The Past Week in Action 4 August 2015

Photo From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

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

The Past Week in Action 4 August 2015

July 29

Loei, Thailand: Fly: Stamp Kiatniwat (14-0) W PTS 12 Gregorio Lebron (13-3).
Thai Kiatniwat wins the interim WBA title but Dominican Lebron was robbed by a disgraceful decision. Lebron made a good start in the first round pushing the young Thai back and scoring with left jab/straight right combinations. That changed when Kiatniwat landed two heavy rights which sent Lebron tumbling to the side and down. He got up and was ready to fight on when the eight count was completed but it was a big first round for Kiatniwat. The second was fairly even and then Lebron took over. He gave the Thai a boxing lesson over the next seven rounds. Jab, hooks, uppercuts he could not miss Kiatniwat constantly driving him back around the ring slotting home jabs and banging home counters. Kiatniwat was throwing wild swings and every time he did he left himself open and off balance and Lebron was making it a one-sided fight. In the eighth and ninth it even looked as though Lebron might win inside the distance as he landed punch after punch with Kiatniwat getting driven back by and looking as though he was about to be overwhelmed. What kept him in the fight was Lebron’s lack of power and the Thai’s rock-hard chin. Kiatniwat landed a hard left hook/right cross early in the tenth but Lebron fired back. Suddenly a punch from Lebron when Kiatniwat was anticipating a break call stung the Thai into action. He landed a right cross and left hook which shook Lebron then landed two clubbing rights to the head which sent Lebron down on his back. The Dominican was up at six and survived to the bell by running and holding. Kiatniwat came out swinging wildly in the eleventh and scored with two head punches but once again Lebron was finding huge gaps in the Thai’s non-existent defence and rocked him with a peach of a right uppercut with Kiatniwat again eating jab after jab and being forced on the defence. Kiatniwat scored with some heavy punches early in the last but then again Lebron was forcing him back out-landing the Thai and already celebrating before the final bell. The Thai’s corner was very subdued but then came the ridiculous scoring giving Kiatniwat the decision on scores of 117-109, 116-112 and 113-113. Lebron was robbed. Kiatniwat had two 10-8 rounds and for me Lebron won the other 10 rounds clearly although I have to say that others who have seen the fight thought it was a good decision. At 17 Kiatniwat becomes the youngest ever Thai world champion. He is strong and has a great chin but seems to think de-fence is a French garden partition and is very crude. Dominican Lebron, 33, deserves a return but won’t get it.

Pretoria, South Africa: Heavy: Danie Venter (20-7) W TKO 2 Vusumzi Mlindwa (3-5-1). Heavy: Khayeni Hlungwane (6-11) W TKO 1 Flo Simba (13-5). Super Welter: Hansie Carr (9-0) W KO 1 William Bankisi (2-3).
Venter vs. Mlindwa
Rumours of Venter’s retirement proved erroneous as he returned to action with an easy win. Fighting at heavyweight the tall South African found the blubbery Mlindwa an easy target and he was dishing out some serious punishment when the referee stopped the fight in the second round. The 36-year-old 6’3” (194cm) former WBFed and South African cruiser champion was having his first fight since being beaten in nine rounds by Olympic and World Championships gold medallist Olek Usyk ( he beat Artur Beterbiev in both tournaments) in December. He is rated No 2 cruiser by BSA but has some weight to shed as he was 198 ¾ lbs (90kgs) for Usyk but 233 ¾ lbs (106kgs) for this fight. Now 4 losses in a row for the grossly overweight Mlindwa who was BSA No 5.
Hlungwane vs. Simba
Difficult to know if Simba has a future as a boxer after being blown away by practically the first punch thrown by Hlungwane. Once world rated the DRC “Demolition Man” had faded away after suffering back-to-back first round losses to Thabiso Mchunu in 2012. It was later found that he was suffering from the severe effects of diabetes at the time. His manager Brian Mitchell, trainer Harold Volbrecht and promoter Rodney Berman stood by him and after 31 months out he returned with a win in April this year and was rated No 6 heavy by BSA. Hlungwane, the BSA No 4 cruiser, was 2-8 in his last 10 fights, had never fought in anything except 4 and 6 round fights had not fought for nine months and was giving away 31lbs in weight. Difficult to find any positives for Simba in there.
Carr vs. Bankisi
Carr looks one to watch. He knocked out Bankisi inside a round to register his seventh win by KO/TKO and his third first round victory in a row as he gets back in the swing. This is his second win after being inactive for 20 months. Bankisi way out of his class.

30 July

Biefeld, Germany: Feather: Zoltan Kovacs (14-5-1) W TKO 1 Marco McCullough (12-2). Big shock as Kovacs batters McCullough to defeat inside a round. Both fighters were throwing quick, hard punches with Kovacs forcing McCullough onto the back foot. They traded punches and Kovacs landed a right to the side of the head and a left hook which McCullough partly blocked. It looked as though the right had done the damage as in a delayed action McCullough dropped heavily to the canvas on his back. He was up quickly and took the eight count. Kovacs was wild trying to finish it and was warned twice for pushing his elbow into McCullough’s face. He rocked McCullough with a right and the Belfast man was badly shaken again. Instead of trying to hold or get away he stood trading with Kovacs. A couple of right crashed home and McCullough was driven back taking head punch after head punch and had no defence. His corner threw in the towel as McCullough tumbled sideward’s to the floor. Despite the towel the referee started a count and continued the count even as McCullough staggered backwards on rubber legs to his own corner where his seconds were already on the ring apron and incredibly even then the referee did not stop but counted a totally unnecessary ten seconds. Huge win for Hungarian Kovacs, 22. He was not in the EBU/EU ratings had been stopped in one round by Phil Sutcliffe Jnr in Sutcliffe’s first pro fight, lost on points in Belfast to Danny McShane and thirdly in London last November to Mitchell Smith. On the plus side he had won his last fight inside a round but against poor opposition. Winning the WBO Europe title had given McCullough No 4 rating so he will have blown that. He had scored good wins over Willie Casey and Dmitry Kirilov and at 25 he has time to get over this.

