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Usually if a match ends in decisive fashion we don't get too excited about a rematch. Today however for our Closet Classic, we are looking at a rematch between men who were seen on different levels after their first bout, but ended up giving us something truly special in their rematch. Their first bout wouldn't have made anyone anticipate their rematch was going to be special, but we got something jaw droppingly good. In fact even now, 50 years on, it still stands as one of the greatest Bantamweight bouts of all time. Kazuyoshi Kanazawa (30-8-1, 17) Vs Ruben Olivares (67-1-1, 62) II In January 1969 Japan's Kazuyoshi Kanazawa travelled to Mexico and was beaten in 2 rounds by the then unbeaten Ruben Olivares. In the years that followed that victory Olivares had lost his unbeaten record, losing in a second meeting with Chucho Castillo, but had gone on a tear avenging his loss and twice become the World Bantamweight champion. In October 1971 Olivares travelled over to Japan to give Kanazawa a rematch, this time in Aichi. What we ended up with was a legendary Bantamweight bout. Before we look at the bout lets briefly look at the two men. Olivares is one of the true legends of Mexican boxing and his 3 fight series with Chucho Castillo is one of the most violet series of fights out there. As well as going 2-1 against Castillo the heavy handed Olivares had scored notable wins against Japanese Olympic gold medal winner Takao Sakurai, beaten Lionel Rose for the Bantamweight throne and beaten Efren Torres. By the time he travelled to Japan to face Kanazawa he was a massive Mexican fighting star, and at only 24 years old his future looked incredibly bright. Blessed with brutal power, an exciting style and under-rated skills Olivares was a nightmare for anyone in Bantamweight history. Looking at his record today we see a man who retired for good in 1988 with a ledger of 89-13-3 (7) but a lot of those losses piled up later in has career, when his hard bouts caught up with him and when he moved up to Featherweight, with mixed success. Whilst Olivares is a legend Kanazawa is much, much less well known. The Japanese fighter had began his career as a teenager, in 1965, and was 11-4-1 (6) after 16 bouts. He then turned things around, winning 19 of 23 bouts including wins over Jesus Pimentel, Jose Medel and Berkrerk Chartvanchai. Strangely, looking back, he never won any form of title, until July 1971, when he took the OPBF Bantamweight. That title win was then followed by him rematch Kanazawa in this legendary bout. Up to this point Kanazawa had proven to be a fringe level guy, with wins over the likes of Pimentel, Medel and Berkrerk had proven that, but inconsistent and he had lost 2 of his previous 6, both by stoppage, and it seemed his chin was an issue, with 5 of his previous 8 losses coming by stoppage. Against Olivares that was almost certainly going to be his downfall. In the opening round both men took their time, neither man wanting to make a mistake, and it didn't seem like a bout that was going to go down in folklore as something special. Kaanzawa seemed fully aware of how hard Olivares could punch and was deciding to box, keep things at range and not take risks. Olivares looked like a man who was confident that, sooner or later, he was going to get to his man so didn't feel the need to rush. The entire first round saw very little action. The pace would increase in round 2, as Olivares began to put his foot on the gas and Kanazawa responded, picking some very nice shots. It wasn't all out action, far from it, but it was wonderful boxing from both, with both men having some moments to excite their teams. Suddenly the crowd were beginning to wake up, and both men were starting to feel more at ease. The pace continued to increase in round 3, as the men went through the gears. Olivares clearly had the edge in power, and had Kanazawa's full respect, but to his credit the challenger was taking shots well, and picking some excellent shots of his own. It seemed the Kanazawa gameplan was to blunt the attack of Olivares, keep range and counter on the Mexican's mistakes. Late in round 3 those tactics began to shine as he seemed to bother Olivares for the first time. Despite Kanazawa having success in round 3 Olivares bounced well in round 4 and rebuilt his confidence, despite getting caught by some very solid counters from the unfancied challenger. Olivares did find himself on the canvas part way through the round, but it was judge to have been a slip. By now the quiet opening round was easily forgotten and the tempo, excitement and drama had grown wonderfully. The two men were finding they were matching each other fantastically, and Kanazawa actually began forcing Olivares backwards in round 5 the momentum continued to swing back and forth. This was already becoming a very, very good, technical fight, but the best was to come much later on. We won't ruin what happens later in the bout, but as we got into the championship rounds the fight moved yet another gear. The action continued to be exciting and technical but the drama went through the roof as both began to tire, and their movement began to slow. Things got sloppy in those later stages but the drama, heart, determination and excitement more than made up for that. If you like fights to build, and build, unfurling a story of desire, with a mix of skills then this is something you will love. A truly legendary Bantamweight thriller!
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By Eric Armit
Highlights: -Oscar Rivas outpoints Ryan Rozicki to win the WBC bridgerweight belt -Shakur Stevenson stops Jamel Herring to collect the WBO super featherweight title -Evan Holyfield the son of Evander and Nico Ali Walsh the grandson of Muhammad Ali score wins -In Female title fights Yesica Yolanda Bopp retains the WBA Super light flyweight title with stoppage of Johana Zuniga and Shannon O’Connell holds on to the Commonwealth bantamweight title with points win over Taylah Robertson and minimumweight Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen becomes the first Vietnamese to win a sanctioning body title World Title/Major Shows October 22 Quebec, Canada: Bridgerweight: Oscar Rivas (28-1) W PTS 12 Ryan Rozicki (13-12 Rivas wins the inaugural WBC bridgerweight title with unanimous decision over Rozicki in a competitive, entertaining and gruelling fight. Rivas, the naturally bigger man, made good use of his jab and rocked Rozicki with a right in the first and with an uppercut in the second. Rozicki came through over the next three rounds scoring with some