The Past Week in Action 2 December 2024

Did you miss any of the heart-pounding action in the world of boxing this week? Fear not, as Eric Armit has got you covered with ‘The Past Week in Action’! Prepare to be thrilled as we dive into a comprehensive review of all the major cards from the past week, bringing you up to speed on every knockout, upset, and champion’s triumph in the ring.

Highlights:

-Galal Tafai stops Sunny Edwards in six rounds to win the vacant WBC interim/temporary flyweight title and there are wins for Kieron Conway, Cameron Vuong and Conah Walker

-Ronald Gavrilo wins the vacant WBF title in Bucharest

-Magomed Kurbanov return to action with a stoppage victory over Aslanbek Kozaev

Former WBC champion Miguel Berchelt scores a win in Merida

-Lourdes Juarez wins the vacant WBC minimumweight title

 

Major Shows

 

NOVEMBER 30

 

Birmingham, England: Fly: Galal Yafai (9-0) W TKO 6 Sunny Edwards (21-2) . Middle: Kieron Conway (22-3-1) W PTS 12 Ryan Kelly (19-5-1). Light: Cameron Vuong (7-0) W PTS 10 Gavin Gwynne (17-3-1). Welter: Conah Walker (14-3-1) W PTS 10 Lewis Ritson (23-5).  Light Heavy: Troy Jones (12-0) W PTS 10 Michael Stephenson (9-3). Light Heavy: Callum Smith (30-2) W TKO 5 Carlos Galvan (20-15-2).

Yafai vs. Edwards

Yafai wins the vacant interim/temporary WBC title with a sixth round stoppage of Edwards. Yafai went straight to work driving forward throwing punches and forcing Edwards to the ropes. Edwards ducked out of trouble but Yafai kept right after him landing lefts and rights with Edwards clinching to try to slow the pace. Yafai wouldn’t be denied and he kept forcing Edwards around the ring firing punches from both hands. Edwards landed a right counter but Yafai just walked through it and kept pumping out punches with Edwards using some clever bobbing and weaving at the bell. In the second Edwards was already showing signs of finding the pace too hot. He managed to get off the ropes and into the centre of the ring but only briefly and he was soon fighting with his back against the ropes as Yafai dug in punches to head and body. Edwards threw enough counters to stay in the fight but did not have the power to hold Yafai off. The third saw Yafai again driving Edwards around the ring with Edwards floundering as Yafai banged  punches to head and body. Yafai dealt out punishment for the whole three minutes with Edwards just throwing enough in return to convince the referee be was still active. It was just target practice for Yafai. The fourth was another painful round for Edwards as Yafai stayed on top of him firing hooks and uppercuts. A brave Edwards did not crumble and kept finding space for the odd counter but it was one-sided and as Yafai trapped Edwards on the ropes or in corners and just kept pouring on the punishment. Yafai used his strength to bull Edwards around in the fifth constantly forcing him back and throwing punches at an unsustainable rate but by now it was obvious this fight was not going on much longer. The six saw Yafai unleash a fierce attack and with Edwards pinned against the ropes and not firing back mercifully the referee jumped in and stopped the fight. The flyweight division is not one of the strongest at the moment but WBC champion Kenshiro Teraji is the best of the sanctioning body champions. It can’t be argued that Yafai is not ready to fight for the title as WBO champion Anthony Olascuaga won that title in his ninth fight. One of the problems in winning an interim title is that it automatically excludes you from the ratings of the other sanctioning bodies but Yafai will fight for one of the titles next year. Although only 28 Edwards announced his retirement . He won the IBF title and defended it four times before losing it in his fifth defence against Jesse Rodriguez. That was a brutal fight and it felt like he was just going through the motions against Yafai and has made the right decision.

Conway vs. Kelly

Conway wins the vacant Commonwsealth title with a split decision in a hard-competitive match against Kelly. Conway had small advantages in height and reach but Kelly used constant aggression to level things. There was never much between them and the fight swung one way and then the other in an excellent match-up. Conway just seem to produce the stronger finish and took the decision on scores of 116-112 and 115-113 with the other judge seeing it 115-114 for Kelly. A good Commonwealth title fight worth a return match.

