The Past Week in Action 17 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:

– French super middle weight Bruno Surace gets of the canvas to score a huge upset by flooring and stopping Jaime Munguia and Alan Picasso knocks out Yehison Cuello

– Murodjon Akhmadaliev crushes Ricardo Espinoza in three rounds in WBA interim super bantamweight title fight in Monaco and on the same card Frenchman Leonardo Mosquea outpoints Cheavon Clarke to win the vacant European cruiserweight title, Beatriz Ferreira successfully defends the IBF lightweight title and Maxi Hughes outpoints Gary Cully

-In Liverpool Natasha Jonas  retains the IBF welterweight title and wins the WBC title from Ivana Habazin and Lauren Price retains the IBO and WBA welterweight belts

-Antonio Vargas stops Winston Guerrero in WBA interim

title fight

-Kevin Lele Sadjo goes to 24-0 with win in four rounds over Diego Chaves as boxing returns to the Bahamas and heavyweight Anthony Martinez and China’s Can Xu get wins

-Uisma Lima decisions Sukhdeep Singh Bhatti to lift the vacant IBO super welterweight title and Sara Bailey bets Anibel Ortiz in WBA light flyweight title defence

-Middleweight Marquis Taylor comes off the floor to outpoint Ivan Pandzic and Breyon Grham kayos Alan Ayala in three

-Sarah Bormann outpoints Jennifer Meza in WBO minimumweight title defence and Granit Shala outpoints unbeaten Daniel Dietz

-Alexis Richa and Rauld Curiel draw in Ontario and there are wins for Charles Conwell and Marlen Esparza.

 

Major Shows

 

DECEMBER 12

 

Rotherbaum, Germany: Super Welter: Ermal Hadribeaj (20-0-1,1ND) W PTS 10 Eddy Colmenares (9-2-1). Middle: Serkay Comert (9-0) W PTS 10 Yassin Hermi (15-2-1). Heavy: Bohdan Myronets (10-1) W PTS 10 Jose Larduet (13-1). Heavy: Mourad Aliev (13-0) W TKO 6 David Brito (6-1).  Light Heavy: Benjamin Gavazi (19-1) W TKO 10 Branimir Malencia (10-1). Super Fly: Asley Gonzalez (17-2) W PTS 10 Mary Romero (10-7). Atom: Esneidy Rodriguez (9-0-1) W PTS 10 Sana Hazuki (12-10-1). Super Light: Billy Dib (49-6,2 ND) W PTS 8 Atilla Kayabasai (12-17).

Hadribeaj vs. Colmenares

Albanian-born American Hadribeaj gets a questionable majority decision over Venezuelan Colmenares. Hadribeaj made a good start boxing well to take the first three rounds getting through with jabs and straight rights forcing Colmenares onto the backfoot and using some clever defence work to blunt the Venezuelan’s attacks. Colmenares began to take control in the fourth scoring consistently with hard body punches that slowed Hadribeaj. Eventually Hadribeaj tired and his output dropped and he was holding to try to slow the pace. Colmenares produced the stronger finish and looked to have done enough to get at least a draw but Hadribeaj took the verdict on scores of 97-93 twice for Hadribeaj and 95-95. Now 18 wins in a row for Hadribeaj who was making then sixth defence of the  WBC International title. Colmenares was not a particularly strong opponent and Hadribeaj did not impress.

Comert vs. Hermi

Germany-based Turk Serkay Comert moved up to ten rounds for the first time and took wide unanimous decision over Italian southpaw Hermi. After a slow start to the fight Comert controlled the action with his better skills and sharp counter punching. He scored a knockdown in the sixth and had Hermi in trouble a few times but Hermi lasted the distance. Comert won on scores of 99-90 twice and 100-89. Comert wins the WBC International Silver title.

Myronets vs. Larduet

Ukrainian Myronets crashed this Universum party with a split decision over previously unbeaten Larduet.  Myronets was conceding 26 lbs to Larduet but used his mobility to outbox the slower Cuban. Larduet was coming forward pressing and was the heavier puncher but Myronets showed some good defensive work and quicker hands. Myronets burst open Larduet’s nose in the second and looked to have built a lead with his greater accuracy. Larduet then seemed to be successful in using his weight advantage and some hefty body punches to wear Myronets down. Myronets came back into the fight over the closing rounds and outworked Larduet to take a deserved decision. Scores 97-93 and 96-94 for Myronets and 97-93 for Larduet. Now seven consecutive wins for  Myronets who picks up the vacant WBC Francophone title. He had scored an upset decision over Nathan Gorman in Britain in December. Larduet, 34, weighed 178 lbs when he won the World Youth title back in 2008 but was 268 lbs in this fight

Aliev vs. Brito

Russian-born French “White Wolf” Aliev proves too strong for Italian Brito. The 6’7 ½” Aliev managed to establish his jab early against the 6’5” Brito and Brito was forced to stand and trade more often than was good for him. Aliev maintained the pressure and Brito faded. In the sixth a left hook sent Brito across the ring and out through the ropes and although he made it back inside the ring the fight was stopped. Ninth win by KO/TKO for Aliev who was defending the WBC International Silver title. Brito was 37 lbs lighter and did not have the strength or power to compete with Aliev.

Gavazi vs. Malencia

An all-German pairing saw Gavazi stop Malencia in the tenth round. It was a high-paced entertaining fight from the start but the superior skills of Gavazi gave him the edge. Malencia fought in his usual aggressive style but Gavazi boxed well behind his jab and exploited the openings Malencia was leaving. After nine rounds Gavazi was 88-83 in front on all three cards and a sustained attack in the last saw the referee step in to save Malencia. Gavazi wins the WBC International Silver title and has won his last 19 fights. Malencia was making the first defence of the Siler title.

Gonzalez vs. Romero

Mexican Gonzalez takes unanimous decision over Spain’s Romero to retain her WBC super flyweight title. Romero had height and reach on her side but Gonzalez had a much higher level of opponent. Gonzalez slowly took control of the fight and boxed her way to a comfortable win on scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93. Gonzalez had won the WBC belt and defended it against the great Lourdes Juarez. Former European super bantam champion Mary Romero had lost to Dina Thorslund in a challenge for the WBC and WBO bantam titles in March and came down a couple of divisions for this title chance.