hurtful punches of his own and looked to be getting on top in the sixth. Rivas took over again as he used his stiff jab and his 20lbs advantage to muscle Rozicki to the ropes and effectively shut down Rozicki’s attacks and had Rozicki looking tired in the seventh. Rozicki recovered and took the fight to Rivas over the eighth and ninth but was being caught with accurate counters that had blood flowing from his nose and he almost went down in the eleventh but just kept firing back. Rivas lost a point in the last for a low punch but was a clear victor. Scores 115-112 twice and 116-111. Montreal-based Colombian Rivas, 34, had moved down from heavyweight where he lost on points to Dillan Whyte in July 2019. It remains to be seen whether there are enough attractive fights in this new WBC division to keep him there or whether he will move back up to heavyweight. Rozicki, 26. from Sydney Nova Scotia, will go back down to cruiserweight with his reputation enhanced in his showing against what was a much higher level of opponent than he has faced in the past. October 23 Atlanta, GA, USA: Super Feather: Shakur Stevenson (17-0) W TKO 10 Jamel Herring (23-3).Super Welter: Evan Holyfield (8-0) W KO 2 Charles Stanford (6-4). Super Welter: Xander Zayas (11-0) W RTD 4 Dan Karpency (9-4-1). Middle: Troy Isley (3-0) W TKO 1 Nicholi Navarro (2-2). Super Middle: Nico Ali Walsh (2-0) W TKO 3 James Westley (1-1). Stevenson vs. Herring Stevenson wins the WBO title with a tenth round stoppage over title holder Herring in a one-sided fight. Round 1 After some early probing jabs from both southpaws Stevenson landed a sharp straight left and then got through with jabs with Herring not quick enough to land a punch Score: 10-9 Round 2 Stevenson landed a couple of good lefts early in the round. He continually beat Herring to the punch sliding jabs through Herring’s defence. Stevenson was not looking to block Herring’s punches but was using slick upper body movement and fast footwork so did not have to reset his hands to throw punches. Herring was again finding it difficult to land a punch. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 20-18 Round 3 Stevenson strung together some flashing combinations with most of his punches getting through. Herring finally began to find the target with his jab but was not following with any lefts unlike Stevenson who was firing with both hands and already Herring had a swelling beside his left eye. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 30-27 Round 4 Herring had been boxing on the back foot but he changed his tactics and took the fight to Stevenson. He scored well enough to make the round close but Stevenson pierced his guard with a series of shots before the bell. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 40-36 Round 5 This was the closest round so far. Herring was determined to take the fight to Stevenson. He applied plenty of pressure and Stevenson was not as accurate as before but he did get through with a couple of bursts of punches. Herring was not using his left so all Stevenson really had to do was dodge Herring’s jab and not worry about a left coming behind it. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 50-45 Round 6 Herring continued to come forward but was being picked off by single punches from Stevenson and finding Stevenson an elusive target. Stevenson was not as dominating as he had been over the first three rounds. He was using single punches and not firing combinations but he was the one doing the scoring. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 60-54 Round 7 There were too many clinches in this round with Herring trying to drag Stevenson into the trenches. In between the clinches Stevenson was back to quick-fire combinations and Herring looked to be tiring and landed a very low left hook but escaped a warning. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 70-63 Round 8 Herring looked lively in this one but was entirely ineffective. Some of the speed and sparkle had gone out of Stevenson’s work. He was still spearing Herring with jabs and putting together the occasional combination but too often was willing to fall into a clinch. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 80-72 Round 9 Stevenson was back to dominating again as he bounced a series of punches off Herring’s head and landed some cracking combinations. The round then slowed with neither fighter scoring cleanly as again there was some clinching Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 90-81 Round 10 Herring passed a doctor’s inspection of the damage around his eyes. He had swelling by the left eye and a cut over the right. Stevenson opened up with a barrage of blows and with the inspection in mind the referee stepped in and stopped the fight. Stevenson becomes a two-division title holder with his ninth inside the distance win. A unification fight with Oscar Valdez would be a great match if it could be made as would Emanuele Navarrete if he moved up and of course there are Teo Lopez, Vasyl Lomachenko, Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis at super feather. Herring was making the fourth defence of the WBO title and was coming off a win over Carl Frampton but Stevenson was just too clever and too quick for him. Holyfield vs. Stanford Holyfield stays calm through an early storm and then flattens Stanford with a perfect left hook. Stanford was looking to cause an upset here. He marched forward throwing punches with Holyfield under constant pressure. When he created some room Holyfield put together some neat combinations but Stanford was getting through with hooks from both hands. Holyfield was determined to change things and he made a fast start in the second. Sanford stood and traded with him but Holyfield suddenly produced a classic left hook the sent Stanford crashing to the canvas and he was counted out. Evan, the only one of Evander Holyfield’s eleven children to become a boxer, gets his seventh victory by KO/TKO. Stanford had won his last four contests. Zayas vs. Karpency Zayas oozes class as he destroys Karpency in four rounds. Great balance, great hand speed, clever upper body movement flashing combinations and real power Zayas showed them all. Karpency tried to work his way inside but was walking into a storm of punches partially spectacular were the left hooks to the body from Zayas and a right uppercut sent Karpency’s mouthguard flying in the third. Zayas handed out some serious punishment in the fourth and Karpency’s team pulled their man out of the fight. Zayas, who turned 19 in September, makes it eight wins by KO/TKO. Too soon to say how far he can go