Vuong vs. Gwynne

Vuong gets a close unanimous decision. The first two rounds saw Gwynne forcing the pace with Vuong on the backfoot and under pressure. Vuong upped his output in the third and did most of the scoring but Gwynne just kept coming. The fourth was a close hard-fought round but Vuong had the better of the exchanges and Gwynne was showing damage under his left eye caused by a punch. The fifth saw Vuong ready to mix it with Gwynne. He was going for harder punches to offset the work rate and more frequent but less powerful punches from Gywnne. In the sixth Gywnne was still putting Voung under pressure and throwing and landing more. Vuong had a better seventh but despite further facial damage Gwynne came steaming back in the eighth just relentlessly pushing out punches-arm punches with no power- but scoring shots. Vuong scored with the most eye-catching shots in the ninth banging hard, accurate punches  through the guard of the oncoming Gwynne who now had damage under both eyes. It was toe-to-toe stuff in the tenth with Vuong again the more accurate and Gwynne walking through everything and still pumping out punches. The three judges all gave it to Vuong on scores of 96-95, 96-94 and 97-94 but Gywnne looked an unlucky loser. Vuong, 22, was given a good test by the former Commonwealth champion.

Walker vs. Ritson

Despite the gap in experience Walker fights his way to a unanimous decision over experienced Ritson. Walker used a focused body attack to slow Ritson and wear him out over the ten rounds. Ritson needed all of his experience to hold off Walker’s and although Ritson had some success with his better skills Walker was landing the harder punches and always looked to be in charge. Ritson staged a strong finish in the tenth but by then the fight was already lost. Scores 97-93 twice and 98-93. Walker gets back to winning ways after being outpointed by unbeaten Lewis Crocker- a loss that cost Walker his WBA International title. Ritson had fought his way into an IBF final eliminator but lost out on a tenth round stoppage   against Jeremias Ponce in June 2021. This is Ritson’s third loss in a row following inside the distance defeats against Ohara Davies and Paddy Donovan and may be his last fight.

Jones vs. Stephenson

Jones retains the English title with a points victory over Stephenson. After two close early rounds Jones began to make full use of his much longer reach to outbox the limited Stephenson. Jones was spearing Stephenson with jabs at distance and catching him with hooks and uppercuts when Stephenson tried to force his way inside. Stepheson had no choice but to walk in trying to get to where he could work on the body of the taller Jones but was largely unsuccessful and Jones lost a point in the fifth for using his shoulder too plush Stephenson off. Not many highlights in the fight as Jones boxed his way to victory. Scores 98-91 twice and 97-93. First defence of the English title for Jones. Stephenson is a former BBB of C Midlands area champion.

Smith vs. Galvan

In his first fight since losing to Artur Beterbiev in a challenge for the IBF, WBC and WBO titles in January Smith disposes of modest Colombian Galvan in five rounds.  Smith had huge edges in height and reach over the 5’10” Galvan and had no trouble handling the limited Colombian. Smith appeared to be happy to get in some rounds. He shook Galvan in the third and then landed heavily in the fourth with Galvan going down on one knee for a count. Two left hooks to the body brough two knockdowns in the fifth and the fight was stopped. There are rumours of a fight with unbeaten Joshua Buatsi but just rumours at this time. Tenth inside the distance loss for Galvan.

NOVEMBER 29

 

Chetumal, Mexico: Light Fly: Lourdes Juarez (37-4) W PTS 10 Yesenia Gomez (21-8-4); Feather: Celex Castro (19-0) W PTS 10 Diego Ruiz (25-11-1).

Juarez vs. Gomez

Juarez is a champion again as she beats Gomez to wins the  vacant WBC minimumweight title. She outclassed Garcia winning on scores of 99-91 on all three cards. “Little Lulu” must be unique in female boxing in that she did not win her first world title until her 33^rd fight. Fellow-Mexican Garcia is a former WBC light flyweight champion.
Castro VS. Ruiz

Cancun’s Castro has to go the distance to get victory over the well-travelled Argentinian Ruiz. He won on scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91. That broke a streak of six inside the distance wins for Castro. Eleventh loss for Ruiz but only three of those have been inside then distance.

 

Panama City, Panama: Super Fly: Christian Gonzalez (16-2-1) W TKO 8 Leroy Estrada (18-5). Super Fly: Nataly Delgado (16-7-2) W PTS 10 Rini Khoudari (6-1-1). Welter: Harvin Aguirre (14-0) W KO 9 Ismael Urieta (16-12-1).

