The Past Week In Action 8 December 2014

December 3

 

Moore Park, Australia: Middle: Daniel Geale (31-3) W PTS 12 Jarrod Fletcher (18-3). Super Middle: Jake Carr (9-0) W PTS 10 Renold Quinlan (8-0). Cruiser: Mark Flanagan (17-4) W PTS 10 Shane Quinn (10-2-1). Heavy: Willis Meehan (2-0) W KO 1 Alofa Solitua (0-5).

Geale vs. Fletcher

Geale wins this battle of friends by a big margin on all cards. These two had been teammates in the Australian national side at World Championships and Commonwealth Games and had sparred hundreds of rounds together so knew each other well.“ Left Jab” Fletcher made a good start working his jab well with Geale slower to get into the fight but with more variety in his work. From the third Geale upped the pace and was working the body and putting his punches together. The fourth was Geale’s again. He was getting inside Fletcher’s jab attacking the body and Fletcher was showing a small cut on his right eyelid. The fifth was big round for Geale. He landed a hard right that put Fletcher down. He was up quickly but Geale was able to work him over on the ropes and score with a sharp uppercut. The sixth saw Geale building on his success being first to the punch and again landing a good uppercut. Although the fight was not one-sided the referee checked Fletcher’s corner to ensure they were happy with their man continuing. The ninth was another big round for Geale as he battered away at Fletcher’s body and had him trapped on the ropes and staggered Fletcher badly with a right with Fletcher hanging on to survive. At the end of the round Fletcher’s corner warned their man that if the same thing happened in the tenth they would throw in the towel. Fletcher showed guts to get through the last three rounds even landing a hard right just before the final bell. Scores 119-108 from all three judges. Former IBF champion Geale, 33, wins the vacant PABA title and the interim WBO Asia Pacific title but more importantly keeps his career alive in his first fight since losing in three rounds to Gennady Golovkin in July. Right now his only rating is at No 9 with the WBA but he is still a big name in the division. Geale dedicated his win to his mother who is fighting lymphoma cancer. Fletcher, 31, was coming off a fifth round stoppage loss against Daniel Jacobs for the vacant secondary WBA title in August so he has a reconstruction job ahead of him.

Carr vs. Quinlan

Carr retains the Australian title with a unanimous decision over Quinlan but it was a close run thing. Quinlan looked to make the better start but once he got going Carr was the busier and it was his work rate and a strong finish that got him the decision. Quinlan fought well enough to make most rounds close and Carr had enough bumps and bruises to know he was in a fight but Quinlan was going past the eighth round for the first time and tired late. Scores 96-95 twice and 96-94 for the champion. The 23-year-old Carr had a harder task than expected but came though with the win and remains one of the top prospects in Australia. Quinlan, 25, the ANBF No 3, at last seems serious about his career. After turning pro with one fight in 2008 he was inactive in 2009 and 2012. Since returning to action he has scored wins over Joseph Kwadjo and Joel Casey and gave Carr his toughest fight so far.

Flanagan vs. Quinn

Flanagan retains his national title mainly due to two knockdowns. The champion made a slow start and it was the third round before he really got into the fight. He did that by flooring Quinn heavily but the challenger fought back hard in the fourth. Although not letting his punches go as much as usual Flanagan had Quinn down again in the fifth. Again Quinn got up and was competitive over the closing round only to lose the unanimous decision on scores of 97-92, 96-94 and 95-93 showing the importance of those two knockdowns. “Bam Bam” Flanagan, 24, has won six in a row since moving up to cruiser and is WBA No 14. Quinn, 38, did not turn pro until he was 36 and was unbeaten in his last 9 fights winning 8 by KO/TKO. He was rated No 3 by the ANBF.

Meehan vs. Solitua

Luckily this poor bit of matching was over early as Meehan knocked out Solitua in 88 seconds. The 6’5” (195cm) southpaw Willis is the 19-year-old son of former heavyweight title challenger Kali Meehan. Solitua is 43 and has lost 4 of his 5 fights by KO/TKO. Meehan is a novice but this was a poor match even to be fed to a novice.

 

December 4

 

San Diego, CA, USA: Welter: Alan Sanchez (15-3-1) W PTS 10 Ed Paredes (35-5-1). Light: Will Tomlinson (23-1-1) W TKO 8 Miguel Zamudio (31-6-1).

Sanchez vs. Paredes

Sanchez continues to progress as he gets unanimous decision over Paredes. Sanchez had the edge in height and reach and it was a case of Paredes trying to work his way inside and Sanchez making him pay a price for trying. Sanchez built an early lead with these tactics with Paredes having some success in the middle rounds before Sanchez took over again in the sixth, seventh and eighth scoring continually with left counters and occasional rights to the head. Knowing he was behind Paredes was going for broke in the last two rounds. It almost paid off in the ninth when he caught Sanchez with a right which shook Sanchez and had him holding on until his head cleared. Paredes was still trying to force things in the last and near the end of the round left himself open to a left hook which put him down. He beat the count with the bell going before Sanchez could follow-up. Scores 98-91 twice and 97-92. In 2009/2010 the 23-year-old Sanchez went 1-2-1 in a four bout sequence against good local level opposition. He then won 7 in a row reversing one of his losses before losing on points to Luis Collazo in September last year. This is his third win since then. The 29-year-old Paredes had a good run of form from 2009 through to July this year with 14 wins and a draw and victories over Joey Hernandez, Antonio Pitalua, Manuel Leyva, Vivian Harris, Hector Munoz and others. He came unstuck against Alfonso Gomez flooring Gomez twice but losing on points and this loss makes it two in a row so a bad spell for “The Lion

Tomlinson vs. Zamudio

“Wild Will” continues his reconstruction project with a stoppage of Zamudio. The Australian had to survive a first round butt from Zamudio which saw the referee deduct a point from the Mexican. Once those pleasantries were over Tomlinson took control and began to break Zamudio down scoring easily with his right even when using it as his lead. Zamudio got home with an occasional swinging shot but Tomlinson was working on the Mexican’s body and when he switched to the head hardly seemed able to miss. Just when it looked as though Zamudio might make it to the final bell Tomlinson unleashed a thunderous right uppercut that had Zamudio badly hurt and after another hard right the referee stopped the fight.  The 28-year-old former IBO super feather champion was 21-0-1 with wins over Alan Herrera, Daniel Ruiz, Irving Berry and Malcolm Klassen but then blew his world rating by losing a clear unanimous decision to Jerry Belmontes in March. This is his second win since then. Zamudio, 23, has had 7 fights this year and is 4-3 but the wins were over poor opposition and the losses have been to tough challenges in unbeaten Saul Rodriguez, for title challenger Sharif Bogere and Tomlinson.

 

 

December 5

 

Issy-les-Moulineaux, France: Cruiser: Mateusz Masternak (34-2) W PTS 10 Jean Marc Mormeck (37-6). Cruiser: Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf (20-4-1) W PTS 12 Toni Visic (15-15-1).