but he looks destined for the stars. Karpency, gutsy but limited, suffers his first inside the distance defeat. Isley vs. Navarro In his first fight since competing at the Olympics in Tokyo Isley annihilates Navarro in one round. Isley hurt then staggered Navarro who retreated to the ropes. Isley then connected with some savage punches to head and body until Navarro crumpled to the floor and the fight was stopped. Despite failing to medal in Tokyo Isley is a top drawer prospect having taken bronze at both the World Championships and the Pan American Games. In the amateurs he scored wins over Devin Haney, Sebastian Fundora, Israil Madrimov and the great Cuban Arlen Lopez. Navarro a lamb to the slaughter. Walsh vs. Westley Walsh shows real power as he floors Westley twice. A powerful right cross put Westley on the floor in the second and Walsh ended it in the third. He stepped inside a right from Westley and hammered home a right to the head for a second knockdown. Westley made it to his feet but his corner was waiving the towel to get the fight stopped. Walsh is the grandson of Muhammad Ali. Westley-well someone had to be in the other corner. Atlanta, GA, USA: Super Feather: Shakur Stevenson (17-0) W TKO 10 Jamel Herring (23-3).Super Welter: Evan Holyfield (8-0) W KO 2 Charles Stanford (6-4). Super Welter: Xander Zayas (11-0) W RTD 4 Dan Karpency (9-4-1). Middle: Troy Isley (3-0) W TKO 1 Nicholi Navarro (2-2). Super Middle: Nico Ali Walsh (2-0) W TKO 3 James Westley (1-1). 15 Stevenson vs. Herring Stevenson wins the WBO title with a tenth round stoppage over title holder Herring in a one-sided fight. Round 1 After some early probing jabs from both southpaws Stevenson landed a sharp straight left and then got through with jabs with Herring not quick enough to land a punch Score: 10-9 Round 2 Stevenson landed a couple of good lefts early in the round. He continually beat Herring to the punch sliding jabs through Herring’s defence. Stevenson was not looking to block Herring’s punches but was using slick upper body movement and fast footwork so did not have to reset his hands to throw punches. Herring was again finding it difficult to land a punch. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 20-18 Round 3 Stevenson strung together some flashing combinations with most of his punches getting through. Herring finally began to find the target with his jab but was not following with any lefts unlike Stevenson who was firing with both hands and already Herring had a swelling beside his left eye. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 30-27 Round 4 Herring had been boxing on the back foot but he changed his tactics and took the fight to Stevenson. He scored well enough to make the round close but Stevenson pierced his guard with a series of shots before the bell. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 40-36 Round 5 This was the closest round so far. Herring was determined to take the fight to Stevenson. He applied plenty of pressure and Stevenson was not as accurate as before but he did get through with a couple of bursts of punches. Herring was not using his left so all Stevenson really had to do was dodge Herring’s jab and not worry about a left coming behind it. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 50-45 Round 6 Herring continued to come forward but was being picked off by single punches from Stevenson and finding Stevenson an elusive target. Stevenson was not as dominating as he had been over the first three rounds. He was using single punches and not firing combinations but he was the one doing the scoring. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 60-54 Round 7 There were too many clinches in this round with Herring trying to drag Stevenson into the trenches. In between the clinches Stevenson was back to quick-fire combinations and Herring looked to be tiring and landed a very low left hook but escaped a warning. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 70-63 Round 8 Herring looked lively in this one but was entirely ineffective. Some of the speed and sparkle had gone out of Stevenson’s work. He was still spearing Herring with jabs and putting together the occasional combination but too often was willing to fall into a clinch. Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 80-72 Round 9 Stevenson was back to dominating again as he bounced a series of punches off Herring’s head and landed some cracking combinations. The round then slowed with neither fighter scoring cleanly as again there was some clinching Score: 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 90-81 Round 10 Herring passed a doctor’s inspection of the damage around his eyes. He had swelling by the left eye and a cut over the right. Stevenson opened up with a barrage of blows and with the inspection in mind the referee stepped in and stopped the fight. Stevenson becomes a two-division title holder with his ninth inside the distance win. A unification fight with Oscar Valdez would be a great match if it could be made as would Emanuele Navarrete if he moved up and of course there are Teo Lopez, Vasyl Lomachenko, Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis at super feather. Herring was making the fourth defence of the WBO title and was coming off a win over Carl Frampton but Stevenson was just too clever and too quick for him. Holyfield vs. Stanford Holyfield stays calm through an early storm and then flattens Stanford with a perfect left hook. Stanford was looking to cause an upset here. He marched forward throwing punches with Holyfield under constant pressure. When he created some room Holyfield put together some neat combinations but Stanford was getting through with hooks from both hands. Holyfield was determined to change things and he made a fast start in the second. Sanford stood and traded with him but Holyfield suddenly produced a classic left hook the sent Stanford crashing to the canvas and he was counted out. Evan, the only one of Evander Holyfield’s eleven children to become a boxer, gets his seventh victory by KO/TKO. Stanford had won his last four contests. Zayas vs. Karpency Zayas oozes class as he destroys Karpency in four rounds. Great balance, great hand speed, clever upper body movement flashing combinations and real power Zayas showed them all. Karpency tried to work his way inside but was walking into a storm of punches partially spectacular were the left hooks to the body from Zayas and a right uppercut sent Karpency’s mouthguard flying in the third. Zayas handed out some serious punishment in the fourth and Karpency’s team pulled their man out of the fight. Zayas, who