Behind the Results - Worldwide Boxing Roundup

March 19

Horn vs. Cesaire Horn erases the technical draw on his record with stoppage of Cameroon Cesaire. Horn again showed his power by flooring Cesaire with straight left in the first round. The Cameroon fighter was shaken but not badly hurt. Horn continued to dominate the fight varying his attacks by switch hitting and working the angles. Cesaire is very useful fighter and was able to capitalise on any carelessness by the Australian champion to keep the fight competitive and both fighters showed excellent skills. Eventually Cesaire began to wilt. Horn floored Cesaire again in the ninth and the Cameroon fighter looked to have dislocated his shoulder just before or as he went down. He could not continue so Horn was declared the winner. “The Hornet”, 26, wins the vacant WBO Orient title and makes it 6 wins by KO/TKO. Theses two had fought a technical draw in August when Cesaire suffered a cut in a clash of heads in the third round. Schoolteacher Horn, a top prospect managed by Barry Michael, was Australian champion as an amateur and a quarter finalist at the 2012 Olympics losing to eventual silver medallist Denis Berinchik. Cesaire, 29, is an improving fighter. After going 3-3 in his first six fights he won his next 8. He had former IBO champion and IBF title challenger Lenny Zappavigna down in their fight in October and lost a very controversial decision by just one point on all three cards.

Tupou vs. Guivas Tupou easily handles Guivas. After winning the first two rounds the huge Tupou (123kg approx 270lbs) floored the American in the third. Tupou was picking up warnings for low blows but that did not deter him from flooring Guivas with a shot to the body in the fifth. Guivas got up and another body punch from Tupou was low and the referee deducted a point from the Tongan. Guivas was floored again in the sixth and when he got up was rocked again by a combination from Tupou and the fight was stopped. The 31-year-old Tongan, the ANBF No 4, had been sparring with Alex Leapai in preparation for this fight. He goes to 17 wins by KO/TKO. His campaign in America ended with consecutive losses to Malik Scott and Bryant Jennings and he was then inactive for a year before returning in December with a win. The 35-year-old Guivas, who hails from Kansas, lost inside the distance for the first time but is strictly a prelim fighter.

Hooper vs. Um This looked easy on papers for Olympian Hooper and he bossed the first two rounds with an early finish looking a possibility. However, southpaw Um was made of sterner stuff and fought back in the third landing a shot that knocked out Hooper’s mouthpiece and shook the Aussie prospect. That seemed to draw Hooper into a brawl and instead of working his opening he was just trading shots with Um. Hooper was scoring heavily but Um showed a tough chin and opened cuts over both of Hooper’s eyes. Hooper won clearly on scores of 59-55 twice and 60-54 but he knew he had been in a fight. The 22-year-old “Super” Hooper a World Youth champion competed for Australia at the 2009 and 2011 World Championships and the 2012 Olympics. At the 2010 Commonwealth games he lost to Golden Boy’s prospect Anthony Ogogo only on count back and is now part of Ricky Hatton’s team. The 27-year-old South Korean showed enough to get him more fights out East.

- Local Mullings kicks-off the Wray & Nephew 2014 Contender tournament with kayo of over-matched Lake. After Lake came out aggressively in the first round the 31-year-old Mullings, the CBC Zonal middleweight and WBC Cabofe welterweight champion, started to motor in the second hurting Lake with a strong jab. Lake showed some fire and got home with a right hook of his own. Mullings was more aggressive in the third but was having trouble finding his range. That changed in the fourth with Mullings working his jab well and shaking Lake with a right hook. Near the end of the round Lake started a jab, but whilst it was still on its way Mullings landed a right hook that put Lake down. He tried to make back to the vertical but failed and was counted out. Mullings has won his last 9 fights including a victory over former WBA middle title challenger Howard Eastman. This was a poor match to start the tournament as Guyana’s Lake is really only a lightweight and had lost his last five fights. The tournament will feature Caribbean boxers including those from Guyana, Trinidad and Barbados with the winner getting JMD 2,000,000 (approx $18,500) 2nd JMD 500,000 (approx US 4,500), 3rd JMD 250,000 (approx $2,250) and the 4th JMD 200,000 (approx £1,800). Very good money for local fighters.

Local fighter “Flash” Basadre floors Alcos three times to collect the vacant WBFed International title. The 21-year-old GAB No 11 has 8 wins by KO/TKO with his only loss being to former WBC super fly champion Suriyan in September. “Makoto Kid” Alcos is 2-6 in his last 8 fights

Super Middle: Rachid Jkitou (22-0) W KO 2 Zdenek Zubko (3-34-2). Welter: Ahmed El Mousaoui (19-1-1) W PTS 6 Santos Medrano (10-32-3). Bantam: Nordine Oubaali (1-0) W PTS 4 Sergey Tasimov (10-47-3)

Jkitou vs. Zubko Former undefeated French champion Jkitou returns after 13 months of inactivity with kayo of poor Zubko. Now 15 wins by KO/TKO for the 28-year-old who has a win over new European champion Chris Rebrasse. Slovakian Zubko has one draw and 25 losses in his last 26 fights with 19 of those losses by KO/TKO.

El Mousaoui vs. Medrano French champion “Prince” El Mousaoui eases his way to a stay busy points win over Medrano. Only 5 wins by KO/TKO for the 23-year-old EBU No 16. Moroccan El Mousaoui was French Junior champion in 2005/6/7 and 8. Spanish-based Nicaraguan Medrano has just one win in his last 23 fights but usually goes the distance.