Rodriguez vs. Hazuki

Rodriguez successfully defends her WBC Silver Atom title with a repeat victory over Japan’s Hazuki on scores of 98-92 and 96-94 for Rodriguez and 97-93 for Hazuki. Rodriguez had beaten champion Kazuki on a unanimous decision in September.

Dib vs. Kayabasi

Australian Dib selected the WBC Convention as the place to bring down the curtain on a great career. He won every round against German Kayabasi with all three judges scoring it 80-72. A pro for 20 years Dib lost only one of his first 37 fights and won the vacant IBF featherweight title in 2011. He lost in his third defence and had shots at both the WBC and IBF super feather belts and won a pile of Regional title. Billy was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and was given six months to live but he has beaten cancer and remains a hero and a great example to many.

 

DECEMBER 13

 

Orlando, FL, USA: Bantam: Antonio Vargas (19-1,1ND) W TKO 10 Winston Guerrero (22-1). Heavy: Dainier Pero (10-0) W TKO 1 Walter Burns (8-3). Heavy: Gurgen Hovhannisyan (7-0) W PTS 8 Patrick Mailata (6-3). Super Light: Hendri Cedeno (15-0) W PTS 8 Luis Hernandez (23-6). Middle: Tammara Thibeault (1-0) W PTS 4 Natasha Spence (8-7-2).

Vargas vs. Guerrero

Vargas scores a tenth round stoppage over Nicaraguan Guerrero. An explosive start saw both fighters on the canvas early in the fight. Guerrero came flying out of his corner throwing punches  trying to blow Vargas away. He left himself open and a right counter from Vargas sent him down. Guerrero recovered and in the second fired a series of punches ending with a straight right that sent Vargas to the canvas. Vargas was up quickly but shaken and was never again in trouble. Guerrero had a good third but Vargas was on top from the fourth and shook Guerrero with a combination at the end of the fifth. His harder more accurate punches dominated the fierce exchanges in each round and Guerrero was slowly broken down. Vargas drove Guerrero to the ropes on the tenth and as he unloaded punches the referee stopped the fight. Vargas wins the WBA interim title. Guerrero’s record looked good but it was heavily padded with modest opposition.

Pero vs. Burns

Pero dropped Burns with a straight left just 40 seconds into the first round. Burns beat the count but continued to absorb punishment including a bad cut over his right eye. Later in the round Pero landed a right hook and in a delayed action Burns stumbled and fell to the canvas.  He staggered up and walked to a corner but when the referee ended the eight count Burns showed no interest in continuing and the fight was over. The 25-year-old 6’5” Cuban gets his eighth win by KO/TKO including five first round finishes. He is a former World Youth and Pan American Gamez gold medallist. He beat Richard Torrez in the Pan American’s but lost tom Torrez in the 2021 Olympics. Burns, 42, suffers his third inside the distance loss.

Hovhannisyan vs. Mailata

Hovhannisyan gets a majority verdict over Mailata but was unimpressive and flirted with defeat. Neither fighter is quick but Hovhannisyan generally outworked the 309 lbs Mailata although catching more punches than he should. Mailata had a good first round but then Hovhannisyan used his better mobility to sweep the next three rounds. Mailata had a better fifth to make it close. It was near disasters in the sixth. Mailata had been using his additional 34 lbs to lean on and wrestle Hovhannisyan and Hovhannisyan suddenly looked tired. With just 20 seconds remaining in the round Mailata  landed a couple of wild swings and Hovhannisyan was stumbling and trying to hold. He staggered to the ropes and got a break when the referee stopped the action to warn Mailata for a punch to the back of the head leaving less than ten second to go. Even then a neck-snapping left to the head sent Hovhannisyan back in to a corner and the bell went as Mailata prepared to press his attack. Mailata landed some more heavy punches in the seventh but Hovhannisyan outlanded him and took the eighth. Scores 77-75 twice for Hovhannisyan and 77-75. The 6’7” Armenian should not have had to work so hard to beat the limited and fat Samoan-born New Zealander Mailata who was having his first fight for 21 months but in that last fight he only lost to unbeaten Antonio Mireles on a split decision.

Cedeno vs. Hernandez

Cedeno boxes his way to a one-sided points victory over Hernandez. Cedeno was by far the better boxer but Hernandez came to fight. Cedeno has quicker and was able to outscore Hernandez inside and out. He shook Hernandez in the third and a right sent Hernandez’s mouthguard out in the fourth. By sheer persistence Hernandez was competitive enough to deserve a share of a couple of rounds but did well to last the distance. Scores 79-73 twice and 78-74 for Cedeno. The tall Dominican was ca top level amateur but lost to Andy Cruz ana Devin Haney in major tournaments. Three losses inn a row for Hernandez against unbeaten boxers Lindolfo Delgado, Rihan Polanco and now Cedeno.

Thibeault vs. Spence

A new name to watch for in the ranks of female boxers as Canadian Thibeault wins every round of this three minute round fight 40-36. Thibeault competed without success at the 2020 Olympics but won gold medals at the World Championships, Pan American Games and Commonwealth Games. She is based in Sheffield and studying at University there.

 

DECEMBER 14

 

Tijuana, Mexico: Super Middle: Bruno Surace (26-0-2) W KO 6 Jaime Munguia (44-2). Super Bantam: Alan Picasso (31-0-1) W KO 3 Yeison Cuello (13-2-1). Welter: Carlos Garcia (19-0) W PTS 10 Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (20-4). Super Bantam: Sebastian Hernandez 18-0) W TKO 7 Sergio Sosa (14-5).

Surace vs. Munguia

Unbeaten Frenchman Surace pulls of a huge upset as he stops Munguia in the sixth round. Munguia was a prohibitive  favourite and there was nothing in the early action to indicate the light punching Surace was a danger. After landing some useful shots in the first Munguia dropped Surace with a left hook in the second and Surace went down and almost out under the bottom rope. Surace was up at nine and did not seem too badly shaken. Mungia dominate the action in the third with Surace having some success in the fourth but not enough to win the round. Munguia continued to dominate in the fifth. In the sixth he pinned Surace against the ropes but Surace turned off the ropes and landed a monstrous right to the head that sent Munguia down on his back. He struggled to his feet at eight but stumbled into the ropes and was in no condition to continue. Although he was unbeaten in his 27 fights with only four inside the distance wins and no top level opponents on his record Surace looked a safe opponent. His two wins in 2023 were at middleweight against low level opposition and he was not rated by any of the sanctioning bodies. Munguia had looked on the way to an eliminator against unbeaten Frenchman Christian Mbilli so perhaps an all-French fight would be an attraction. This is a huge blow for Munguia who had climbed off the floor to go the distance with Saul Alvarez in May but bounced back with a KO of 32-0-1 Erik Bazinyan. In this fight he took Surace too lightly and dropped his guard for that split second and paid the price. He has another rebulbing job on his hands but at 28 he has time to rebound.