Gonzalez vs. Estrada

A bloodied Gonzalez comes from behind to stop home fighter Estrada. Gonzalez came flying out of his corner in the first looking to overwhelm Estrada. He battered Estrada from corner to corner but Estrada survived. In the second Estrada was the one driving forward to work inside but he was careless with his head. Gonzalez had a strong third  only for him to suffer a bad cut over his left eye as Estrada dominated the fight inside. Estrada looked on the way to victory until he began to fall apart at the end of the eighth. Gonzalez drove him to the canvas and he was lying on the apron of the ring outside the ropes. He managed to roll back into the ring and up to beat the count but after he went down again under a barrage from Gonzalez the fight was stopped. Gonzalez lost a unanimous decision against Jesse Rodriguez for the vacant WBO title last year. Estrada had lost to Wanheng for the WBC minimumweight title in 2018 and this is only his fourth fight since then.

Delgado vs. Khoudari

Delgado much too experienced for Colombian Khoudari. The local fighter dominated the fight all the way winning on scores of 100-90 twice and 98-92. Delgado was defending her WBA Fedelatin title and is 6-0-1 in her last 7 fights. First time up at ten rounds for Khoudari.

Aguirre vs. Urieta

Panamanian-based Nicaraguan Aguirre retains his WBA Fedecentro and WBC Fecarbox belts with stoppage of Mexican Urieta. Aguirre had Urieta under constant pressure but Urieta remained competitive until the ninth when a series of body punches put him down and he was counted out. Tenth win by KO/TKO for Aguirre. Just 3 wins in his last 9 fights for Urieta

 

Bucharest, Romania: Light Heavy: Ronald Gavril (26-3) W KO 5 Juan Boada (18-9). Light Heavy: Andrei Florian (8-0) W KO 3 Jose Espinoza (18-5). Bantam: Cheyenne Hanson (15-2) W PTS 10 Phannaluk (16-14-1). Cruiser: Nenad Zamfirovic (12-0-1) W KO 5 Angel Barroso (14-8). Heavy: Todorche Cvetkov (11-0) W KO 1 Maximiliano Sosa (12-11).

Gavril vs. Boada

Gavril wins the vacant WBF title with stoppage of Colombian Boada. Gavril edged the first two rounds but then handed out some steady punishment in the third and it looked as though Boada was not coming out for the fourth. He changed his mind and did only to really just cover up and defend himself to survive. Again he indicated he would not come out for the fifth but did. He dropped to one knee just seconds into the round without receiving a punch. He immediately stood up but quickly went down again. He made it to his feet at six but was not interested in continuing and the referee counted to ten-not really a knockout. Gavril, 38, was at his peak when he lost a split decision against David Benavidez for the vacant WBC super-middle title in 2017. He lost a wide unanimous decision in a return fight and, although still based in Las Vegas, had some fights in Mexico before returning home to Romania to fight this year. Sixth loss by KO/TKO for Boada

Florian vs. Espinoza

Romanian teenager Florian beats Venezuelan Espinoza on a third round kayo . Florian had Espinoza under pressure over the first two rounds. In the third he trapped Espinoza against the ropes and landed a left hook to the body that sent Espinoza to his knees and he was counted out. Florian, 19, wins the vacant WBF Inter-Continental title. Espinoza had won his last three fights by KO/TKO.

Hanson vs. Phannaluk

Hanson wins the vacant WBF title with a unanimous decision over Thai Phannaluk. “Pepper” Hanson lived up to her nickname with a typical aggressive performance to win on scores of 98-92 twice and 100-90. Seventh consecutive victory for the German fighter. Phannaluk came in on the back of six wins.

Zamfirovic vs. Barroso

Barroso was still very much in this fight until the fifth. A wicked right hook to the body saw Barroso drop and he was in too much pain to beat the count. Serbian Zamfirovic goes to seven wins in a row by KO/TKO and his eleventh in his thirteen fights. Barroso was 4-1 in his last 5 fights.

Cvetovic vs. Sosa

Macedonian Cvetovic wipes out Argentinian Sosa in the first round. Sosa recovered from one knockdown but a  body punch sent Sosa down again and he was counted out after 117 seconds. Eight losses in a row seven inside the distance for Sosa.

 

COPENHAGEN, Denmark: Feather: Srah Mahfoud (15-2) W PTS 10 Danila Ramos (13-5). Super Middle: Oliver Zaren (15-0) W TKO 6 Carlos Gallego (14-9).