Kempton Park, South Africa: Cruiser: Kevin Lerena (13-1) W PTS 12 Deon Coetzee (11-6). Super Light: Grant Fourie (16-7-1) W PTS 12 Warren Joubert (22-4-5). Bantam: Ludumo Lamati (6-0-1) DREW 6 Cebo Ngema (9-4-2).
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Lerena vs. Coetzee
Lerena wins the South African title with wide unanimous decision over Coetzee. Southpaw Lerena made a fast start shaking Coetzee in the first and second rounds. Coetzee was looking to let the storm blow itself out and then take over in the later rounds. It did not work that way. With Lerena showing good movement and a focused body attack early and then slowing his work rate and throwing single hard shots and also doing some holding to nullify Coetzee’s attacks. Lerena kept pressing and had Coetzee in trouble a few time in the late rounds as they both tired. The Harold Volbrecht trained Coetzee showed real courage and did well to last the distance in the end. Scores 117-111 twice and 118-110. The 23-year-old “Lean Machine” lost on points over ten rounds to the more experienced Johnny Muller in November and this is his second win since then. It is the first time he has gone twelve rounds and he paced the fight well. Coetzee, 29, was making the first defence of his national title. He had won his last seven fights but the opposition had not been strong but at least he kept his pride intact as he has yet to lose inside the distanced. He is the nephew of former WBA heavy champ Gerrie Coetzee,
Fourie vs. Joubert
Fourie saved the night for the Harold Volbrecht stable with a points win over Joubert that netted him the national title in a hard fought exciting contest. Due to injury Fourie was having his first fight for just under a year and was moving up a division but he showed no signs of ring rust. Fourie’s better boxing saw him build a lead over the early rounds but with Joubert competitive. From the eighth things changed.”Fireball” Fourie had Joubert down in the eighth from a hard right/left combination and came close to a stoppage in the ninth. Joubert did not give up but fought back hard but lost a point in the eleventh round for holding which swung things even further in Fourie’s favour and he ran out a comfortable winner. Scores 117-111, 116-110 and 114-112. The 29-year-old Fourie had been on a poor run and was 4-6 in his previous ten fights. He is the nephew of Pierre Fourie the former world light heavyweight title challenger who was unlucky enough to be around when there were some great light heavies and he lost twice on points to Bob Foster and twice on points to Victor Galindez in world title challenges. Joubert aptly nicknamed “ The Warrior” was coming up for 11 years as a pro. He had challenged for the national super feather title in 2010. After that a run of 6-1-3 in 10 fights culminated with him finally winning the South African super light title in April this year so after waiting all that time to win the title it was a pity to see the good pro only reign for just over three months.
Lamati vs. Ngema
Hot prospect Lamati will feel robbed over this one. The highly-touted 23-year-old looked to have outboxed and outpointed the more experienced Ngema but the judges did not see it that way with two of them scoring the fight 57-57 and the other somehow seeing Ngema the winner 59-55. A big blow for Lamati who had won his last five fights by KO/TKO. Hopefully he can shake this off and rebuild. Ngema , 25 had lost a split decision to Toto Helebe for the national title in February last year.

July 31

Quilmes, Argentina: Middle: Claudio A Abalos (29-13-3) W PTS 10 Martin F Rios (15-5-3,1ND). Welter: Elias L Vallejos (17-4-1) W TKO 3 Juan A M Cuellar (8-8-1).
Abalos vs. Rios
Abalos retains South American title with unanimous verdict over Rios in front of his hometown fans. The challenger made the better start scoring with hard rights in the first. Gradually Abalos took over and began to utilise his southpaw jab to outbox Rios who was dangerous with his head and rapidly tiring. In the sixth Rios lost a point for trying to bite Abalos. In the seventh it was Abalos who lost a point for a butt only for Rios to get away with a butt of his own in the eighth. Abalos dominated the last three rounds being able to pick his spots and land punches with both hands as he cancelled out the good start by Rios and took the decision. Scores 95-93, 96-94 and 96-95. “El Chino” Abalos, 34, a former Argentinian champion, was making the fifth defence of his South American title and has won 5 of his last 6 fights with the loss being to world rated super middle Ezequiel Maderna. He is No 2 with the FAB. Rios, 23, also a former national champion, drops to 2-4-1 in his last 7 fights.
Vallejos vs. Cuellar
No sort of test for Vallejos as he puts Cuellar on the floor once in both the first and second rounds and a knockdown in the third saw the fight stopped. The 27-year-old local has won 4 of his last 5 fights. Three losses in a row by KO/TKO for Cuellar.

Monteria, Colombia: Fly: Anuar Salas (18-3) W PTS 10 Jeyson Cervantes (7-13-1). Super Fly: Jesus Martinez (20-1) W KO 1 Michael Arango (35-22-3). Feather: Deivi Julio Bassa (17-0) W PTS 8 Edison Valencia (21-13).
Salas vs. Cervantes
Local fighter Salas gets unanimous verdict over Cervantes. Salas took the early rounds and put southpaw Cervantes down in the fifth. Cervantes fought back hard over the last four rounds but the gap was too big for him to close. Scores 97-92 twice and 95-94. Salas is 10-2 in his last 12 fights with the losses to Luis Concepcion for interim WBC Silver title in 2013 and to world rated Mexican David Sanchez in August last year. He has won his last four fights. Cervantes has lost three in a row all on points against very tough opposition including former interim WBA champion Alberto Rossel and Jesus Martinez (18-1).
Martinez vs. Arango
In a contest between two Monterianos Martinez blows away Arango inside the first round. Now 9 wins by KO/TKO for Martinez and 11 wins on the bounce. Arango, 36, has lost 11 of his last 12 fights so slipped a long way from when he challenged Julio Cesar Miranda for the WBO fly title in 2010.

Bassa vs. Valencia
Bassa remains unbeaten with wide unanimous decision over “Four Edges” Valencia. Basso handed out some severe punishment over the first seven rounds but Valencia soaked it up and landed some heavy shots of his own in the last and did well to take Bass the distance as Basses had won 7 of his previous 9 fights by KO/TKO. Valencia, 38, is coming up for 20 years as a pro. He lost to South African Lehlo Ledwaba for the IBF super bantam title back in 1999 but is now 4-9 in his last 13 fights.

Bari, Italy: Super Welter: Soufiene Ouerghi (9-3) W KO 7 Francesco Lezzi (7-5-1).
Even the local crowd could not lift Lezzi enough to give him a chance in this fight for the vacant IBF Mediterranean title. The fight started badly for Lezzi and did not get any better. Ouerghi floored Lezzi in the first and although Lezzi got up and saw out the round it was obvious that Ouerghi was the harder puncher. Lezzi tried to box on the outside and had some success but he was rocked a number of times. In the seventh Ouerghi dropped Lezzi again and after the Italian got up a thunderous right hook put him down and out. Tunisian Ouerghi, 27, had won 5 of his last 6 with the loss being a majority decision to Dominick Britsch in Germany. First loss by KO/TKO for the “Gladiator of Freedom” who is now 1-4-1 in his last 6 fights.

Durango, Mexico: Feather: Saul Morales (13-3) W TKO 2 Victor Castillo. Super Light: Emanuel Colon (8-0-1) W KO 2 Ivan Zamorano.
Morales vs. Castillo
Local hero “Lightning” Morales makes it two wins since his recent return to the ring with stoppage of late substitute Castillo. The 28-year-old Morales now has 8 wins by KO/TKO. He was inactive in 2012 and 2013 and had only one fight in 2014.
Colon vs. Zamorano
Puerto Rican “Pinky” Colon was not looking to end this early but when the chance came in the second round he took it and knocked Zamorano out. The 23-year-old Buffalo-based Puerto Rican has 7 wins by KO/TKO including 5 first round finishes.