Oubaali vs. Tasimov French southpaw Oubaali turns pro. Generally a comfortable win for the former star member of the French amateur team although the Estonian did shake Oubaali briefly in the third. Tasimov, 39, has 19 losses and a draw in his last 20 fights. The 27-year-old Oubaali of Moroccan ancestry is one to watch. He won gold medals at a number of international tournaments, was French amateur champion in 2006/7/8/9/10, a European Junior bronze medal winner and competed at the 2007 World Championships where he won a bronze medal and also represented France at the 2009 and 2011 World Championships and the 2008 Olympics (where he tied on points but lost on count back to eventual gold medallist Zou Shiming) and 2012 Olympics where he beat Rau’Shee Warren but lost to Michael Conlon in the quarter-finals. He could be a real force in Europe.

March 21

Reveco vs. Vides Reveco easily brushes aside poor challenger Vides. Despite giving away 11” Reveco was able to penetrate the guard of the Panamanian with hard shots to head and body. After landing a head/body combination Reveco got through with a left hook to the body that put Vides down. The challenger was lucky that the bell went as he got up, but it was over in the second. With Vides on the ropes Reveco shook the challenger with a right to the chin. Before Vides could recover Reveco landed a right to the chin and a left to the body. The Panamanian went down and was not going to get up so the referee waived the fight over without bothering to complete the count. Fourth defence of his secondary WBA title for 30-year-old “Coton”. He now has 16 wins in a row and 18 in total by KO/TKO. The 23-year-old Vides was WBA No 12 but was not a worthy challenger. He had had only one 10 round fight and had done nothing since losing to an 11-6 fighter in 2012.

Ramirez vs. Hernandez Ramirez overcomes the height and reach edges enjoyed by Hernandez for a win in the fourth round. For the first three rounds Hernandez used his reach to outscore the local. Ramirez was pressing the action and working the body, but Hernandez was picking up the points. In the fourth Hernandez was suddenly looking tired and his work rate dropped. Ramirez took Hernandez to the ropes and floored him with a right to the head. Hernandez got up but was through and Ramirez put him down again with a left to the body and a right to the chin. The fight was then stopped. Ramirez “El Tyson del Abasto” retains his IBF Latino title. The 29-year-old former WBO cruiser champion makes it 15 wins by KO/TKO. He is rated IBF 7(6). Cuban Hernandez “The Guantanamo Giant”, a good level amateur, looked good for three rounds but then the 34-year-old faded badly. He had weighed 216 ½ lbs, his career lightest when losing to Charles Martin in December, and had been as high as 245lbs so may have struggled at the weight.

Martirosyan vs. Lozano Martirosyan eases back with wide unanimous decision over Mexican. The “Nightmare” had his jab working well and just could not miss Lozano with right crosses. Lozano was already bleeding from the nose in the first and was put down in the second. The Mexican threw a tentative jab and Martirosyan fired a right cross over the jab which put Lozano on the canvas. The Mexican recovered well and over the rounds managed to land some good rights of his own having a good sixth round. However Martirosyan controlled the action and continually found the target with his right cross and occasional uppercut to win every round clearly. Scores 100-89 from all three judges. Good workmanlike performance from the 27-year-old as he rebuilds after a disappointing performances in a technical draw with Erislandy Lara and a split decision loss to Demetrius Andrade for the vacant WBO title in November. He wins the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title. His only current rating is No 11 with the WBO but he will soon be back in the title hunt. Lozano, 26, had a nine bout winning streak broken by a loss to Charles Hatley (20-1-1) in November. He has never lost by KO/TKO.

Peterson vs. Jimenez Peterson returns with a win. The 29-year-old brother of the IBF light welter champion started strongly and finished strongly to take a wide unanimous verdict. Peterson dominated the first two rounds with his superior skills before Jimenez was able to get inside and work the body. Peterson allowed himself to be dragged into a close quarters scrap but was also scoring better there. Over the closing rounds Peterson was working on the outside again and as Jimenez seemed to tire Peterson wrapped up the decision. Scores 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92. After losing on a disqualification against Brandon Rios in a WBA eliminator in 2010 Peterson had only one fight in 2011, was inactive in 2012 and only returned to action last May with a win over Dominic Salcido. Dominican Jimenez, 30, had lost to successive bouts to Diego Magdaleno and Carlos Molina in 2011/2012 he rebounded in 2013 with wins over Mario Santiago and Jose Hernandez.

Big local upset as Vega flattens favoured Vergara. Vega was looking to land a big punch from the start with Vergara sticking to his jab and looking cooler. That changed when Vega landed a right cross and left hook which sent Vergara staggering back into the ropes. Vergara fought his way forward only to be driven to the ropes again. Both were now just pitching wildly and a left from Vergara sent Vega back on his heels. Again they were once more swinging blindly with not the least nod towards defence and Vergara was nailed by a right cross he never saw coming which left him spread-eagled on his back on the canvas. He was out cold but the referee counted to eight before waiving his arms and stopping the count. It was more than two minutes before Vergara was able to get back to his feet. The 30-year-old Vega, not a noted puncher, was unrated by the FAB despite winning 5 of his last 6 fights. “The Prince” Vergara, 34, was FAB No 5 light middle and had lost only one of his last 18 fights.

.