Mahfoud vs. Ramos

Finnish-born Dane Mahfoud wins the vacant WBO International title with a hard-fought majority decision over competitive Brazilian Ramos. It was close all the way. Mahfoud seemed to build a lead over the first half of the fight but Ramos upped her place over the second half putting Mahfoud under plenty of pressure and it was a decision that could have gone either way. The judges scored it 96-94 twice for Mahfoud and 95-95. Mahfoud had lost her IBF title in a unification fight with IBO/WBC/WBO champion Amanda Serrano in 2022 and was coming off a defeat against Skye Nicolson in April for the vacant WBC belt. Footwork should be one of Mahfoud’s strength as she and her dance partner won the Danish reality TV dance show. Ramos, 39, was another Serrano victim losing to the Puerto Rican in a challenge for the IBF/IBO/WBA/WBO titles in October last year.

Zaren vs. Gallego

Unbeaten southpaw Zaren outboxed and slowly broke down Mexican Gallego. Zaren had won every round before the referee came in and stopped the fight in the  six giving the promising Zaren his sixth win by KO/TKO. Third loss in a row for Gallegos

 

Paris, France: Super Feather: Christ Esabe (16-0) W TKO 1 Victor Matute (13-4).

Esabe gets a quick win. The unbeaten French fighter floored Venezuelan Matute early and after Matute made it to his feet he trapped Matute in a corner and unloaded on him until the referee stopped then fight. Fourth victory by KO/TKO for Esabe and fourth loss by KO/TKO for Matute.

 

Wiesbaden, Germany: Welter: Vedat Deniz (14-0) W PTS 12 Mehmet Altunkaya (11-1). Heavy: Marko Radonjic (24-1) W T KO 5 Enes Kirmizitoprak (17-10-1).

Deniz vs. Altunkaya

Deniz wins the vacant WBU (German version) with a wide unanimous decision over Altunkaya. Scores 120-107, 119-108 and 117-110. Both Deniz and Altunkaya were jumping from eight rounds to twelve.

Radonjic vs.  Kirmizitoprak

Big Montenegrin Radonjic picks up the vacant WBU (German version) title with a fifth round stoppage of  Turk Kirmizitoprak. All 24 of Radonjic’s wins have come by KO/TKO. Second win for Radonjic since being floored five times and retiring in the fifth round against Filip Hrgovic in 2021. Tenth inside the distance loss for Kirmizitoprak.

 

Dublin, Ireland: Welter: Declan Geraghty (27-5) W PTS 8 Jake Trinklin (12-4).

Dublin southpaw Geraghty wins the vacant BUI (Boxing Union of Ireland) title with a unanimous decision over Trinklin. Scores 80-71, 79-72 and 78-73.  Eight wins in a row for Geraghty since losing on a fourth round stoppage against Archie Sharp in 2019. Welshman Trinklin had lost in challenges for both the BUI ad Welsh Area super lightweight belts earlier this year.

 

Tortrelavaga, Spain : Super Welter: Sergio Garcia (35-3) W TKO 6 Emiliano Pucheta (19-10-1).

Garcia gets an unsatisfactory win over Pucheta. Garcia was comfortably in control in an untidy fight with too much clinching from Pucheta. The fight ended in the sixth with Pucheta pulling out with a shoulder injury. With three losses in his last four fights, against Sebastian Fundora, Tony Harrison and Cuban novice Yoenis Tellez Garcia has said this would be his last fight. Former Argentinian champion Pucheta is 1-4 in his last 5 fights.

 

Madrid, Spain: Super Middle: Damian Biacho (16-0) W TKO 3 Simone Brusa (11-3-2). Feather: Alba Sanchez (8-2) W PTS 8 Eva Cantos (9-18-1).

Biacho vs. Brusa

Biacho maintains his 100% record with stoppage of Italian Brusa. “Guinea” Biacho floored Brusa twice in the third and the fight was stopped. Third win by KO/TKO for Biacho. Brusa was in his first ten bout but was unbeaten in his last eight fights.

Sanchez vs. Cantos

Sanchez wins the vacant Spanish title with a close unanimous decision over Cantos. Scores 77-75 twice and 78-74. Sanchez had lost in a shot at the super feather title in March. The much-travelled Cantos had lost in a challenge for the same title in 2022.

 

Bangkok, Thailand: Fly: Danai Ngiabphukhiaw (24-5-1) W KO 4 Michael Adolfo (6-3). Feather: Phongsaphon Panyakum (26-2) W RTD 3 Thanakon Aonyem (0-3). Bantam: Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (58-6-1) W KO 1 Surat Eaim ong (22-7-1).