Managua, Nicaragua: Fly: Yader Cardoza (16-7-1) W PTS 10 Alexander Taylor (11-6-1). Fly: Keyvin Lara (16-1-1) W KO 1 Martin Diaz (8-1-1,1ND).
Cardoza vs. Taylor
Cardoza took the unanimous decision in all Nica fight as he forced better boxer Taylor into a brawl and bullied his way to a clear win. Scores 100-90, 99-91 and 97-94. Cardoza, 26, lost to Adrian Hernandez for the WBC light fly title in 2013. He had picked up a reputation for poor training and weight problems but had the right tactics here. Taylor, 21, had beaten former interim WBC and WBA champion Juan Palacios two weeks ago.
Lara vs. Diaz
Lara retains his WBC Latino title with first round kayo of Diaz in clash of 20-year-old Nicas. Lara ended it with a right hook to the body and an uppercut to the chin. The body punch did the real damage and with Diaz doubled up on the canvas in agony the referee dispensed with the count. Lara started his career with a loss and a draw so now has 16 wins in a row but only 5 by KO/TKO. Diaz was a slight favourite going in. Former WBA minimum light fly champion Rosendo Alvarez the promoter of the show and of Diaz protested the failure of the referee to give his man the benefit of a count but it is doubtful if Diaz could have got up in time.

Pasay City, Philippines: Super Bantam: Bernabe Concepcion (34-6-2) W TKO 2 Juma Fundi (27-13-3). Light Fly: Renren Tesono (15-6-3) W PTS 12 Bonjun Loperez (9-4-1). Fly: Renerio Arizala (13-2-1) W TEC DEC 6 Romnick Magos (11-5). Super Feather: Rogelio Jun Doliguez (20-3-2) W PTS 10 Jerry Nardo (21-7).
Concepcion vs. Fundi
One big right from Concepcion ends this one. Tanzanian Fundi was busy in the first round with quick jabs and rights but his punches had no power in them. Concepcion threw two quick jabs and then followed with a straight right that put Fundi down on his back. Fundi struggled to his feet but the referee got to nine and then just waived the fight over as Fundi was too wobbly to continue. The 27-year-old Filipino wins the vacant WBO Oriental title. He has failed in title shots against Steve Luevano and Juan Manuel Marquez. He was beaten by Mikey Garcia in 2012 then had only one fight in 2013 and one in 2014 and needs to be more active with Chris Avalos his next target. Sixth loss by KO/TKO for 28-year-old Fundi.
Tesono vs. Loperez
Tesono retains the Philippines title with a split decision over Loperez. Tesono, 23, was making the first defence of the Philippines title that he won with a majority verdict over Benezer Alolod in December. Loperez, 22, rated No 12 by the GAB, performed above expectations as he had lost 2 of his last 3 fights by KO/TKO.
Arizala vs. Magos
Arizala gets technical decision over Magos. The end came due to Magos suffering a bad cut on his right eyebrow after a clash of heads and it went to the scorecards. Scores 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56. “Amazing” Arizala, 21, went 11-0-1 in his first 12 fights but was derailed by losses to Ardin Diale for the Philippines title and to former WBC champion Toshiyuki Igarashi in Japan on a close technical decision. He was No 7 with the GAB. Magos, the GAB No 4, was 8-3 going into this one with all three losses in Thailand.
Doliguez vs. Nardo
After back-to-back losses Doliguez gets back on the winning track with unanimous verdict over Nardo. The 24-year-old southpaw was world rated on the strength of an unbeaten run of 20 fights but then went 1-3 in his next 4 with losses to Dennis Tubieron and Fernando Montiel in those three defeats. Nardo, who has twice challenged for the WBU (German version) in Australia, is an experienced fighter with a good chin.

Tampa, FL, USA: Super Fly: Ricardo Rodriguez (12-2) W PTS 10 Daniel Lozano (13-3). Rodriguez gets a majority decision that should have been unanimous. The young Mexican used boxing smarts to befuddle Lozano who has problems with movers. Rodriguez chose to box and Lozano struggled with no plan B to implement. Rodriguez was busier and more accurate with Lozano scoring with some power shots but not throwing or landing enough of them. “Scorpion” Lozano tried to find a sting in the tail as he staged a strong finish but he left it far too late. Scores 98-92 and 97-93 for Rodriguez and a very generous (to Lozano) 95-95. Rodriguez, 25, has won 10 of his last 11 fights and in this one he retained his WBC Fecarbox title and added the vacant WBO Latino title and it is now three useful wins in a row for Rodriguez following his victories over unbeaten Edwin Rodriguez and Jonathan Vidal. Floridian Lozano, also 25, won his first 11 fights but has slipped to be 2-3 in his last 5.

Delicias, Mexico: Super Light: Ivan Pereyra (20-5) W TKO 4 Raul Robledo (10-1).
Pereyra goes into the lion’s den and comes away with a win. Pereyra was just supposed to be yet another victim for the hard punching local Robledo but things did not work out that way. Pereyra attacked the body over the first two rounds and then floored Robledo in the third. Robledo got up but was put down and out in the fourth. Now 14 wins by KO/TKO for 26-year-old “Russian” Pereyra and a much needed win after three losses in a row. Reportedly he won the belt designating him as WBO Mexican champion! Robledo the 19-year-old “Nino KO” was the one knocked out this time.