Masternak vs. Mormeck

Masternak wins majority decision that should have been unanimous and brings the curtain down on the career of Mormeck. The Frenchman went on the attack from the outset but “The Master” Masternak was countering well and edged the first two rounds with his better skills. Mormeck stepped up the pace in the third and fourth but again Masternak was boxing well and defending well. The Pole began to take control from the fifth and it was Mormeck who was having to look towards his defence as Masternak took the sixth and seventh. In the eighth a big right saw Mormeck buckle at the knees badly hurt and Masternak fired punch after punch but Mormeck survived. Mormeck was hurt again in the ninth but got a break when the wrapping on his glove came loose. Masternak was pressing in the last but a hard right from Mormeck stopped him in his tracks but he finished the round strongly. Scores 98-92 twice and a ridiculous 95-95. Masternak, 27, gets a badly needed win. After 30 victories in a row he was stopped in eleven rounds in October 2013 by Grigory Drozd, a loss that cost him his European title and his high world rating. His second loss came in June when he was beaten on a split decision by Youri Kayembre Kalenga for the interim WBA title. He could not afford another loss and will now be hoping to improve on his WBA No 6 rating and get recognition from the other three bodies. For the 42-year-old Mormeck, a former WBA/WBC cruiser champion and heavyweight title challenger this is the end of the road. He will now work with the FFB where his experience will be invaluable.

Benmakhlouf vs. Visic

Benmakhlouf wins the WBFed Intercontinental title with close decision over Visic. Algerian Benmakhlouf just had the edge in this one but it was a fight that never really caught fire. Benmakhlouf did what pressing there was with Croatian Visic content to defend and look for openings. Many rounds were close with Visic staging a strong finish but not doing enough to convince the judges. Scores 115-113 twice and 115-112. The 37-year-old Benmakhlouf has won 10 of his last 11 fights with the loss being to Roy Jones Jr in December for the German version of the WBU title. Visic an in and out performer of modest skills nearly pulled this one off.

 

Milan, Italy: Welter: Antonio Moscatiello (18-2-1) W TKO 10 Riccardo Pintaudi (9-1). Welter: Renato De Donato (14-2) W PTS 6 Jozsef Gerebecz (7-12-2,1ND).

Moscatiello vs. Pintaudi

Moscatiello retains the Italian title and wins the local bragging rights with dramatic late knockout of challenger Pintaudi. Over the opening four rounds Pintaudi built a lead with his strong jab and quick movement with Moscatiello not really able to get into his stride and only having success when he could catch Pintaudi on the ropes. The champion came into the fight in a big way in the fifth finally getting through with some hard punches with Pintaudi in trouble at the end of the round. As Pintaudi slowed Moscatiello was able to cut down the ring and force Pintaudi to the ropes more often and after being on top throughout the eighth had evened up the scoring balancing Pintaudi’s good start. Pintaudi tried to reverse the tide in the ninth standing and trading with Moscatiello but a punch sent his mouthpiece flying and he was is in difficulties as the round ended. Moscatiello attacked hard in the last with Pintaudi forced to trade and with just six seconds left in the round a classic three-punch combination from Moscatiello had Pintaudi reeling and the referee stopped the fight. The 32-year-old “Big” makes it 13 wins by KO/TKO. The former EBU title challenger was making the first defence of his national title and is currently rated No 20 in the EU rankings. Pintaudi, 31, had won his last six fights by KO/TKO but this was the first time he had gone beyond the sixth round. He was taken to hospital for observation but later reported to be ok.

De Donato vs. Gerebecz

“The Surgeon” extends his run of good form with unanimous decision over Gerebecz. Not a puncher, the Italian did manage to floor Gerebecz but was not able to keep him there and had to settle for a points win. The 28-year-old former Italian light welter champion and EU No 21 has won 7 of his last 8 fights. Hungarian Gerebecz, 36, is 2-9, 1ND in his last 12 fights.

 

Differdange, Luxembourg: Cruiser: Ilunga Makabu (18-1) W TKO 3 Gabor Halasz (36-16). Chris Rebrasse (23-3-3) W PTS 6 Istvan Orsos (9-26-2)

Makabu vs. Halasz

Just a keep busy fight for Makabu as he halts Hungarian in three rounds. The DRC southpaw is rated WBC 3/WBA 5/WBO 8 and now has 17 wins by KO/TKO. Not bad for a guy who was stopped inside a round in his first pro fight. First loss inside the distance for 36-year-old “Big Daddy Fisherman” Halasz who had won his last 9 fights against opposition who would be flattered to be described as modest.

Rebrasse vs. Orsos

Low level return for “Iceberg” Rebrasse as he wins every round against Hungarian southpaw Orsos. Scores 60-54 from all three judges. First fight for the 29-year-old Frenchman since losing his EBU title to George Groves in September. Orsos usually goes the distance.

 

Wieliczka, Poland: Cruiser: Lukasz Janik (28-2) W KO 7 Franco Raul Sanchez (18-11-2). Light Middle: Krzys Kopytek (9-0) W PTS 8 Patryk Litkiewicz (14-6). Middle: Kamil Szeremeta (9-0) W PTS 8 Jose Yebes (12-5-1).

Janik vs. Sanchez

A win for Janik but he nearly throws it away. The Pole was getting caught early with shots from the Argentinian and despite having both height and reach over Sanchez did not look comfortable. It was a lot worse in the third. Late in the round Sanchez landed a ponderous right to the head which suddenly had Janik’s legs wobbling badly. Luckily the bell went before Sanchez could capitalize on his success.  In the fourth Janik was out boxing Sanchez and the Argentinian started to go into survival mode. Janik dictated the fight in the fifth and by the sixth Sanchez was warned for holding as he began to wilt. In the seventh a right to the body from Janik saw Sanchez go down in agony and he failed to beat the count. A win but not an impressive one for the 28-year-old Pole who was ahead 58-55 on all three cards. He lost a decision to Mateusz Masternak in 2009 but then had a good run and has lost only one of his last 14 fights and that to Ola Afolabi for the vacant IBO title in November last year. He was coming off a win over Rico Hoye in June and is the official challenger for the EU title. Sanchez, 35, moves to 8 losses by KO/TKO and is 6-3 in his last 9 fights.

Kopytek vs. Litkiewicz

Kopytek gets unanimous decision. Litkiewicz took the first round forcing the fight and surprising Kopytek with a couple of rights. That was about it for Litkiewicz’s success. From the second Kopytek was able to impose his better technique and despite some spurts of aggression from Litkiewicz Kopytek was able to edge the rounds. Litkiewicz tired over the last two rounds and the tempo of the fight dropped. Scores 79-73 twice and 79-74. First 8 round fight for Kopytek (his name translates as dumplings. I throw these asides in for free) and he made hard work of it. “Shadow” Litkiewicz, 23, was a good level amateur but a modest pro.

Szeremeta vs. Yebes

Szeremeta gets unanimous decision but as usual Yebes makes him fight hard. The Spaniard showed good work with his left both in jabs and hooks and Szeremeta was trading instead of using his superior skills. Over the second half of the fight Szeremeta boxed better and was switching his attack from head to body but was unable to stop Yebes from pressing forward. Szeremeta boxed his way to a deserved decision with a sound defence and good counters particularly to the body and Yebes lost but with honour. Scores 78-75 twice, which looked about right, and 80-72 which did not. The 25-year-old Pole is making good progress and has a useful win over Lukasz Wawrzyczek (19-2-2). As an amateur he was Polish champion in 2009 and 2010 and runner-up in 2011 and 2012 and represented Poland at the 2010 European and 2011 World Championships. Yebes keeps his record of never losing inside the distance and in his previous fight in September had taken Matthew Macklin to a majority decision. The tall 35-year-old was a three-time Spanish amateur champion and represented Spain at the World, European and European Union Championships.

 

Bristol, England: Bantam: Lee Haskins (30-3) W PTS 10 Willy Velazquez (17-4-1).Feather: Robbie Turley (14-5) W PTS 10 Jamie Speight (12-7).

