robert Alonso (16-0) W TKO 2 Mike Bissett (14-11-1). Middle: KeAndrae Leatherwood (21-5-1) W PTS 6 Julio Garcia (25-8-2)

Alonso vs. Bissett

Cuban Alonso gets a stoppage win but continues to attract very little attention considering his achievements as an amateur. He floored Bissett a couple of times on the way to his sixth win by KO/TKO. The 31-year-old 6’3” Cuban was national champion in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and won a gold medal at the Pan American Games beating Oscar Rivas in the final but failed to medal at the 2008 Olympics. He had wins over Andy Ruiz and Michael Hunter and a good few more as an amateur but after over five years as a pro is still fighting eight round contests in the boxing equivalent of the backwoods.

Leatherwood vs.  Garcia

After losing a couple of high profile bouts last year home town fighter Leatherwood gets an easy one here. He bounces oldie Garcia off the canvas a couple of times on the way to a points win. Scores 60-51 for Leatherwood on the cards of all three judges. Losses to Andy lee and Caleb Truax have sent Leatherwood back to rebuild. Garcia is a name from the past. Now 43 the Cuban was 25-1-2 in his first 28 fights before losing to Juan Carlos Candelo in an IBF eliminator in 2003. He lost his next four fights and then was inactive for almost twelve years and this is his third loss since his return.

 

May 26

 

Quebec City, Canada: Middle David Lemieux (39-4) W PTS 12 Karim Achour (26-5-3). Welter: Custio Clayton (15-0) W PTS 12 Stephen Danyo (14-1-3).Super Light: Batyrzhan Jukembayev (13-0,2ND) W TKO 7 Jonathan Eniz (14-1-3,1ND). Light Heavy: Erik Bazinyan (19-0) W TKO 3 Alejandro Falliga (30-13-15,1ND).

Lemieux vs. Achour

Lemieux gets his victory but comes in 2lbs over the middleweight limit so does not pick up Achour’s WBC Francophone or International titles. Lemieux made his usual aggressive start controlling the action with a strong jab and going to the body. Achour did not have the power to be competitive over the opening three rounds. Lemieux slowed in the fourth and Achour had a good fifth but then Lemieux upped his work rate again and was back in control. He shook Achour with a left to the head in the ninth but dropped his work rate probably due to the strenuous attempt to make the weight. In the last round Lemieux sent Achour staggering across the ring and down. Achour beat the count but had to survive a torrid finish as Lemieux landed numerous head shots. Worrying for Lemieux’s team was hearing their fight cry out in pain seemingly injuring his left arm. Scores 120-107,119-106 and 119-108 for Lemieux. This was his first fight since losing to Billy Joe Saunders in December. The failure to make the weight might push Lemieux up to the super middle division, Algerian-born Frenchman Achour a former EU and French champion was 12-0-1 in his last 13 fights but was never able to get a foothold in this fight and loses both his titles.

Clayton vs. Danyo

Clayton remains undefeated and retains his IBF and WBO International titles winning every round against Danyo. Clayton was giving away lots of height and reach to Danyo but after a quiet first round he began to dominate the action with Danyo constantly forced onto the retreat. A big right from Clayton had Danyo staggering in the second. In the sixth a stunning combination from Clayton had Danyo in trouble but he survive. From there Danyo looked to be content to survive and Clayton had to settle for a points victory. Scores 120-108 for Clayton from all three judges. The 30-year-old Olympian from Nova Scotia is No 7 with the WBO and continues to look impressive. English-based Dutchman Danyo, the WBO No 8, had very much flown under the radar with his only notable victory being on points against 20-2 Lloyd Elliott in November which won him the WBO European title and his rating. .

Jukembayev vs. Eniz

Southpaw Jukembayev gets another inside the distance win but has to get off the floor on the way. Jukembayev made a slow start and fellow southpaw Eniz had come to fight and was ready and willing to trade punches with the Kazak. Jukembayev began to get into his stride from the third but in the fifth two rights to the head from Eniz sent him down. He was up immediately and did not see too shaken and they fought hard through the sixth. In the seventh a thunderous right hook put Eniz down. He was badly hurt but beat the count and spat out his mouthguard to get some respite and was deducted a point. It only delayed things by a few seconds but a gutsy Eniz traded punch for punch until a couple of heavy head punches put him down again and when he got up the referee stopped the fight. The 27-year-old “777” gets his thirteenth win on the bounce and eleventh win by KO/TKO; he claims 203 wins in 243 fights as an amateur. This victory gets him the WBC Continental Americas title.  The 23-year-old Eniz, the Argentinian No 4 lightweight was 5-0,1ND coming in.