August 1

Hull, England: Light: Luke Campbell (12-0) W TKO 10 Tommy Coyle (21-3). Super Welter: Brian Rose (27-3-1) W PTS 12 Carson Jones (37-11-3). Heavy: Dillan Whyte (15-0) W KO 1 Irineu Beato Costa Junior (17-5). Light Welter : Ricky Burns (38-5-1) W TKO 5 Prince Ofotsu (15-5). Super Bantam: Gamal Yafai (7-0) W PTS 6 Angel Lorente (6-9-1). Super Feather: Martin Joseph Ward (12-0-2) W PTS 10 Sergio Blanco (21-2-1). Super Bantam: Stuart Hall (17-4-2) W PTS 6 Edwin Tellez (9-19-5).
Campbell vs. Coyle
Campbell wins this battle of hometown fighter with impressive stoppage of Coyle. Campbell established his jab early and outworked Coyle in the first round. In the second a wicked southpaw left to the body put Coyle down in obvious pain. Coyne’s courage is well known and he got up and tried to take the fight to Campbell in the third but was warned over careless use of his head. Campbell had height and reach and was able to use stiff jabs to keep Coyle out. The fight was one-sided in the fourth, fifth, when the referee warned both fighters for rough tactics. In the sixth Campbell banged home jabs and body punches with Coyle again showing his resilience. Coyle finally got into the fight briefly in the seventh as got through with a good body punch and then was able cut off the ring and score to head and body at close quarters. Campbell took over again in the eighth scoring with eye-catching combinations from a variety of angles and another body punch looked to have hurt Coyle at the end of the ninth. Campbell was looking to end it in the tenth and he put Coyle down with another left to the body. A series of punches put Coyle down for a second time and after he got up he was trapped in a corner and looked about to go down again when the referee stopped the fight. The brilliant former Olympic and European gold medallist wins the vacant WBC International title. For me the 27-year-old from Hull is the best young prospect in British boxing and a future world champion. No pressure then Luke! The 25-year-old Coyle has been in some tremendous fights. He was on his way to a win over Derry Mathews for the vacant CBC title when a crunching punch from Mathews ended the fight in the tenth. After that he won 6 fights in a row including a war with Daniel Brizuela which saw both fighters down four times and victory over Mike Katsidis inside two rounds. He may never be able to beat Campbell but at 25 and with his exciting style he will be in more great fights.
Rose vs. Jones
Rose gets revenge for controversial first round stoppage loss to Jones in February. It was assumed that Rose would box a cautious fight but he quickly got himself on the front foot and landed some stiff jabs and uppercuts in the first round. Things did not look so good for the British fighter in an all action second when an uppercut from Jones left him with a bad nose injury, possibly fractured, but he stuck to his game plan slotting home jab after jab at the advancing Jones. Rose was winning the rounds with his better boxing, built around his jab, his speed and higher work rate and there was little Jones could do to change things and despite the result of the first fight he just did not have the power to turn things around and was lucky that Rose is also a bit short in the power department. The fight was bad tempered in the latter stages with both getting warning for hitting after the bell. Jones had a good tenth but Rose banged back with a right in the eleventh and although Rose had built a winning lead he refused to play safe and stood toe-to-toe in the last with Jones to cap an excellent performance. Scores 119-111, 117-112 and 116-112. “The Lion” is back in the mix. The loss to Jones saw him drop out of the world ratings but there are good domestic fights for him as he rebuilds. Jones can give anyone trouble on his night but does not seem to do well in return matches having taken Kell Brook to a majority decision in 2012 but being halted in eight rounds in their return bout in 2013.
Whyte vs. Costa Junior
Impressive kayo performance from Whyte. He was forcing Costa back with a stiff jab and trying a few rights. Costa was not letting his punches go and did not throw a single punch in the first half of the round. Suddenly Whyte stepped in with a left hook which landed high on Costa’s temple and sent him tumbling to the floor. He was up at six and when the fight restarted a right followed by a left hook put Costa down again and the fight was over. Now 12 wins by KO/TKO for the Jamaican-born Londoner including 11 in a row and all inside four rounds. With his win over Anthony Joshua in their early days as an amateur their proposed clash later this year will be a short and exciting one. Costa, 34, has lost 5 of his last 6 fights with 4 of those losses by KO/TKO.
Burns vs. Ofotsu
Burns returns with a win but with a strange ending. The Scot was outboxing the strong but limited Ghanaian and had built a big lead by the end of the fourth round. However he had not really punished Ofotsu severely yet in the fifth whilst they were about to trade punches the towel came flying from Ofotsu’s corner. Ofotsu actually caught the towel himself and just gazed at his corner bewildered by the action. The referee was also surprised but accepted the signal of retirement reluctantly. The fight was made at 137lbs so it looks as though Burns, 32, is aiming to challenge again for another title at lightweight and right now that is a strong domestic division so there are some good fight there if he wants them.
Yafai vs. Lorente
Yafai gets comfortable win over visiting Spaniard. The talented brother of Khalid was too quick and skilful for the willing but limited Spaniard and won every round. The Birmingham fighter had Lorente down late in the fifth but settled for a points win. Referee’s card 60-53. The 23-year-old was ABA champion a EU Cadets gold medallist and took a silver at the World Cadets so yet another young British talent to follow. Lorente, a former Spanish champion has lost 7 of his last 8 fights.
Ward vs. Blanco
Ward retains his WBC International title with unanimous decision over veteran Spaniard Blanco. Ward’s smart boxing gave him the edge over Blanco for most of the fight but Blanco had some success when he managed to get inside and forced Ward out of his game plan but generally the silky skills of Ward ensured he had the fight well in hand and he ran out a comfortable winner. Scores 97-93 twice and 98-93. Ward, 24, had to adapt to a late change of opponent. Currently he is No 29 with the WBC and will be looking to move up to higher class opposition helped by the prestige that the International title has with that body. Blanco, who turned 40 on the day of this fight came in as a late sub. He drew and lost in two shots at the European title and after the second loss against Oleg Yefimovych in 2008 he was out for 22 months before returning to the ring last October and this is only his third fight since then
Hall vs. Tellez
Hall came on this show at short notice to get in some rounds as he starts to rebuild in attempt to regain his IBF title. He had no trouble winning every round so got six rounds of work. Referee’s score 60-54. The 35-year-old former IBF bantam champion was having his first fight since losing to Randy Caballero for the vacant IBF title in October and is now hoping to challenge felloe Brit Jamie McDonnell for the secondary WBA title. Nicaraguan Tellez, 20 moves to 9 losses on a row.

New York, NY, USA: Welter: Danny Garcia (31-0) W TKO 9 Paul Malignaggi (33-7). Middle: Daniel Jacobs (30-1) W TKO 2 Sergio Mora (28-4-2). Light Heavy: Travis Peterkin (15-0-1) DREW 8 Lenin Castillo (12-0-1). Feather: Rafael Vazquez (16-1) W TKO 1 Mario Macias (26-17,1ND). Super Welter: Prichard Colon (15-0) W TKO 2 Mike Finney (12-4-1).
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Garcia vs. Malignaggi
Successful move up to welter for Garcia as he grinds down and halts Malignaggi in nine rounds. Both had good patches over the first two rounds with Malignaggi getting home with some quick, light punches and Garcia, normally a slow starter, with some hard rights. In the third Garcia was walking through Malignaggi’s punches and taking control of the fight and a left hook opened a cut over Malignaggi’s right eye. Although Malignaggi was showing his usual quick lateral movement and fine defensive work Garcia was beginning to grind him down and forcing Malignaggi back with stiff rights. Garcia had Malignaggi on the ropes at the end of the fourth round scoring with chopping rights but Malignaggi ducked, bobbed and weaved and even did his version of the Ali shuffle as the bell went. Garcia continued to dominate in the fifth and sixth with Malignaggi slotting home counters but they lacked the power to dissuade Garcia and by the end of the sixth Malignaggi was also cut under the right eye and beginning to fade. Garcia kept up relentless pressure. Malignaggi scored with a good right early in the seventh but it did not stop Garcia steadily breaking Malignaggi down with rights to the head and body. Garcia started the eighth with a pair of hard left hooks which fired Malignaggi up to bang back but it was a last fling with the end looking near. At that point all three judges had Garcia in front with the scores 79-73 twice and 78-74. The doctor examined Malignaggi’s cuts but allowed the fight to continue. Garcia brought it to an end as he sent Malignaggi stumbling back with a right and with Malignaggi on the ropes he fired four more head punches with the referee then stepping in to halt the fight. There are plenty of big fights for 27-year-old Garcia up at welter and he will be a good addition to an already competitive mix. Malignaggi should make this a last fling. At 34 he is no longer as slick and quick.
Jacobs vs. Mora
Jacobs gets win as Mora fractures his ankle when being knocked down. They traded quick knockdown in a frantic first round. Jacobs floored Mora with a short left only for Mora to get up and with Jacobs over-eager to follow-up on his success he walked onto a counter right from Mora which put him down. Jacobs got up and finished the round strongly. Jacobs came out aggressively in the second taking the fight to Mora who was frustrating him with some good defensive work. Jacobs bundled Mora towards the ropes and landed a four punch combination which sent Mora sideways and he went down awkwardly with his right ankle twisting under him. The referee began to count and Mora dragged himself up but was limping badly and when the referee completed the eight count Mora indicated he had suffered an injury and could not continue. Jacobs, 28, was making the second defence of his secondary WBA title and whilst not the way he would have wanted to win a win is a win and you take it any way that it comes. This was only his second fight in a year so he will be looking to get back in the ring again soon. For the unlucky34-year-old Mora he faces a long injury lay-off and may not get another title chance.
Peterkin vs. Castillo
Peterkin throws away his chance to win this one and losses his 100% record. The Brooklyn southpaw looked to be on his way to victory after he edged the first two rounds and Castillo was fighting with the handicap of a cut over his right eye. From the fourth things changed. Castillo began to outwork Peterkin and his cause was helped when Peterkin was deducted a point in the fourth for landing a punch on the break and another in the fifth for a low punch. Peterkin struggled to recover those points with the busier Castillo looking to perhaps just having done enough to get the decision. Scores 75-75 twice and 76-74 for Peterkin. The 24-year-old Peterkin escaped with his unbeaten tag and will have better nights. Dominican Castillo, 26, will consider himself unlucky not to have won.
Vazquez vs. Macias
Brooklyn-based Puerto Rican Vazquez gets another quick win. He caught Macias with a right in the second round which floored the Mexican. Macias made it to his feet but was unsteady on his pins and the referee stopped the fight. Now 37 Vazquez did not turn pro until he was 32. He took a year out after a disappointing split decision loss to a 3-6-2 fighter in 2012. Since returning in 2013 with a win over Leon Moore (30-2) he is 8-0 with 7 wins by KO/TKO. Macias never got very far up the hill but he definitely on the down slope now being 3-10 in his last 13 fight including 5 losses in a row.
Colon vs. Finney
Former top amateur Colon continues to impress with his skill and power. The Puerto Rican hope took the first round scoring with quick combinations and some vicious hooks to the body. In the second he produced a thunderous right which had Finney staggering back across the ring in deep trouble. He followed up with some more heavy punches to drop Finney and although Finney made it to his feet the fight was over. Colon, 22, now has 12 wins by KO/TKO. Finney is now 0-4-1 in his last 5 fights but is being thrown in over his head as his last three opponents had combined records of 42-0.