Ngiabphukhiaw vs. Adolfo

Ngiabphukhiaw kayos Adolfo in four. In the first two rounds Filipino Adolfo was driving forward throwing wild punches putting Ngiabphukhiaw under pressure but Ngiabphukhiaw was able to dodge them and reply with southpaw lefts. Ngiabphukhiaw was in control in the third forcing Adolfo onto the back foot with jabs and straight lefts. A left hook floored Adolfo at the start of the fourth. He was up at seven and tried to take the fight to Ngiabphukhiaw but two lefts sent him down and almost out under the bottom rope and the referee immediately stopped the fight. Now 13 wins by KO/TKO for the 24-year-old Ngiabphukhiaw who wins the WBC Asian title. Adolofo willing but crude.

Panyakum vs. Aonyaem

Panyakum beats Aonyaem on a retirement. Panyakum walked Aonyaem down throughout the first with Aonyaem on the back foot constantly switching guards and countering. There was quite a bit of two-way trading in the second and third with Panyakum scoring with body punches and Aonyaem getting through with uppercuts and left hooks and it was a bit of a surprise when Aonyaem did not come out for the fourth round. Fourteenth consecutive victory for Panyakum. Aonyaem yet to win a fight but his last two opponents have been 22-5-1 Ngiabphukhiaw and now 25-2 Panyakum

Srisaket ( Wisaksil Wangek) vs. Luan

It was a case of massacre of the innocents as Srisaket stopped 18-year-old Elam ong in the first round. Srisaket stalked Elam ong down ignoring jabs and rights thrown by Elam ong and dropped him three times with lefts with the referee waiving the fight off on the third knockdown. Now 37, Srisaket has won his last eight, all 6 or 8 round fights. He is rated No 10 by the WBA but is a long way from being the fighter who beat Roman Gonzalez twice and Juan Francisco Estrada. Elam ong, who tuned pro at 15,  was never in with a chance.

 

NOVEMBER 30

 

Merida, Mexico: Light: Miguel Berchelt (41-3) W PTS 10 Mauro Hasan (16-10-1). Super Bantam: Jose Ramirez (22-2) W RTD 1 Angel Talavera (14-2). Super Bantam: Jesus Archiega (22-2) W KO 2 Jose Espericueta  (13-6-2).

Berchelt vs. Hasan

Berchelt returns with a win but fails to impress. Argentinian Hasan showed he had come to fight by shaking Berchelt with a couple of right hooks in the opening round. Berchelt took a while to settle and although winning the rounds he looked sluggish and had to absorb too many punches. The fight looked close until Berchelt floored Hasan with a left hook in the seventh. Hasan beat the count and went into survival mode losing a point in the eighth for holding. Berchelt pushed hard for a stoppage over the ninth and tenth but Hasan stayed there to the end. Scores 97-91 twice and 98-90. This is former WBC champion Berchelt’s third win since a shock inside the distance loss to Jeremia Nakathila in March 2022. He is talking about getting back into the big fights mentioning Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez but not on this form. Hasan lost to Dalton Smith and Archie Sharp in the UK.

Ramirez vs. Talavera

Ramirez destroys local hope Talavera. Ramirez scored three knockdowns in the first round and busted open Talavera’s nose. The referee did not count two of the knockdowns but there was no argument over the third and Talavera’s team did not let their man go out for the second round. Now 18 wins in his last 19 fights for NABF champion Ramirez. Talavera 21, has plenty of skill but not so hot on defence

Archiega vs. Espericueta

Archiega gets back on the winning roster as he knocks out Espericueta in the second round. Archiega put Espericueta

down twice with Espericueta already out on his feet before the second knockdown and his team climbed into the ring to treat him as the count was still being tolled. Archiega won his first 21 fights but then lost consecutive bouts earlier this year including a defeat by Ramirez in a fight for the NABY title.

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Welter: Joel Mafauad (12-1) W PTS 10 Alberto Palmetta (19-4). Super Bantam: Leonardo Carrillo (19-1-1) W PTS 10 Juan Cejas (7-2). Super Feather: Jose Romero (29-3) W TKO 4 Federoco Pedraza (14-4). Light: Neri Cruz Romero (18-0) W TKO 3 Jose Garcia (7-18-2).