Bazinyan vs. Falliga

Bazinyan adds another inside the distance win. It was a one-sided fight which Bazinyan dominated before ending it in the third. A right put Falliga down heavily and he looked very reluctant to get up. When he finally did Bazinyan dropped him twice more before the referee stopped the fight. Bazinyan, 23, now has 14 wins by KO/TKO and gets his seventh inside the distance win in his last eight fights. Fourth loss by KO/TKO for Argentinian Falliga.

 

Mexico City, Mexico: Super Bantam: Franklin Manzanilla (18-4) W TKO 5 Julio Ceja (32-3). Super Feather: Edurado Hernandez (25-0) W TKO 3 Drian Francisco (29-6-1). Bantam: Felipe Orucuta (36-4) W PTS 6 Ricardo Roman (13-10-3). Middle: Misael Rodriguez (8-0) W PTS 6 Uriel Gonzalez (16-5-1).

Manzanilla vs. Ceja

Ceja suffers a loss due to a badly damaged nose. He could now lose his No 1 position with the WBC and will be inactive until the nose heals. Venezuelan Manzanilla attacked early taking Ceja to the ropes and scoring to the body. Ceja settled and was soon landing sharp left hooks with Manzanilla willing to trade or counter. Manzanilla started the second by forcing Ceja back with a furious attack and then used his longer reach to box and kept stabbing jabs through the defence of Ceja whose nose began to bleed heavily. Ceja attacked Manzanilla but landed a punch to the back of the Venezuelan’s head and the referee indicated a point deduction for the foul. He summoned the ringside physician to examine the damage to Ceja’s nose but the fight continued. Ceja stormed forward but kept running into hooks and uppercuts from Manzanilla and his nose was bleeding heavily.  The problem for Ceja was illustrated at the start of the third when a strong jab from Manzanilla landed on Ceja’s nose and he backed off across the ring from the pain. He then went back into the fight banging home left hooks to the body but Manzanilla was targeting the nose with jabs and uppercuts. Ceja had a good fourth. He marched forward getting home vicious left hooks to the body and rights to the head. A right shook Manzanilla badly and he was showing signs of wilting under the pressure but the nose injury was too bad and Ceja was not allowed to continue. The former interim WBC super bantam champion has no luck at all having lose a majority decision to Jamie McDonnell for the vacant IBF title and being caught cold and stopped by Hugo Ruiz which cost him his interim title. He was at the front of the queue for a shot at Rey Vargas for the WBC title but that looks unlikely any time soon. Big win for Manzanilla. He has won 7 of his last 8 fights mainly against reasonable level domestic opposition but the loss in that run was in December against relative novice Belmar Preciado.

Hernandez vs. Francisco

The punch power of young Hernandez proves too much for experienced Filipino Francisco. A concerted body attack quickly had Francisco wilting and his corner pulled him out of the fight at the end of the second round. Hernandez is still only 20 having turned pro at 16. He is No 4 with the WBC and has 22 wins by KO/TKO and incredibly has won his last 19 that way including former WBC champion Victor Terrazas in his list of victims. Francisco is another valuable scalp. The 35-year-old Filipino suffers only his second loss by KO/TKO. He went 24-1-1 in his first 26 fights before losing to Chris Avalos. He lost to Thai Tepparith for the interim WBA super fly title in 2011. Hernandez retains his WBC Youth title by beating a guy who is 35! Try explaining that to some who has never heard of sanction body stupidity.

Orucuta vs. Roman

Orucuta keeps alive his remote chance of another world title shot with win over former victim Roman. Orucuta was well on his way to victory after putting Roman down three times before Roman pulled out blaming an arm injury. The 32-year-old Orucuta had two shots at the WBO super fly title against Omar Narvaez. Both fights were in Argentina and Narvaez won the first on a split decision and the second on a majority decision. Orucuta is rated No 9 with the WBC so there is a very faint chance of another title fight, Roman was stopped in seven rounds by Orucuta in 2015 but was coming off a win over former WBO flyweight champion Julio Cesar Miranda in October.

