The Past Week in Action 30 July 2013

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

July 25

 

Melbourne, Australia: Light Heavy: Blake Caparello (17-0-1) W PTS 12 Daniel MacKinnon (21-7-1). Heavy: Lucas Browne (17-0) W TKO 7 Travis Walker (39-11-1). Super Middle: Jake Carr (5-0) W PTS 10 Serge Yannick (15-4).

Caparello vs. McKinnon

This was more of a chess match than a blood and thunder fight but an interesting chess match. Clever southpaw Caparello was able to use his height, reach and skills to out box the aggressive New Zealander but it was a close run thing with Caparello holding on to his PABA title on a majority decision. Scores 118-111, 116-112 and 114-114. The 26-year-old WBA No 15 and Australian No1 remains unbeaten. McKinnon, 29, the WBO Oriental champion, just lacked the punch to take this one.

Browne vs. Walker

“Big Daddy” had to climb off the floor from a flash knockdown in the first to win. Once he had recovered Browne took over and had the American down in the third, fifth and sixth rounds. Walker actually seemed to do better in the seventh but decided to retire at the end of the round. Browne is no fancy stylist, but he is big at 6’4”(193cm) and strong. He moves to 15 wins by KO/TKO. He was to have faced RichardTowers in a Commonwealth eliminator but Towers has a criminal conviction in his past so was denied a visa. Bearing that in mind 34-year-old Walker had only a very short time to prepare so it is not surprising he faded. Walker has now lost 5 of his lat 6 fights with the one win being a stoppage of Kali Meehan. Next for Browne could be a fight with Towers in Britain or a fight with Aussie No 1 Alex Leapai for the vacant Australian title.

Carr vs. Yannick

Carr shows his potential as he wins Australian title in only his fifth pro fight. The tall 22-year-old son of Rod Carr, a former Australian and Commonwealth champion in the same division, gave a brilliant boxing exhibition but champion Yannick used all of experience to stay in the fight and made Carr work hard for his close unanimous decision, Scores 97-94, 96-94 and 96-95. Rated ANBF No 7, Carr only just missed out on making the Australian team for the 2012 Olympics. He is managed and trained by former IBF super feather champion Barry Michael. Losing champion Yannick, 30, has wins over Joseph Kwadjo, Shannan Taylor, Jamie Pittman and Nader Hamdan, so was a tough test and an impressive win for someone having only their fifth fight.

 

July 26

 

 

Lincoln, CA, USA: Super Feather: Juan Carlos Burgos (30-1-2) DREW 12 Yakubu Amidu (20-4-2). Light: Miguel Gonzalez (22-3) W TKO 8 Josenilson Dos Santos (26-2).

Burgos vs. Amidu

A great little fight with a controversial result. Burgos had been scheduled to move up to lightweight with a fight against Daulis Prescott. However Prescott had to drop out and in came Ghanaian Amidu at short notice. The fight with Amidu was to be at 130lbs, but Amidu could not get down to 130lbs in the time available so it was at catch weight. That became a big factor in the fight. Burgos did not seem to have the same power at the higher poundage and Amidu faded a bit at the end of the fight, which let Burgos in. The superior skills and speed of Burgos saw him take the early rounds. Amidu had had only one fight in almost 18 months so took a while to get rolling. Once he did get into the groove he grew in confidence, took over the fight and put Burgos under constant pressure. With the fight slipping away from him Burgos switched to southpaw which seemed to give him a slight edge in the seventh and eighth. There was constant action and it was the busier but lighter punches of Burgos and the harder hitting but lower work rate from Amidu. Burgos finally shook a tiring Amidu in the eleventh and probably shaded the last. Scores 116-112, 112-116 and 114-114. A great little fight fought outdoors in searing heat. It’s a testament to the fitness of both boxers that they put up such a good fight under those conditions. Although Amidu looked to have the better claim to the victory this draw with the WBO No 2 super feather should get him some good pay days. The 25-year-old “Miniburgos” (his uncle was IBF light fly champion) is looking for a third title shot having lost to Hozumi Hasegawa for the WBC feather title. In his last bout in January he looked unlucky to only get a draw against Roman Martinez for the WBO super feather title. “Black Mamba” Amidu, 28, lost to Ricky Burns for the Commonwealth super feather title in 2008 but in his fight in April lost a split decision to newcomer Haskell Rhodes.

Gonzalez vs. Dos Santos

Gonzalez wins WBO Latino title with win over champion Dos Santos. I don’t trust Brazilian records and Dos Santos proved to be a well protected but limited fighter. Although he had the height and reach Dos Santos failed to use either advantage and in fact it was the smaller Gonzalez who was bossing the fight with his southpaw jab. The first four rounds were fairly even but the fight was becoming messy with two styles that just did not sit well. Gonzalez was relentless just coming forward all of the time shaking off the attempts by the Brazilian to hold him off. Dos Santos was on the retreat and using up energy by trying to dance his way around the ring which in the outdoors temperatures was madness. It didn’t matter how hard he tried Gonzalez was right there in front of him clubbing, pushing roughing him up. In the fourth a desperate Dos Santos was first warned for a butt and then lost a point for holding, but no matter what he did Gonzalez was walking him down. In the eighth Dos Santos had almost stopped fighting back and Gonzalez was getting through with clubbing shots. Remarkably Dos Santos suddenly turned away, practically ran to his own corner with Gonzalez pursuing him, and then slumped to a seating position and sat out the full count. Despite his “Silky Smooth” nickname Gonzalez is an aggressive tank who just keeps rolling forward. The 27-year-old from Ohio, has lost only one of his last 17 fights. That was against Mike Dallas in February last year. He had regained some kudos with a points win over former secondary WBA light weight title champion Miguel Acosta in May this year.  Dos Santos, 26, had won twelve in a row since losing on points to Diego Magdaleno in 2009. At 6’1” (185cm) making featherweight does not seems sensible and he lacked power in this fight.