Haskins vs. Velazquez

Haskins outclasses Velazquez to keep his hopes of a world title fight alive. Once again Haskins put on a brilliant exhibition of silky southpaw skills being too quick for the young Mexican to get into the fight. Firing from the hips as usual Haskins was in, landing, and out before the Mexican could counter. Velazquez tried hard and had a little success here and there catching Haskins in the first and third round with rights but never troubled the local favourite. Velazquez was down from an accidental low punch but recovered to go the distance. Referee’s score 100-90. Haskin’s next engagement will be in February against Omar Lamiri for the vacant EBU title and he hopes to go on from there to challenge for a world title after having the frustration of seeing two of his victims Stuart Hall and Martin Ward contesting the IBF title. The 25-year-old Velazquez was 9-1-1 in his last 11 fights going in but was outclassed here.

Turley vs. Speight

Turley wins British title eliminator with unanimous decision over Speight. Turley was able to use his better range of skills to outpoint Speight who never stopped trying but was open to counters in every round and was out boxed by Turley. Scores 100-91 twice and 100-90. Turley had lost to Dai Davies for the Welsh title in July so this was an important win. He had two years out after failing a brain scan and temporarily losing his license. Speight, 26, had rebounded from a run of 4 consecutive losses in title fights to win the BBB of C Southern Area title in May.

 

December 6

 

Montreal, Canada: Light Heavy: Jean Pascal (29-2-1,1ND) ND 2 Roberto F Bolonti (35-3,1ND). Super Middle: Schiller Hyppolite (14-1) W TKO 11 Norbert Nemesapati (15-2). Heavy: Bogdan Dinu (12-0) W KO 1 Mickael Vieira (14-5-1). Light Welter: Yves Ulysse Jr (5-0) W PTS 8 Lukasz Janik (12-8-1). Super Feather: Joel Diaz Jr. (18-0) W KO 4 Pedro Navarrete (28-20-3). Light Welter: David Theroux (5-0) W PTS 6 Maurycy Gojko (22-45-3). Light Middle: Steven Butler (9-0) W TKO 5 Lyes Chaibi (12-8-2).

Pascal vs. Bolonti

Very controversial ending for this one as Pascal puts Bolonti down with punch on the break. After a first round of feeling each other out Pascal turned up the heat in the second. He floored Bolonti early in the round with a short jab with it looking as though the Argentinian was also off balance. Bolonti was up immediately and as the action resumed Pascal wrestled the Argentinian across the ring with Bolonti landing a couple of light punches as they went, one landing behind Pascal’s head and the other on his right ear. As they were tangled the referee stepped round Pascal’s left shoulder and put his arms between the fighters attempting top pull them apart. As he was doing so Pascal landed a short-armed punch with his right to the left side of Bolonti’s chin. It did not look a hard shot but the Argentinian went down heavily. The referee pushed Pascal away and his body language and the fact that he did not go over to start a count seemed to indicate he was going to disqualify Pascal. Bolonti was down on the canvas for quite a few minutes whilst oxygen was being administered and he was eventually stretcher from the ring. Meanwhile Pascal was indicating he had not heard the break call. Total confusion reigned for a while but eventually the result was give as No Decision. A cop out. Either Pascal landed a punch on the break and should have been disqualified, or it was a legal blow in which case Bolonti lost on a kayo. Pascal claimed that whilst he was herding Bolonti to the corner Bolonti had landed a punch on his left ear-which he did-and that affected his ability to hear the referee call break but that does not explain why he threw the punch even as the referee had his hands between them trying to pries them apart. On the other hand the punch did not seem hard as Pascal was unable to get any leverage on it and Bolonti may have vastly overplayed his hand looking for a disqualification win. A very unsatisfactory ending which will just be forgotten and Pascal’s plans will go forward and Bolonti will go home and complain about a perceived injustice.

Hyppolite vs. Nemesapati

Haitian-born Hyppolite wins vacant WBC International Silver title with late stoppage of young Hungarian. The Canadian was in command in this one being much the quicker man and having a distinct edge in punching power and stamina. Nemesapati is a good technical fighter but just could not hurt Hyppolite enough to keep the Canadian off him. Hyppolite scored a knockdown with a right hook to the head in the third and had the Hungarian hurt again in the seventh. By the eleventh Nemesapati had nothing left and was soaking up punches when the referee stopped the fight. Now 9 wins in a row for the 28-year-old Hyppolite with 7 of those wins by KO/TKO. He has victories over former CBC champion Jermain Mackey and Ghanaian Mohammed Akrong and is rated No 15 by the IBF. Nemesapati is only 19 and is being pushed too fast. He had his first fight in the USA in August climbing off the floor and being outpointed by Jason Escalera.

Dinu vs. Vieira

Short night’s work for Romanian Dinu but Vieira unlucky. The Frenchman injured his shoulder early in the first round but chose to continue. The result was two knockdowns, the second from a body shot and he was unable to beat the count. Dinu, 28, has 8 wins by KO/TKO including wins over CBC title challenger Eric Martel Bahoeli and Kertson Manswell. As an amateur he was World Cadet champion, World Junior bronze medalist, European Junior silver medal winner and competed at the 2005 and 2007 World Championships where he was eliminated by a Russian and then banned from amateur competition for being caught shoplifting in Chicago. Now two first round losses in a row for Vieira who was kayoed in one round by Francesco Pianeta in May.

Ulysse Jr vs. Janik

Ulysse remains unbeaten as he takes every round against durable Janik. The 26-year-old Canadian won all the way out boxing the Pole but being unable stop him and taking the unanimous decision on scores of 80-72 from all three judges. The Montreal prospect was Canadian Amateur champion in 2011 and 2012 and competed at the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games where he beat Ghanaian Fred Lawson but lost to Brit Bradley Saunders. Janik, 25, is 2-4 in his last 6 fights.

Diaz vs. Navarrete

Californian Diaz rolls on. The 22-year-old was given a good fight for three rounds but won all three. He found the finish in the fourth when a left to the body put Mexican Navarrete down and he could not beat the count. Now 14 wins by KO/TKO for Diaz who had a good win over Canadian Tyler Asselestine in May. “Vaquero” Navarrete is 2-10 in his last 12 fights and 0-6 in trips to Canada but this is only his third loss by KO/TKO.

Theroux vs. Gojko

Theroux wins wide unanimous decision over Polish southpaw Gojko. The Quebec 20-year-old had Gojko down twice in the second but could not keep him there and had to settle for a points win. Scores 60-52 from all three judges. The former Canadian Youth champion looks a good prospect. Gojko, 37, is 1-9 in his last 10 fights and 0-5 in Canada but he gave Theroux some much needed rounds.

Butler vs. Chaibi

Young Butler finishes a busy nine months with a stoppage of French southpaw Chaibi. Butler slowly broke Chaibi down and was scoring with heavy combinations throughout. He was handing out punishment in the fifth when the referee stopped the fight. The 19-year-old has crammed in 10 fights in 9 months and has won his last 7 fights by KO/TKO. He was Canadian Amateur champion in 2013 and 2014 and is the son of Marshall Butler who took away John H Stracey’s unbeaten record in 1972 at the Albert Hall. First loss by KO/TKO for FFB No 9 Chaibi.