Picasso vs. Cuello

Picasso remains unbeaten as he gets a third round win over very late replacement Cuello. Picasso had Cuello under pressure from the start banging home hard shots from both hands. Cuello had won 11 of his fights inside the distance but was no match for Picasso. In the third Picasso forced Cuello to the ropes and landed a left hook to the body. Cuello dropped to his knees and then stood up only to knee down again for the full count. Seventeenth win by KO/TKO for Picasso who is the mandatory challenger for Naoya Inoue’s WBC title. Colombian Cuello took the fight a one day’s notice after Ghanaian Isaac Sackey dropped out.

Garcia vs. Guzman

Former IBO champion Garcia scores a wide points victory over Kazak Abdukakhorov. Garcia was a good winner coming close to stopping Abdukakhorov in the third but lost a point for holding in the eighth. Garcia won on scores of 99-90 twice and 97-92 although the scores looked a little wide. Seventh win in a row for Garcia. Abdukakhorov went 18-0 when he first turned professional but is 2-4 against stiffer opposition.

Hernandez vs. Sosa

Hernandez gets another inside the distance win. With 16 wins by KO/TKO in his 17 fights big things were expected from Hernandez but his performance was flat.  He was expected to dispense with Argentinian Sosa in a couple of rounds but had to work to slowly break Sosa down. Hernandez had won every round going into the seventh which is when Sosa fell apart. A desperately tired Sosa lost his mouthguard at the start of the round and lost a point for holding. Hernandez was finally landing some punishing shots and Sosa’s corner threw in the towel. Hernandez reportedly injured his hand in the sixth but gets win No 17 by KO/TKO including 16 in his last 17 fights. Second inside the distance loss  for Sosa.

 

Monte Carlos, Monaco: Super Bantam: Murodjon Akhmadaliev (13-1) W TKO 3 Ricardo Espinoza (30-5,1ND ). Cruiser: Leonardo Mosquea (16-0) W PTS 12 Cheavon Clarke (10-1). Light: Maxi Hughes (28-7-2) W PTS 10 Gary Cully (18-2). Super Feathyer: Beatriz Ferreira (6-0) W PTS 10 Licia Boudersa (23-3-2). Heavy: Teremoana Jr (5-0) W TKO 1 Volodomyr Katsuk (5-2).

Akhmadaliev Vs. Espinoza

In a clinical and impressive showing Akhmadaliev stops Espinoza in three rounds. Espinoza made a quick start stabbing out his left jab in the first and firing straight rights. Akhmadaliev was more cautious circling Espinoza and skipping away from Espinoza’s punches but not throwing anything of his own. Espinoza continued to come forward behind his jab and landed a left to the body but Akhmadaliev began to land left hand counters over the last thirty seconds of the round. In the second Espinoza went on the attack again but Akhmadaliev was beginning to let his left hand go and landed a sharp combination to the head. Espinoza continued to come forward and landed a right that made Akhmadaliev stumble but he was again sliding away from Espinoza’s punches and looking for an opening for a counter. For the first time they stood and exchanged punches then Akhmadaliev went back to circling Espinoza and landed counters from both hands sending Espinoza lurching into the ropes. In the third Akhmadaliev was stepping inside and landing short hooks. He connected with a right and a left and then two more lefts as Espinoza tried to come forward. Two left hooks to the head hurt Espinoza a right hook shook him and then a straight left dropped him on his back. He only just beat the count and when the action resumed lunged forward taking the fight to Akhmadaliev but was being caught by single hard counters and a right to the head had him tumbling forward and down. He was up at nine and walked into a series of hard accurate counters until another left sent him down and the referee waived the fight over.  Akhmadaliev wins the vacant WBA interim title. He was hugely disappointing in losing his IBF and WBA titles on a split decision against Marlon Tapales in April last year but on this performance could be a match for anyone including Naoya Inoue. Mexican Espinoza suffers only his second inside the distance defeat having been stopped in the twelfth round by John Riel Casimero in a fight for the interim WBO bantam title in 2019.

Mosquea vs. Clarke

Frenchman Mosquea pulls off a surprise as he floors and outpoints previously undefeated Clarke. Mosquea made a great start dropping Clarke with a left hook in the first round. It was the first time Clake had been floored as a professional. He  beat the count and was scoring with body punches at the bell but it was a 10-8 round for Mosquea. Fired up by his success in the first Mosquea rocked Clarke again in the second. Clake settled in the third and began to score heavily with body punches but Mosquea was finding gaps and landing the more eye-catching shots. It was two-way action as the both fought hard knowing that a victory might open the way to a title shot in 2025. Clarke seemed to fade late but he  landed some good uppercuts in the tenth and tried  to rally in the eleventh but again Mosquea brought his left hook in to play shaking Clarke and just did enough to deserve the decision. Scores 116-112 and 115-112 for Mosquea and 117-113 for Clarke.

Hughes vs. Cully

Hughes whitewashes favourite Cully. Hughes comprehensively outboxed the 6’2” Cully. He was bobbing and weaving below Cully’s jabs and coming inside to score with hooks. Cully kept coming forward but Hughes was sliding away and then darting back in to score with combinations from both hands. He was much the busier fighter with Cully unable to find the target and too often swishing the air as Hughes glided away. Cully weas cut over his right eye early and Hughes had him rocking with a series of punces in the sixth and the eighth with Cully losing his mouthguard. Cully chased and chased in vain as Hughes easily stepped away from Cully’s punches constantly changing direction then getting past Cully’s guard to land hooks inside as he dominated every round. Scores 100-90 for Hughes on the three cards. Former IBO champion Hughes  lost his title on a majority decision against George Kambosos in July last year and lost on a fourth round retirement against William Zepeda in March but has fought his way back into the picture with this win. Cully had been stopped in three rounds by Jose Felix but had reestablished himself with wins over Reece Mould and Francesco Patera.