turned 19 in September, makes it eight wins by KO/TKO. Too soon to say how far he can go but he looks destined for the stars. Karpency, gutsy but limited, suffers his first inside the distance defeat. Isley vs. Navarro In his first fight since competing at the Olympics in Tokyo Isley annihilates Navarro in one round. Isley hurt then staggered Navarro who retreated to the ropes. Isley then connected with some savage punches to head and body until Navarro crumpled to the floor and the fight was stopped. Despite failing to medal in Tokyo Isley is a top drawer prospect having taken bronze at both the World Championships and the Pan American Games. In the amateurs he scored wins over Devin Haney, Sebastian Fundora, Israil Madrimov and the great Cuban Arlen Lopez. Navarro a lamb to the slaughter. Walsh vs. Westley Walsh shows real power as he floors Westley twice. A powerful right cross put Westley on the floor in the second and Walsh ended it in the third. He stepped inside a right from Westley and hammered home a right to the head for a second knockdown. Westley made it to his feet but his corner was waiving the towel to get the fight stopped. Walsh is the grandson of Muhammad Ali. Westley-well someone had to be in the other corner. October 20 Panama City, Panama: Super Fly: Keiver Fernandez (24-1-1) W KO 2 Jose Jimenez (22-14-1). Venezuelan Fernandez puts Colombian Jimenez down and out with a body punch. Jimenez complained the punch landed low and seemed to have a case but was counted out. Fernandez is No 10 with the WBA but his opposition has been very substandard. Poor Jimenez has lost 7 of his last 9 fights with all 7 losses by KO/TKO. October 22 Barranquilla, Colombia: Light Fly: Yessica Bopp (37-2) W TKO 4 Johana Zuniga (16-1). Super Fly: Dewayne Beamon (21-4-2) W PTS 9 Jose Farfan (10-2). Super Feather: Jaime Villegas (12-0) W RTD 3 Victor Alta mar (8-5-1,2ND). Bopp vs. Zuniga The incredible Bopp retains her WBA Female title with stoppage of Zuniga. Bopp just punched too hard and put Zuniga down in the second and third rounds before finishing the fight in the fourth. She drove Zuniga to the ropes and connected with a series of rights that drove Zuniga to the floor. She got up but was unsteady and the referee stopped the fight. Bopp, 37, is 27-1 in world title fights and has 17 wins by KO/TKO. She is a social psychologist and hoped to compete in the Tokyo Olympics but COVID-19 ruined that plan. Venezuelan Zuniga was taking far too steep a climb in standard of opposition as the 16 fighters she had beaten had just 4 wins between them. Beamon vs. Farfan Former WBC super flyweight title challenger Beamon continues his rebuilding project with unanimous decision over Farfan. All three judges saw it 88-83 for Beamon who wins the vacant WBA Fedecaribe belt. After being stopped in nine rounds in a challenge to Juan Francisco Estrada Beamon then suffered two more losses but has won five straight this year. Farfan’s record as normal for a Venezuelan’s does not stand scrutiny with the combined records of his ten victims being 7-19. Villegas vs. Altamar Villegas wins the vacant Colombian title as Altamar retires at the end of the second round in their fight. Ten wins by KO/TKO for the 26-year-old southpaw. Altamar has scored just one win in his previous seven contests. Mexico City, Mexico: Super Fly: Ganigan Lopez (37-11) W DISQ 5 Jose Soto (15-1). Ganigan gets win as Soto is disqualified for a butt in the fifth round. With Lopez a southpaw and Soto orthodox head clashes always seemed possible. Soto made a good start using his longer reach and rocking Lopez with a couple of uppercuts. They clashed heads in the fourth with Lopez cut over his left eye. He survived a doctor’s inspection and then connected with a series of body punches and finished the round strongly. In the fifth when their heads banged together Lopez was bleeding heavily and the fight was stopped with it being ruled that this time it was not an accident and Soto was disqualified for a butt. Lopez wins the vacant WBA Fedecentro. He needed a win-any kind of win- after losing consecutive fights to Armando Torres and Muhammad Waseem in 2019. First fight outside Colombia for Soto. Mandaue City, Philippines: Light Fly: Christian Araneta (20-2) W KO 1 Arnold Garde (10-10-3). Super Feather: Tomjune Mangubat (14-2-1) W KO 7 Allan Villanueva (11-1). Araneta vs. Garde This one was a farce as Garde is counted from a punch that did not seem to make any contact with him. Garde was aggressive enough for about two minutes then Araneta backed him into a corner and threw a southpaw straight left. From the replay’s it clearly went over Garde’s head hardly even brushing his hair but Garde dropped to the canvas and seemed genuinely hurt but was counted out. No credit for anyone in this highly dubious ending. Mangubat vs. Villanueva Mangubat breaks down and stops a competitive Villanueva in an entertaining scrap. Both scored heavily but Mangubat had the heavier punch and was just that bit quicker. They traded fierce body punches in the fifth but with Mangubat losing a point for a low punch. In the sixth Villanueva was starting to wilt. He tried to take the fight to Mangubat in the seventh but Mangubat stunned him with two uppercuts and then pinned him against the ropes and hammered home body punches until Villanueva slumped to the floor and was counted out. Fourth win in a row for Mangubat. First inside the distance defeat for Villanueva. Windhoek, Namibia: Feather: Nathanael Kakololo (12-3-1) W TKO 4 Johannes Ninkoti (3-6-4). Kakololo destroys former foe Ninkoti in four rounds. Kakololo had Ninkoti rocking at the end of the first and again in the third. In the fourth Kakololo floored Ninkoti with a right hook. Ninkoti was up early but was floored again and the fight was stopped. Kakololo had scored a narrow verdict over Ninkoti in November. Two of Kakololo’s losses have come when he was over matched in fights this year in the Ukraine and then Russia. Ninkoti is 0-3 in his last 3 fights. Ontario, CA, USA: Super Light: Miguel Madueno (26-0) W TKO 5 Jose Rodriguez (25-15-1). Super Bantam: Katsuma Aklitsugi (7-1) W PTS 8 Eros Correa (10-1). Madueno vs. Rodriguez Madueno registers another win as he proves too strong for Rodriguez. In a contest fought mainly on the inside Madueno controlled the first three rounds with Rodriguez having a measure of success in the fourth. A focused body attack from Madueno in the fifth proved too much for Rodriguez and he went down. He made it to his feet but after the count Madueno continued to land heavily and the referee stopped the fight. “Explosivo” Madueno has scored 24 