Farenas vs. Velazquez Farenas gets a controversial win over Mexican veteran. After a quiet first round, early in the second Velasquez emerged from an exchange with a bad cut over his right eye. Referee Bruce McTavish had seen both a punch and a clash of heads but was unable to be sure which had caused the cuts so it was left to the judges to decide and two of them advised it was due to a punch so Farenas was declared the winner. TV replay is said to have subsequently shown it was a clash of heads and not a punch. Southpaw "Hammer Fist” Farenas, 29, wins the vacant WBC Asian Council Continental title (by beating a Mexican!). He challenged Takashi Uchiyama for the WBA super feather title in 2012 in a fight which was also halted inside three rounds by a cut and ruled a technical draw. His only loss in his last 13 fights was against Yuriorkis Gamboa on points for the interim WBA title in 2012. He is IBF 10(8). The 39-year-old Velasquez was 5lbs overweight the day before the fight, but it was reported he eventually made the weight. It seems both incredible and dangerous that he should have shed those 5lbs in 24 hours.

Escaner vs. Toyco The “Little Giant” Escaner gets a big win as he kayos Toyco in seven rounds. The 23-year-old was rebounding from tough losses to world rated Marco Demecillo (18-1-1) for the GAB title and on points against the former WBC strawweight champion Oleydong (50-1-1) for the WBC International super fly title. He has seven wins by KO/TKO and was GAB No 13. “Astro Boy” Toyco, a 21-year-old southpaw, had won 9 of his last 10 fights and was GAB No 2 at flyweight.

Penalosa vs. Robles The youngest member of the Filipino fighting dynasty remained unbeaten with a hard fought points win over Mexican Robles. The 23-year-old southpaw looked fortunate here. Although the local scored well to the body Robles seemed to land more shots and to build a good lead having Penalosa in trouble in the fifth. Penalosa went for broke in the last staging a big finish and staggering Robles with a straight left but did not seem to have done enough. The judges thought otherwise and scored it 58-56 twice and 59-56. David is the son of former IBF light fly and flyweight champion Dodie Boy Penalosa. Robles had lost a technical decision to David’s elder brother Dodie Jr. in December and has won only one of his last six fights.

. On his 22nd birthday, Teerachai retains his PABGA title for the twelfth time with stoppage of Nabiev. The Thai now has 19 wins by KO/TKO including 9 in his last 10 fights with only Nabiev lasting the distance and flooring Teerachai in a points loss when they fought in may last year. The 28-year-old Uzbek has now lost 6 of his last 7 fights.

Thong vs. Arema Thong retains his PABA title with stoppage of Indonesian novice Arema. Thong had Arema down twice in the second round and when he was floored again in the third his corner threw the towel in. The 21-year-old Thong Sithluangphophun(forevermore Thong for me, give me a break) a former Muay Thai exponent has five wins by KO/TKO.

Tabtimdaeng vs. Mac PABA champion Tabtimdaeng handed out a solid beating in every one of the eight rounds with Mac just soaking up the punishment. Now 18 wins in a row for Tabtimdaeng and only one loss in his last 43 fights. Upset losses to Anthony Mathias and Rolly Gasca show why the 30-year-old Thai is so carefully protected. Mac totally unknown but gave a good impression of a sponge.

Borg vs. Hope Borg retains his BBB of C Welsh title with close decision that could have seen either man the winner. Borg swept the early rounds and opened a cut over Hope’s right eye in the third round. He also had Hope badly shaken by a concerted body attack. However, the hometown fighter was far from finished and it was his turn to rock Borg with a right hook in the sixth round. Both fought hard over the closing rounds with Hope looking to have probably just edged the decision but it was very close and the referee scored it 97-95 to Borg. A much-needed and a biggest win so far for 33-year-old Borg who had been 2-2 in his last 4 fights with the losses to tough opposition in Danny Butler and Chris Eubank Jr. Southpaw Hope, 32, a former European champion, had sprung a huge surprise when he beat Gregorz Proksa (26-0) for that European title but had then gone 3-3 in his next six fights with losses to Proksa, Darren Barker and Eamonn O’Kane.

Jenkins vs. Yuseinov Welsh prospect Jenkins has no trouble with Bulgarian Yuseinov and halts him in just 106 seconds with a hook to the body. Six wins by KO/TKO for 25-year-old “Rock’ Rolla” the winner of the 2013 light welter Prizefighter and the WBC International champion. An outstanding amateur, Jenkins represented Wales at the 2007 and 2011 World Championships, the 2011 European Championships and the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games. Late sub Yuseinov, 31, is 2-4 in his last six fights and three of those losses have come inside a round.

. Local southpaw Sheedy wins wide unanimous decision over Bulgarian. Sheedy, 25, had Hyuseinov down for a short count in the second and won on the referee’s score card by 80-72. First eight round fight for the promising local. Hyuseinov had won 3 of his last 4 fights.

Garcia vs. Vidal A great little scrap sees “Tostado” Garcia take a very close majority decision over Puerto Rican hope Vidal. This was a very open fight with almost no clinches as both were willing to trade. The difference was one of work rate. Garcia was coming forward in every round and throwing punches in clusters. Vidal was more selective and accurate in his punching but was constantly having to fight on the back foot. Scores 96-94 twice and 95-95. Garcia wins the vacant WBO Latino title as he rebounds from a first career loss to David Carmona in September. “Pitbull” Vidal, 24, has lost two in a row after being outpointed by IBF and WBC bantam title challenger Pedro Guevara in July.