Ferreira vs. Boudersa

Brazilian Ferreira retains the IBF title with a wide unanimous decision over France’s Boudersa. The little Brazilian never gave Boudersa any chance to make use of her longer reach as she piled forward in every round switching guards and firing bunches of punches. Boudersa was almost overwhelmed at times as she could not keep Ferreria out and had to resort to clinching to stem the flow of Ferreira’s attacks but was unable to do much more than survive as Ferreira won every round. All three judges saw 100-90 for Ferreira who weas making the first defence of the IBF title. Ferreira had won gold medals at the Pan American Gamers and World Championships in 2019 a silver medal at the 2020 Olympics and Silver at the 2022 World Championships. Boudersa, a former WBF and IBO champion, could not bring her much greater experience in the professional ranks to bear and was well beaten.

Teremoana vs. Katsuk

Teremoana hurt Katsuk with a right early in the first and then forced him to the ropes under a hail of punches including one with Katsuk having a knee on the canvas. Katsuk got up then went down under more shots from Teremoana. He was up immediately but when the fight restarted went down again and the fight was stopped.

 

Liverpool, England: Welter: Natasha Jonas (16-2-1) W PTS 10 Ivana Habazin (23-6). Welter: Lauren Price (8-0) W TKO 3 Bexcy Mateus (7-1). Super Welter: Lee Cutler (15-1) W PTS 10 Stephen McKenna (15-1). Super Middle: Mark Jeffers (19-0) W TKO 3 Joseph Quartey (10-1). Cruiser: Viddal Riley (12-0) W TKO 2 Dan Garber (7-4).

Jonas vs. Habazin

Liverpool southpaw Jonas wins her fifth title as she retains her IBF title and wins the WBC title from Habazin. Jonas outfought Habazin going forward and on the back foot. She had quicker hands and more variety in her work switching her attacks easily from head to body. When Habazin stormed forward in the third Jonas caught her with counter hooks. Habazin stupidly tried to alter her guard in the middle of an exchange in the fourth and a right cross from Jonas had her staggering back  badly shaken. Jonas piled on the pressure but Habazin made it through the round. Habazin had a little more success in the fifth and sixth but when she tried to take over in the seventh Jonas boxed on the back foot landing hooks and uppercuts to retake control. As both fighters tired Habazin fought hard but the more controlled and accurate work came from Jonas as she closed out the fight. Scores 100-90, 99-91 and 99-92 for Jonas. Habazin was making then first defence of the WBC belt.

Price vs. Mateus

Welsh southpaw Price dismisses overmatched Colombian Mateus in three rounds. As a sign of things to come Price floored Mateus late in the first. Price landed heavily in the second sending Mateus down again with a left and after a knockdown in the third the referee stopped the fight. The former World Championships and Olympic gold medallist now has her sights set on fight with Jonas. Mateus lacked the experience or the power to be any sort of test for Price.

Cutler vs. McKenna

Cutler wins the WBC International Silver title with a majority decision over McKenna. Both Fighters were looking to stand ad trade from the start and the fists flew. A left hook and a chopping right put McKenna down but he bounced up immediately and they went back to war. The fight continued at a fast pace. McKenna did not use his langer reach but stood in front of Cutler trading punches and he rocked Cutler with a right and had him stumbling under a barrage of punches. McKenna continued to pump out punches with Cutler driving inside firing hooks. McKenna looked to have clawed back the points from the 10-8 first round but late in the seventh a right unhinged McKenna’s legs and he dropped to the canvas on his hands and knees. The brutal exchanges continued in the ninth and tenth with both tired but still throwing punches at the end of an exciting contest. Cutler won on scores of 96-92 and 95-93 and 94-94. The two knockdowns proved the decider as McKenna loses his title in his first defence. Ninth win in a row for Cutler.

Jeffers vs. Quarter

Jeffers blows away substitute Quartey in three rounds. Jeffers took charge in the first and handed out steady punishment mover the second and third. He ended to job inn then third flooring Quartey with a right and although the Ghanaian beat the count a body dropped him again and the fight was stopped. Sixth victory by KO/TKO for Jeffers. Back in Ghana Quartey had won 9 of his fights by KO/TKO but Jeffers was in a different class.

Riley vs. Garber

Riley quickly had the big southpaw Garber on the retreat driving him to the ropes in the first and scoring with shots to head and body. It looked as though Riley might end it in the first as he landed a series of head shots that had Garber reeling along the ropes until the bell saved him. Riley continued his attacks in the second and late in the round with Riley unloading punches and Garber just covering up the referee halted the fight. Seven inside the distance wins for English champion Riley. The 6’5” Garber was a late replacement and now has three losses by KO/TKO.

 

Ontario, CA, USA: Welter: Alexis Rocha (25-2-1) DREW 12 Raul Curiel (15-1). Super Welter: Charles Conwell (21-0) W KO 7 Gerardo Vergara (20-1). Super Fly: Marlen Esparza (15-2) W PTS 10 Arely Mucino (32-452). Super Fly: John Ramirez (14-1) W PTS 10 Ephraim Bui (10-1). Super Feathyer: Victor Morales (20-0-1) W RTD 7 Jose Guardado (16-3-1).

Rocha vs. Curiel

Rocha and Curiel fight to a majority draw. Southpaw Rocha was quickest into his stride and was jabbing strongly. Curiel was down in the first but it was ruled a slip. Rocha boxed well again in the second until Curiel landed a couple of combinations that had Rocha hurt. Rocha was back in charge in the third and fourth and he seemed to have Curiel’s measure picking up the points with his accurate jabbing as Curiel tried to forge forward. Curiel seemed to have no answer to Roicha’s jab and Rocha had looked comfortable and built a lead. From the seventh Rocha stood and traded more effectively letting Curiel into the fight. Curiel began to eat into Rocha’s lead as he scored inside with right uppercuts. Curiel did not need to exert pressure as Rocha was bringing the fight to him and it developed into a close-quarters brawl where Curiel had the edge. He had a big tenth scoring with a series of clubbing shots and the eleventh was close but Rocha looked have just outscored Curiel in the last. Scores 114-114 twice and 116-112 for Rocha. The draw allows Rocha to retain the NABO title and Curiel to retain the NABF title. Rocha sits at No 2 with the WBO so is still in line for a title shot next year.