Mafauad vs. Palmetta

Mafauad collects two titles as he wins a split decision over Palmetta. There really was not much between these two. Palmetta had met better opposition and had the deeper experience including boxing at the Olympics, World Championships and Pan American Games and Mafauad had youth. Palmetta was a slight favourite but in a torrid battle a focused body attack from Mafauad tired Palmetta late and just saw him take the decision on scores of 97-93 and 96-94 with the third official having it 96-94 for Palmetta. Mafauad, 27,  wins the WBA Fedelatin and WBO Latino titles which were both vacant.  Palmetta, 34, had lost to Jamal James but beaten Janelson Figueroa Bocachica in the USA last year.

Carrillo vs. Cejas

Carrillo overcomes a late knockdown to outpoint Cejas. Colombian Castillo was at his best when he boxed on the outside stepping back from the attacks of Cejas and landing counters from both hands. Carrillo had built a good lead before being floored by a left in the ninth. He  made it through the round but Cejas took the last to make it close. Scores 96-92, 96-93 and 95-94 for Carrillo. He had lost his unbeaten record against Russian Mukhammad Shekov in December but this is his second win since then. Second consecutive defeat for former Argentinian super bantamweight champion Cejas.

Romero vs. Pedraza

Romero stops Pedraza in four. Romero was in control of this one from the first bell. He worked Pedraza over for two rounds then sent him down in the third. Pedraza beat the count but his corner threw in the towel. Romero’s losses have come against Isaac Cruz, Michel Rivera and Robeisy Ramirez but he has re-established himself with three wins in Argentina.  Third inside the distance loss for former South American champion Pedraza.

Romero vs. Garcia

Cruz Romero makes it ten inside the distance with a third round demolition of Garcia. After two low action rounds Romero floored Garcia with a left in the third and although Garcia was able to get up the referee stopped the fight. Romero was inactive in 2020, 2021 and 2023 and at 35 needs to fight more often. Garcia is 0-9-2 in his last 11 bouts.

 

Fortitude Valley, Australia: Super Light: Jake Wyllie (16-1) W TKO 4 Dylan Emery (23-2).

Wyllie stops Emery in four rounds. This was a battle from the first. The harder punching from Wyllie saw him in front after three action-filled rounds and they went toe-to-toe in the fourth. Wyllie was landing heavy shots but Emery refused to crumble. On a couple of occasions it looked as though Emery had to go but he kept fighting back until finally Wyllie pinned him against the ropes and pounded him with punches until the referee stopped the fight. Wyllie, 24, suffered a shock loss when he was stopped in two  rounds by 0-2 Faavesi Isaako in February 2023 but he has now won eight in a row by KO/TKO in collecting the Queensland State, Australasian and Australian titles. New Zealand-born Emery had been out of the ring for almost five years before returning with a win in November.

 

Vienna, Austria: Welter: Michaela Kotaskova (9-0-2) W PTS 10 Mikaela Lauren (33-8-1). Light Heavy: Mobin Khahrazeh (1-0) W PTS 8 Robert Talarek (29-26-3). Middle: Bujar Tahiri (19-0) W PTS 8 Gyorgy Mizsei (28-50-2).

11

Kotaskova vs. Lauren

Czech Kotaskova retrains the WBF title with a unanimous decision over experienced Swede Lauren. Kotaskova was a good winner but Lauren fought much of the bout with a huge swelling over her left eye caused by a clash of heads. Kotaskova won on scores of 99-92, 98-92 and 97-94. First defence of the title for Kotaskova. Lauren, 48, is a former IBO title holder.

Khahrazeh vs. Talarek

Iranian-born Austrian Khahrazeh outscored Pole Talarek over eight rounds. Being taken the distance broke a run of four inside the distance wins for Khahrazeh. Talarek, 41, is 2-10 in his last 12 fights.

Tahiri vs. Mizsei

Iranian-born German Tahiri marches on with a unanimous decision over Hungarian Mizsei. Tahiri was able to use his height and longer reach to box his way to a comfortable victory. At 26 Tahiri does not need to rush his career but has to face a real test some time. Mizsei hits 50 losses and is 0-16-1 in his last 17 fights.

 

Pickering, Canada: Kemahi Russell (18-1) W TKO 4 Douglas Ataide (19-5-1). Super Welter: Cody Kelly (5-9-3) W TKO 7 Thad Buntsma (5-4-1.

Russell vs. Ataide

Jamaican Russell gets his eighth consecutive win as he beats Brazilian Ataide in four rounds. Russell had a slender lead going into the fourth but sent Ataide down with a right. The Brazilian beat the count but took more punishment with the referee giving him a standing count. When the action resumed a right shook Ataide and the referee had seen enough. Now 16 wins by KO/TKO for Russell. His only loss is a fifth round stoppage against Sergiy Derevyanchenko back in 2017. He was inactive from 2018 to 2023 but has now scored five wins since moving to Canada. Ataide was also inactive 2018 to 2023 but is 1-2 on his return.