Cruz vs. Velasquez Cruz returns with a unanimous decision over Nicaraguan Velazquez. Cruz was giving away quite a bit of weight and got six useful rounds. After 19 straight wins 28-year-old “El Artesan” is 2-2 in his last four fights with defeats against Juan Carlos Burgos and Jose Felix Jr. Velasquez is 3-7 in his last ten fights.

Smith vs. Gbenga Smith used a solid body attack to slow down and wear out Nigerian Gbenga who came in as a very late substitute. After two round of being pounded to the body Gbenga had had enough and retired claiming a rib injury. Long Islander Smith, 24, makes it 9 wins in a row and breaks a sequence of three points wins in a row. Gbenga, a former CBC title challenger, is 2-6 in his last 8 fights.

Russ vs. Hirsch Russ started brightly but a clash of heads saw Hirsch cut over his right eye. At the end of the round the ringside doctor decided the cut was too bad for Hirsch to continue and the fight was over. Disappointment for Russ who was trying to get back in the groove after giving Matthew Macklin a tough fight in December. Hirsch had won 3 of his last 4 fights including a good victory over DonYil Livingston in November.

Diaz vs. Beranza After a sequence of inside the distance wins Diaz given six hard and useful rounds by the grizzled Mexican veteran, Diaz forced the action all the way catching Beranza with hard shots in every round and won a wide unanimous decision. Scores 59-55 twice and 60-54. The 21-year-old from California is the son of former IBF lightweight title challenger Joel Diaz and the nephew of former WBC and WBO welter challenger Antonio Diaz. “Pepe” Beranza 37 has lost 7 of his last 8 fights but has only failed to last the distance four times.

Day vs. King Highly touted former top amateur Day seems to finally be finding his feet as a pro. The 21-year-old threw a couple of jabs and then a left to the body and King was down with no chance of getting up. All over in 39 seconds. Day was New York Golden Gloves, US Amateur and PAL champion in 2012. He wobbled a bit with a draw against unfancied Urmat Ryskeldiev in November but now has two first round wins on the bounce taking a total of just over two minutes to dispose of the opposition,. Second loss by KO/TKO for King.

Hunter vs. Vicente “The Outlaw” gets a well deserved unanimous decision over Dominican Vicente. The first round saw Hunter sent stumbling back as Vicente started well. Hunter switched to southpaw and edged the next two rounds as they went toe-to-toe. Vicente fought back to take the fourth scoring with some good rights. That saw Hunter go back to orthodox and build a lead by taking the fifth and sixth and after Vicente rallied in the seventh he went back to southpaw and shook Vicente twice with rights in the eighth. Vicente tried to stage a big finish, but Hunter boxed cleverly on the outside to extend his advantage. Scores 97-93 twice and 99-91. The 27-year-old Hunter wins the vacant IBF USBA title after being 2-2 in his last four fights including a win over Jerry Belmontes and a ridiculous 50 second disqualification for hitting Mike Oliver on the break in September. As an amateur Hunter was PAL champion but lost out at the 2004 US Olympic Trials. After being undefeated in his first 26 fights the 27-year-old Vicente is 2-2-1 in his last five losing also to Chris Avalos and Juan Antonio Rodriguez but beating Jorge Diaz (17-1).

Cartagena vs. Robles The first round was even with Cartagena working his jab and Robles ending the round strongly. Both fighters lost a point in the second, Robles for punches to the back of the head and Cartagena for a dubious “butt”. Cartagena then scored with a series of body punches forcing Robles to go down on one knee. Robles got up but was cornered and after soaking up punishment went down and the fight was over. The 21-year-old “No Fear” from Philadelphia of Puerto Rican parents makes it five wins by KO/TKO. A former US and NGG champion he looks a great prospect. Puerto Rican Robles, 31, a former WBC Fecarbox champion, came in 3lbs over the contract weight. After a run of nine wins he has now lost his last three but had given Rudy Caballero a good fight in July before being kayoed.

March 22

Rodriguez vs. Sabillo Shock result as 20-year-old “Titanium” Rodriguez batters formerly unbeaten Sabillo to take the WBO title. Rodriguez set out his stall in the first round as he just walked through the southpaw shots of Sabillo and forced him to the ropes ripping home fearsome body shots, rocking Sabillo with rights and taking control. The fight almost ended in the second as Rodriguez put the Filipino down twice and Sabillo only just got out of the round. From then on it was mostly one-sided with Sabillo unable to deal with the aggression and hand speed of the young challenger. Rodriguez was totally dominant with Sabillo constantly on the retreat and bravely soaking up punishment. Finally at the start of the tenth the champion’s corner gave him one more round but as the battering continued with Sabillo trapped on the ropes the referee halted the fight. The local boxer, who turned pro at 17, been halted in seven rounds by Roman Gonzalez in a non-title fight in September and had done nothing before or since to warn of this dominating display. In fact the WBO had “adjusted” their ratings to being him from nowhere to No 10 so the fight could take place. He has 10 wins by KO/TKO and may now have to put his culinary studies to one side for a while. Sabillo, 30, who was making his second defence of his title, never really got into the fight after those startling first two rounds. He had been considered lucky to retain the title after a draw with Carlos Buitrago in November, but he had no luck here.