Conwell vs. Vergara

Conwell stops Vergara in seven. Conwell spent a round sizing Vergara up and then went to work. His hand speed and movement were too much for the limited Argentinian. By the third Conwell was scoring with left hooks to the body and stiff shots to the head. Vergara was trying to fight back in the fourth but was slowly being beaten down. Vergara put in a big effort in the fifth firing punches in close but by the end of the round was on the retreat as Conwell landed clubbing shots to head and body.  A gutsy Vergara soaked up more punishment in the sixth then went toe-to-toe with Conwell in the seventh until a left hook staggered him. Conwell exploded connected with eighth consecutive left hooks until the referee came in to stop the fight. The WBO No 3 has sixteen wins by KO/TKO and should land a title fight in 2025. He beat Edgar Berlanga in the amateurs and won the US Trials for the 2016 Olympics but did not medal. Former Argentinian champion Vergara gave it a try but lacked the power to compete.

Esparza vs. Mucino

Texan Esparza takes a wide unanimous decision over Mucino. Over the first two rounds Mucino hustled Esparza out of her stride with two-handed attacks. From the third Esparza used a strong jab to block Mucino’s attacks and banged home body shots. Esparza eventually began to take the fight to Mucino and from there Mucino found herself being forced back and despite a late rally she was outscored over the closing round as Esparza won on scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93. Esparza, a former WBA/WBC/WBO flyweight champion, lost her title in April when she failed to make weight for a title defence against Gabriela Alaniz. Mucino was coming off a loss against Gabriela Fundora in October.

Ramire vs. Bui

Ramirez rebounds from the disappointment of a loss to David Jimenez for the WBA interim title in April with a unanimous decision over Bui. In the early rounds it was southpaw Bui taking the fight to Ramirez. From the third the smaller Ramiez using smart footwork and some shifty movement to get inside and from there he controlled the fight. Ramirez’s jabs soon raised a lump under Bui’s right eye and Ramirez dominated the action going on to win on scores of 97-93 on all three cards. Ramirez will be looking to work his way towards another title shot. This was Bui’s first ten round fight and he came up short.

Morales vs. Guardado

Morales gets an injury win over Guardado. Morales maintained a high pace throughout the fight. In the second a punch opened a cut and started a swelling over Guardado’s right eye. Morales bossed most of the action but was badly shaken by a left hook and had to hold. Guardado’s injury continued to worsen and the fight was stopped in the sixth as his vision was being affected. Morales scored a big win last year with a second round kayo of Diego De La Hoya. Guardado had been stopped in seven rounds by Robson Conceicao in April was had scored a win in August.

 

 DECEMBER 11

 

Fortitude Valley, Australia: Heavy: Justis Huni (11-0) W TKO 2 Leonardo Robutti (11-7). Light Heavy: Conor Wallace (15-1) W TKO 8 Asemahle Wellem (7-1-1).

Huni vs. Robutti

Huni much too good for Argentinian Robutti. The visitor had some mild success in the first but Huni swept him aside in the second. Three quick-fire shots early in the second from Huni burst open Robutti, nose and sent a dazed Robutti down on one knee and he was finished. The 25-year-old 6’4” Australian could break through in a big way in 2025. Sixth inside the distance loss for Robutti.

Wallace vs. Wellem

Newry-born southpaw Wallace wins the vacant WBA Oceania title with stoppage of South African Wellem. It was a messy fight but Wallace dropped Wellem in the fourth and twice more in the eighth to force the finish. Wallace beat Jerome Pampellone in an eliminator for the IBF No 2 position so he will be hoping to get a title shot next year.

 

Plant City, FL, USA: Light: Jonhatan Cardoso (18-1) W PTS 10 Eduardo Ramirez (28-5-3). Feathyer: Luis Nunez (20-0) W PTS 10 Leonardo Baez (21-6,1ND). Bantam: Katsuma Akitsugi (12-0) W KO 6 Aston Palicte (28-7-1).

Cardoso vs. Ramirez

Brazilian Cardoso gets his fourth win in a row at his adopted home of Plant City. Cardoso made a good start using his height and longer reach to blunt Ramirez’s attacks. Ramirez got into the fight from the third as he scored well to the body. After a close fourth Ramírez landed some hard southpaw lefts in the fifth to keep the fight close. Cardoso was in charge in the sixth and seventh applying plenty of pressure and he took the rounds despite a strong finish from Ramirez in both. Despite sporting a bad cut over his right eye Ramiez seemed to have more left and edged the eighth and ninth to put the fight in the balance but Cardoso dredged up the energy for a good tenth to earn the decision. Scores 96-94 twice and 97-93 for Cardoso. His loss came in a shock first round stoppage by Juan Huertas in Panama in 2022 but his four wins in Plant City have restored his standing. Mexican Ramirez lost on points against Lee Selby in a challenge for the IBF featherweight title in 2017. He has scored some useful wins but lost to Isaac Cruz and Mark Magsayo.

Nunez vs. Baez

Dominican Nunez was too good for experienced Mexican Baez. Both had some rust to shed as Nunez was having his first fight since beating 20-0-1 Christian Olivo in April 2023 and Baez since losing to Rey Vargas in November 2011. The slicker skills of Nunez allowed him to control the action at distance but Baez aggression forced Nunez to fight hard behind a solid defence. Baez had occasional success as he strode forward throwing overhand shots. Over the second half of the fight pressure from Nunez made it hard for Baez to launch any meaningful offence and Nunez boxed his way to a comfortable win on scores of 98-92 twice and 99-91. Nunez, 25, showed impressive skills and hopefully will be more active. Baez was strong but limited.

Akitsugi vs. Palicte

Japanese-born southpaw Akitsugi stops Filipino Palicte in six.  Akitsugi was just too quick and brought too much pressure for Palicte. He rattled Palicte with a series of shots in the second. Palicte tried to get on the front foot but the hand speed and accuracy of Akatsuki’s shots continually stopped Palicte in his tracks. Good defensive from Akitsugi frustrated Palicte but the Filipino applied plenty of pressure as  the fight turned into a brawl in the fourth. Palicte looked drained in the fifth as Akitsugi drove him back with jabs and straight lefts and it was an exhausted Palicte who trudged back to his corner. Palicte launched an attack at the start of the sixth but Akitsugi forced him to the ropes and Palicte took a knee and stayed there for the ten count. Third win in a row against useful opposition for Akitsugi who, determined to be a boxer, moved to the USA eight years ago although speaking no English but looking to fight as a professional. Palicte, 33, fought for the vacant WBO super flyweight title in 2019 losing to Kazuto Ioka but this is his third inside the dance loss in a row.