 

Oldenburg, Germany: Light Heavy: Juergen Braehmer (45-2) W KO 1 Pawel Glazewski (23-3). Light Middle: Jack Culcay (19-1) W PTS 12 Karim Merroudi (13-4-2). Super Middle: Tyron Zeuge (16-0) W TKO 5 Stjepan Bozic (29-9). Heavy: Denis Boystov (35-1) W PTS 8 George Arias (55-12). Super Middle: Haertel (3-0) W PTS 6 Zoltan Surman (15-12-1). Heavy: Otto Wallin (9-0) W TKO 4 Ivica Perkovic (20-26). Cruiser: Deion Jumah (4-0) W KO 2 Josef Krivka (6-9).

Braehmer vs. Glazewski

Braehmer retains secondary WBA title in fight lasting just 43 seconds. Braehmer came out fast bouncing on his toes and trying to find a way around the high guard of Glazewski. The German landed a couple of southpaw left hooks to the body and backed Glazewski to a corner where he dug in another left hook to the body. Glazewski went down on both knees in agony and was counted out. Third title defence for 36-year-old Braehmer and win No 33 by KO/TKO. Pole Glazewski, 32, is better than this but just got caught with a devastating punch before he even managed to get into the fight. Glazewski’s other losses are a split decision against Roy Jones Jr and a seventh round stoppage by Hadillah Mohoumadi.

Culcay vs. Merroudi

Culcay keeps his EBU title with unanimous decision over Frenchman Merroudi. Culcay was a clear winner but credit has to go to Merroudi. The Frenchman came in as a very late substitute after original opponent Ruben Varon pulled out due to an eye injury in training. One thing that helped Merroudi was the advantages he had in height and reach but Culcay was by far the better boxer and quicker. The German was outscoring Merroudi but was catching counters and he was lucky that Merroudi is not a puncher (one win by KO/TKO). Culcay’s corner man Joey Gamache was telling Culcay that he could take chances as Merroudi was far below Culcay’s class and “Golden Jack” made this harder than it needed to be. Scores 119-108, 118-110 and 116-113.  First defence of the EBU title for Culcay who is rated WBA 4(3)/WBO 5/IBF 10 (8) but is a long way from being ready for the likes of Saul Alvarez, Erislandy Lara and Demetrius Andrade. “Lion Heart” Merroudi, 29, rated FFB No 1 was 7-1-1 in his last 9 fights and did more than could have been expected given the short notice call he received.

Zeuge vs. Bozic

Zeuge progresses with win over experienced Croat veteran. Zeuge was just too quick for the older man and had Bozic in deep trouble as early as the second round. Bozic soaked up a lot of punishment and after a one-sided fifth the Croatian’s corner would not let their man come out for the sixth. The 22-year-old Zeuge, the WB O No 6 keeps hold of his IBF International title and has won 5 of his last 6 fights by KO/TKO. He was a gold medal winner at the European Junior championships in 2009. Bozic, 40, lost to Dmitri Sartison for the vacant WBA super middle title in 2009 and had lost inside the distance to Arthur Abraham, James DeGale and Fedor Chudinov.

Boystov vs. Arias

Boystov continues to rebuild with win over Brazilian veteran. Both fighters were tentative over the early rounds. Boystov was just prodding with his jab and throwing hooks to the body eventually opening a cut over the right eye of Arias (not by the hooks to the body naturally). The big Brazilian was just walking forward behind a high guard and not really doing much else. It improved a little over the second half of the fight with both opening up more and Arias scoring with a few shots below the belt and being deducted a point in the sixth. Scores 79-72 twice and 78-73. The loss to Alex Leapai in November saw the 28-year-old German-based Russian go from No 1 to nowhere in the WBO ratings-which is pretty ridiculous. Arias, 40, lost to Johnny Nelson for the WBO cruiser title in 2001 but would have to cut a leg off to make that weight again. Sticking strictly to domestic/South American opposition he had won his last 13 fights but was predictable and slow here.

Haertel vs. Surman

Routine win for Haertel as he adjusts to the pro game. He was in control all the way easily winning every round but a big effort in the last to stop Surman was foiled by the crafty Hungarian. Scores 60-54 from the three judges. The 26-year-old trainee schoolteacher is looked on as a very good prospect based on his amateur achievements. He was German Junior and Senior champion won a bronze medal at the European Union Championships and was a quarter-finalist at both the World Championships and the 2012 Olympics. The 38-year-old “Sunboy” Surman gave him  some useful work

Wallin vs. Perkovic

Wallin forces late replacement Perkovic to retire after four round. The Swedish southpaw had trouble piercing the high guard of Perkovic so went to the body and wore the Croatian down. Perkovic decided he had had enough and retired after four one-sided rounds. Seven wins by KO/TKO for the 24-year-old Wallin who was a good level amateur. Second inside the distance loss in three weeks for 40-year-old Perkovic who has lost 8 of his last 9 fights.

Jumah vs. Krivka

London southpaw Jumah returns with a win up at light heavy. Jumah put Czech Krivka down four times before the referee decided to stop the fight. The 25-year-old Jumah was having his first fight in just over 13 months but hopes to be more active now. Krivka is 2-6 in his last 8 fights with 5 of those losses by KO/TKO.

 

New York, NY,USA: Middle: David Lemieux (33-2) W TKO 10 Gabriel Rosado (21-9,1ND). Light Middle: Hugo Centeno Jr (22-0,1ND) W KO 5 James De la Rosa (23-3). Light Welter: Thomas Dulorme (22-1) W PTS 10 Henry Lundy (25-4-1). Light Middle: Eddie Gomez (17-1) W PTS 10 James Winchester (16-11,1ND). Super Middle: D’Mitrius Ballard (8-0) W TKO 3 Tylon Burris (5-3).

Lemieux vs. Rosado

Lemieux gets the big exposure he wants and the win he needs if he is to catch the attention of Gennady Golovkin or Miguel Cotto. Over the first two rounds Rosado showed no respect for the punch power of the Canadian and was landing heavy punches of his own with Lemieux gladly joining him in the trading and getting through with some hard lefts as the fight warmed quickly. Rosado was a bit more conservative in the second looking to outbox Lemieux rather than mix it but the Canadian hard other ideas. In the third round a hard left from Lemieux wobbled Rosado and an uppercut put him down. Rosado got up and Lemieux bundled forward trying to finish the fight with Rosado forced to hang on to the bell. The knockdown and a 10-8 round were bad enough but worse was the damage done to Rosado’s left eye which was swelling rapidly and would hamper Rosado later in the fight. However, there was no sign of that hampering Rosado in a frantic fourth which saw both fighters throwing punches in bunches in an attempt to gain control. In the fifth and sixth with Rosado’s left eye almost closed Lemieux was forcing the action but his work rate dropped in the seventh and despite having to survive a doctors examination of the eye Rosado was able to score with quick accurate punches and the impetus seemed to swing his way. Rosado had to get though the doctors examination at the end of the eighth and the start of the ninth. Rosado started the ninth round well only for Lemieux to bang back and have Rosado rocking at the bell. Rosado could hardly see the punches coming in the tenth  but it was a surprise when the doctor climbed on to the ring apron to tell the referee to stop the fight. The 26-year-old Lemieux has taken on board the lessons from his consecutive losses to Marco A Rubio in 2011 and Joachim Alcine in 20-12 and his eight wins since then have taken him up the ratings to WBC 2/IBF 5(3)/WBO 8/WBA 15 but his best immediate chance of a title fight would probably be against Daniel Jacobs for the secondary WBA title or the WBA title depending on what happens with Jermain Taylor. He retain his NABF title and has 31 wins by KO/TKO. “King” Rosado now has four losses and a no decision in his last five fights (the no decision was a loss to J’Leon Love which was changed when Loved tested positive for a banned substance). He is still an entertaining fighter so there are paydays there but he also suffered cuts in losing fights against Peter Quillin and Jermell Charlo which may influence his decision.