Harris vs. Paez Harris uses his experience and his edges in height and reach to outbox Paez. Harris used that reach and good movement to frustrate Paez who whilst being the aggressor was largely ineffective. The fans did not want a boxing match and showed their displeasure with Paez being booed because of his inability to sustain his attacks. However Harris was cleverly forcing Paez to fight his fight and was more accurate with his shots than the Mexican. Paez had enough success to keep it close, but despite the scoring Harris was a clear winner. Scores 96-94 twice for Harris and a home town 96-94 for Paez. After a run of six losses and a draw the 35-year-old former WBA light welter champion from Guyana looked to be treading the road of a washed up name fighter, a useful scalp for young prospects. He dented that image severely in October when he took a split decision over Danny O’Connor and will now be in demand after this upset. He was brought in here as a late substitute after Erik Morales pulled out with an injury making it an even better performance. Paez, 26, was 14-1-1 in his last 16 fights and had won ten in a row. He still hope to fight Morales despite this set back.

Lopez vs. Dominguez Good win for young “Jaeger” over experienced Dominguez. Lopez edged the first round and then floored Dominguez in the second. Dominguez survived the round but was on the defensive the rest of the way and retired at the end of the fifth round. The 23-year-old Lopez, managed by Erik Morales, has 16 finishes by KO/TKO and has won 9 of his last 10 fights. The 28-year-old Dominguez loses inside the distance for the fourth time and is 3-4 in his last 7 fights but all of the losses to top quality opposition.

Moreno vs. Chacon “Chemito” retains his WBA title as he has too much skill and hand speed for the limited Argentinian challenger. The classy Panamanian southpaw was getting his shots off first as the constantly stalking Chacon was waiting too long for openings that never came. Moreno scored two knockdowns in the second round but both were questionable owing more to bad balance on the part of the Argentinian than power from Moreno. Chacon kept coming forward but Moreno was able to get through with jabs and hooks to the body and get away before Chacon could respond. The Argentinian had some success when Chacon’s work rate dropped and he cornered the Panamanian, but the champion rarely stayed in one spot long enough for Chacon to do any damage. Moreno kept trying to bring down Chacon’s high guard and his punches were straying low eventually leading to a point deduction from Moreno in the tenth. Chacon gave it a brave try but found Moreno too quick and elusive and spent too long standing in front of the champion and letting him take pot shots, but the sheer aggression of the Argentinian made Moreno fight hard in every round. Scores 118-108, 117-108 and 117-109. Twelfth defence for 28-year-old Moreno in his second fight since losing to Abner Mares in a challenge for the WBC super bantam title in late 2012. Chacon, 32, was FAB No 1. His last three opponents all had negative records (lost more than they had won) but in typical WBA style he was parachuted into the ratings despite not having fought since September.

Estrada vs. Diaz “El Sensacion” gets a unanimous decision in the all-southpaw scrap but has to overcome a late scare. The 19-year-old and experienced Diaz fought on ever terms over the first four rounds. From the fifth Estrada was able to get inside the longer reach of the taller Diaz and by shortening his punches was just edging the rounds. There was very little skill on display in this one with both seemingly thinking defence was something you put around de garden and there was lots of wild swinging going for quantity rather than quality. In the ninth Estrada shook Diaz with a shot to the chin. However late in the round a right hook deposited Estrada on the seat of his pants in a corner. He got up at seven but was badly shaken and Diaz looked to be only punch from victory. Instead it was Estrada who was landing the heavier shots by the end of the round. Diaz must have assumed he had the decision in the bag as he spent the last round just running and spoiling. Estrada wins on scores of 97-92 twice and 96-93. First defence of his WBC Latino title for the Panamanian champion. He is promising but had done little to justify his WBC No 4 position since being floored four times and halted by Mercedes Concepcion in 2012. “Panther” Diaz, also Panamanian, lost to Jesus Silvestre for the interim WBA title in 2012.

Ortega vs. Pedroza This one produced ten rounds of head-to-head, toe-to-toe slugging. Both fighters just stood and traded for three minutes in every round with no attention to defence at all. That was the up side, the downside is that neither has any punching power and both were sloppy just swinging wildly with not a jab in sight. Pedroza suffered a cut high in his hairline that bled profusely but did not hamper him. It was difficult to find a winner but Ortega did most of the pressing and was marginally more accurate. Scores 96-94 twice and 96-95 for Ortega. The 24-year-old “Little Spider” Ortega wins Pedroza’s WBC Fecarbox title. Pedroza, who wore a full Indian headdress into the ring, is still the Panamanian champion as that title was not on the line. These two fought a draw in January and Pedroza’s only other loss is to Leroy Estrada.

Thompson vs. Solis Thompson defies the odds to put himself in with a chance of a third world title shot. The fight was almost as much a case of what Solis did not do as what southpaw Thompson did do. After somehow building a lead on all three cards after the first four rounds Solis then went to sleep. His work dropped from occasional to rare as Thompson was the aggressor and the busier fighter using his height and reach advantages to score on the outside and had edged ahead on two cards after eight. Solis came alive briefly in the tenth to pull back some of the lead Thompson had built and the last two rounds were close as the 42-year-old Thompson tired and Solis was marginally busier. Scores 115-113 and 115-114 for Thompson and 116-112 for Solis. Thompson wins the vacant WBC International title. This was a fight Solis could and should have won but he was lethargic and fought only in spurts. Thompson fought hard in every round and stayed busy in every round and that was the difference. In the last 14 years of his long career Thompson has only lost to Wladimir Klitschko twice, both times in title fights, and to Kubrat Pulev in an IBF eliminator in August, and a third world title shots is not out of the question-perhaps post Klitschko. Solis, 33, was a big disappointment and his future has to be questionable. A big let down for a guy who promised so much. He was World Amateur champion in 2001/2003/2005, won an Olympic gold medal in 2004 and stopped David Haye and beat Kubrat Pulev. Looks like he left his best days behind when he took the vest off.