 

DECEMBER 12

 

Toronto, Canada: Super Welter: Uisma Lima (13-1) W PTS 12 Sukhdeep Singh Bhatti (19-1). Light Fly: Sara Bailey (5-0) W PTS 10 Anabel Ortiz (34-7). Super Light: Bradley Wilcox (13-0) W PTS 8 Fernando  Pinto (10-4-1).

Lima vs. Singh Bhatti

Angolan Lima takes on Singh Bhatti in the Canadian-based Indian’s adopted home and comes away with the vacant IBO title. After a close first round Lima had no trouble getting past the longer reach of Singh Bhatti and Singh Bhatti helped Lima’s cause by often choosing to take the fight inside where Lima was boss. Lima was scoring well with his southpaw lefts and outworking Singh Bhatti. The local fighter got into the fight in the fifth and sixth with a tighter guard and good counters but Lima was in control again in the seventh and eighth. Singh Bhatti had success when he shook Lima with a right in the ninth but that was as good as it gets for Singh Bhatti and Lima swept the closing rounds to be a big winner. Scores 118-110 twice and 119-109 for Lima. He had lost on points against unbeaten Aaron McKenna in London in June last year but was coming off a stoppage win over 18-0 Haro Matevosyan in April. Big disappointment for Singh Bhatti so it is back to the drawing board.

Bailey vs. Ortiz

Bailey outpoints Mexican Ortiz in WBA title defence. Canadian Bailey was 4” taller than the 5’0” Ortiz but Ortiz had a huge edge in experience. Bailey took the opening round but Ortiz applied plenty of pressure and evened things with a good second. Bailey was outworking Ortiz but the rounds were close. Bailey Used her longer reach and good rights to build a leads and looked well in front going into the second half of the fight. Ortiz then to get past Bailey’s jab and upped her work rate. She began to eat into Bailey’s lead and it was a close thing until Bailey shook Ortiz with a right in the ninth and did enough to edge the tenth. Scores 96-94 twice and 97-93 for Bailey who was making the first deface of the title. Despite her short professional career Sara Bailey( Haghighat-Joo) described as Canadian-Iranian-Sierra Leonean was a 3-time Canadian champion and also won two Irish amateur titles. She failed to make weight for her bout at the Commonwealth Games in 2020 but in September 2022 became the first Sierra Leonean to win a gold medal at the African Elite Boxing Championships. When she won the WBA title in her fourth fight she set a record for a Canadian winning a world boxing title in the least number of fights. Ortiz was WBA minimum champion and defended the title thirteen times.

Wilcox vs. Pinto

Wilcox continues his 100% success as he floors and decisions Brazilian Pinto. Scores 80-71 on the judge’s cards.

 

Tokyo, Japan: Super Bantam: Kazuki Nakajima (17-2-1) W TKO 2 Juiki Tatsuyoshi (16-1-1).

Nakajima held onto his OPBF title with a spectacular kayo of Tatsuyoshi. Nakajima took the opening round but with Tatsuyoshi competitive. Late in the second a devastating southpaw straight left sent Tatsuyoshi crashing to the floor with his head bouncing off the canvas and the fight was stopped immediately. Nakajima was defending the tile for the second time and makes it 14 wins by KO/TKO.

 

Flint, Michigan, USA: Super Welter: Ardreal Holmes Jr (17-0) W PTS 10 Edwine Humaine Jr (9-1). Middle: Joseph Spencer (19-1) W PTS 10 Miguel Hernandez (9-0).

Holmes vs. Humaine

Holmes continues his winning ways as he boxes his way to victory over an aggressive but limited Humaine. The 6’2” Holmes used his seven inch height advantage and longer reach to feed Humaine a stream of accurate right jabs to establish control from the start. Humaine found it hard to get past Holmes jab and was too often forced to just drive forward into counters. He also had difficulty with the clever footwork of the local fighter but just kept coming and had enough success in trapping Holmes against the ropes to win a couple of rounds but by the end he was an exhausted and frustrated fighter as Holmes eased his way to the win on scores of 97-93 on all three cards. Holmes was US National champion and runner-up at the US Olympic Trials for the 2016 Olympics but he needs to add some power for the pros. Haitian Humaine had never gone past eight rounds before and he was not in the same class as Holmes.

Spencer vs. Hernandez

Spencer wins a majority decision in a skill vs. pressure clash. Spencer got off to a good start jabbing well and keeping Hernandez at distance. Hernandez wound up the pressure over the second and third but Spencer showed smarts in  creating some punching room and countering well over the fourth and fifth. Hernandez upped his output over the middle rounds and Spencer looked to be tiring but Hernandez was going ten rounds for the first-time and he tired late. Spencer boxed cleverly over the ninth and tenth to emerge a good winner. Scores 98-92 and 97-93 for Spencer and 95-95. Third win for Spencer since suffering a seventh round stoppage loss against unbeaten Jesus Ramos last year. Texan Hernandez gave Spencer plenty of pressure and will improve with experience.

 

DECEMBER 13

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Light: Maria Ferreyra (11-0-1) W PTS 10 Lizbeth Crespo (15-9).Super Middle: Pablo Corzo (22-0) W TKO 4 Joseph Yanez (11-3). Welter: Jeremias Ponce (33-1) W TKO 3 Guido Marquez (7-4-1). Welter: Baltazar Noria (12-0) W TKO 1 Jose Balcedo (12-6-1).

Ferreyra vs. Crespo

Argentinian Ferreyra outboxes Bolivian Crespo in a South American title defence. Ferreyra attacked hard from the start forcing Crespo on to the back foot and firing plenty of combination. Crespo continued to fight on the retreat and although she moved well and defended well Ferreyra was too busy and too accurate and won on scores of 99-90, 98-91 and 97-92. A successful first defence of the title for Ferreyra. Third consecutive loss for Crespo.