Rodriguez vs. Gonzalez

Olympic bronze medallist Rodriguez gets past a competitive Gonzalez for another win. A reputed puncher with twelve wins by KO/TKO Gonzalez gave Rodriguez a good test and his hardest fight so far but Rodriguez was a good winner. Scores 60-55 twice and 59-56. The 6’1” (185cm) 24-year-old from Chihuahua is making good progress. Third loss in a row for Gonzalez but the other two were against Jaime Munguia and Steven Butler.

 

Biloxi, MS, USA: Feather: Tugstsogt Nyambayar (10-0) W KO 3 Oscar Escandon (25-4). Super Light: Argenis Mendez (25-5-1,1ND) W PTS 10 Eddie Ramirez (17-2). Super Welter: Jeison Rosario (15-1-1) W PTS 10 Justin DeLoach (17-3).

Nyambayar vs. Escandon

Mongolian “King Tug” collects his biggest scalp so far as he bounces former interim champion Escandon on the canvas five times. Both made fast starts with the smaller Escandon surging forward with his jab and both landed good rights to the head. Escandon was coming forward and finding gaps for his jab and right crosses.  Nyambayar landed a couple of left hooks and then slipped and went down just as Escandon landed a right to the head. He was up immediately and after the eight count Escandon was wild with his punches and Nyambayar landed some stiff jabs. Escandon was pressing again at the start of the second but Nyambayar was landing some hefty counters. Escandon was outworking Nyambayar but a left to the body sent him staggering back and an overhand right put him down. He was up at three and when the action resumed tried to take the fight to Nyambayar but was floored by a powerful straight right. He beat the count and instead of focusing on finishing the fight Nyambayar did a bit of showboating and the bell went. Escandon tried to march forward in the third but a right cross to the head dumped him in a corner. He beat the count and waded into Nyambayar but a counter right floored him. He was up quickly and when two rights sent him stumbling back and down the referee stopped the fight. The 25-year-old Nyambayar was an outstanding amateur winning a silver medal at the World Championships at the age of 17 and also won a silver at the 2012 Olympics ending with a 245-34 record as an amateur. The WBC have him at No 10 super bantam. Colombian Escandon at 5’ 1 ½” (156cm) is small for the weight but is a former interim WBA super bantam and WBC feather champion. This is his first fight since losing on a seventh round stoppage against Gary Russell for the WBC title in May last year.

Mendez vs. Ramirez

Mendez easily beats Ramirez flooring him five times to show there is still plenty of life in the former IBF super feather champion and that this was too ambitious a step for the young fighter from Illinois. Mendez was on the front foot immediately tracking Ramirez and trying a few rights. In the second Ramirez attacked hard with Mendez on the defensive.  Ramirez had Mendez on the ropes and scored with some good left hooks. That seemed to ring Mendez’s alarm bell and he drove forward taking Ramirez to the ropes and landing a couple of left hooks and a right to the head. Ramirez fought back but a right to the chin dropped him to his hands and knees. He was badly shaken and looked very unsteady as he made it to his feet but the bell went before Mendez could do any more damage. A left followed by a right floored Ramirez in the third but he survived and fought back well. In the fifth a left to the body followed by a left to the head again put Ramirez down. He was up quickly but three overhand rights dropped him to his knees and it looked like the end. Somehow he got up and again fought back hard. From there Ramirez punched, and brawled his way through the rest of the fight. He had a good eighth but Mendez always looked dangerous. Scores 99-87, 98-88 and 97-89 for Mendez. Dominican Mendez, 30, has been through a series of top flight matches beating Miguel Valdez but losing to Rances Barthelemy, Robert Easter and Luke Campbell. He has slipped out of the ratings but is still not ready to be just another scalp. “Scorpion” Ramirez, 25 had put together a 17 bout winning streak but in October was blown away inside a round by Antonio DeMarco. It seems that he is competitive to a certain level but above that his leaky defence makes him very vulnerable.