Kabayel vs. Oloukun Kabayel looks lucky to maintain his unbeaten record. Nigerian Gbenga made the better start and built an early lead. German Kabayel, 21, got into the fight more as Gbenga faded but did not seem to have done enough to claw his way in front. Kabayel got the split decision with scores of 96-94 twice against a more realistic 97-94 for Gbenga. Kabayel wins the vacant WBC Mediterranean title. Gbenga, 30, has now lost 9 of his last 10 fights but was unlucky in this one.

Galahad vs. Prado Galahad wins the vacant European title with unanimous decision over Spaniard Prado. Galahad was a big favourite and won by a wide margin but he could never relax against the clever Spaniard. Prado was expected to be the aggressor but instead he was looking for Galahad to lead and catch him with right hand counters. Both fighter switched guard effortlessly during the fight with the difference being the speed and skills of Galahad. He pressed the fight and scored well to head and body with Prado finding it hard to land any clean punches. Galahad was rarely setting himself to punch hard having too much respect for the speed and power of Prado but the Brit was outscoring the Spaniard in almost every round and giving a fine exhibition of both offence and defence. Galahad’s work rate dropped a bit in the eighth and ninth, but he finished strongly threading fast jabs through the Spaniard’s defence and scoring with hooks to the body. Scores 120-108, 118-110 and 117-111. The 24-year-old Qatar-born Galahad is ready to move up to world standard opposition where his skills will more severely tested and with just 2 fights in 2012 and 2013 he needs to be more active. Prado, 31, the former undefeated EU champion had won 5 and drawn one of his last six fights. He showed good skills and never stopped trying but just could match the speed and movement of Galahad.

Dickinson vs. McIntosh Dickinson moves into the semi-finals of the light heavy competition with stoppage of McIntosh. “Tasty” Dickinson was just that on the night. Despite having big edges in height and reach he chose not to use them but went straight after McIntosh trading punches. Dickinson put McIntosh down with a chopping right in the first but McIntosh was up at the count of four and after taking the full eight did not seem to be in deep trouble and was dangerous with his own rights. A straight right from McIntosh sent Dickinson staggering back in the second round, but Dickinson continued to come forward and hurt McIntosh with a chopping right at the end of the round. In the third after again looking dangerous with his rights McIntosh walked onto a right that put him down heavily. He was up at seven but when the fight restarted a left to the chin put him down again. McIntosh made it to his feet but staggered and the fight was stopped. The 26-year-old Dickinson wins the English title. His only loss was to Bob Ajisafe for the same title in 2012 since when he has won four in a row. He could yet get a chance for revenge if both he and Ajisafe win their semi final bouts. Former European champion McIntosh, 34, had lost 4 of his last 5 fights but three of those losses were to Eduard Gutknecht, Tony Bellew and Eleider Alvarez.

Clarkson vs. Duncan The other tournament quarter-final saw “Magic Clarkson hold off a strong finish from Duncan to win the decision and retain his BBB of C Central Area title. Duncan is a tall, awkward opponent but Clarkson had his measure over the early rounds and built a big lead. Clarkson had problems with the height and reach of Duncan but worked hard to get inside and score. Neither fighter is a big puncher and it was a punch that Duncan needed over the last three rounds. As Clarkson tired Duncan was more adventurous coming forward and finishing strongly but never doing enough to close the gap. Referee’s score 97-94. Good performance by Clarkson who has won his last five fights including an impressive victory down in South Africa over Tshepang Mohale. Clarkson will fight Dickinson in the semi final. Duncan has lost 4 of his last 5 fights and has had long periods of inactivity. With Nat Cleverly and Tony Bellew moving up the light heavy division looked weak but the Ajisafe vs. Francs fight and the two on this show have provided real entertainment.

Witter vs. Maxwell After losses to Frankie Galvin and German novice Timo Schwarzkopf the former WBC light welter champion needed a win and he got one against perennial opponent Maxwell with the referee scoring it 60-54 giving every round to the 40-year-old Witter. Now 30 losses in a row for “Mad Max”.

Easy first defence of his Argentinian title for Vidondo. “El Matador” was landing heavy shots from the start and in the second round he put Ruiz Diaz down and out at the 2:16 mark. Now 16 wins by KO/TKO for the 37-year-old and 8 wins in a row. Third loss by KO/TKO for 30-year-old FAB No 8 Ruiz Diaz.

Seems like the 27-year-old Dane gave Croat Cvek a heck of a beating from the one-sided scores. The EBU No 16 light welter moves to 21 wins in a row. Somehow the scores came out at 80-62, 80-64 and 78-66! Only one win in his last 13 fights for late sub Cvek.

Bauwens makes it six wins in a row after halting Georgian Vakhtangshvili. The 25-year-old “Junior”, the EBU No 4 is rebuilding after losing to Spaniard Ruben Nieto for the vacant EU title in April and moves to 20 wins by KO/TKO. Vakhtangshvili had won 7 of his last 8 fights but has yet to last the distance in fights outside Georgia.