Kelly vs. Buntsma

After losing his last six fights Kelly wins the vacant Canadian title with a stoppage of Buntsma. Southpaw Kelly floored Buntsma with a left hook in the second and Buntsma had to hold to survive to the bell. A left dropped Buntsma again in the sixth and when he was down again in the seventh the referee stopped the fight. First inside the distance win for Kelly who had lost a majority decision against Buntsma in a six round fight in April and previously lost in a shot at the Canaian super lightweight title. Buntsma had boosted his record by going 3-0-1.

 

Saint-Maur, France: Super Light: Victorie Piteau (14-2) W PTS 10 Ioana Fecioru (7-3).

Local fighter Piteau outboxes Spanish-based Romanian Fecioru to win the vacant European title. Piteau used her superior skills and accuracy to overcome the slight reach advantage the taller Fecioru. She found plenty of gaps in the porous defence of Fecioru and the Romanian only came into the fight over the closing three rounds and Piteau was a clear winner on scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93. Fifth win on the bounce for Piteau. Second unsuccessful shot at the title for Fecioru.

 

Dziadowa, Poland: Light Heavy: Robert Parzeczewski (34-2) W PTS 10 Carlos Lamela (8-5). Super Welter: Tomasz Nowicki (13-3-2,1ND) W KO 6 Jan Polak (6-1). Welter: Michal Lesniak (18-3-1) W PTS 8 Jose Perdomo (6-2).

Parzeczewski vs. Lamela

Parzeczewski wins a unanimous decision but makes the fight harder than need be. Parzeczewski scored ell with jabs and right hooks in the first two rounds the floored Lamela with a right in the third. Lamela got up but was hurt by a body punch and another right hook. Lamela made it through the round but was shaken by a right in the fourth.  Parzeczewski dominated the fifth but he had missed his chance to finish the fight early. Lamela grew in confidence and upped his pace putting Parzeczewski on the back foot. Parzeczewski final woke up over the ninth and tenth and hot back in the fight to take a deserved decision on scores of 98-91, 96-93 and 95-94 with the first score much too wide. Eight wins in a row for Parzeczewski but not an impressive performance. Cuban-born Spaniard Lamela, a former undefeated EBU Silver title holder had lost on points to Ezra Taylor in July.

Nowicki vs. Polak

Nowicki knocks out Polak in the sixth. The local fighter took the first two rounds but then the fight became more even and Polak did enough over the next three rounds to make it close with all three judges seeing nit 48-47 for Nowicki. In the sixth Nowicki twice put Polak down with left hooks to the body with Polak unable to beat the count on the second knockdown. Only the second win by KO/TKO for Nowicki whom is now a modest 2-0-2 in his last 4 fights. Czeck Polak had won all six of his fights by KO/TKO four in the first round so it was a case of biter bitten.

Lesniak vs. Perdomo

Lesniak escapes with a draw against Uruguayan Perdomo. The fight was close early with Lesniak just edging in front. Strangely from the fifth Lesniak was already showing signs of tiring even though the pace was not fast. Perdomo sensed this and pressed harder with Lesniak going down at the end of the fifth. The referee did not count it but a right to the head in the sixth registered a genuine knockdown with Lesnik only just surviving. He rebounded to stagger Perdomo in the seventh and finished strongly taking the eighth. The judges scored it 77-74 and 76-75 for Lesniak and 76-75 for Perdomo. With the knockdown it was close and the decision could have gone either way but you get no favours on the road

 

Ekaterinburg, Russia: Super Welter: Magomed Kurbanov (26-1) W TKO 6 Aslanbek Kozaev (35-4-1). Super Middle: Nikita Zon (9-0-1) W TKO 6 Odiljon Aslonov (8-1-1). Light: Mark Urvanov (25-3-2) W PTS 6 Rustem Fatkhullin (9-82). Heavy: Arslan Yallyev (16-0) W PTS 8 German Skobenko (6-16-2).