 

Tokyo, Japan: Heavy: Kyotaro Fujimoto (7-1) W TKO 6 Peter Okello (21-7). Fujimoto wins vacant Japanese title with stoppage of veteran Okello. Giving away height and reach, Fujimoto used his speed to get in, land a punch, and get out, The tactics were sound but the crowd was looking for fireworks and they were getting a dire dance show Fujimoto seemed content with his leap in, leap out, and Okello was just too slow to do anything about it. In the sixth Fujimoto scored with a hard right. Suddenly he realized that he had Okello badly shaken and threw a bunch of punches. Okello staggered and backed to the ropes flapping his arms. As Okello came off the ropes Fujimoto caught him with a hard combination and in a delayed reaction Okello went down on his hands and knees. When he got up he was finished, he tottered back to the ropes and lay there with his arms by his sides whilst the referee counted the eight. For some reason the referee decided Okello could continue even though he was still leaning back on the ropes and holding his arms straight down at his side.  Fujimoto landed another hard combination and Okello went down and the referee did not bother to count. The pink-haired, pink trunked Fujimoto scores his second win since losing to Solomon Haumono for the vacant OPBF title in December, He has five wins by KO/TKO but at 6’0” (183cm) and approx 225lbs he is small for a heavyweight in this age of giants. Okello, lost to Oleg Maskaev for the WBC title in 2006. He is now 41 and this was only his second fight in over two years. He was unable to raise his pace above a plod at any time in the fight.

 

Kiev, Ukraine: Feather: Oleg Malynovskyy (9-0) W PTS 8 Khavazhy Khatsyhau (10-3). In an all-southpaw fight local prospect Malynovskyy had to climb off the floor to win this one. The Kiev southpaw was floored in the first taking a count on one knee. He survived the round and then out boxed Khatsyhau. Scores 78-73 from all three judges. The 24-year-old southpaw was Ukrainian amateur champion in 2010 and competed at the 2010 European championships.  The 26-year-old Khatsyhau, born in Chechnya (he moved to Belarus and represented them as an amateur) has lost 3 of his last 4 fights. He left it late to turn pro. He won a gold medal at the 2002 European championships, was a quarter-finalist at the 2003 World championships and fought in both the European and Olympics in 2004.

 

Castel Volturno, Italy: Middle: Matteo Signani (19-4-2) W PTS 10 Stefano Loriga (12-2-3). Signani regains national title with unanimous decision over Loriga in fight for vacant title. Loriga failed to use his height (he is 6’1” 185cm) and reach advantages or his southpaw style and paid the price. Signani was able to score with hard rights and used good lateral movement to give him plenty of angles to work. Loriga has a good seventh as he finally makes some space. Signani continues to press and scores a knockdown to clinch the victory. Strange scoring as one judge has it 95-94, one has it 97-92 and the third 97-89. The 34-year-old “Jaguar” Signani lost his title to Simone Rotolo in March last year. His only loss in his last 16 fights. Loriga, 29, did not live up to his “Demolition Man” nickname. He was inactive from November 2008 to September 2009. He was unbeaten in his last 10 fights with 8 wins and 2 technical draws.

 

Ontario, CA,USA: Welter: Artemio Reyes (20-2) W KO 3 Sergio Perez (28-15). Super Middle: Alex Theran (14-0) W PTS 6 Juan Carlos Reyes (5-6).

Reyes vs. Perez

Reyes makes it five wins in a row, the last four by KO/TKO. Reyes was walking Perez down from the first getting through with hard hooks to head and body. Perez was trying to get some room but Reyes was relentless. He closed the bout in the third by flooring Perez with a left to the body. Perez got up only to be put down by another body punch. This time he got up, changed his mind and went down again and was counted out. Sixteen wins by KO/TKO for “King” Reyes as he rebuilds after shock first round stoppage loss to Alan Sanchez in April 2012. Mexican Perez, 38, had lost over 12 rounds to Veeraphol Sahaprom for the WBC bantam title in 2002. This is only the second time he has lost by KO/TKO.

Theran vs. Rojas

Colombian prospect Theran wins every round as he continues his education in the pro ranks Scores 60-54 from all three judges. The “Prince” a 22-year-old southpaw represented Colombia at both the World Junior and World Senior Championships and is one to watch. Rojas has yet to Lopez inside the distance.

 

Cicero, ILL, USA: Middle: Osumanu Adama (22-3) W TKO 7 Doel Carrasquillo (17-25-1). Welter: Angel Hernandez (15-11-1) W TKO 3 Ahmad Cheikho (11-4-2). Welter: Ahmed El Moussaoui (17-1-1) W TKO 2 Trenton Titsworth (6-17-2).

Adama vs. Carrasquillo

This was slow torture for Carrasquillo. Ghanaian Adama worked him over with his jab and just kept pounding away. Carrasquillo was gradually worn down and decided to retire at the end of the sixth round. The 32-year-old “Ozzie Adams”  has lost to Dyah Davis, Don George and Daniel Geale but has wins over Angel Hernandez, Roman Karmazin and Grady Brewer. One judge turned in a 113-115 card in his March challenge to IBF king Geale so he put up a good enough show for that official. Puerto Rican “The Amish Guy” Carrasquillo, 40,  has lost 7 of his last 8 fights.

Hernandez vs. Cheiko

Hernandez climbed off the floor to upset the odds here. Lebanese-born Canadian Cheikho got a great start dropping Hernandez with a left hook in the first round. Hernandez survived and stayed close to make it more of a brawl in the second. With just a few seconds left in the third Hernandez landed a right hook which put Cheikho down. He made it to his feet but was unsteady on his legs and the referee stopped the fight.