Rebrasse vs. Ndiaye Frenchman Rebrasse gets the EBU tile that should have been his when these two met in June. Champion Ndiaye made a fast start taking Rebrasse to the ropes and firing long rights and lefts to head and body. The Senegalese-born Italian was coming forward pressing and making Rebrasse fight on the retreat and belaboring him whenever he was able to take the challenger to the ropes. However Rebrasse was fighting an intelligent fight sticking strictly to his jab and using a high guard to block most of Ndiaye’s shots. No love lost between these two and they squared up to each other after the bell. Ndiaye took that round and started fast again in the second although he was going from aimed shots to long looping swipes which Rebrasse was able to see. Ndiaye was busier but Rebrasse more selective and accurate with his punches scoring well with hooks to the body and just about edged the round. The third saw Rebrasse in ascendancy. Ndaiye’s work rate dropped and his looping punches were wild. Rebrasse was now on the front foot and much more accurate. He twice fired right crosses which landed heavily on the side of Ndaiye’s head and was digging in some hard body punches as the round ended. Ndiaye was already looking exhausted and his corner was a worried set of guys. They stood and traded at the start of the fourth with Rebrasse again the more accurate. Ndiaye was out of distance with his punches and looking desperate. When the end came it was very strange. Rebrasse missed with three or four short punches as they fell into a clinch. The referee stepped in and parted them. He then clearly said box on. Inexplicably Ndiaye made no attempt to lift his hands from his side but just walked forward. Rebrasse took his chance and drove Ndiaye back to the ropes with a series of punches to his unprotected head. On the ropes Ndiaye just raised his gloves to block a few shots but also had his head jerked back by a couple of hard punches. He then dropped his hands again and the referee leaped in as Rebrasse launched another attack. The 28-year-old Rebrasse, the WBC No 9 and a former undefeated EU and French champion, is an accurate rather than a heavy puncher and this strange outcome gives him six wins by KO/TKO. He has lost only one of his last 24 fights and the loss was to the unbeaten Rachid Jkitou for the French title on a paper thin decision. Ndiaye’s surrender was a shock which even he struggles to explain. The former EU champion was rated IBF 7/WBO 13/WBC 13 but he has blown those ratings and 34 it is unlikely he can turn things around.

Sanavia vs. Psonko Former WBC and European champion Sanavia makes it 4 wins as he bounces back after loss to James DeGale in 2012. At 39 he really has no chance to hit the heights again. Lithuanian Psonko had won 3 of 4 fights back home where the standard is very low.

Giacon vs. Aguilar Unsatisfactory win for the “Black Mamba” as Spanish-based Nicaraguan is disqualified in the fourth round. Just a keep busy fight for 25-year-old Giacon as he rebuilds after crushing loss to Emiliano Marsili in March last year. Now 7 losses in his last 8 fights for Aguilar.

Caccia vs. Sakara Caccia remains unbeaten with points win over travelling loser Sakara. The 25-year-old is being carefully matched as none of his victims have had a positive record. Latvian Sakara has won just one of his last nine fights.

Ruiz vs. Maas The “Little Twin” crushes a sliding Maas. Local fighter Ruiz came out firing and floored Maas early and hard. He was never going to get up in time and the referee waived the fight over. Now 30 wins by KO/TKO for the 27-year-old former interim WBA champion. Since losing his title to Koki Kameda in 2012 Ruiz had scored good wins over Giovanni Caro and Julio Cesar Miranda and adds a useful scalp in Maas. “The Cobra” ran up 25 wins in a row but the wheels have come off now as he has lost 4 of his last 5 fights.

Soto vs. Abreu Soto wins but unbeaten Dominican makes him fight hard. Abreu kept the fight close over the early rounds but was floored by a hard left in the sixth. He fought back hard in an exciting seventh round but then tired and Soto swept the last three rounds to take the unanimous decision. No scores given but Abreu played his part in making this a vibrant and exciting fight until he tired. The 33-year-old “Zorrita” (Little Fox), the current WBC International Silver champion, and WBC No 5 is looking to add a title in a third division (four if you count the WBFed welter title, but I don’t). Abreu, 26, the IBF Youth champion, was taking a huge step up in quality of opposition but handled himself well.

Montes vs. Valenzuela Local “Ruso” Montes takes a unanimous decision over Valenzuela in a battle that saw both fighters badly cut and splattered with blood. A much needed win for Montes which he cemented with a knockdown in the closing rounds. The 24-year-old was unbeaten in his first 26 fights but then went 3-3 in his next six with losses to Silverio Ortiz, Jose Lopez and Soto. Valenzuela had been on a good run with only one loss in his last six fights.

Pedroza vs. Garza Puerto Rico gets a world champion as ”The Sniper” wins a wide unanimous decision over Mexican Garza for the vacant IBO title. The 24-year-old former amateur star suffered a vertical cut on his forehead by his left eyebrow in the second round from a clash of heads, but was never really bothered by the injury. He was just too fast and skillful for the seasoned Garza and won on scores of 119-109, 18-110 and 117-111. Pedroza is rated IBF 11(9)/WBA 11/WBC 11/WBO 15, but was No 34 with the IBO! Garza had no quarrel with the decision but delays over his visa meant he arrived in Puerto Rico late and did not train for a few days before the fight. He lost in four rounds to Nicholas Walters for the WBA title in November.