wins by KO/TKO but only a couple of his victims would pass as credible tests. Fifth inside the distance loss for Rodriguez. Aklitsugi vs. Correa Akitsugi moves up to eight rounds for the first time and gets a majority decision over Correa. There was never much of a gap between these two. Akitsugi constantly took the fight to Correa who boxed cleverly on the back foot and the verdict could have gone either way but Akitsugi’s aggression won out. Scores 78-74 twice for Akitsugi and 76-76. Japanese southpaw Akitsugi has done all of his fighting in USA whereas Californian Correa had done most of his fighting in Mexico. October 23 Buenos Aires, Argentina: Super Feather: Karen Carbajal (18-0) W TKO 10 Cintia Castillo (10-9). Local fighter Carbajal retained a title and won a title with this late stoppage of Castillo. Carbajal had won the vacant national title with a points victory over Castillo in 2017 and was defending the title for the first time. She also collected the vacant South American Female title with only her second inside the distance ending. Poor Castillo was challenging for the Argentinian title for the fifth time. Cutral Co, Argentina: Fly: Ayelen Grandino (7-1-3) DREW 10 Debora Gomez (7-6-2). No cautious opening for these two as they were trading frantically from the start and somehow maintained that pace over the full ten rounds. Defence was forgotten as they just traded punch after punch. Grandino was that little bit stronger and Gomez often found herself pinned against the ropes but just kept pumping out punches. There was no science involved but on the very few occasions when there was a small break in the toe-to-toe slugging Grandino picked her punches better and that gave her a slight edge. She seemed to have done enough to win but had to settle for a draw. Scores 96-94 Grandino, 97-93 Gomez and 95-95. Grandino retains her national title and the South American title remains vacant. Gomez lost a split decision to Micaela Lujan for the IBF Female super fly title in January. Brisbane, Australia: Bantam: Shannon O’Connell (22-6-1) W PTS 10 Tayiah Robertson (3-1). Super Welter: Luke Woods (7-4) W PTS 10 Ethen Law (5-1). O’Connell vs. Robertson O’Connell retains the Commonwealth title with a split points victory over Robertson. This one was wall-to-wall war. Despite her lack of experience Robertson was more than willing to stand and trade and took the fight to O’Connell. The difference was the more accurate and harder punching from O’Connell but she had to fight hard all the way but was a clear winner. Scores 99-92 and 97-94 for O’Connell and a dissenting 96-94 for Robertson. The 38-year-old from Queensland was making the first defence of the Commonwealth title. Robertson had won the Australian title in June and on this showing will win more titles. Woods vs. Law Woods wins the vacant national title with victory over Law. That looked a very unlikely outcome when Law connected with a vicious left hook in the second that sent Woods down heavily. Woods only just made it to the bell but then soundly outboxed Law to win on scores of 97-92 twice and 98-91. Tasmanian Woods was a top level amateur but had under performed as a pro. Law failed to make the weight so could not have won the title. Cernay, France: Welter: Nurali Erdogan (12-0) W PTS 10 Romain Nemery (9-11-3). Fighting in his home town Erdogan wins the vacant French title as he outboxes former champion Nemery. Erdogan had Nemery in trouble with a left hook to the body in the second and almost floored him with a left to the head in the eighth. He was carried away by that success and threw a bundle of punches trying to put Nemery away. Unfortunately he punches himself out and was so exhausted that he was to one in trouble at the end of the round. He boxed his way through the last two rounds and won on scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 97-93. These two had met over eight rounds in February with Erdogan winning a close fight on the referee’s score of 77-75. Manila, Philippines: Fly: Giemel Magramo (25-2) W PTS 12 Jayr Raquinel (12-2-1). Light Fly: Arvin Magramo (13-1-1) W TKO 2 Jerry Francisco (9-2). Feather: Juan Miguel Elorde (29-2) W PTS 6 Aroet Romasasa (11-10). Super Fly: Jonathan Taconing (29-4-1) W PTS 6 Albert Alcoy (15-29-6). Magramo vs. Raquinel Magramo picks up the vacant OPBF title with a points win over fellow-Filipino Raquinel. Scores 119-109, 118-110 115-113. First fight for Magramo since his eighth round kayo loss to Junto Nakatani for the vacant WBO title in November. Raquinel, a former holder of the OPBF belt, lost the title when he could not defend it due to the pandemic and this was his first fight for 23 months. Magramo vs. Francisco Magramo makes it a family double as he blows away Francisco in two rounds. A vicious combination of head punches floored Francisco in the second. He made it to his feet but then soaked up a savage beating before the fight was stopped. Magramo wins the WBO Oriental title with his ninth TKO/KO victory. Arvin is the younger brother of Giemel. Francisco lacked the power to compete. Elorde vs. Romasasa Elorde gets in six rounds of work with unanimous decision over Romasasa. Elorde had been inactive since losing on a fourth round stoppage against Emanuel Navarrete in a challenge for the WBO super bantam title in September 2019. Poor Romasasa has lost his last ten fights. Taconing vs. Alcoy There was a lot of rust being shed on this night. Taconing’s last ring appearance was in July 2019 when he was halted in four rounds by Kenshiro Teraji in a WBC light flyweight title fight. He eased his way through six rounds here to take the decision. Alcoy was having his first fight since January 2019. Zakopane, Poland: Middle: Fiodor Czerkaszyn (19-0) W PTS 10 Gonzalo Coria (18-5). Cruiser: Mateusz Masternak (46-5) W TKO 4 Armend Xhoxhaj (12-2). Super Middle: Kamil Bednarek (10-0) W KO 1 Uriel Gonzalez (18-9-1). 