El Moussaoui vs. Titsworth

French hope El Moussaoui had it all his own way in the first scoring with plenty of punches. However he is not a hard banger and it was a surprise when Titsworth failed to answer the bell for the second round. The 23-year-old, a former French Junior champion in 2005/06 and 2007/08 was having his second fight since relocating to the USA. The 6’2” (189cm) Titsworth from Omaha came in as a very late replacement and this is only his third loss by KO/TKO.

 

Saratoga Springs, NY, USA: Super Feather: Marcos Leonard Jimenez  (20-4) W PTS 8 Jose Hernandez (11-10-1). Dominican Jimenez given a rough, tough night by Mexican southpaw Hernandez. Jimenez was forced to fight a defensive fight for many rounds despite dropping Hernandez in the second. Both fighters were careless with low blows and there was too much clinching, but all of the cleaner work was coming from Jimenez. However he was also doing his share of the rough stuff and lost a point in the seventh for one too many low blows. Hernandez suffered a cut in the middle of his forehead in the last round but it was too late to be a factor. Scores 78-74 twice and 77-75. “El Tigre” Jimenez, 29, gets his second win of the year after beating Mario Santiago in February. Before that he suffered back-to-back losses to Diego Magdaleno and Carlos Molina. Only the second fight in almost four years for 31-year-old Hernandez who had a win over Rashiem Jefferson back in 2008 and only lost on a split decision to Antonio Davis in his last fight in March 2012.

 

Minneapolis, Minn, USA: Super Middle: Phil Williams (12-5-2) DREW 8 Derrick Findley (20-10-1). Heavy: Joey Abell (29-6,2ND) W TKO 1 Maurenzo Smith (11-7-2). Welter: Mohammed Kayongo (17-2-1) W TKO 3 Fred Thomas (1-12-2).

Williams vs. Findley

Styles mesh well as Findley is the aggressor and southpaw Williams fighting on the back foot and countering well. Both men were having success at different times in the rounds and the fight. Findley was working well on the inside scoring with good body shots and building an early lead. It came apart in the fifth when a right from Williams put an off balance Findley down. Findley was not hurt and proceeded to beat away at the body of Williams in the sixth. Williams came back strongly and probably edged the seventh and won the eighth. The judges could not find a winner as they came out at 77-74 Williams, 78-74 Findley and 76-76. Neither fighter is in the best of form. “The Drill” Williams, 36, New York born but now a local, has won only one of his last seven fights. He was inactive from December 2011 to February 2013 returning with a win. “Superman” Findley , 28, is now 2-5-1 in his last eight fights, but two of the losses were on points to J’Leon Love and Curtis Stevens and one of the wins was a two round stoppage of Ronald Hearns.

Abell vs. Smith

This was quick one as Abell’s fights often are. “Minnesota Ice” floored the overmatched Smith twice with rights. Smith lasted until the end of the round but before the start of the second he complained of problems with his vision and the fight was stopped. The 32-year-old southpaw has 28 wins by KO/TKO, but loses whenever he tries to step up. Smith now has five losses in a row.  Andy Ruiz, Joe Hanks and Tor Hamer have been too much for his limited talents.

Kayongo vs. Thomas

Ugandan Kayongo has no trouble with late substitute Thomas. The “African Assassin” put Thomas down with a right in the first round. Thomas hung around until the third round when another right put him down and the fight was stopped. Twelve wins by KO/TKO for Kayongo and second win since returning to action after three years out. Seven losses by KO/TKO for Thomas.

 

July 27

 

Cuxhaven, Germany: Heavy: Odlanier Solis (20-1) W TKO 7 Yakup Saglam (29-3). Super Middle: Roamer Alexis Angulo (11-0) W TKO 2 Dario Balmaceda (11-9-2). Light Welter: Ignacio Mendoza (38-7-2) W PTS 12 Ramon de la Cruz Sena (13-8-2). Light Welter: Selcuk Aydin(25-2) W KO 8 Aaron Herrera (25-3). Light Middle: Uensal Arik (19-2) W KO 3 Omar Siala (20-15-3).

Solis vs. Saglam

Solis wins but in a stinker. The Cuban was almost willing but Saglam showed no inclination to fight. He was so passive that the referee warned him three times to throw  some punches or he would be disqualified. However, Solis was also at fault as he was doing little more than plod after the retreating Saglam just picking up points without launching any strong attacks himself. Saglam was retreating with hands low and just prodding with his jab and Solis is by preference a counter-puncher so the crowd were booing and catcalling early. In the seventh Solis got through with a hard right and Saglam’s legs suddenly wobbled. Solis finally began to throw hard shots and a right to the side of the head put Saglam down, He was up at eight but instead of facing the referee and putting his hands up he turned and walked along the ropes. The referee counted nine, ten and Saglam finally turned to face the referee just as the count was completed. He protested and looked capable of continuing (doing nothing) but he should have shown he was ready to fight instead of going for a stroll. The 33-year-old Solis makes it three wins since losing in one round against Vitali Klitschko in November for the WBC title when his knee gave way under him. He finished well, but this fight did nothing for him as he needs the other guy to come at him.. Turkish-born Saglam, 36, had height and reach over the Cuban. After winning his first 27 fights Saglam is 2-3 in his last five as he finds his level.

Angulo vs. Balmaceda

Colombian makes it ten wins by KO/TKO as he halts poor Argentinian in second. The 29-year-old Angulo wins the vacant IBF Latino title. As an amateur he won bronze and silver medals in the national championships. Don’t read too much into his record. In November he had to climb off the floor to get a split decision over Jose Maria Caffarena. A guy with a 5-2-2 record. Balmaceda is 2-5 in his last seven fights and this was his seventh loss by KO/TKO.