Corzo vs. Yanez

Corzo retains the Fedelatin title with win over Venezuelan Yanez. After three one-sided rounds Yanez’ team pulled their man out of the fight in the fourth. That makes it 18 wins by KO/TKO for Corzo and eleven defences of the WBA belt. Yanez had won his last four bouts but was outclassed by Corzo who needs better opposition,

Ponce vs. Marquez

Just really some paid sparring for Ponce. He eased his way through the first two rounds and then floored Marquez heavily with a fierce right to the head at the end of the third. Marquez made it to his feet but the referee stopped the fight. Third low level win for Ponce since losing to Subriel Matias for the vacant IBF super lightweight title in February 2023. Marquez now 1-4-1 in his last six outings.

Noria vs. Balcedo

Noria moves forward as he is promoted to eight rounds and finishes Balcedo early. Noria stalked Balcedo before landing a right to the temple that floored Balcedo to force the stoppage. The 22-year-old from Catamarca now has 9 wins by KO/TKO including six in the first round. All six of Balcedo’s losses have come inside the distance.

 

Santya Ynez, CA, USA: Middle: Sadriddin Akhmedov (15-0) W TKO 6 Raphael Igbokwe (17-6). Super Light: Carlos Balderas (14-2) W Cesar Villarraga (11-10-1).

Akhmedov vs. Igbokwe

Akhmedov moves to 15 wins with a seventh round stoppage of Igbokwe. Akhmedov was in charge from the first with his superior fire power. Akhmedov took his time gradually breaking Igbokwe down. The Texas southpaw showed some good skills but lacked the power to hold off the Kazak bomber. Things hotted up in the fifth and they continued to exchange punches after the bell. Akhmedov broke through big time in the sixth driving Igbokwe around the ring bombarding him with punches and with Igbokwe stumbling and taking heavy punishment the referee stopped the fight. A good return to activity for Akhmedov who was inactive in 2023 and had just one fight this year. Fourth defeat in his last five fights for Igbokwe.

Balderas vs. Villarraga

Balderas halts Villarraga in the sixth. Balderas was having his first for 16 months and Villarraga was competitive over the early rounds as Balderas shed rust and got into his stride. Balderas was in control from the fourth rocking Villarraga with a heavy combination. They traded through the fifth but a right from Balderas put Villarraga down in the sixth and although Villarraga made it to his feet another right from Balderas was enough to convince the referee to stop the fight. First fight for former Olympian Balderas since losing on points against Nahir Albright in July last year. Colombian Villarraga, an Olympian at the 2012 Games, is 1-6 in his last 7 fights.

 

London, England: Middle: George Liddard (10-0) W TKO 1 Omar Ilunga (29-3-1).

Ilunga looked a tough test for Liddard in his first ten round bout but Liddard took just 92 seconds to dispose of Ilunga scoring three knockdowns before the referee called the fight over. Six wins by KO/TKO for Liddard. Ilunga, 40, has been very conservatively matched but this is his first loss by KO/TKO.

 

Houston, TX, USA: Middle: Marquis Taylor (18-1-2,1ND) W PTS 10  Ivan Pandzic (15-3-1). Super Light: Breyon Gorham (18-0) W TKO 3 Alan Ayala (11-5). Super Light: Giovanni Marquez (12-0) W PTS 8 Cristian Dominguez (13-7,1ND).

Taylor vs. Pandzic

Taylor extends his unbeaten run to 18 fights but has to climb off the canvas for his win. Taylor outscored Pandzic over the first two rounds but was floored by a right in the second. It was the  first time Taylor had been floored but he recovered quickly and took the fight to Pandzic. He was putting the 6’3” Pandzic under pressure getting his punches off first and outfighting Pandzic on the inside. After that success in the third Pandzic was never really in the fight as Taylor swept round after round to win on scores of 98-91 from all three judges. Taylor was fighting for the first time with Shawn Porter as his trainer. Pandzic was out for two years after losing to Quinton Randall before returning with a win in September.

Gorham vs. Ayala

Houston resident Gorham marches on as he knocks out Ayala in the third. Gorham was giving away a bit of height and reach but had quicker hands and rocked Ayala few times with left hooks. Ayala fought back in the second coming forward throwing punches but Gorham easily slid away from Ayala’s punches and rattled Ayala with hooks and added some powerful overhand lefts. Gorham finished it in style in the third. As Ayala moved in Gorham met him with a perfectly timed left uppercut which dropped Avaya in a heap and the referee just waived the fight over without a count. Gorham, 25, gets his fifteenth inside the distance victory. Ayala had neither the skill or the power to test Gorham.

Marquez vs. Dominguez

Young Texan Marquez posts another win as he outpoints Dominguez. Marquez was streets ahead of Doiminguez in skill and also had height and reach on his side. He is not a heavy puncher and Dominguez has not lost inside the distance so this one lasted the full eighth rounds with Marquez winning on scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73. The 23-year-old Marquez was US National Golden Gloves champion in 2021 and is the son of former IBF super welterweight champion Raul Marquez. Dominguez is 2-5, 1ND in his last 8 fights.

 

Sydney Australia: Middle: Brock Jarvis (22-1) W TKO 4 Adrian Rodriguez (13-11-2). Bantam: Shannon O’Connell (25-8-2) W PTS 8 Jasmine Parr (6-1).

Jarvis vs. Rodriguez

Jarvis was on fire from the first bell driving Rodriguea to the ropes and unloading left hooks to the body before rocking Rodriguez with a right. Jarvis punished Rodriguez with stiff jabs in the second and hooks and uppercuts in the third. A left to the body in the fourth had Rodriguez stepping back and going down on one knee with the fight being stopped. First fight for Jarvis since March 2023. He started out at super flyweight but at 5’9” he was always going to grow through the weight divisions. His loss was a first round stoppage against Liam Paro in 2022. Seven defeats in a row for Rodriguez

O’Connell vs. Parr

Former Commonwealth and Australian champion O’Connell outscored Parr. It was a split decision with the three judges all turning very different scores of 80-72 and 78-74 for O’Connell and 77-75 for Parr

 

DECEMBER 14

 

Nassau, Bahamas: Super Middle: Kevin Lele Sadjo (24-0) W TKO 4 Diego Chaves (30-11-1). Heavy: Anthony Martinez (20-2) W KO 2 Brayan Santander (12-3). Super Feather: Can Xu (20-4) W TKO 9 Jhonatan Arenas (20-2). Heavy: Julio Cesar La Cruz (3-0) W TKO 7 Jeison Troncoso (13-2). Super Welter: Carl Hield (9-0) W TKO 8 Edwin Gamboa (13-11-2).