Kurbanov vs. Kozaev

Kurbanov returns with a win as he stops Kozaev in six rounds. In the first round Kurbanov shook Kozaev with a head shot and then dropped him with a body punch. Kozaev recovered and although Kurbanov was winning the rounds Kozaev was competitive and looked dangerous at times. The fifth was one-sided. Kurbanov handed out plenty of punishment and with Kozaev in trouble the referee stops it in the sixth. First fight for Kurbanov since a fifth round stoppage loss against Israil Madrimov for the WBA title in March. Kozaev, 37, and now a pro for 15 years, was 25-0-1 before losing to Ray Robinson in 2014 and a couple of losses at important times saw his career hopes drift away.

Zon vs. Aslonov

Southpaw Zon stops Aslonov in six. Zon took charge from the outset piling on the pressure in round after round. He sent Aslonov down in the fifth and twice more in the sixth which brought the towel fluttering in from Aslonov’s corner. These two had fought to a draw in 2022 but Zon has moved on since then and this is his fifth win in a row. He wins the WBA Asian title. Uzbek Aslonov had scored six wins since their draw. Zon will step in as a substitute and face IBA champion Arlen Lopez for the IBA 80 kg title in Dubai on 6 December.

Urvanov vs. Fatkhullin

Just a keep busy outing for Urvanov as he wins every round against perennial loser Fatkhullin. All three judges had it 60-54. Urvanov is 5-0-1 since losing a split decision against  Angel Rodriguez in 2022. Fatkhullin closing in on 100 losses. He was 1-25 in 2023 but has slowed down being just 0-5 so far this year.

Yallyev vs. Skobenko

Yallyev gets a repeat win over Skobenko with a unanimous decision. Yallyev lost a point for holding in the fifth but won on scores of 79-72 twice and 78-73. The 6’5” Russian had outscored Skobenko over six rounds in 2019 and scored a win in 2021 over former IBF and WBO cruiserweight champion Victor Ramirez but that was his only fight that year and he had only one fight each in years 2022 and 2023. Skobenko is better known for his success as a bare-knuckle fighter.

 

Bolton, England: Super Feather: Reece MacMillan (17-1) W PTS 10 Kane Gardner (17-4). Super Welter: James Moorcroft (20-4-1) DREW 10 Dom Hunt (16-1-1).

MacMillan vs. Gardner

MacMillan gets close decision over Gardner. MacMillan made an impressive start rocking Gardner with a left in the first round. Gardner settled behind his jab in the second and bloodied MacMillan’s nose in the third. The action had hotted up and there were some fierce exchanges. MacMillan had a good fourth. Both landed heavily in the fifth with Gardner connecting with a good left and putting Macmillan on the back foot and he then outlanded MacMillan in the sixth. The rounds were close and there was plenty of back and forth action over the seventh and eighth. Gardner looked to have pulled ahead as they continued to stand and trade. Both fought hard over some exciting exchanges in the ninth and tenth with Gardner seeming to come out ahead but the referee scored it 96-95 for MacMillan who wins the vacant BBB of C Central Area title. The fight was seen as an eliminator for the English and British titles but a return is more than merited. MacMillan has won his last eleven fights but this was only his second fight in over two years. A set-back for Garner as he was looking to claw his way back having lost on points against unbeaten Pierce O’Leary in 2023 in a fight for the WBC International title.

Moorcroft vs. Hunt

Moorcroft and Hunt will have to do it all over again after ending all even in their Commonwealth title eliminator. After ten absorbing round of action the referee scored the bout 96-96. Moorcroft made good use of his longer reach over the early rounds but was hampered later by a cut on his left eyebrow a handicap which enabled Hunt to overcome that early Moorcroft success.

 

Aberdeen, Scotland: Super Welter: Dean Sutherland (19-1) W TKO 4 Fraser Wilkinson (10-2).

Sutherland extends his winning run to six fights as be stops southpaw Wilkinson in the fourth. Sutherland had Wilkinson under pressure from the start and finished the fight brutally in the fourth with two knockdowns. Now seven wins in a row for Sutherland who was defending the BBB of C Celtic title. He will be looking to challenge for the British and Commonwealth titles in 2025. Wilkinson, the BBB of C Scottish Area champion, had won his last four fights but was not ready to face a fighter of Sutherlands quality.

 

Fight of the week: (Significance): Galal Yafai vs. Sunny Edwards should lead to a world title fight for Yafai in 2025

Fight of the week: (Entertainment): Reece MacMillan vs. Kane Gardner was a humdinger

Fighter of the week: Yafai outclassed Edwards

Punch of the week: Nothing stood out

Upset of the week: No real surprises

Prospect watch: Lightweight Cameron Vuong 7-0 struggled against experienced Gavin Gwynne but came though and is worth following.