Mendoza vs. de la Cruz Sena

This was a much better fight. Spanish-based Colombian Mendoza looked to be on his way to an early win when he floored De La Cruz in the second with a straight right. The fight was far from over and the Argentinian bounced back to floor Mendoza in the fourth and sixth rounds . “Natxo” survived and his better boxing saw him take a clear unanimous decision. Scores 117-111 twice and 114-111. The Enrique Soria managed Mendoza wins the vacant IBF Inter-Continental title. Since being kayoed in two rounds by Kevin Mitchell in 2010 Mendoza has lost only once and that was against current WBA/IBO champion Khabib Allakhverdiev. Included in his wins is a one round stoppage of Ukrainian Volodymyr Kravets (24-0) in Donetsk. Defending champion Sena had won seven in a row coming in, five of those by KO/TKO, so a good win for Mendoza who may fight Selcuk Aydin next.

Aydin vs. Herrera

For once it was a Mexican being overwhelmed by a body attack. Turk Aydin had the Mexican’s nose leaking blood by the second round and Herrera made the mistake of standing and fighting on the inside. Herrera was just not getting his punches off and Aydin was just getting warmed-up. He stepped-up the pace of his attacks and bloodied Herrera’s face some more before the Mexican went down looking exhausted and dispirited and stayed there for the count. The 29-year-old “Turkish Warrior” makes it two wins since back-to-back losses to Robert Guerrero and Jesus Soto Karass. Those two losses had seen Aydin go from WBC No 1 to nowhere but he is rebuilding. First loss by KO/TKO for “La Joya” but after 24 wins in a row it is now three losses in his last four fights.

Arik vs. Siala

Arik wins all-German fight on third round kayo. At 32 he has a lot of work to do and not much time to do it. His 18 bout winning streak came to an end in June with a loss against novice (4-6 record) Slavisa Simeunovic. Siala had lost only one of his last ten fights but against awful opposition.

 

Ferrara, Italy: Cruiser: Leonardo Damian Bruzzese (11-0) W TKO 7 Francesco Versaci (18-3). Cruiser: Giacobbe Fragomeni (31-3-2) W PTS 8 Toni Visic (8-12-1). Welter: Alessandro Caccia (9-0) W TKO 3 Almin Kovacevic (12-16-2).

Bruzzese vs. Versaci

Big night for Ferrara as Argentinian-born, and now local Italian citizen, Bruzzese puts on dazzling display to bring an Italian title to the town for the first time since Alessandro Duran beat Jose Ramon Escriche there for the European welterweight title in 2000. The 30-year-old local used an incisive and fast jab to control the fight and right hands to wear down a brave Versaci. By the fifth round Versaci was already having trouble breathing and was shipping heavy punishment. In the seventh Bruzzese was scoring with hard rights and Versaci was fading badly due his breathing difficulties. He wanted ton continue but his corner pulled him out before the start of the eighth. Bruzzese, 30, is a very smart technical boxer  with a good punch but did not turn pro until he was 27. Despite his late start he has plenty of talent. Versaci, 27, was Italian light heavy champion back in 2009, but had only three fights in just over three years. He returned as a cruiser but lost to Juho Haapoja for the EU title in September and is still looking for his first win in the higher division.

Fragomeni vs. Visic

Fragomeni keeps busty whilst waiting for his shot at WBC champion Krzys Wlodarczyk. It looked like being a short night when Fragomeni put Visic down on one knee in the first. However, the Croatian did not fold and stayed around to give Fragomeni eight good rounds of work. Fragomeni did not seem to be pursuing the finish too strongly and his performance was pedestrian but good enough to take the unanimous decision. Now  43, this must be a last throw of the dice for the former WBC champion. Visic did his job on the night.

Caccia vs. Kovacevic

Local hope Caccia, 24, remains unbeaten with stoppage of late sub Kovacevic. Former good quality amateur Caccia makes it five wins by KO/TKO. Only 2 wins in his last 11 fights for Croatian Kovacevic

 

Macao, SAR, China: Fly: Juan Francisco Estrada (25-2) W PTS 12 Milan Melindo (29-1). Feather: Evgeny Gradovich (17-0) W PTS 12 Mauricio Javier Munoz (26-4). Super Bantam: Genesis Servania (22-0) W TEC DEC 9 Konosuke Tomiyama (23-6-1). Heavy: Andy Ruiz (20-0) W TKO 4 Joe Hanks (21-1). Fly: Zou Shiming (2-0) W PTS 6 Jesus Ortega (3-2). Super Fly: Rex Tso (10-0) W PTS 6  Rusalee Samor (20-4-2). Super Bantam: Dave Penalosa (7-0) W KO 3 Ngaotawa (10-11-1).

Estrada vs. Melindo

Estrada retains his WBA/WBO titles with unanimous decision over unbeaten Melindo. The early rounds were mostly close with Melindo rocking Estrada with a left hook in the first  and with the same punch in the fourth but Estrada stuck to his tactical plan He was boxing on the back foot in the early rounds allowing Melindo to expend energy whilst setting a pace that suited him and saving his energy for the late rounds. The other problem was that Melindo seemed to be looking to find that one punch finish and was not throwing enough punches. Melindo was hampered by a cut under his left eye in the sixth. From the eighth, as Melindo began to tire, the Mexican just seemed to get stronger. He was scoring well to head and body with both straight punches and hooks and practically outclassing Melindo. Near the end of the eleventh, with Melindo trying too hard for a knockout, a right counter from Estrada put him down heavily. The gutsy Filipino made it to his feet but was unsteady and the bell rang just in time to save him. In the last Estrada again had Melindo badly hurt but Melindo saw out the round and was a loser by a wide margin. Scores 118-109 twice and 117-109. The fight was much closer than that with the strong finish from the eighth round by Estrada being the difference. So the 23-year-old “El Gallo” again breaks Filipino hearts as he had won his title by beating Brian Viloria on a split decision in April. His two losses are to Juan Carlos Sanchez (now the IBF super fly champion) in a 2011 fight, which saw both fighters on the floor, and against Roman Gonzalez last November in a challenge for the WBA light flyweight title. The 29-year-old “Method Man” Melindo had wins over Carlos Tamara, Francisco Rosas, Juan Esquer and Jesus Geles but had struggled to beat Jean Piero Perez in September. At 25 he has time to get back in the mix but this was a very disappointing performance from such a highly touted fighter.