Centeno vs. De la Rosa

Perhaps a break through win for Centeno. The tall Californian had height and reach over De la Rosa and they started cautiously with Centeno trying to get the jab working and De la Rosa looking for a way inside. De la Rosa thought he had found an opening in the first round but a stiff jab put him down. He did not seem too shaken and began to get inside to work the body over with Centeno still relying on the jab to keep the fight open. The action was fairly even until a sudden ending in the fifth. Centeno caught the advancing De la Rosa with a stunning left and De la Rosa went down heavily with the referee immediately stopping the fight. “The Boss” Centeno, 23, had looked to be on his way to defeat against Julian Williams in September last year until a clash of heads resulted in a No Decision. He had come back with two wins over modest opposition so had to make a statement in this one-and he did. He gets his twelfth win by KO/TKO. Texas-based Mexican De la Rosa, 27, had certainly made a statement in his last fight by easily outpointing Alfredo Angulo. However after 20 straight wins he is now 3-3 in his last 6 fights so he goes back a step and needs a win in his next fight.

Dulorme vs. Lundy

Dulorme holds off strong finish from Lundy to win deserved split decision. Dulorme got the perfect start when he floored Lundy in the first with a right. Lundy got up and fought back. Dulorme kept the impetus going and took the second with Lundy for some reason having fought in both the first two rounds as a southpaw. Orthodox Lundy did a bit better in the third and fourth but Dulorme was picking up points with his jab and after a good fifth was clearly way out in front. Lundy had a good sixth seeming to stun Dulorme with a right and was getting inside Dulorme’s longer reach and working the body and took the seventh. The Puerto Rican put in some good work in the eighth using his jab to keep Lundy out and with the knockdown and his good work over the early rounds only really needed to stay on his feet to win. Lundy staged a strong effort in the ninth and tenth swarming forward as Dulorme tired but just came up short on two cards. Scores a harsh 97-92 and 96-93 for Dulorme and a 96-93 for Lundy. Dulorme holds on to his WBC NABF title and wins the vacant WBO NABO title. Now five wins for the 24-year-old since his stoppage defeat against Luis C Abregu in 2012. He is right up there at WBA 2/IBF 4(3)/WBC 4/WBO 5  so should land a title fight in 2015. Lundy,30, had suffered important back-to-back losses to Ray Beltran and Viktor Postol but rebounded with three wins including a wide points victory over Ajose Olusegun. But this will see him tumble down the IBF ratings from his No 6(5) position.

Gomez vs. Winchester

Gomez gets back to winning ways with a wide points victory over Winchester. It looked as though it might be a short fight when Gomez floored Winchester with a body punch in the first round. However Winchester has only lost once inside the distance so he did not crumble but stayed in the fight. Gomez was just too quick and slick for the game but limited North Carolina fighter and an increasingly frustrated Winchester lost a point in the seventh for holding. Scores 100-88 from all three judges. The 22-year-old Bronx “EBoy” a former NGG champion lost to more experienced Francisco Santana in June. “Shotgun” Winchester , 36, has lost 7 of his last 8 fights but only big puncher Jorge Melendez has stopped him.

Ballard vs. Burris

Ballard, another former NGG champion, goes to 5 wins in a row by KO/TKO. As with the Gomez fight a first round knockdown scored by favourite Ballard put the possibility of an early finish on the table. Burris got up but would not be staying around too long. Burris got some pain and some respite when floored by a low punch in the second but a sustained attack from Ballard in the third forced the stoppage. The 21-year-old Ballard, a four-time PAL champion, has 7 wins by KO/TKO all delivered within the first three rounds but so far the opposition has been low level. Three losses in a row now for 37-year-old Burris.

 

Glendale, CA, Fly: Brian Viloria (35-4,2ND) W KO 4 Armando Vazquez (21-11,2ND). Light: Jose Felix Jr (28-1-1) W TKO 3 Luis Solis (15-6-4). Super Feather: Saul Rodriguez (14-0-1) W Juan Ramon Solis (21-8). Middle: Esquival Falcao (6-0) W TKO 5 Lanny Dardar (2-2-2).

Viloria vs. Vazquez

The “Hawaiian Punch” produces a punch to finish this in the fourth. The former champion boxed at a distance over the first three rounds and survived a clash of heads in the second which left him with a cut over his left eye. It was not allowed to be a factor as a left hook to the body in the fourth knocked Vazquez over and he took the count down on his knees. The 34-year-old former light fly and flyweight champion is rated WBA 2/WBO 2/WBC 5/IBF 7(6) so plenty of chances there for another title shot. Mexican Vazquez on a poor run is now 1-5, 2ND  in his last 7 fights.

Felix Jr vs. Solis

Felix is also looking for another title shot. “Josesito” got his second win along that path with stoppage of Solis. The young Mexican allowed Solis a bit of success in the first round but then got serious in the second. A left to the chin floored Solis early in the round. After that it was a matter of time until it was over. Felix ended it in the third with a left to the body and the referee did not even bother to count but halted the fight immediately. The 22-year-old Felix boxed well below expectation when he lost a close unanimous decision to Bryan Vasquez for the interim WBA super feather title in April. He has disappeared from the ratings so has work to do to get back in contention. Now four losses in a row for Solis.

Rodriguez vs. Solis

Rodriguez makes it a bad night for boxers named Solis. “Kid Dinamite” found himself in a tough fight in his second eight rounder. Rodriguez was edging the rounds but Solis was competitive and there were some good exchanges. Rodriguez made a breakthrough in the third wobbling Solis with a left, but the Argentinian survived.  Rodriguez was pressing in the fourth and fifth with Solis fighting hard to stay in the fight. Those hopes disappeared in the sixth when a hard combination from Rodriguez put Solis down on his knees and he stayed there for the count. Trained by Robert Garcia, the 21-year-old Rodriguez has won his last 7 fights by KO/TKO. The draw on his record was the technical variety. He is a prospect worth following. Solis, 32, is the current interim WBC Latino super feather champion and rated FAB No 5. This is his fifth loss by KO/TKO.

Falcao vs. Dardar

Brazilian Olympian Falcao makes it three wins in a row by KO/TKO.  The 24-year-old southpaw broke Dardar down with a sustained body beating and although the Louisiana novice tried hard he was in over his head. Falcao handed out punishment steadily for four rounds until in the fifth when a succession of shots from Falcao got through and the referee stepped in to save Dardar. The 24-year-old Falcao won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics and his brother Yamaguchi won a bronze. First six round fight for Dardar who was in way over his head but did more than could be expected.

 

Monterrey, Mexico:  Super Feather: Adrian Estrella (20-0) W KO 1 Edwin Lopez (21-4-1). Light: Miguel Roman (48-11) W TKO 3 Ricardo Castillo (40-13-1,1ND). Light Middle: Oscar Molina (11-0) W TKO 3 Adrian Torres (5-3). Light: Abdiel Ramirez (23-1-1) WTKO 3 Ismael Segovia. Light: Jairo Lopez (16-3) W TKO 5 Randy Lozano (8-5-2).