Rosario vs. DeLoach

Rosario makes it a good night for boxers from the Dominican Republic as he floors and outpoints DeLoach. Second useful win for Rosario since his crushing loss to Nat Gallimore in April last year. He had DeLoach on the floor in the sixth and tenth rounds on the way to the unanimous decision on scores of 97-91 twice and 96-92. Rosario is 3-0-1 since losing to Gallimore and this is his biggest win by a long way. After a run of victories over useful opposition in his last fight in July DeLoach also lost to Gallimore being floored twice before retiring after five rounds so two losses in a row for DeLoach.

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Super Bantam: Alberto Melian (3-0) W PTS 10 Sergio Sosa (10-1). Olympian Melian decisions unbeaten Sosa. Melian is a very quick, very flashy fighter and he sped around the ring with Sosa tracking him. Melian was firing rapid combinations then changing position landing some more and leaving Sosa swishing air. Sosa kept plugging away and had some success when he could pin Melian down but generally he was punching where Melian had been and getting caught with punches from where Melian now was. Sosa strayed low a couple of times and was docked a point for yet another low punch in the third. He never gave up chasing but the speed, movement and variety of Melian’s work was just too much for him and he lost clearly. Scores 100-89, 97-92, 97 ½-92 ½ all for Melian. He represented Argentina at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and after turning pro won the national title in only his second fight. His title was not on the line here. With his red Mohican haircut and flashy style he is a big favourite with the fans. If there is a downside it was that he never really hurt Sosa and he has a bad habit of complaining continually for every minor infraction and glancing at the referee to makes his claim-not a smart thing to do. Sosa, 23, had previously only fought in four and six round fights and against very ordinary opposition Melian was too big an ask for him as he was going past six rounds for the first time

 

Tweeds Head, Australia: Light Heavy: Reagen Dessaix (14-1) W KO 2 Peter Ako Ricketts (17-3). Super Middle: Kerry Foley (18-3-1) W Gutram Ngoya (11-0).

Dessaix vs. Ricketts

Local fighter Dessaix outclasses Ghanaian Ricketts. Dessaix had big edges in height and reach and had no problem finding the target. After winning the first round Dessaix ended the fight in the second for his ninth win by KO/TKO. He wins the vacant IBF International and WBA Oceania titles with his seventh victory in a row. Ricketts lost every round against Isaac Ekpo for the Commonwealth super middle title in 2014. He was inactive in 2015, had one fight in 2016 and one in 2017 so no real test.

Foley vs. Ngoya

Total mismatch sees former Australian champion Foley kayo Tanzanian in 59 seconds. Foley forced Ngoya into a corner and unloaded with both hands. Nagoya punched his way out of the corner but a left hook sent Ngoya crashing into the ropes and to the floor and he lay prone on his back and was counted out. The 30-year-old from Sydney, the Australian No 6 light heavy makes it 16 wins by KO/TKO as he gets his second win of the year. Ngoya’s record meaningless as his eleven victims had only ten wins between them.

 

Freeport, Bahamas: Heavy: Sherman Williams (40-15-2) W TKO 2 Epifiano Mendoza (43-27-1) in a battle of oldies and fatties Williams floors and stops Mendoza in two rounds. Mendoza utilised some rough tactics until Williams put him down in the second with his “Conch Punch”. And the fight was stopped. The 45-year-old “Tank” was having his first fight for 17 months. No weights given but last time out the 6’1” (180cm) William was 255lbs. Colombian Mendoza, a mere 42, now has 17 losses by KO/TKO. Back in 2000 when he started he was 150lbs. Last time he fought he was 213lbs down from 251lbs. So he is carrying an extra 63lbs and since he has not grown a third leg it leaves him with an awful fat frame.

 

Lahti, Finland: Cruiser: Tamas Lodi (19-10-2) W TKO 3 Sami Enbom (17-2).

Hungarian Lodi brings the career of local boxer Enbom to an end with a third round stoppage. The visitor was just too strong for Enbom and dominated the fight. He put Enbom down in the second and twice more in the third to force the stoppage. There was controversy over whether Enbom should have been give some recovery time after being wrestled illegally to the floor but it would have made no difference in the long run. Lodi had lost his last four fights but to very tough opposition including a fourth round stoppage by Belgian Yves Ngabu for the European title in his last fight in June. He wins the vacant WBO European title but I hate to think the WBO will rate him the world’s top 15 just because he won this title. Enbom’s other loss was a sixth round stoppage by Dominic Boesel in March last year. It seems he will now retire and train boxers.