Gradovich vs. Munoz

Gradovich retains IBF title in his first defence with wide unanimous decision over Munoz. Gradovich used his superior boxing skills to clinch the decision. The first two rounds were close with Gradovich taking the first by being busier, but Munoz ended the round strongly. In the second the Argentinian was letting his hands go more, Gradovich was more accurate of the two. Over the next five rounds Gradovich alternately used his height and reach to outbox Munoz or stood and traded. Munoz had started to concentrate on the body but Gradovich had more power and constantly got through with punches that had the Argentinian’s head snapping back. From the seventh Gradovich was totally in control. He peppered Munoz with jabs and was able to put on a boxing show with Munoz unable to do anything to change the flow. At times it looked as though a stoppage might be on the cards but Munoz had a good ninth round as Gradovich seemed to take a breather and Munoz was able to land some good shots to the body. After that Gradovich took over again and by the end Munoz’s face was sad swollen evidence to Gradovich’s good work. Scores 119-109 twice and 120-108. The 26-year-old Russian had won the IBF title with a split decision over Billy Dib in March. He will face tougher challengers than this. Munoz, 27, had lost in nine rounds to Toshiaki Nishioka for the WBC super bantam title in 2011. He had beaten Cuban Luis Franco in an IBF eliminator in October to get this title shot.

Servania vs. Tomiyama

This was a wild one right from the start. Servania put Tomiyama down in the first round but the Japanese fighter blasted back to put the Filipino down twice before the round was over. The second saw Servania cut by his right eye and in the third a right late on in the round put Tomiyama down. He got up but the bell went before Servania could capitalise on the knockdown. Both were throwing bombs and Servania had Tomiyama hurt again in the fifth. Tomiyama banged back in the seventh only for Servania to get through with some hard shots in the eighth. A clash of heads in the ninth saw Servania suffer a bad cut on his left eyebrow. The fight was stopped leading to premature celebrations by Tomiyama. As the cut was ruled to have been caused by a clash of heads it went to the scorecards with two judges giving it to Servania on scores of 87-82 and 86-83 and the third judge going for Tomiyama by 85-84.  The 21-year-old Filipino retains his WBO Asia Pacific title and his No 6 WBO ranking. “Azucal” already has wins over Genaro Garcia, Angky Angkotta and Isaac Junior but will have to wait a while before going further until his injuries mend. Tomiyama, 30, proved a tough customer. The former OPBF super fly champion was hoping this  fight would get him another title shot having lost to Nobuo Nashiro for the WBA super fly title in 2009.

Ruiz vs. Hanks

Ruiz exposes Hanks with fourth round stoppage. Ruiz carries around 250lbs on his 6’2” (188cm) frame so is more than beefy. Despite this the rotund Mexican does have good skills, fast hands and a heavy punch. He out boxed Hanks over the first two rounds. Hanks had a better third round but that was as good as it got. Stepping back from a clinch in the fourth Ruiz threw a quick right that Hanks never saw coming. He went down heavily. Ruiz was not about to let him off the hook and landed a right which seemed to land on Hanks temple. As Hanks began to go down another punch caught him on the back of the head and he slumped to the canvas by the ropes. The referee did not bother to count as Hanks was finished. In terms of height/weight Ruiz resembles Chris Arreola and looks to be an ideal candidate for a slimming course, but why change what is working ok? He has 14 wins by KO/TKO against the “usual suspects” set of lower mid level of opponents. He wins the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title. Hanks, 30, has been built on a diet of lower/lower level opposition and failed his first real test. His nickname is “The Future” and he was somehow rated No 12 by the WBO. I don’t either of those items are now applicable.

Shiming vs. Ortega

Not an impressive performance from Shiming. He was much faster of hand and foot than the Mexican novice but was wild in his attacks, often leaving himself wide open to counters and never being able to subdue Ortega. Shiming is quick and he was getting through with 3 or 4 quick shots whilst the more pedestrian Ortega was content to walk the Chinese fighter down and exchange at close quarters. The amateur was still in evidence in the way the Shiming would sometimes jump in with three or four good shots and then quickly retreat. That’s how to pile up the points as an amateur but as a pro if you get those shots home then you stay in the pocket to capitalise on it. Shiming undoubtedly won but Ortega was never outclassed and made the Chinese star fight hard in every round. Scores 59-55 from all three judges

Tso vs. Samor

“Wonder Kid” Tso had a tough night with a much more experienced Thai and just scraped by with a majority decision. Samor put pressure on his inexperienced foe from the start and worked the inside. Tso fought hard using superior speed and accuracy and came through a very tough test. The 26-year-old from Hong Kong got the decision on scores of 59-55, 58-56 and 57-57. He is still a relative novice but already has wins over Timur Shailezov and twice WBC interim strawweight champion the 85 fight veteran Wandee Singwancha. Samor came in as a late sub and the 29-year-old southpaw was streets ahead of the original opponent with only one loss in his last 13 fights.