Estrella vs. Lopez

Estrella dismisses Lopez in just 115 seconds to retain his WBC Fecarbox title for the eighth time. After these two banged heads early in the first round Estrada landed a right to the body and Lopez never looked like getting off his haunches. 22-year-old Mexican banger now has 18 wins by KO/TKO. He is hoping to challenge Takashi Miura for the WBC title early in the new year. After suffering three inside the distance losses in a row the 39-year-old Lopez was inactive for over three years until returning in October 2011. After that he won 21 fights in a row 19 by KO/TKO against absolutely atrocious opposition in what passes for boxing matches in the Dominican Republic so his record is very heavily padded.

Roman vs. Castillo

Mickey Roman halts veteran Castillo in three rounds. The popular former WBC light title challenger hunted down Castillo for two rounds and then put him down with a body punch in the third. . Castillo took the count on one knee finished for the night. Back down at super feather Roman has now won 10 in a row 9 of them by KO/TKO including inside the distance wins over former champions Juan Carlos Salgado and Daniel Ponce De Leon and is rated No 7 by the WBC. Castillo, 35, lost in challenges for the IBO, WBA and IBF super bantam titles and a challenge to Cristobal Cruz for the IBF feather title ended in a technical draw. Now it is just 2 wins in his last 10 fights.

Molina vs. Torres

Just some Christmas money really for Molina. The Olympian landed a hard left in the third round which brought the finish. Oscar, the 24-year-old twin brother of Javier and brother of Carlos, has 8 wins by KO/TKO. He was a World Youth gold medalist and competed at the 2012 Olympics where he represented Mexico although born in California. The 35-year-old Torres turned pro in 1998 but was inactive from June 1999 until returning in May this year.

Ramirez vs. Segovia

Poor match sees big puncher “Mortar” Ramirez halt Segovia in three. Only three of Ramirez’s 25 fights have gone the distance. Unfortunately one fight that did not go the distance was a loss to Rene Gonzalez in 2012. Ramirez has won 9 in a row since then including two good victories over Lupe Rosales. No credible record for Segovia.

Lopez vs. Lozano

Lopez gets his second win in a row as he halts Lozano in the fifth round. The Doberman” had a streak of nine wins, eight by KO/TKO before losing to Nery Saguilan on a split decision in May. Lozano was unbeaten in his last 5 fights.

 

Hermosillo, Mexico: Fly: Juan Francisco Estrada (31-2) W PTS 10 Joebert Alvarez (14-1-1). Middle: Juan Macias Montiel (13-1-1) W KO 2 Fidel Lopez (10-15). Super Fly: Hernan Marquez (37-5-1) DREW 8 Ricardo Roman (9-5-3). Super Bantam: Daniel Rosas (18-2-1) W PTS 8 Mario Villela (6-3). Fly: Luis Nery (15-0) W TKO 8 Carlos Fontes (17-3). Super Feather: Adrian Young (20-1-2) W TKO 3 Jovanny Soto (38-18-1).

Estrada vs. Alvarez

Fighting in his hometown Estrada makes hard and bloody work out of beating inexperienced Filipino. Both suffered cuts. Estrada was suddenly dabbing at a cut over his left eye in the middle of the first round and it was Alvarez pawing at a cut at the side of his right eye. The young Filipino made a good start he was quick on his feet used a probing right jab and long rights with Estrada not really doing any attacking until the last 30 seconds of the round. That was very much the pattern with Alvarez the quicker but Estrada the stronger and it was the late flurries in each round which were catching the judges eyes. Alvarez had a good third round and was on top in the sixth forcing Estrada to retreat. The referee stopped the fight to have the doctor to look at the cut beside the right eye of Alvarez. The doctor agreed the fight could continue and Alvarez again had Estrada backing up and hardly being able to throw a punch due to the constant attacks of the Filipino. Over the last three rounds Estrada was coming forward relentlessly but still being made to lunge in with shots due to the clever movement of Alvarez. There was a bad clash of heads in the ninth but luckily neither boxer was hurt and it was a round Alvarez dictated getting through with southpaw lefts again and again. In the last Estrada just came out throwing punch after punch at the tiring Alvarez but still eating counters and they clashed heads again right at the bell. Scores 99-91 twice and 98-92. That was ridiculous Alvarez clearly won the third, sixth and the ninth and could have been credited with a couple of other rounds and the least he deserved was a draw. The WBA/WBO champion did not impress and Roman Gonzalez must have been licking his lip at the though of facing this Estrada. “Little Pacman” Alvarez, 25, has good potential, excellent skills and quick movement with only power missing. Right now his IBF 8(7) and WBO 8 ratings have not been earned but he has plenty of potential

Montiel vs. Lopez

Los Mochis prospect Montiel does not do points wins. He made it 13 wins by KO/TKO by knocking out late substitute Lopez in two rounds. The 20-year-old Juanito has 10 wins and a draw in his last 11 fights but against very low level opposition. Southpaw Lopez was a late fill-in and has lost 9 times by KO/TKO.

Marquez vs. Roman

A mark of how far Marquez has slipped as he has to fight hard to get a draw with modest opposition. “Tyson” Marquez was scoring best on the inside and Roman at a distance and although Marquez seemed to be landing the heavier punches Roman was worthy of the split draw. Scores 77-75 for Marquez, 78-76 for Roman and 76-76.The 26-year-old former WBA flyweight champion lost only two of his first 36 fights but is now 3-3-1 in his last 7. Losses to Brain Viloria and Giovani Segura could be expected but losing inside the distance to McJoe Arroyo and now this draw are not good. “Bam Bam” Roman (who thinks these things up?) is now 1-3-3 in his last 7 fights so there was nothing there to make one think he was in Marquez’s class.

Rosas vs. Villela

As with Marquez Rosas makes heavy work of beating an opponent he should be able to brush aside. Rosas used a systematic body attack to try to wear down Villela. For six rounds it was a close, hard fought bad tempered fight but over those last two rounds Villela gradually tired and Rosas just did enough to walk away with the majority decision. After being unbeaten in 18 fights “Bad Boy”  Rosas, 25, lost two big fights in a row earlier this year being stopped in seven rounds by Rodrigo Guerrero and outpointed in a fight for the interim WBO title by Alejandro Hernandez. He will have to improve on this showing if he is to climb back into the ratings. Villela really just a prelim fighter who had lost his last two fights.

Nery vs. Fontes

“Pantera” Nery extends his unbeaten streak with late knockout of useful Fontes. Nery was the slight outsider in this but there was really not much between the two. In the end Nery had the harder punch and he finally broke though in the last round flooring Fontes twice before the referee stopped the fight. The Tijuana southpaw makes in 10 wins by KO/TKO and is ready to move up to ten rounds. Fontes had a 12 bout winning run ended in February when he lost a technical decision to Luis Concepcion for the WBC Silver title.

Young vs. Soto

Young gets a win after a couple of bumps in the road. The 21-year-old from Los Mochis halted veteran Soto in the third  to move to 16 wins by KO/TKO. “Chinito” was unbeaten in his first 20 fights before losing on points to Oscar Gonzalez (21-2) in July last year. He was then inactive for almost 15 months before returning in October with a creditable draw against Edgar Monarrez (18-2) so can rebuild with this win. He has good wins over Raul Hirales and Silvester Lopez.  In the past 12 months Soto has lost 4 of his last 5 fights but with opposition such as Cris Mijares, Tyson Cave and Jorge Lara (25-0-1) that’s no surprise.