Morelia, Mexico: Super Feather: Jhonny Gonzalez (58-9) W TKO 2 Kazuki Hashimoto (11-5). Super Feather: Edgar Monarrez (20-3-1) W TKO 3 Ricardo Castillo (40-14-1,1ND). Light: Juan Jose Martinez (22-2) W Edgar Puerta (23-6-1). Super Welter: Mario A Lozano (29-6) W Manuel Mares (11-5).
17
Gonzalez vs. Hashimoto
Gonzalez wins his first fight at super feather. He was throwing bombs in the opening round and it was clear this was going to be a short fight. After scoring with some of those bombs in the first he used his jab to open Hashimoto’s defence in the second and then put the Japanese fighter down with a left. Hashimoto managed to get to his feet but was in no condition to continue and the fight was stopped. First fight for Gonzalez since looking an old man when losing his WBC feather title to Gary Russell Jr in March. Gonzalez wins the vacant WBC Continental Americas title. It will be interesting to see where he leaps into the ratings at super feather. It needs to be high because at 33 and after the Russell fight you wonder how long he has. Hashimoto not a tough test as he is just a prelim fighter and not rated in the top 15 by the JBC.
Monarrez vs. Castillo
Monarrez just too young and strong for veteran Castillo. Monarrez had Castillo down in the first and was teeing off on Castillo in the third when the referee stopped the fight to save Castillo from taking any more punishment. The 25-year-old Monarrez is a good level ten round fighter. He had lost last time out to world rated Romulo Koasicha in April when a single point deduction cost him a draw. Castillo, 36, had shots at the IBO, WBA and IBF super bantam titles but has announced his retirement.
Martinez vs. Puerta
Martinez gets a career best win as he takes a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Puerta. This one was a war from bell to bell with knockout puncher Martinez trying to beat down the experienced Puerta. It was an exciting punch fest with Martinez doing the pressing and Puerta banging home counters. In the end the power of Martinez won out and he took the deserved verdict. After losing his second pro fight Martinez has now lost only one of his last 22 fights and that was a majority technical decision to Rey Bautista in Dubai in September. This is his fourth win since then. Puerta, 33, had a run of 12 wins in a row which saw him climb to No 1 with the WBC but he was stopped in six rounds by Takashi Miura in a challenge for the WBC title in November and he was outpointed by Miguel Roman in his last fight in April.

Fiumicino, Italy: Light: Emiliano Marsili (32-0-1) W PTS 12 Gamaliel Diaz (38-13-3). Cruiser: Mario Larghetti (24-1) W TKO 5 Marko Martinjak (5-15-2). Light: Heavy: Oriel Kolaj (16-5) W DISQ 2 Slobodan Culum (9-13). Light: Carel Sandon (18-1) W PTS 6 Dzemi Cosovic (3-5-3). Heavy: Matteo Modugno (17-0) W TKO 1 Hrvoje Kisicek (11-18).
Marsili vs. Diaz
Marsili wins the vacant WBC Silver title with unanimous decision over Diaz. Over the early rounds southpaw Marsili was piling up the points with his high work rate with Diaz competitive and going to the body in the hope those tactics would work in the long run. At the end of the fourth round Marsili was in front 40-36 and 39-37 with the third judge showing Diaz in front 39-38. Marsili edges the fifth and dominated the sixth with Diaz always trying to fire back. The Mexican was frustrated at the evasive tactics of Marsili and had been warned a number of time over being careless with his head. When he again committed that offence in the sixth it looked an obvious butt and the referee had no hesitation in taking away a point and Diaz was lucky as he could have taken two if Marsili had been cut, one for the foul and one for a cut under the WBC rules. That deduction was only delayed until the next round when a clash of heads saw Marsili cut on his forehead and the WBC rule was applied with the uncut Diaz losing a point. Diaz launched furious attacks to try a claw back those pints but at the end of the eighth round the Italian was now in front on all three cards by 78-72 twice and 77-74. Diaz was still strong and over the closing rounds Marsili faded but the Mexican could not do enough to close the gap. Scores 117-110, 116-111 and 115-111 with the last score the more accurate picture of the fight. The 38-year-old Italian, a former undefeated European champion is currently No 4 with the WBC and he will be hoping to move up after this win and get a shot at Jorge Linares. The 34-year-old Diaz , a former WBC super feather champion, is now 1-4-1 in his last six fights but his losses have been to quality opposition in Takashi Miura, who took his WBC title, Dante Jardon, Petr Petrov and Marsili and the draw was a technical one with Anthony Crolla.
Larghetti vs. Martinjak
The “Prince of Milan” gets another win. Larghetti had to make the fight as Martinjak was really just looking to survive. Larghetti was scoring with hard punches and coasting to victory when a clash of heads in the fourth round opens a bad cut by the left eye of Larghetti. The Italian enraged by the cut and hammered away at Martinjak until the bell and the Croatian decided not to come out for the fifth round. Third win for Larghetti since losing on points to Marco Huck for the WBO title in August last year. He is rated No 9 by the WBC and WBA and No 12 by the WBO.
Kolaj vs. Culum
Kolaj wins as Culum is thrown out for pushing the referee. Kolaj peppered Culum with punches in the first round. Culum decided that any method survival would do and was using wrestling holds and other smothering tactics. When the referee stepped in to break them up Culum pushed the referee away and was immediately disqualified. Not a satisfactory way to win for Kolaj the Rome-based Albanian “Eagle”. The Italian champion and former undefeated EU champion was 5-5 in his first 10 fights but now has 11 wins in a row and is the EBU No 12. Serb Culum is 4-5 in his last 9 fights but the guys he beat had only one win between the four of them.
Sandon vs. Cosovic
Sandon wins wide unanimous decision over young Serb. Sandon showed good skills, good movement and accuracy but Cosovic just soaked it up and stayed there to the final bell doing the job. A win for Sandon but it again highlights his lack of power. He is lucky to be alive. He attempted to commit suicide in 2011 but only succeeded in injuring himself in the resulting gas explosion. He was inactive for 19 months but has had only four fights in the two years since his return. Now Italian he was born in the DRC and is the nephew of former WBA middleweight champion Sumbu Kalambay. Cosovic, 20, is 0-4-2 in his last 6 fights.
Modugno vs. Kisicek
Modugno makes this quick. He stalked patiently ignoring some hopeful swipes from Kisicek and then found the opening for a solid right cross. Kisicek went down heavily and although he pulled himself up his legs were trying to go in different directions and the referee stopped the fight. Now 9 wins by KO/TKO for the 6’6 ½” (200cm) former undefeated Italian champion. He nickname is “Breadstick” but he was 261lbs for this fight so some breadstick. Croatian Kisicek, 35, goes to 6 losses by KO/TKO and is 3-8 in his last 11fights.