12 Czerkaszyn vs. Santoyo Czerkaszyn outclasses Coria and takes the decision without ever getting into top gear. After a measured start Czerkaszyn turned up the heat from the third rocking Coria with hooks from both hands. From the fourth southpaw Coria was just looking to survive. Czerkaszyn put on plenty of pressure and switched guards a few times but Coria made it to the final bell. Scores 100-90 for Czerkaszyn on all three cards. The 25-year-old Ukrainian-born Pole has faced a reasonable level of opponent but needs to move up now. Coria was knocked out in two rounds last October by Kazak Zhanibek Alimkhanuly for the vacant WBO Global title but had scored wins in a couple of domestic outings since then. Masternak vs. Xhoxhaj Masternak finishes Xhoxhaj in four rounds. From the opening Masternak used his longer reach to land strong jabs and had Xhoxhaj in trouble at the end of the round. Masternak continued to dominate the action in the second. Xhoxhaj connected with a heavy right in the third but that only stung Masternak into action. In the fourth Masternak put Xhoxhaj down with a series of shots to head and body. Xhoxhaj made it to his feet but the towel was thrown in by his team. Routine outing for the 34-year-old Pole, the WBO No 7, who gets his fifth consecutive victory. Kosovon Xhoxhaj had won his last seven fights. Bednarek vs. Gonzalez If you blinked you might have missed this one as a left hook to the liver from Bednarek left Gonzalez face down on the canvas in pain after just 52 seconds. Sixth fast finish for the Polish southpaw and seventh loss in his last nine fights for Gonzalez. Ansan, South Korea: Minimum: Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen (5-0) W PTS 10 Etsuko Tada (20-4-3) Fly: Olimjon Nazarov (26-5) W PTS 12 Michael Mendoza (11-2-2). Minimum: Arar Andales (13-2) W TKO 7 Minh Phat Sam (7-4). Nguyen vs. Tada A bit of history here as Nguyen becomes the first Vietnamese boxer to win a professional title as she takes a very thin unanimous verdict against WBO title holder Tada. Over the early rounds the stronger Tada looked to have moved into the lead with Nguyen’s face showing the effects of Tada’s effective southpaw lefts. The younger Nguyen put in a strong finish but looked fortunate to get the decision. Scores 96-94 thrice for Nguyen who had a low key birthday celebration of her twenty-fifth birthday on Wednesday. Tada, 40, won the WBA Female minimum title back in 2009 and went on to win minimum titles of the IBF and the WBO and this was her eighteenth title fight. Nazarov vs. Mendoza Nazarov retains the WBO Orient title with a close unanimous decision over Mendoza. Not much to get excited about in this one as both boxers were far too cautious. Nazarov was the aggressor most of the time but was largely ineffective. Mendoza was the better boxer and with a bit more effort could have lifted the title but just let it slip away from him. Scores 115-113 on the three cards for Uzbek Nazarov. Thirteen consecutive victories for 36-year-old Nazarov who is WBO No 3. Filipino Mendoza had won his last six fights but blew his chance here. Andales vs. Sam Filipino Andales won this one all the way. He was just too quick and skilful for the limited Sam. Andales found plenty of gaps in Sam’s defence and by the third Sam’s face was already showing the effects of Andales accuracy. Sam kept trying to take the fight to Andales but was taking plenty of punishment and by the seventh his face was so bruised and swollen that the fight was stopped. Andales ,22, lost a technical decision against Knockout CP-Freshmart for the WBA minimum title in August 2019 but won a title of sorts by knocking out Rey Caitom for the vacant WBFoundation title in March last year. Vietnam’s Sam had scored wins in his last four fights. Tampa, FL, USA: Welter: Harold Calderon (26-0) W DISQ 6 Luis Florez (25-22,2ND). Super Bantam: Otabek Kholmatov (4-0) W KO 2 Juan Medina (12-9).Super Light: Clarence Booth (21-4) W TKO 7 Alejandro Munera (6-4-4). Heavy: Istvan Bernath (8-0) W TKO 1 Guillermo Del Rio (3-4-1). Calderon vs. Florez Honduran southpaw Calderon gets another win but this one a bit unconventional. Calderon’s heavy power had him looking at another inside the distance win after he floored Florez twice in the fifth. The fight ended in the sixth but not by KO/TKO but on disqualification after Florez bit Calderon on his chest and was thrown out. Despite his 26 wins Calderon is missing from the ratings so needs to take on some riskier opposition. Only one win in his last fifteen fights for Florez-and this is the guy who stopped Miguel Berchelt in 29 seconds in 2014 Kholmatov vs. Medina This was supposed to mark Kholmatov’s first ten round fight but he ended it in two rounds. The Uzbek sent Medina down in the first and down and out in the second. The 23-year-old former Elie level amateur has taken less than nine rounds to wins his four fights. Dominican Medina sliding rapidly with six losses in his last seven fights. Booth vs. Munera Floridian Booth continues his winning sequence with last round stoppage of Munera. After a fierce battle Booth came out the winner when the fight was stopped with 23 seconds remaining in the final round. Sixth win in a row for Booth including five inside the distance finishes. His four losses have come against quality opposition. Second consecutive loss for Colombian Munera. Bernath vs. Del Rio Hungarian Bernath stays busy and gets another quick finish. The 6’4” Hungarian halted Mexican Del Rio in two rounds. This one had an element of farce with Bernath 8” taller than Del Rio. Eighth win all in 2021 for Bernath. He was Hungarian champion four times and twice won silver at the European Union championships but has left it late in turning pro at 32. Fight of the week (Significance): Shakur Stevenson’s win over Jamel Herring opens up lots of possible matches. Stevenson vs. Herring Fight of the week (Entertainment): Argentinian Female flyweights Ayelen Grandino and Debora Gomez staged a ten round war. Fighter of the week: Oscar Rivas as he gives Colombia a title holder becoming the inaugural holder of the WBC bridgerweight belt. Honourable mention to Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen who becomes the first Vietnamese boxer to win a major sanctioning body professional title. Punch of the week: Evan Holyfield’s left hook that put Charles Stanford down and out cold is one his father would have been proud of. Upset of the week : With her 4-0 record Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen was an outsider against the more experienced 20-3-3 Etsuko Tada. Prospect watch: Middleweight Troy Isley 3-0 is certainly one to follow. Observations Rosette: Yesica Yolanda Bopp for her amazing record. Now 37 she is a two division champion being currently the WBA Super light flyweight champion and having previously held the WBO light flyweight and flyweight titles. She is 27-0 in various world title fights including being WBA Regular/ Secondary title holder from 2008 to 2019. Not so much a Rosette as a field full of flowers. Red Card: How can anyone think a fight between 6’4” Istvan Bernath and 5’8” Guillermo Del Rio is something to put on a fight card. Farcical. -Suddenly I feel even older than I did last week. I could live with Evander Holyfield’s son being a boxer-but Muhammad Ali’s grandson! It was enough to make me wheel my