Penalosa vs. Ngaotawa

Again a case of a sub that was tougher than the original opponent. However, the latest member of the fighting Penalosa clan marches on. After a couple of even rounds a left uppercut put the Thai down and he was counted out as he staggered his way up just too late. The 22-year-old southpaw, has five wins by KO/TKO. Seven losses inside the distance for Ngaotawa but he was better than the unknown, never had a fight, proposed opponent. David is the son of Dodie Boy Penalosa, the first two-division champion produced by the Philippines. He was IBF light fly and fly champion despite having to contend with a leg withered by polio

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Chihuahua, Mexico : Middle: Marco A Rubio (58-6-1) W KO 2 Dionisio Miranda (22-9-2). Middle: Marcos Reyes (28-1) W PTS 10 Amilcar Funes (22-13). Light Middle: Oscar Molina (6-0) W KO 2 Ruben Lopez (3-5-2).

Rubio vs. Miranda

Both fighters made a careful start probing with jabs. In the second minute of the first round Rubio started coming in behind his jab with long rights. With about 30 seconds to go a long right staggered Miranda.  His legs were shaking but he tried to fire back but and a much lighter left jab from Rubio capitalised on the damage done with the right and put him down. He was badly hurt but got up and tried to take the fight to Rubio being shaken by another right near the end of the round. Again in the second Miranda tried to take the fight to Rubio. He was still unsteady on his legs and tumbled to the floor twice in the round with no count being applied either time. Another right crashed into his head and now his legs were shaking and he went over without another hard punch landing. He got up and took the eight count. He was totally disorientated on rubber legs and when he again went down from only a couple of glancing shots the referee waived the fight off half way through the count. Rubio’s jab was impressive, straight, fast and with power but it was those rights that put paid to Miranda. The WBC No 1 is now 33 but seems to be fighting better than ever.  He has won 15 of his last 16 fights, losing only to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr , and winning 13 of those  fights by KO/TKO. Miranda, 31, himself nicknamed “Mr. Nocaut”, is 2-5 in his last seven fights with all five losses by KO/TKO.

Reyes vs. Funes

Reyes gets revenge for his lone loss. “Dorado” had height and reach and power over Funes and took control from the first. He almost had Funes down in the third, but the Argentinian survived only to run into more trouble in the fifth. Funes was fighting back hard but lacked the punch to take control. Reyes was again getting through with hard punches particularly to the body, but uppercuts from Funes slowed the Mexican’s attacks and Reyes was showing a small cut on his right cheek. Then fight was already beyond the Argentinian when he was deducted a point in the ninth for a butt. Reyes tried to finish it in the tenth, but Funes resisted all of efforts and was still there at the bell. A wide unanimous decision for local favourite Reyes. The 25-year-old prospect lost on points to Funes in 2010 but has now won his last 15 fights. He won the first ten of those by KO/TKO but has had to go the distance in 4 of his last 5. Now five losses in a row for Funes who was having his first fight since losing to Joshua Okine in Ghana in February last year.

Molina vs. Lopez

Six fights already this year. Six wins, five by KO/TKO. The local hero and World Youth Champion, Pan American Games silver medal winner and Olympian the 23-year-old looks a great prospect. Five losses by KO/TKO for poor Lopez.

 

Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico: Feather: Cris Mijares (48-7-2) W TKO 6 Carlos Jacobo (20-6-1). “Diamante” beat “Lightning”. Mijares was patient in this one slowly breaking down a stubborn Jacobo who made him fight hard for the win. The body shots finally did for Jacobo and he was cornered and taking hard punches to head and body when the fight was stopped. Southpaw Mijares , 31, makes it 23 wins by KO/TKO. He is looking for a return with Victor Terrazas to get revenge for the split decision loss in April for the vacant WBC title or a shot at the featherweight title. Jacob came in a short notice and the former Mexican champion had won 6 of his last 7 fights.

 

San Luis Potosi, Mexico: Feather: Romulo Koasicha (20-3) W TKO 6  Alex Monterrosa (21-11-3). Super Fly: Johnny Garcia (18-4-1) W PTS 12 Roberto Pucheta (7-4-1).

Koasicha vs. Monterrosa

After building a slight lead over the first two rounds Koasicha floors Monterrosa in the third. The Colombian survives but in the sixth a left hook to the body puts him down and he fails to beat the count. Local boy Koasicha wins the vacant interim WBC Latino title. He has 12 wins by KO/TKO and has won 4 of his last 5 fights. Monterrosa, 25, is 4-5 in his last 9 fights but the wins were over very poor opposition.

Garcia vs. Pucheta

“Labertino” Garcia retains his WBC Latino title with unanimous decision over Pucheta. It was a tough close fight and the decision was not too popular with Pucheta or the crowd. Only two losses in his last 17 fights for Garcia. Those were to Carlos Cuadras in 2011 and in October 2012 to Omar Narvaez in a WBO super fly title fight. “The Scorpion” put up a good fight as this was against a world rated fighter and his first fight scheduled for more than eight rounds

 

Paranaque City, Philippines: Feather: Eden Sonsona (32-6-1) TEC DRAW 4 Daniel Ferreras (12-5-2). Feather: Richard Pumicpic (13-5-2) W PTS 10 Richard Betos (20-7-1). Super Fly: Jeff Cerna (14-7) W PTS 10 Jaymart Toyco (12-4). Straw: Ronelle Ferreras (12-5-2) W KO 1 Mike Landero (16-10-4).

Sonsona vs. Ferreras

A disappointing end as Ferreras is cut on his forehead in a clash of heads and the fight is stopped with about one minutes of the fourth round to go-so it is a technical draw. Southpaw Sonsona had been hoping to use a win here to help him continue his rebuilding process. He had scored six wins in a row since losing on a kayo to Jonathan Oquendo in 2010. Ferreras, a former Philippines super fly champion had won his last three and was rated No 9 bantam by the GAB.