Sadjo vs. Chaves

In a goods weekend for French super middleweights Sadjo stops Chaves in the fourth. Sadjo was too strong for a very faded Chaves. He trapped Chaves in a corner in the fourth and unloaded punches until Chaves went down on one knee. Chaves made it to his feet but went down again and the towel came in as the referee was counting. Twenty wins by KO/TKO for the European and interim WBC Silver champion.

Martinez vs. Santander

Easy night for the 6’5” Martinez as he knocks out Santander in the second round to win the vacant IBO IberoAmerican title. Fifth inside the distance victory in a row for Martinez. Santander was just too small to be a problem and had been knocked out in 100 seconds by Tommy Welch in May.

Xu vs. Arenas

Xu returns to the ring for the first time after twelve months out. Xu, a former holder of the  secondary WBA featherweight title, had lost back-to-back fights against Leigh Wood and Brandon Benitez but gets his second win in a row as he stops Panamanian Arenas in the ninth round. Good win as Arenas had lost only one of his last 21 fights.

La Cruz vs. Troncoso

Cuban legend La Cruz makes another rare appearance in a professional fight and stops overmatched Colombian Troncoso in the seventh round. Now 35 La Cruz was having his first professional fight since August 2022. The Cuban was Olympic Champion in 2016 and world champion four times.

Hield vs. Gamboa

Local Heild gets his ninth inside the distance victory as he sends Panamanian Gamoa down and out with a right in the ninth. Heild retains the WBA Fedecaribe belt.

 

Karlsruhe, Germany: Heavy: Granit Shala (17-1) W PTS 12 Daniel Dietz (13-1). Minimum: Sarah Bormann (19-1) W PTS 10 Jennifer Meza (9-4).

Shala vs. Dietz

Shala wins the vacant IBF International belt and retains the IBO Inter-Continental title with a split decision over Dietz. The 6’8 ½ ” Dietz rarely made use of his right hand which had brought him 12 wins by KO/TKO. Shala had trouble with Dietz longer reach but he was quicker and was effective with combinations and counters against the generally static Dietz. A right shook Shala in the sixth but he recovered and outworked Dietz until they both tired badly over the last two rounds but Shala looked to have done just enough to win. Scores 117-111 and 115-113 for Shala and 116-112 for Dietz. Shala had lost on a second round kayo against Oleksandr Zakhozhyi for the European title in April. Dietz had won ten of his fights in the first round.

Bormann vs. Meza

Bormann wins the WBO title with unanimous decision over Argentinian Meza. Bormann, much the bigger fighter, was able to use her height to outbox Meza and won the unanimous decision. Meza kept trying to take the fight inside and forced Bormann to fight at a faster pace then the German was comfortable. However Meza lacked any power and Bormann built a big lead before Meza closed the fight strongly. Scores 100-90. 99-91 and 97-93. Bormann had held the interim IBF and WBC minimumweight titles in the past with her loss coming on a split decision against Yesica Nery Plata in a challenge for the WBC and WBA light flyweight titles in December. Meza had won her last five fights.

 

Locarno, Switzerland: Super Middle: Ivan Zucco (21-0) W TKO 2 Kasim Gashi (21-5).

Italian southpaw Zucco disposed of Gashi in two rounds. Zucco dropped Gashi in the first and twice more in the second to end the fight. The former undefeated Italian and WBC International title holder has 18 inside the distance finishes against modest level opposition. Gashi had been stopped in two rounds by Denis Radovan on November 9.

 

Long Beach, CA, USA: Middle: Fernando Vargas (16-0) W TEC Dec 4 Jesus Gonzalez (7-3-1). Light: Mark Magsayo (27-2) W KO 2 Bryan Mercado (11-7-1). Super Feather: Nathan Rodriguez (17-0) W KO 3 David Reyes (25-10-2). Middle: Gonzalo Coria (23-7) W KO 7 Raul Lizarraga (14-0).

Vargas vs. Gonzalez

Gonzalez tried to put Vargas under pressure in the first but Vargas was countering with hurtful lefts to the body and shook Gonzalez with a combination. A right to the head in the second saw Gonzalez dip at the knees but he stayed up. A clash of heads opened a gash on the forehead of Vargas and he blasted punches at Gonzalez trying to get a stoppage but Gonzalez survived and the fight was halted at the end of the fourth and went to the cards with Vargas winning 40-36 from the judges. Vargas is the son of Fernando Snr the former IBF light middleweight champion. Gonzalez was a late substitute.

Magsayo vs. Mercado

Magsayo too experienced and hits too hard for Mercado. A left to the body sent Mercado down just before the bell to end the first round. Mercado made to his feet but when the action resumed went down again from a light cuff to the head and when he got up the bell rang. Two lefts to the body sent Mercado to his knees in the second and although he beat the count he again dropped quickly from a light punch and the referee stopped the fight. Too easy for former WBC featherweight title challenger Magsayo who had an impressive win over Eduardo Ramirez in June.  Mercado was pitiful

Rodriguez vs. Reyes

Unbeaten Rodriguez scored his fourth win of the year with a seventh round stoppage of Reyes. Eleventh inside the distance win for Rodriguez. Only one win in his last seven contests for Reyes.

Coria vs. Lizarraga

Coria wins this clash of southpaws. Lizarraga was in front on all three cards going into the seventh but suffered a heavy knockdown early in the round with the fight being stopped immediately. Argentinian Coria was knocked out in three round by Jaime Munguia in November 2022 and was 1-1 in his two fights this year. Lizarraga had won 13 of his 14 fights by KO/TKO.

 

Fight of the week: (Significance): Bruno Surace’s win over Munguia will really shake up the super middleweight division

Fight of the week: (Entertainment): Lee Cutler vs Tyrone McKenna was fiercely contested over the full ten rounds with honourable mention to  Antonio Vargas vs. Winston Guerrero

Fighter of the week: Bruno Surace for his shock victory over Jaime Munguia

Punch of the week: It has to be the right from Surace that sent Munguia crashing to the canvas.

Upset of the week: Bruno Surace’s win over Munguia

Prospect watch: Cuban heavyweight Dainier Pero 10-0 looks a threat

 

Observations

Suddenly France is a hot spot for super middleweights. There is Bruno Surace 26-0-2, Kevin Lele Sadjo 24-0 and, although based in Canada, 28-0 Christian Mbilli.