bath chair away from the computer. - Time moves on. Back in 2014 Colombian Luis Florez was 16-1 and had crushed unbeaten Miguel Berchelt 21-0 (18 wins by KO/TKO) in just 99 seconds now he is 1-13, 1ND in his last 15 fights - The Philippines is the place where boxing is often a family business . On Saturday in Manila brothers Giemel and Arvin Magramo scored wins. Their father Melvin Magramo is a former Philippines and OPBF champion, their uncles Renato, Ronnie and Alvin were pros and it all started with grandfather Ric. They fought in Saturday at the Elorde Sports Complex which is yet another great family name in Philippines boxing and you also have the Penalosa clan-all great boxing dynasties A new addition to the Report (hopefully-if I find the time) Let Me Tell You About: Blair Richardson Nova Scotia’s Ryan Rozicki fighting for the WBC bridgerweight title brought to mind one of the first fighters from the Canadian Maritime Provinces to catch my eye: Blair Richardson also hailed from Nova Scotia born in Sydney on 29 January 1941. He turned pro at the age of 15 without any amateur experience. He won 28 of his first 30 fights 25 of them by KO/TKO, 16 of them in a row. He lost to Gomeo Brennan for the Commonwealth middleweight title in 1965 but won the title with a points victory over Brennan in 1966. He scored wins over Burke Emery, Wilf Greaves, Del Flanagan and Joe DeNucci. He finished his career with a draw against Isaac Logart in 1966 with a 45-5-2 record and 36 wins by KO/TKO. His power was his strength and his weakness as he continually suffered hand injuries which is partly why he retired at 25. He earned bachelor and master of science degrees in speech and taught speech at university. He died following surgery for a brain tumour on 6 March 1971 at the age of 30 when his wife was expecting their first child. One of the best things about Closet Classics is that they can often be bouts that are very, very, obscure. Or at least, obscure outside of a small regional fanbase. Today we have one such bout which was legendary in Japan in the late 1980's, but now a bout that fans in the West will be aware of. That's despite having a sensational second round that deserves to be seen to be believed. In fact it's a round that features a staggering 5 knockdowns in less than 2 minutes 30 seconds. Better yet the bout also had significance, as it was a national title fight. We're quite confident in saying most of you reading this won't have seen this bout but it's one you should take the opportunity to watch as soon as you can! Yasuo Yogi (7-1-2, 3) vs Norikazu Kawana (5-4-1, 2) The match up in question was a Japanese Minimumweight title bout between Yasuo Yogi and Norikazu Kawana, and was held on February 25th 1988. It's fair to say that neither had a reputation for bouts being dramatic and ending early, but this bout was something incredible. The 21 year old Yogi had been a former amateur standout who debuted in 1985, interestingly on the same show as Akinobu Hiranaka, and had climbed through the domestic rankings quickly. He had fought in his first title fight in late 1987, losing a decision to Kenjo Yokozawa for the Japanese Minimumweight title, and got a second shot at a belt just 3 months later, against Kawana. Prior to fighting for a title his most notable win was a decision over Missile Kudo and although he clearly had promise he wasn't standing out as anything too special on the domestic scene. Kawana on the other hand was someone who had an interesting career early on. He had also debuted in 1985, and won his first 2 bouts before stumbling to a 5-4-1 (2) record. The highlight of those first 10 bouts was an OPBF Minimumweight title fight in 1987, against Samuth Sithnaruepol. His best win up to this bout was probably a TKO win over former Japanese title challenger Takeo Onishi. Aged 26 he was the older man, and a southpaw. With the vacant Japanese title up for grabs both men went into this with hopes of becoming a national champion. Sadly though the first round wasn't the most exciting with both men trying to figure out their range. Yogi, the orthodox fighter in blue, seemed the more patient and the slightly crisper fighter but Kawama certainly seemed hungry to come forward and was the one regularly pressing the action. In fact it seemed Kawana wanted to neutralise the footwork and more polished boxing of Yogi. For the first 2 minutes or so the action was tame, with a highlight late in the round as the two men had a rare exchange and both managed to land some decent blows in the final 30 seconds. Although the action began to heat up it was, for the most part, a quiet opening round. That makes what happens in round 2 feel even more special. To begin the second round Kawana came out aggressively and paid the price when he ate a straight right hand and was dropped face first about 40 seconds into the round. He beat the count and looked to get up swinging but was down again just moments later. He knew another knockdown and that was it for him, given the 3 knockdown rule was still in effect for Japanese title fights at the time. The logical thing would be for him to get defensive, focus on seeing out the round and surviving. He did the opposite. Instead of getting negative he looked to get even and managed to drop Yogi with a huge left hand at around 1 minute 20. Yogi beat the count but was hurt soon afterwards and dropped for a second time after the 2 minute mark. Now we were finely balance, another knockdown before the round was over would finish the bout, and both men knew it as they stood and traded. It was a shoot out for the bout. And sadly for Kawana he would go on to be the recipient of the 5th knockdown, losing via the 3 knockdown rule in one of the craziest rounds we've ever seen. Sadly for Yogi his reign was a short one, losing in his first defense, and he would have his final bout in 1993, finishing with a career record of 11-7-2 (6). This win being his career defining victory. Kawana on the other hand went 2-4 after this loss, retiring in the early 1990's with a 7-9-1 (3). Whilst neither did much of note after this contest, this bout is something they share and something every fan needs to watch! By Eric Armit