Tokyo, Japan: Fly: Yu Kimura (17-2-1) W PTS 10 Jesus Faro (14-10). Super Welter: Yuto Shimizu (10-2-2) W PTS 8 Yosuke Kirima (21-5-2).
Kimura vs. Faro
Kimura too quick for plodding Mexican Faro. Kimura made good use of his jab and scored heavily with straight rights. Kimura took the first six rounds and had Faro badly shaken in the seventh. The game Faro was looking to land just one big punch but never got the chance. He stuck to his task without ever really being in the fight and was still there at the bell. Scores 100-90 twice and 100-91. The 31-year-old former undefeated JBC champion relinquished his title to try to land a shot at WBC light fly champion Pedro Guevara. “Omar” Faro was 6-2 in his last 8 fights but against very modest opposition
Shimizu vs. Kirima
Shimizu wins this contest between two top rated JBC fighters as he outpoints the more experienced Kirima. Shimizu took the early rounds scoring well with his jab and particularly with long rights. Kirima started to roll over the late rounds having a dominant seventh round but he had left his rally too late and Shimizu got the deserved decision. Scores 79-74 twice and 78-75. Shimizu, 27, the JBC No 2 has won 7 fights in a row but is yet to climb to ten round status. Kirima, 30, the JBC No 3, lost in a challenge for the JBC super welter title in 2012 and after this loss seems unlikely to get another chance.

Guadalajara, Mexico: Welter: Ivan Montero (18-0) W TEC DEC 9 Ramases Agaton (16-2-3). Super Light: Abraham Cordero (12-2-1) W PTS 8 Rafael Guzman (15-1-1,1ND).Bantam: Sergio Frias (17-5-2) W PTS 8 Dennis Contreras (19-5). Super Feather: Carlos Diaz (17-0-1) TEC DRAW 3 Willmark Cano (3-0-3).
Montero vs. Agaton
Montero gets technical decision after Agaton cut too badly for the fight to continue. The unbeaten fighter from Yucatan went in front early after flooring Agaton in the second. Southpaw Agaton got up and got back into the fight willing to trade with the harder puncher. Montero was scoring with the power shots but Agaton was the busier and it looked as though he might steal the decision until he started to tire. A clash of heads in the ninth saw Agaton suffer a severe cut on his right eyebrow and the result was then decided by the scores after eight rounds with the ninth not being scored. Scores 77-73 and 76-75 for Montero and 76-75 for Agaton with that second round knockdown vital. “Terrible” Montero was in his first ten round fight and a return would be justice for “The Pharaoh” Agaton who was 8-0-3 in his last seven fights going into this one.
Cordero vs. Guzman
Local fighter Cordero gets a split decision over Ensenada’s formerly unbeaten Guzman. The 20-year-old former WBC Youth Silver champion took the verdict on scores of 77-73 and 76-75 and a card of 76-75 for Guzman exactly the same scores as for the main fight. The 20-year-old “ Bombi” lost his WBC Youth title when he failed to make the weight for a defence in April in a fight with Ezequiel Avilez which ended in a draw. “Furioso” Guzman, also 20, probably was furious to lose his unbeaten record on a split decision in the other guy’s back yard.
Contreras vs. Frias
There was finally a unanimous decision as Frias outpointed Contreras in a contest between to fighters from Guadalajara but even then it was very close with Frias winning on scores of 77-75 twice and 77-76. The win was important for Frias, 24, as he had lost 2 of his last three fights. The opposition had been tough in Manuel Avila (15-0) and Ronny Rios (23-1). Contreras, 23, needed the win even more as he now goes to three losses in a row but again he has been thrown in against good opposition as his other two losses were to Jose Cayetano(16-2) and Edivaldo Ortega (20-0-1).
Diaz vs. Cano
Big local hero Diaz unluckily gets a blot on his otherwise 100% record due to a cut ending this fight in the third round. “Chuko” had taken the first round and put Cano down with a right uppercut in the second. Cano was getting in some punches of his own but under pressure when a clash of heads in the third saw Cano cut on his left eyebrow and the injury was too severe for the fight to continue. Diaz, 20, had scored a big victory when he knocked out former IBF and WBO super feather title challenger Miguel Beltran last year and looks a good prospect. Guadalajara-based Venezuelan Cano was coming off a ten round win in June so a fair test.