 

Hamburg, Germany: Light Heavy: Leon Harth (17-3) W TEC DEC 6 Karel Horejsek (12-10-3). Super Light: Artem Harutyunyan (4-0) W TKO 2 Milos Janjanin (11-13). Light: Robert Harutyunyan (4-0) W PTS 6 Ruben Garcia (4-4-2).

Harth vs. Horejsek

Harth gets technical decision after the fight is stopped due to a bad cut over the right eye of Harth caused by a clash of heads. Over the first four rounds the taller Harth was leading the way scoring with his left jabs a right crosses. Horejsek was on the defensive only fighting in spurts and really just looking to survive. That changed in the fourth when Harth was cut. That fired up Horejsek and Harth went on the defensive. Horejsek pressed hard in the fifth and looked to have scored a knockdown in the sixth. The referee riled it a slip but when Harth got up the referee took him over to be examined by the ringside physician who advised the fight be stopped. Harth, an Armenian based in Germany was in front on the cards and wins the vacant IBO Continental title. His three losses have been in tough asks against Murat Gassiev, Krzys Wlodarczyk and unbeaten Artur Mann. Czech Horejsek showed in the fifth and six that he could be dangerous. He has also been in hard fights losing this year to Rocky Fielding and Sven Fornling

Harutyunyan vs. Janjanin

Olympian Harutyunyan halts Bosnia early. Harutyunyan attack throughout the first. He showed quick accurate punching and plenty of smart skills. In the second he landed a volley of punches until a left to the body dropped Janjanin to his knees. After the count a right to the ribs put Janjanin down for a second time and the towel came flying in from his corner. The 27-year-old Armenian born Harutyunyan won bronze medals for Germany at both the Rio Olympics and the European Championships. He and his brother Robert came to Germany as children escaping the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and spent many of their early years in a refugee camp. They are trained by their father-in-law former WBO lightweight champion Artur Grigorian. Both brothers are worth watching. Bosnia Janjanin is now 1-8 in his last 9 fights.

Harutyunyan vs. Garcia

Harutyunyan outboxes useful Spaniard Garcia. Like his younger brother Robert is a clever stylish boxer with a good skill set. He outboxed Garcia without ever really having the Spaniard in trouble. Garcia had a good second round but other than that Harutyunyan was just too quick and slick for him and Harutyunyan won the unanimous decision. The 29-year-old Harutyunyan was also a good class amateur competing at the World Championships. Brother Artem qualified for Rio through the AIBA Pro but Robert had to go via the European Qualifiers which were in Baku and due to the political situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan he decided not to compete.

 

Rosarito, Mexico: Super Light: Antonio Lozada (40-2) W TKO 1 Christian Valverde (13-6). Welter: Humberto Soto (67-9-2,1ND) W TKO 2 Joel Juarez (32-30-2). Middle: Paul Valenzuela (23-7) W TKO 2 Israel Ornelas (10-6-2).

16

Lozada vs. Valverde

Short and violent as Lozada stops Valverde inside a round but for a while an upset looked possible. Towering over Valverde Lozada shadowed him around the ring before trapping Valverde in a corner. He threw a right that landed on the back of the head of a ducking Valverde but followed that with a right to the body that sent Valverde down in considerable pain. He made it to his feet and when the action resumed Lozada was again on the prowl but throwing wild swings and he walked onto a huge right from Valverde. His legs went in different directions and he was badly hurt. Valverde piled into Lozada landed a couple of swings and Lozada was in deep water but then threw a straight left sent Valverde stumbling back and as they traded punches a body punch sent Valverde down to his knees. He made it to his feet but the referee stopped the fight. First fight for Lozada since his come from behind upset tenth round stoppage win over Felix Verdejo in March. That win saw him rated No 8 by the WBC and this win over Valverde makes it 34 wins by KO/TKO. Valverde was a decent 8-2 in his last 10 fights and that counter right nearly caused a gigantic upset.