Pumicpic vs. Betos

Good performance for Pumicpic as he came in at short notice to replace an injured Bernabe Concepcion and was fighting two divisions above his normal weight. Pumicpic used his superior speed and better boxing to handle the bigger man. Betos had his moments but generally Pumicpic was in charge. Scores 99-91, 98-92 and 96-94. The 23-year-old winner is WBC Youth champion and GAB No 3 bantam. Betos had won 6 of his last 7 fights with the loss being to former WBA super bantam champion Akifumi Shimoda in Japan.

Cerna vs. Toyco

Minor upset as Cerna beats “Astro Boy” Toyco in a fight that sees both boxers on the floor. It was a hard fought, close fight all the way scrap. The aggressive southpaw Cerna looked to have got the fight in his pocket when he floored Toyco in the seventh. Toyco survived and put Cerna down in the last with a body punch. This time it was Cerna’s time for surviving and he did to just eke out a majority verdict. Scores 95-93 twice and 94-94. Cerna, 24, deserved a break. He had lost 4 of his last 5 fights but the losses were all to unbeaten fighters with a total overall record of 58-0-1 between them. He was GBA No 11 flyweight. The 20-year-old Toyco is still a good prospect. He had won his last seven fights and was GAB No 1 flyweight.

Ferreras vs. Landero

Well one Ferreras won. Southpaw Ronelle used a wicked body punch to put Landero down just 74 seconds into the fight and Landeros just could not make it to his feet. Ronelle took almost two years out after losses to world rated Wanheng and to Gideon Buthelezi for the IBO straw title. He has two wins and a technical draw since his return. Landero has lost 6 of his last 7 fights, but again has had a hard road with Hekkie Budler (for the vacant IBO title), Raul Garcia and Ryo Miyazaki being a tough schedule for any little man.

 

Lincoln, RI, USA: Super Middle: Vladine Biosse (15-2-2) DREW 8 Richard Gingras (13-3-1). Middle: Chris Chatman (11-2-1) W PTS 8 Tom Falowo (10-1-0).

Biosse vs. Gingras

A good all-action fight where it was a pity someone had to lose, and in the end no one did. Local hero Biosse was under pressure from Gingras from the start but was prepared to stand and trade, and that is what they did for the eight rounds. Gingras looked as though he might just have had the edge as Biosse was having to fight off the ropes for the closing rounds, but Biosse was getting in counters of his own. It was close and the decision went to Gingras on scores of 77-76, 77-75 and 76-76 giving him a majority decision . He had the New England title belt around his waist-but wait a minute. A check of the scorecards showed that the 77-76 score was added wrongly and it should have been 77-77 making it a majority draw. Biosse got his belt back and Gingras got a first career draw. Southpaw Biosse , 31, is 4-1-2 in his last 7 fights with the best win being a decision over Joe Spina in May 2012. After nearly three years out of the ring Gingras is 4-1-1 since his return.

Chatman vs. Falowo

This one was also very close with Chatman building an early lead only for Falowo to fight back hard over the last three rounds. The edge went to Chatman because of a knockdown he scored in the fourth. Scores 77-75 from all three judges. It was a birthday present for 29-year-old Chatman. He now has seven wins and a draw in his last eight fights. Two of his losses have been to Demetrius Andrade and Jermell Charlo. Local fighter Falowo had won his last four fights.

 

San Antonio, USA: Welter: Jesus Soto Karass (28-8-3,1ND) W TKO 12 Andre Berto (28-3) . Welter: Keith Thurman (21-0,1ND) W KO 10 Diego Chaves (22-1). Light: Omar Figueroa (22-0-1) W PTS 12 Nihito Arakawa (24-3-1). Super Middle: Anthony Dirrell( 26-0) W TKO 3 Anthony Hanshaw (23-4-2). Super Feather: Andy Cancio (15-2-2) W PTS 10 Jerry Belmontes (18-2).

Soto Karass vs. Berto

Karass gets biggest win of his career and Berto’s plans nosedive. Soto Karass came out strongly and had Berto on the back foot. Berto was boxing well scoring with rights and stunning Soto Karass on occasion, but every time Soto Karass got through with a hard punch Berto looked hurt. From the fourth Berto was practically fighting one armed as he suffered a rotator cuff injury. Despite the injury Berto fought bravely mainly using only his left but Soto Karass was just too strong to be handled with one arm. Despite the handicap Berto took the tenth round and floored Soto Karass with a left to the body in the eleventh, but Soto Karass got up and by the end of the round had blood dripping from Berto’s lip. Soto Karass came out for the last determined not to rely on the judges, wisely in view of the scoring at that time, and just 48 seconds into the round a left hook to the jaw put an exhausted Berto down. He pulled himself up but the referee stopped the fight. Unbelievably at the end of the eleventh despite his injury Berto was ahead on one card 105-103,even on another 104-104 and Soto Karass was in front by 105-103 on the third. This win puts the 30-year-old Mexican in the title picture with a fight against Devon Alexander or Paul Malignaggi not out of the question. He gave Mike Jones two tough fights and despite inside the distance losses to Gabriel Rosado and Marcos Maidana back-to-back wins over Selcuk Aydin and now Berto make him a viable contender. Berto showed great courage in fighting on with his shoulder injury and was right in the fight until that left hook in the last. The 29-year-old former IBF and WBC champion is not talking retirement despite suffering his third loss in his last four fights.. At 29 he is not old, however recovery from the shoulder injury could take quite a while and he had been out of the ring for eight months  before this fight so it will be a long road back,

Thurman vs. Chavez

Thurman wins the interim WBA title with impressive stoppage of previously unbeaten Chaves. No one was taking any prisoners as these two made a fast start with both willing to stand and trade hard shots over the opening rounds. Chaves had the slight edge over those first three rounds bloodying Thurman’s nose. From the fourth Thurman turned it into more of a boxing match. The action cooled a little and Thurman was just edging ahead. Near the end of the ninth a wicked left hook to the body put the Argentinian down in agony for the first knockdown of his career.  He made it to his feet and survived but did not really recover from that shot. In the tenth Thurman had Chaves on the ropes and a volley of hard punches finished off with a hard right put Chaves down. He got up on one knee but no further. The 24-year-old “One Time” Thurman makes it 19 wins by KO/TKO. He already has wins over former champions Carlos Quintana and Jan Zaveck without attracting too much attention but now the secret is out and he can become a force in the division over the next two years. He got a $10,000 bonus from Golden Boy for the kayo. One humorous piece had a delighted Thurman after the fight thanking the citizens of San Diego-very nice except that he was fighting in San Antonio “La Joya” Chaves, 27, had won his last five fights by KO/TKO but this was his first real test so it will be back to some easy wins at home before he ventures out again.