 

Hurtsville, Australia: Super Feather: Billy Dib (39-3) W TKO 2 Isaias Santos Sampaio (19-10). Light Middle: Ahmed Dib (15-0) W TKO 2 Elly Pangaribuan (3-5)

Dib vs. Sampaio

No real test for Dib as he disposes of overmatched Brazilian. After taking the first round to settle Dib ended it in the second. He floored Sampaio with a left hook and it looked like the end. However Sampaio managed to get to his feet only to be nailed by a right. He made it to the vertical again and his corner threw in the towel. Now up at super feather Dib makes it 23 wins by KO/TKO. The 29-year-old wins the vacant WBA PABA title. The former IBF feather champion is already rated IBF 7(60/WBO 6 and is now looking for a WBA rating to give him as many routes as possible to a title shot. Sampaio had been knocked out in two rounds by Jack Asis in Australia so a predictable outcome.

Dib vs. Pangaribuan

Younger brother Ahmed makes it a family double. The 26-year-old New South Wales State champion floored Indonesian Pangaribuan twice in the second round to force the stoppage. Now 9 wins by KO/TKO for the tall Australian prospect. Three losses in a row by KO/TKO for Pangaribuan

 

Split, Croatia: Cruiser: Bilal Laggoune (18-0-1) W PTS 12 Stjepan Vugdelija (10-4).

Belgian Laggoune wins the EU title as he beats the champion in his own backyard. The Belgian triumphed on scores of 115-112 twice and 115-111 in his first fight outside Belgium. The 22-year-old Belgian champion was rated EBU No 6 going in and rounds off a good year which has seen him acquire 6 wins. Vugdelija was not a strong champion having lost to Ismail Abdoul, Mirko Larghetti and Mateusz Masternak and this was his first defence of the title.

 

Vignes aux Bois, France: Welter: Ahmed El Mousaoui (21-1-1) W PTS 12 Aitor Nieto (15-3). Light Heavy: Patrick Bois (13-3-1) W TKO 8 Damien Retif (5-19-21).

El Mousaoui vs. Nieto

El Mousaoui wins the vacant EU title with unanimous decision over Spaniard Nieto. It was a good, fast-paced fight with El Mousaoui being the bigger and stronger man and Nieto prepared to take the fight to him. El Mousaoui had Nieto down in the fourth but Nieto got up and got back into the fight. He hurt El Mousaoui in the eighth  but the Frenchman was always in front whilst Nieto with sharp counters was able to sneak some rounds without ever really looking a likely winner. At the end the judges rightly gave it to El Mousaoui but Nieto came away with a great deal of credit in his first fight outside Spain. Scores 117-110. 115-111 and 114-112. The 24-year-old former undefeated French champion now has 11 wins and a draw in his last 12 fights. Nieto, 30, the Spanish champion had won his last 6 fights.

Bois vs. Retif

Bois retains the French title on a night of double wins for Bois as he also proposed in the ring to his partner and was accepted. In the fight he was just too strong for Retif who retired before the start of the eighth round. A rare inside the distance wins for 23-year-old Bois who is in his second reign as French champion. He was not in the EBU ratings but was on the edge at No 13 in the EU ratings. Retif was not an outstanding challenger having lost his last four fights going in. He was rated No 4 super middle by the FFB.

 

Eberswalde, Germany: Welter: Rico Mueller (18-1-1) W KO 1 Mike Miranda (42-6). Mueller takes only 98 seconds to dispense with Brazilian Miranda. Mueller floored Miranda with a shot to the head and after the Brazilian made it to his feet a right hook to the body from Mueller and it was over. The 26-year-old local retains the IBO Inter-Continental title and makes it 9 wins in a row and 13 by KO/TKO. Miranda, 42, was knocked out in one round in his last fight in May which is a bad habit to acquire.

 

Budapest, Hungary: Heavy Francesco Pianeta (31-1-1) W PTS 12 Ivica Bacurin (18-7-1). Cruiser: Imre Szello (4-0) W KO 5 Vlad Idranyi (5-16-2). Super Bantam: Zsolt Bedak (23-1) W TEC DEC 8 Ruslan Berchuk (10-5). Light Middle: Attila Kovacs (35-4) W PTS 6 Karlo Tabaghua (18-5,1ND).

Pianeta vs. Bacurin

Pianeta retains the WBO Europe title but is given a hard fight by unfancied Bacurin. Scores for the German-based Italian 116-112 twice and 115-113. Not an impressive performance by the 6’5” (196cm) southpaw who had height and reach but did not use them as well as he should and made it difficult for himself. Third win for the 30-year-old since losing in five rounds to Wlad Klitschko for the IBF/WBA/WBO titles in May last year. Croatian Bacurin, 32, is really just a pumped up cruiser and had been knocked out by Dmitry Kudryashov in seven rounds in May.

Szello vs. Idranyi

Szello much too good for this standard of opposition. The former top amateur put Idranyi down in the second and knocked him out cold in the fifth with Idranyi going to hospital as a precaution. The 31-year-old “Imo” had over 300 amateur fights and competed at the World Championships and the Olympics but having turned pro at 30 has no time to lose. Slovak Idranyi has won only one of his last 12 fights so a poor match.

Bedak vs. Berchuk

Bedak well on his way to victory when a clash of heads brings a premature finish and he gets the technical decision. He had very little trouble in subduing the modest Russian. Bedak was only rarely troubled by Berchuk who was willing but limited. In the eighth a clash of heads saw Bedak suffer a bad cut over his left eye and the cut was too bad for the fight to continue. It went to the scorecards and Bedak was the winner by 80-72 twice and 79-73.The 31-year-old “Mr. Left Hook”, the WBO No 4, retains his WBO Europe title for the second time. Typical for the low standard that the WBO accept for their European title Berchuk had been knocked out in one round by Chinese fighter Qiu Xiao Jun in September. If you don’t respect your titles you can’t expect others to do so.

Kovacs vs. Tabaghua

The “Viper” nearly gets bitten. Swede Tabaghua rocked the place when he floored the former IBO champion in the second. Kovacs fought back hard and staged a big effort flooring Tabaghua in the last round but Tabaghua looked unlucky not to come away with a draw. Scores 57-55 twice for Kovacs and 56-56. The WBO European champion has won his last 10 fights but against opposition that was so mediocre that Tabaghua was a big step up. He was a former Swedish amateur champion and has a win over former EBU champion Jackson Osei Bonsu and in his last fight had lost a split decision to Ayoub Nefzi in another on the road job.

 

Bellaria, Italy: Middle: Matteo Signani (21-4-3) W PTS 12 Ahmed Rifaie (13-5-2).

Signani wins the vacant EU title with points victory over Frenchman Rifaie. Neither applied great skill here but it was a tough twelve rounds for both. It was close over the opening rounds with Signani just having a slight edge. The Italian suffered a set back in then seventh when hr was deducted a point for carless use of the head but he then began to take control  out boxing  the Lebanese-born Rifaie in the eighth and then fighting on the inside and scoring with good hooks and uppercuts. The “Jaguar” already had it won but put it beyond doubt in the last flooring Rifaie with a left to erase any doubt about the verdict. Scores 116-110 twice and 118-110. The 35-year-old former Italian champion had fought a technical draw with Istvan Szili for this same title in May and has lost only one of his last 18 fights. Rifaie, the FFB No 8, had won his last 6 fights.

 

Tokyo, Japan: Middle: Akio Shibata (24-8-1) W TKO 12 Makoto Fuchigami (21-10). Light Welter: Yoshitaki Kato (29-5-1) W PTS 10 Nihito Arakawa (25-5-1). Super Bantam: Yukinori Oguni (14-1) W PTS 10 Yasataka Ishimoto (24-8).