Soto vs. Juarez

Having his first fight in 14 months a balding and fleshy little Soto was just too good for a very shop worn Juarez. Soto was giving away a lot in reach and height but boxed his way through the first. Juarez pressed in the second but a right to the head dropped him. When the action resumed he again tried to take the fight to Soto but was driven back and a couple of rights saw him drop to one knee and he just sat out the count. At 38 the former WBC super feather and lightweight champion is only an occasional fighter these days. He had just one fight in 2015, one in 2016 and was inactive in 2017 but he was still too much for the 39-year-old Juarez who has lost 11 of his last 12 fight with all 11 losses by KO/TKO and all inside five rounds.

Valenzuela vs. Ornelas

Valenzuela just punches too hard for a feisty Ornelas. Valenzuela was landing some heavy stuff in the first and showered Ornelas with left hooks to the body in a very punishing second. Undeterred Ornelas was forging forward in the third until he walked onto a right to the head that dropped him. He was up at eight but was floored immediately by a left to the body. Again he made it to his feet but after another body punch put him down the fight was stopped. Valenzuela was 2-3 in his last five fights going into this one but the three losses were against Wilky Campfort, Tony Harrison and Jaime Munguia. This is win No 16 by KO/TKO and last month he won a fight in Nigeria which gained him the World Boxing Union title. Ornelas turned pro in 2003 but was inactive for almost eight years until returning to the ring in March last year since when he is now 3-3.

 

Managua, Nicaragua: Super Fly: Marvin Solano (21-2) W TKO 7 Jordan Escobar (12-6-2,1ND).m Light: Freddy Fonseca (23-2-1,1ND) W TKO 2 Moises Olivas (12-11).

Solano vs. Escobar

Solano overcomes a rocky start to stop fellow-Nicaraguan and former victim Escobar. It was Escobar who made the running in the first round. In the second a crunching right from Escobar suddenly had Solano floundering badly and in deep trouble with only the ropes stopping him from going down. Escobar tried desperately to finish the job but the bell saved Solano. From there Solano took over using his better skills to control the fight on the outside and slowly break Escobar down. Solano landed a series of heavy rights in the seventh and the referee stopped the fight.  Solano, 27, wins the vacant WBC Latino title. He had beaten Escobar comfortably on points when they clashed in December. He is now 7-1 in his last 8 fights with the loss being against Russian Mikhail Aloyan in an open air fight in Red Square-capitalist sport in red Square Lenin must have been spinning in his tomb. Escobar came so close to springing a huge upset.

Fonseca vs. Olivas

Costa Rican Fonseca has his first fight under new management and easily overwhelms local fighter Olivas in two rounds. He softened Olivas up with a focused body attack and then ended the fight with a pulverising left hook that put Olivas down and out. The 26-year-old southpaw has 15 wins by KO/TKO but there are no names on his record. His manager died so he has now signed with Buffalo Boxing which is headed by Rosendo Alvarez the former WBA minimumweight champion who put the 1 in the great Ricardo Lopez’s 51-0-1 record and even had Lopez on the floor. Fonseca’s brother Francisco was knocked out in eight rounds by Gervonta Davis when Davis lost his IBF title on the scales.

 

Ipswich, England: Super Light: Ray Moylette (10-0) W TKO 7 Jorge Moreno (9-7-1). Former top amateur Moylette goes to ten wins with stoppage of Nicaraguan. Moylette was moving up to eight rounds but did not need all eight to stop Moreno. The tenth win qualifies Moylette to fight for the Irish title with the aim being to win the title on a show in County Mayo later in the year. The 28-year-old Moylette was the first Irish boxer to win a gold medal at the World Youth Championships and also lifted a gold medal at the European Championships and scored wins over Fred Evans, Tom Stalker and Daniyar Yeleussinov. First fight outside Nicaragua for Moreno and I guess he will now join the band of perennial losers so loved by British promoters

 

Fight of the week:  Khalid Yafai vs. David Carmona good action all the way

Fighter of the week: Naoya Inoue with honourable mention for another master class to Jerwin Ancajas

Punch of the week: The left hook from Freddy Fonseca which destroyed Moises Olivas with honourable mention to the Batyrzhan Jukembayev right hook that was the beginning of the end for Jonathan Eniz

Upset of the week: Franklin Manzanilla ‘s win over WBC No 1 Julio Ceja

One to watch: Canadian-based Kazak Batyrzhan Jukembayev 13-0 11 wins by KO/TKO