Ojeda vs. Torres Ortega settled any dispute over his June victory over Torres with a third round kayo. Ojeda, 225, wins the vacant IBO Latino title and moves to 8 wins by KO/TKO, the last 5 in a row. When these two met in June Ojeda won when the fight was stopped on a cut which was ruled to have come from a punch but was actually a clash of heads. Puerto Rican Torres, 28, has lost 4 of his last 5 fights.

Galarza vs. Munguia Galarza returns with a win. The 28-year-old hit too hard for experienced Mexican Munguia. Galarza, a former top amateur was having his first fight since losing in four rounds to Johan Perez in October 2011 and this gives him 15 wins by KO/TKO. “Flaco” Munguia just lacked the strength to cope with the power of Galarza. He has lost 5 of his last 6 outings.

Melendez vs. Gutierrez Melendez got a great start to this fight flooring Gutierrez in the first round. Despite being on a losing steak the Colombian did not fold and stayed in the fight. Melendez won clearly and got ten hard, useful rounds as going the distance is an unusual occurrence for the Puerto Rican. Scores 97-92 twice and 98-91.The 25-year-old wins the vacant WBC Cabofe title and gets his second win since dropping a decision to Nick Brinson in June. Only four of Melendez’s fights have gone the distance. Gutierrez, 35, has now lost 9 of his last 10 fights but has only lost on KO/TKO three times.

Verdejo vs. Santiago Verdejo produces a one-punch finish after dominating the bout. The Puerto Rican hot prospect had Santiago leaking blood from his right eyebrow in the first and scored freely in the second. Despite the punishment Santiago was walking forward in the third when a straight right to the chin put him down. He made it to his feet but staggered back on unsteady legs and the fight was halted. The 20-year-old Olympian (he lost to Lomachenko in London) has eight wins by KO/TKO. Colorado-based Santiago has lost 8 of his last 9 and was coming off a points loss against Juan Diaz in October.

Lanky Spaniard “El Nino” Garcia wins unanimous decision over Spanish-based Colombian Espitia. The 21-year-old is managed by Sergio Martinez and looks a good prospect. Now 13 losses in a row for Espitia.

Lawson vs. Kayongo Ghana’s Lawson wins this all-African battle. He remains unbeaten and makes it 19 wins by KO/TKO. Over the first five rounds there was not much between the two as both landed hard shots. The end came in the sixth when Kayongo was staggered by a punch from Lawson and then floored by a hard combination. Kayongo beat the count but just walked back to his corner signaling his surrender. Lawson, 24, has relocated to Chicago. He had a run of 16 wins in a row by KO/TKO before being taken the distance by Georgian Giorgi Ungiadze for the vacant IBF International title in July. Lawson represented Ghana at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships and the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Ugandan Kayongo, 33, now has three losses by KO/TKO. After taking almost four years out he is now 2-2 on his comeback and was coming off a loss to Jamal James for the Minnesota State title in September. Kayongo won a silver medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games losing to Darren Barker in the final.

Starks vs. Galvan Starks floors very late replacement Galvan three times in 61 seconds. The 25-year-old 5’11” (180cm) tall local has six wins by KO/TKO. The former US National amateur champion suffered a near fatal gunshot wound back in 2007 and bounced back to become one of the top amateur s at his weight in the USA. Galvan, 41, has lost 13 in a row and was halted in one round by Tony Harrison in May.

Miami-based Cuban Socarras floored local Matos in the first round before finally putting him down and out in the fourth. The 21-year-old was stepping up from six rounds for the first time and wins the vacant WBA Fedecaribe title. He has 8 wins by KO/TKO. The record of Matos is misleading. His last ten victims had managed to scrape up just 4 wins between them.

Prospect Kamanga comes out firing and blows away former South African light champion Buhlalu inside a round. The 20-year-old DRC-born banger has 7 wins by KO/TKO. Managed by former WBA champion and Hall of Famer Brian Mitchell Kamanga looks to be worth watching. Buhlalu, 39, is way past his best but was expected to give the youngster a few useful rounds.

Easy night for home town fighter Rojas. He waits for the early efforts of Mexican Morales to subside and then lands heavy body shots to slow the opposition. In the second round “Gallito” had Morales trapped on the ropes and was unloading on him when the referee stopped the fight. The Nicaraguan champion makes it 7 wins by KO/TKO. He has six wins and a no decision in his last 7 fights and his two losses were split decisions. Morales a complete unknown.

March 23

Chudinov vs. Bozic Russian Chudinov boxed his way into a clear lead without really turning up the heat. He finally came alive in the fifth flooring Bozic with a body punch. The Croatian fighter got up and survived the round but then retired. “The Classic” Chudinov, 26, wins the vacant WBC CIS & Slovenian Boxing Board title (yipeee!). The former World Cadet champion has useful wins over Jimmy Colas and Francis Cheka. The 39-year-old Bozic is now 4-4 in his last 8 fights with the other losses coming against Arthur Abraham, Henry Weber and James DeGale.

Magomedov vs. Simeunovic Russian prospect Magomedov floors Simeunovic three times for a stoppage after just 94 seconds. The 21-year-old, the Russian champion, has 7 wins by KO/TKO. Simeunovic, 35, from B&H had won his last 10 fights, 9 by KO/TKO.

Read the original article on news.boxrec.com