Windhoek, Namibia: Super Bantam: Paulus Ambunda (23-1) W PTS 12 Lenadro Esperante (12-5). Welter: Bethuel Ushona (34-3-1) W PTS 12 Bongo Lipembo (7-3). Light: Paulus Moses (36-3) W PTS 10 Sadiki Momba (20-7-2). Middle: Welter Kuutondokwa (9-0) W TKO 3 Renson Hobyane (6-1). Fly: Japhet Utoni (10-1) W PTS 8 Khanyakude Mukansi (8-13-2). Welter: Sackey Shikikutu (20-3-1) W PTS 6 Limbani Masamba (4-4).
Ambunda vs. Esperante
Ambunda wins the vacant IBO title with split points victory over Argentinian Esperante. Esperante had the edge in height and reach and started well. He shocked the crowd and Ambunda by flooring the local hero with a left hook at the end of the second round with the bell going during the count. Ambunda made it to his feet and then got back into the fight. Both fighters had periods of dominance and there were plenty of fiery exchanges. The Argentinian’s main weapon was his jab and he also countered well as Ambunda looked to land the heavier punches. Ambunda shook Esperante with an uppercut in the ninth and they both staged strong finishes knowing the fight was close. Scores 115-113 and 114-113 for Ambunda and 115-114 for Esperante. The 34-year-old “Rock” a former WBO bantam champion, lost his title by a wide unanimous decision to Tomoki Kameda in 2013 and had a mixed 2014 beating Christian Palma but only just edging out Tshifiwa Munyai on a split decision. His promoter is looking for a fight with Leo Santa Cruz, Carl Frampton. Scott Quigg or Guillermo Rigondeaux but having a hard job getting by Esperante is not a good sign. The 26-year-old Argentinian, the WBO No 14 and FAB No 2 made a bad start to his career going 4-3 in his first 7 fights but then won 8 of his last 9 fights with the loss being a majority decision against Fabian Orozco for the Argentinian title in September.
Ushona vs. Lipembo
Ushona uses his good skills to outbox the hard punching Lipembo to win the vacant IBO African title. Ushona was quicker and busier scoring with accurate counters working the body well and occasionally choosing to stand and trade with the DRC fighter. Lipembo’s best round was the eighth in which he had Ushona rocking with hard hooks but Ushona weathered the storm and came out a comfortable winner. Scores 119-110 twice and 118-110. The 33-year-old local gets his second win since suffering shock stoppage loss against Dario F Pucheta in October. Lipembo has done nearly all his fighting in South Africa where he had amassed 7 wins in a row with good wins over Samuel Malinga and former IBF champion Isaac Hlatshwayo but this was his first fight for almost 2 ½ years.
Moses vs. Momba
Moses wins uninspiring fight. The former secondary WBA champion was up against an opponent whose skill levels were far below him so Momba decided that holding and wrestling were his best tactics. That made it hard for Moses to look good but he stuck to his task. He floored Momba in the fourth and did what clean work there was with Momba only just lasting to the final bell. Scores 100-89 twice and 99-90. Since losing his secondary WBA title to Miguel Acosta “The Hitman”, now 37, is 11-2 in 13 fights with the losses coming against Ricky Burns for the WBO title in 2012 and to South African Malcolm Klassen in March this year. Tanzanian Momba is a good enough domestic level fighter. He is 4-4 in his last 8 fights with 4 wins at home and 4 losses on his travels.
Kuutondokwa vs. Hobyane
“The Executioner” gets another inside the distance win. The 30-year-old Namibian hope put South African Hobyane down with a left hook to the body in the third and although Hobyane got up the fight was stopped as he was unable to continue. Kuutondokwa now has 8 wins in a row by KO/TKO but very low level opposition. Hobyane is No 1 super middle with the BSA but has also only met low level opposition.
Utoni vs. Mukansi
The “Namibian Lion” mauls another victim as Utoni gets comfortable unanimous decision over South African Mukansi. Scores 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74. It is a pity that the 36-year-old Utoni did not turn pro until he was 33. He was one of the most successful fighters in Namibian amateur boxing winning the African Championship, taking gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and silver at the 2010 Games. He also fought at the 2008 Olympics and won a bronze medal at the World Military Championships. Mukansi is 0-7-1 in his last 8 fights but maintained his record of never failing to go the distance. Really just a minimumweight he was at a big disadvantage against the 5’9” (175cm) Utoni who not surprisingly is also known as the “Thin Man”.
Shikikutu vs. Masamba
Southpaw Shikikutu wins a keep busy six rounder on unanimous decision over Malawian Masamba but has to work hard for the verdict. Scores 59-56, 58-56, 58-57. Second fight for “The Snake” since his loss to Frankie Gavin for the CBC title in March last year. Four losses in a row for Masamba.

Invercargill, New Zealand: Heavy: Joseph Parker (15-0) W KO 1 Bowie Tupou (25-4). Welter: Jeff Horn (11-0-1) W TEC Dec 7 Viktor Plotnykov (32-3,1ND). Heavy: Izuagbe Ugonoh (13-0) W KO 2 William Quarrie (5-4). Cruiser: Jai Opetaia (1-0) W PTS 4 Isileli Fa (3-1).
Parker vs. Tupou
Parker takes only 63 seconds to end this one. Tupou came out with a rush trying to take Parker to the ropes. Parker backed-off prodding with jabs and trying to set Tupou up for the right. Tupou was coming in low and roughing Parker up inside. As Tupou moved forward Parker threw a left and a right. In slow motion it looked as though the right actually landed a glancing blow on Tupou’s temple but it seems it was enough to send Tupou face down out cold as shots to the temple can do. The 23-year-old New Zealander has now won 9 of his last 10 fights by KO/TKO. He is rated WBO 8/WBA 10 and his next opponent looks to be fellow New Zealander Kali Meehan. Tongan Tupou, 32, now has 4 losses by KO/TKO.
Horn vs. Plotnykov
“Hornet” Horn marches on with technical decision over Ukrainian Plotnykov. Despite giving away height and reach to the tall Plotnykov Horn had no trouble forcing his way inside. In the first he was slamming home punches from both hands and also switching guards. Plotnykov was in the fight early but by the fourth Horn’s pressure had him holding to survive. A clash of heads in the sixth opened a bad cut over Horn’s left eye and although he continued to fight in the seventh with Plotnykov targeting the cut with punches and with his head the doctor advised that the fight be stopped due to the severity of the cut which required six stitches after the fight. It went to the score cards and Horn won on scores of 68-63 twice and 68-64. The 27-year-old Brisbane school teacher represented Australia at the 2011 World Championships and the 2012 Olympics. He has struggled a bit with hand injuries but his WBO 10 and WBA 11 ratings are the least he deserves and Anthony Mundine is his next target. Plotnykov, 37-year-old and 5’11” (180cm) was impressive in outpointing Brit Denton Vassell in February so this was a real test for Horn.
Ugonoh vs. Quarrie
Ugonoh ends this with spectacular kayo of over matched Quarrie. Ugonoh was walking Quarrie down in a close first round without really landing a big punch. That could not be said about the ending. Ugonoh drove Quarrie into a corner and landed a tremendous right that saw Quarrie crash down suspended over the bottom rope with his head hanging off the ring apron-out cold. As spectacular a kayo as you can imagine. Now 10 wins by KO/TKO for the 28-year-old Pole a former world champion kick boxer.. British-born Quarrie was way out of his depth and has now lost 4 of his last 5 fights.
Opetaia vs. Isileli
New Aussie hope Opetaia with Jeff Fenech in his corner turns pro with unanimous decision. The 20-year-old 6’4 ½” 194cm) southpaw was Australian champion at schoolboy, Junior and Senior level he was World Junior champion and competed at the 2012 Olympics just one month after his 17th birthday. He added the Australian title in 2013 and 2014 to his tally before turning pro here. Great potential. Two points losses in a row for Fa.