Figueroa vs. Arakawa

This fight stole the show and is already being touted as the Fight of the Year as these two exchanged over 2000 punches in furious action. Both fighters suffered facial damage with the winner Figueroa getting the worst of that aspect. Figueroa wanted this to be a brawl and Arakawa obliged him. The first round saw Figueroa swarming all over southpaw Arakawa and the Japanese fighter just staying in the fight. Figueroa put Arakawa down in the second but Arakawa got up and again engaged in the ongoing war. A clash of heads left Figueroa with a gash on the bridge of his nose. The back-and-forth action meant some rounds were close but Figueroa had Arakawa in bad trouble on the ropes in the sixth and the referee gave Arakawa a standing count. Try as he might Figueroa could not put the game Japanese fighter away. Figueroa was working hard but his face showed that this was not a one-sided fight as he was cut, swollen and bleeding. Arakawa had a bad swelling under his left eye as the sheer volume of punches took their toll. Figueroa had won and took the interim WBC title but Arakawa deserved a medal for his sheer guts. The scores were 118-108 twice and 119-107 which in no way reflected the effort put in by Arakawa. The 23-year-old Texan Figueroa had earned his title fight with wins over Dominic Salcido and Abner Cotto. Figueroa went to hospital after this fight and had four stitches in the gash on his nose and eight in a another cut by his eye so he will not be fighting for a little while. The 31-year-old from Japan played his part in an amazing fight with his left eye almost closed by the end. He had lost only one of his last 16 fights and that was a technical decision.

Dirrell vs. Hanshaw

Dirrell keeps up the family record of beating Hanshaw. Dirrell was just too strong for the veteran and showed real power. After taking the first two rounds he bloodied Hanshaw’s nose  and then two hard rights and a left hook  from Dirrell put Hanshaw down and the fight was stopped. “The Dog” 28, makes it 22 wins by KO/TKO. The IBF No 13 is getting back in the groove after being inactive from December 2011 until May this year partially due to injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident. He is now looking for a fight with Sakio Bika for the WBC title. Brother Andre is No 11 with the WBC so don’t be surprised if Anthony now joins him in the top 15. Hanshaw, 35 , looked a good prospect after a stellar amateur career in which he was both the US and National Golden Gloves champion and just missed out on the Olympics. He won his first 21 fights but losses to Roy Jones  and Antony’s brother Andre saw him take time out from May 2008 until October last year when he lost a close points decision to Farah Ennis. I guess he will still box on as there are plenty of young fighters looking for a useful scalp to hang on their belt.

Cancio vs. Belmontes

The Corpus Christi Kid “ suffers another set back. Cancio bounced back from a majority decision loss to Roger Gonzalez in September with a unanimous decision over former top amateur Belmontes. Scores 98-92 twice and 97-93. Cancio, 24, had beaten Rocky Juarez in June before the loss to Gonzalez. Now he is back on line . Belmontes, also 24, was a US Junior champion and beat Sadam Ali and Terry Crawford on his way to a silver medal in the US Championships in 2007 only to lose out at the Olympic Trials. He won his first 17 fights but has now lost 2 of 3 to Eric Hunter and Cancio. Both good opponents so no need for him to despair-yet.

 

 

 

 

 

July 28

 

Venice, Italy: Light: Brunet Zamora (25-1-2) W KO 9 Massimiliano Ballisai (16-2). Zamora retains his EU title with kayo of Ballisai. The 38-year-old Cuban-born Italian made a slow start and the 28-year-old Ballisai made good use of his height and reach to control the pace of the fight giving Zamora plenty of problems. They got worse in the fifth and sixth as hard shots from Ballisai has Zamora on unsteady legs and Zamora has to use all of his experience to survive. Ballisai fails to follow-up his advantage in the seventh as Zamora steadies the ship. In the eighth Zamora starts to force the fight and suddenly Ballisai looks tired. At the start of the ninth a right from Zamora had Ballisai slipping but he gathered himself. Zamora gets through with a perfect left hook which puts Ballisai down and out. Zamora missed his first big chance when he drew with Albert Mosquera for the interim WBA title. He then took another knock when the little Russian tank Denis Shafikov beat him convincingly on points for the EBU title in May last year. Zamora showed here that he is still a force but the loss to Shafikov cost him his world rating and it could be a long road back. Ballisai was trying to get back in the picture after losing his unbeaten record when being kayoed in four rounds by Felix Lora in June last year. It is back to the drawing board for him.

 

Kobe, Japan: Super Fly: Teiru Kinoshita (18-0-1) W PTS 10 Junichi Ebisuoka (23-16-5). Local boy Kinoshita retained his national title for the fourth time with a unanimous decision over JBC No 5 Ebisuoka. The 27-year-old light hitter remained unbeaten and protected his IBF 7/WBA 7 rating. Scores 99-91, 98-93 and 98-94. Ebisuoka has had no luck in title fights having draw in a challenge for the JBC light fly title, lost in a challenge for the WBC strawweight title, lost in a challenge for the OPBF light flyweight title and now made it four unsuccessful challenges.