Shibata vs. Fuchigami

Shibata makes it a double of wins over Fuchigami as he halts his challenger in the last round. Despite scoring an early knockdown Shibata took a while to devise a strategy to deal with the attacks of southpaw Fuchigami but was picking up the points and on the open scoring was up 77-74 on all three cards. He put the pressure on over the last four rounds with the referee finally stopping the fight in the twelfth round. For 33-year-old Shibata this was the second successful defence of the JBC title and third defence of the OPBF title he won from Fuchigami on a technical decision in May 2013. The former JBC light middle champion has won 8 of his last 9 fights. Now 3 losses in his last 4 fight for 31-year-old Fuchigami who was halted in three rounds by Gennady Golovkin for the WBA and IBO titles in 2012.

Kato vs. Arakawa

These two had also met before and this win puts Kato 2-1 ahead in their series of fights. The speed and accuracy of Kato’s work made the difference here. Southpaw Arakawa just never seemed to get his act together. Despite a cut on his right eyebrow he kept pressing hard and keeping the fight competitive. In the end the quick, accurate punches from Kato gave him the edge and he won on scores of 97-94 twice and 96-95 in this non-title fight. The 30-year-old Kato, the JBC champion, has lost only one of his last eleven fights. Arakawa, 32, was high in the world ranking s until a sequence of 3 losses in 4 fights sent him tumbling and he was WBC 12 going into this fight. The losses were in tough fights against Daniel Estrada, Omar Figueroa for the interim WBC title and Jorge Linares in a WBC title eliminator.

Oguni vs. Ishimoto

This one was close from bell to bell with the clever countering of Ishimoto’s attacks just gave Oguni the edge as he lifted the vacant JBC title. Oguni had to overcome a bad cut on his left eyebrow and a strong finish from Ishimoto but ran out the winner on scores of 96-94 twice and 96-95. Oguni’s only loss was to world rated Shingo Wake in 2013 which cost him his OPBF title. The 26-year-old is WBC No 12. Ishimoto, 33, scored a huge win when he defeated Wilfredo Vazquez in April last year but lost a biggie when being stopped in eight rounds by Chris Avalos in an IBF eliminator in May this year.

 

Hamilton, New Zealand: Heavy: Parker (12-0) W KO 4 Irineu Beato Costa Jr (15-2). Jeff Horn (8-0-1) W Robson Assis (14-0).

Parker vs. Costa Jr

Parker finishes the year with a bang as he flattens Brazilian with a tremendous right cross. From the first round the unbeaten young New Zealander was able to use Costa Jr for target practice as he thumped home three-punch combinations always punctuated with sizzling left hooks to the short ribs. Costa Jr was almost static behind a high guard and threw very few punches of his own. When he did Parker slammed shots through the gaps in the Brazilian’s guard. The end came dramatically in the fourth. Parker landed a hard left hook and as Costa Jr leant back from that Parker hit him with a right cross he never saw coming and the Brazilian was dumped on the canvas on his back and the fight was stopped immediately. The 22-year-old 6’4” (193cm) makes it 10 wins by KO/TKO. He has wins over Frans Botha, Brian Minto and Sherman Williams fair tests but not enough for the WBA 11/WBO 14 rating. But he is young, improving and can punch so it will be interesting to see how he develops next year. “Gigante” Costa, 34, was bigger and heavier and also a lot slower. His record had been built on poor to moderate opposition at home in Brazil and he was coming off a points loss over twelve rounds to Christian Hammer in Germany in October where he lost every round, but ended on his feet.

Horn vs. Assis

He is not a heavyweight but Horn may be every bit as good as a prospect. The Australian “Hornet” outclassed Brazilian Assis. He won every round opening a cut over the Brazilian’s left eye in the second, flooring him twice in the fourth and ending the fight with a crunching body punch in the fifth. The 26-year-old Brisbane schoolteacher has 7 wins by KO/TKO. He did not take up boxing until he was 18 and was an outstanding amateur winning the Australian title in 2009, 2011 and 2012 and represented Australia at the 2011 World Championships and 2012 Olympics. One to watch. Assis, the interim WBO Latino champion scored a couple of useful wins back home but was in over his head here.

 

London, England: Super Feather: Martin J Ward (10-0-2) DREW 10 Maxi Hughes (13-1-2).  Ward remains undefeated with hard fought draw against Hughes. Ward started well taking the first round with some quick punches and good movement. It seemed to be going to plan in round two until a clash of heads seemed to stun Ward and a right put him down. He got up and survived and had his jab working again in the second. Hughes was pressing hard in the third and in the fourth he had Ward down again although there was also the  suggestion of a slip as the reason for Ward going over. Hughes was dominant in the fifth and sixth scoring well with rights and southpaw lefts and with the knockdowns building a good lead. Ward had ground to make up and over the last four rounds he did just that using a crisp jab and body punches. Final scores 95-94 Ward and 95-95 and 94-94 making it a majority draw. This was BBB of C eliminator and the first ten round fight for the Leeds-born Ward. Hughes had lost to prospect Scott Cardle in 2013 but rebounded with 5 wins.

 

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten: Bantam: Elton Dharry (17-5-1) W PTS 12 Jose Rios (12-2-1,2ND). Brooklyn-based Guyanan Dharry wins vacant IBF Inter-Continental title with wide unanimous decision over Nicaraguan Rios. Scores 118-109 from all three judges. Dharry  29, makes it 14 wins in a row and five years since his last loss. He has really turned his career around after being 3-5-1 in his first 9 fights. Nicaraguan champion Rios was unbeaten in his last 10 fights.

 

Abbreviations

ABC=Asian Boxing Council an affiliate of the WBC

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

ABU=African Boxing Union an affiliate of the WBC

ACC=WBC Asian Council Continental title

ANBF=Australian National Boxing Federation who administer Australian titles

BBB of C=British Boxing Board of Control

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

BDB= Bund Deutscher Berufsboxer one of the German boxing bodies

B & H=Bosnia & Herzegovina

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

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

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

DRC=Democratic Republic of the Congo

EBU=European Boxing Union

FAB=Argentinian Boxing Federation

FFB=French Boxing Federation

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

GBC= Global Boxing Council a sanctioning body

IBA=International Boxing Association a sanctioning body

IBF=International Boxing Federation a sanctioning body

IBO=International Boxing Organisation a sanctioning body

JBC =Japanese Boxing Commission

NABA=North American Boxing Association, a WBA affiliate

NABF=North American Boxing Federation a WBC affiliate

NABO= North American Boxing Organisation, a WBO affiliate

NCC=National Championships of Canada

NGG=US National Golden Gloves

NZPBF=New Zealand Professional Boxing Federation a national sanctioning body

OPBF=Orient & Pacific Boxing Federation

PABA=Pacific & Asian Boxing Association, a WBA affiliate

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

UBF=Universal Boxing Federation a sanctioning body

UBO=Universal Boxing Organisation a sanctioning body

USBA= United States Boxing Association, an IBF affiliate

USBO=United States Boxing Organisation an WBO affiliate

WBA=World Boxing Association a sanctioning body

WBC=World Boxing Council a sanctioning body

WBFed=World Boxing Federation, a sanctioning body

WBFound=World Boxing Foundation, a sanctioning body

WBU=World Boxing Union, a sanctioning body

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

the higher rating positions being vacant.