Chincha, Peru: Feather: Carlos Zambrano (26-0) W PTS 12 Jose Sanmartin (17-2-1).
Zambrano retains interim WBA title with unanimous decision over Colombian Sanmartin. The challenger made a fast start and with Zambrano looking slow and static he built a lead over the early rounds. As the fight progressed Zambrano found his rhythm and he had Sanmartin in trouble in the sixth and in the end just did enough to edge out the Colombian in a hard close fight. The scores of 117-112 twice are not really representative of the action with the third score of 115-113 confirming Zambrano’s description of a very tough defence of his crown. First defence for “Mina” Zambrano, 31, who turned pro in the USA. He is the nephew of the great Peruvian fighter Mauro Mina and the fight was held in a stadium named after his uncle. After losing his first pro fight “General” Sanmartin was 17-0-1 going into this one.

Banalmadena, Spain: Welter: Kerman Lejarraga (11-0) W TKO 2 Feliks Kleins (6-7).
Spanish hope Lejarraga makes it 8 wins by KO/TKO as he floors and halts Kleins in two rounds. After taking the first round Lejarraga floored Kleins as they were trading in the second. Kleins made it to his feet but the fight was stopped. Subsequently it was found that Kleins had suffered a fractured cheekbone and damage to the eye socket. Now 8 wins by KO/TKO for the 23-year-old from Bilbao. Latvian Kleins has done all of his fighting in Spain.

Belfast, NI: Cruiser: Tommy McCarthy (6-0) W PTS 8 Courtney Fry (19-8). Middle: Alfredo Meli (11-0) W PTS 8 Rhys Pagan (13-3).
McCarthy vs. Fry
McCarthy given eight good leaning rounds by veteran Fry. The Belfast fighter had Fry on the canvas in the second from a left hook. Fry got up and McCarthy then began to showcase his skills as he outboxed Fry and rattled home quick bursts of punching from both hands. Fry came into the fight more in the fifth finally getting some of his own punches on target. Fry was competitive in the sixth and his best round in the seventh when he was able to work on McCarthy on the ropes. However McCarthy was boxing well inside himself and was never in real trouble and always had control of the fight. Referee’s score 77-73. The London-born 24-year-old McCarthy showed good poise and maturity and paced the fight well in the end. As an amateur he was a World Junior bronze medallist and won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. Fry, 40, had a win over Jon-Lewis Dickinson and in May came off the floor twice only to lose a very close decision in a British title eliminator to Craig Kennedy so he is far from finished.
Meli vs. Pagan
Meli wins decision clearly but Pagan makes him work hard. The bout was fast-paced with both fighters putting everything into an all-action frantic first round. Meli was the quicker and more accurate and he was doing enough to edge each round without ever being able to relax due to the constant pressure from Pagan. It was impossible to maintain the furious pace and as things slowed the superior southpaw skills of Meli saw him pocketing the rounds. Over the last two rounds the pace heated up again for a frantic finish but Pagan lost a point in the last with his hopes already having faded. Referee’s score 80-73. The lanky Belfast fighter is developing well and this was his second time at 8 rounds. Scot Pagan had won five in a row and at 22 has time to bounce back.

Frisco, TX: Super Bantam: Chris Avalos (26-3) W PTS 8 Rey Perez (20-7). Super Feather: Casey Ramos (20-0) W PTS 8 Daniel Evangelista (17-6-1). Light: Erick De Leon (10-0) W RTD 3 Daniel Perales (5-3-1).
Avalos vs. Perez
Avalos gets back on the winning track with one-sided victory over Filipino Perez. He was quicker, busier more accurate than Perez and forced the fight the whole way. He kept Perez on the back foot scoring with short hooks inside to head and body. Perez tried to counter the attacks of Avalos but he could not find his way through the Californian’s guard. Perez staged a late rally briefly shaking Avalos in the last round but still being outworked. Scores 80-72 twice and 79-73 for Avalos. First fight for Avalos since being stopped in five rounds by Carl Frampton for the IBF title in February. He stepped in for this fight when Jesse Magdaleno had to pull out. Perez is now 3-5 in his last 8 fights including three difficult jobs in Mexico against Hugo Cazares, Andres Gutierrez (26-0-1) and Edivaldo Ortega (18-0-1).
Ramos vs. Evangelista
Texan prospect Ramos wins again but still seem to lack power. Ramos took the lead from the start slowly grinding Evangelista down with a stream of punches to head and body. His dominance increased more and more as the fight went on but his lack of power meant that Evangelista was never in real trouble and even managed a strong last round. Scores 80-72 from all three judges. The 26-year-old “Wizard” turned pro at 17 and although still unbeaten he has now had to go the full distance in 12 of his last 13 fights. Evangelista showed a good chin but suffered his third loss in a row.
De Leon vs. Perales
De Leon continues unbeaten with win over Mexican Perales. Southpaw De Leon had won all three rounds and was handing out a steady beating when the Mexican’s corner retired their man before the start of the fourth round. Twenty-three-year-old De Leon 23-year-old was born in Mexico but moved to Detroit as a young kid where he eventually came to the notice of Manny Steward and trained at the Kronk gym. He has 5 wins by KO/TKO. He was NGG champion in 2009, 2010 and 2011 but failed to qualify for London. He is making steady but slow progress as this is only his second fight in the last 12 months. Second loss by KO/TKO for Perales.

Hobart, Australia: Feather; Luke Jackson (9-0) W TKO 3 Nouldy Manakane (29-18-2).
Fighting in his home city Former top amateur “Action” Jackson disposes of Indonesian Manakane in three rounds to make it a family double for him. Jackson was in control all the way. He took the first round, opened a cut over Manakane’s eye in the second and put him down and out in the third. Jackson, 30, had just under 150 amateur fights , was Australian champion in 2006, 2011 and 2012, represented Australia at the World Championships in 2005 and 2011. He also competed at the 2006 Commonwealth Games where he won bronze medal and also fought at the same Games in 2010 and was the captain of Australia’s boxing team for the 2012 Olympics. Only 9 pro fights but a lot of ring time in the amateurs. He beat Manakane’s brother Ruben on points in December. Manakane, 31, lost on points to Koki Kameda for the secondary WBA bantam title in 2012.

Banbury, Australia: Light: Brandon Ogilvie (12-1) W PTS 10 Andy Letding (9-4-4). Feather: Nat May (12-1) W PTS 10 Agus Kustiawan (13-4).
Ogilvie vs. Letding
Ogilvie wins the vacant WBO Oceania title with unanimous decision over Indonesian Letding. ” Brilliant” Ogilvie, 21, the West Australian State champion and ANBF No 4 moves to 7 wins in a row. Indonesian champion Letding was 5-0-2 in his last 7 fights.
May vs. Kustiawan
May makes it a double for young locals as he takes unanimous verdict over Kustiawan. Having been floored twice in his last fight May showed some caution but his victory was comfortable. The 20-year-old, the No 1 challenger for Luke Jackson’s Australian title, adds the WBA Oceania title to the WBO Asia Pacific Youth title he already holds. He has 8 wins in a row. Former Indonesian champion Kustiawan had a run of 9 wins in 10 fights but has now lost his last two.