Highlights: -Emanuel Navarrete retains WBO feather title with a points victory over Joet Gonzalez in a great scrap. -Mairis Breidis stops overrated Artur Mann in three rounds in IBF cruiserweight title defence. -Jonathan Gonzalez wins the WBO light flyweight title with split decision over Elwin Soto -Spaniard Sandor Martin springs an major upset with majority decision over Mikey Garcia -Giovani Santillan moves to 28 wins with victory over Angel Ruiz -Former title holders Anselmo Moreno and Jezreel Corrales win in Panama - Hughie Fury, Savannah Marshall and Chris Eubank win in Newcastle -Cletus Seldin and Petros Ananyan win in New York -Fedor Chudinov gets victory over Ronny Mittag on an injury World Title/Major Shows October 15 San Diego, CA, USA: Feather: Emanuel Navarrete (35-1) W PTS 12 Joet Gonzalez (24-2). Welter: Giovani Santillan (28-0) W PTS 10 Angel Ruiz (17-2). Super Feather: Henry Lebron (14-0) W PTS 8 Manuel Rojas (21-6). Super Light: Lindolfo Delgado (14-0) W PTS 8 Juan Mendez (21-5-2). Navarrete vs. Gonzalez Navarrete retains his WBO title with a unanimous decision after twelve rounds of war. Gonzalez knew he would have to face down Navarrete if he was going to win so there was no period of calm survey they just went straight to war. Gonzalez was taking the fight to Navarrete and outworked him over the first two rounds. In the third a left hook opened a cut under the right eye of Gonzalez. That also caused a swelling that was more of a problem as the fight went on. The fourth saw Gonzalez still coming forward forcing Navarrete onto the back foot connecting with a heavy right but he was walking into severe counters to head and body as Navarrete slung punches from all angles. Gonzalez just could not get forward consistently in the fifth and sixth as Navarrete used his longer reach to score with big single shots particularly some wicked left hooks to the body. Gonzalez did better in the seventh and eighth as he drove forward walking through swinging hooks from Navarrete to score with hooks and uppercuts inside but he was taking more than he was giving and the purple swelling under his right eye was looking ugly. Navarrete was looking arm weary in the ninth and tenth and fighting with his mouth wide open gasping for air as Gonzalez had forced a fast pace but Gonzalez was still having to absorb some heavy punches to get inside where he could score with his hooks. Gonzalez looked livelier in the eleventh even through his face was by now a mess and he was forcing Navarrete to work hard. They slugged it out over the last three exciting minutes with Navarette throwing over 100 punches in the round and landing the harder shots but with Gonzalez never wanting to take a step back and pumping out punches of his own. A great fight. Scores 116-112 twice and 118-110 for Navarrete who was making the second defence of the WBO title. The 26-year-old “Vaquero” does everything wrong but everything comes out right. His eccentric style and power means he is never in a dull fight . Gonzalez was his mandatory challenger so he is open to take a voluntary defence or go for a shot at the super featherweights and fights against Jamel Herring, Shakur Stevenson or Oscar Valdez but whoever he fights you can be sure it won’t be boring. Gonzalez showed bravery above and beyond in this one. Gonzalez had lost a wide unanimous decision against Shakur Stevenson for the vacant WBO feather title in October 2019 but cam e back with a victory over Miguel Marriaga in September last year. He enhanced his standing with his showing here. Santillan vs. Ruiz Californian southpaw Santillan marches on with wide unanimous verdict over useful Ruiz. It was Ruiz, also a southpaw, who put down a marker early rocking Santillan with an uppercut in the opening round. From the second the pressure and accuracy of Santillan put him in control. Ruiz was finding himself pinned to the ropes as Santillan scored inside with uppercuts and hooks. Eventually Ruiz stopped trying to match Santillan inside and boxed instead although that might partially be because he had injured his left hand. Santillan maintained the pressure to the end looking for an inside the distance win but Ruiz stayed there final bell. Scores. 100-90 twice and 99-91 for Santillan. He has not yet forced himself into the ratings but that has to come soon. Ruiz had been stopped in two rounds by Javier Flores in October 2019 but had returned with a victory over unbeaten Bobirzhan Mominov in April this year. Lebron vs. Rojas Another classy display from Puerto Rican Lebron as he returns to action for the first time in fourteen months. The young southpaw outscored the taller Rojas in every round boxing coolly and cleverly. Rojas was never a threat as Lebron cruised to victory. Scores 80-72 for Lebron on all three cards. The winner is a former Pan American Youth gold medallist and World Junior bronze medallist. Texan Rojas had dropped a decision to unbeaten Albert Bell in April but then decisioned 16-1-1 Tyler McCreary in June. Delgado vs. Mendez Delgado wins every round against Mendez. Over the early rounds Mendez was busier but Delgado was connecting with the harder punches and edging the rounds. Delgado rocked Mendez in the fourth and just got stronger from there. His jab had real power and had Mendez bleeding heavily from the nose. A right floored Mendez in the last but time ran out before Delgado could finish the job. All three judges gave it to Delgado 80-71. A PanAmerican silver medal winner and 2016 Olympian Delgado is progressing well and being matched sensibly. Experienced Mendez was coming off a couple of reasonable domestic wins. October 16 Fresno, CA, USA: Light Fly: Jonathan Gonzalez (25-3-1,1ND) PTS 12 Elwin Soto (19-2). Welter: Sandor Martin (39-2) W PTS 10 Mikey Garcia (40-2). Light: Brock Jarvis (20-0) W TKO 5 Alejandro Frias (13-5-2). Light Fly: Jesse Rodriguez (14-0) W TKO 4 Jose Burgos (18-5-1). Super Middle: Diego Pacheco (13-0) W TKO 8 Lucas de Abreu (12-1). Middle: Nikita Ababiy (11-0) W PTS 8 Sanny Duversonne (11-5-2. Gonzalez vs. Soto An outsider in the betting slippery southpaw Gonzalez boxes a clever fight to frustrate Soto’s aggression and take the split decision and Soto’s WBO title. Over the first two rounds Gonzalez was boxing on the retreat. He was using his jab to unsettle Soto and then darting in firing a quick bunch of punches and moving before Soto responded. Soto pressed harder in the third managing to cut off the ring but Gonzalez was a difficult target. It was proving a frustrating fight for Soto as he just could not pin Gonzalez down. Gonzalez was stabbing his punches through Soto’s guard and then using quick footwork and upper body movement to get away from danger. By the end of the sixth Gonzalez had built a big lead. Soto managed to force Gonzalez to stand and trade in the seventh and eighth which won him the rounds and Gonzalez was also warned for holding. Gonzalez took the ninth and also complained when Soto twisted his arm severely in a clinch. Soto got back into the fight in the tenth as he hunted Gonzalez down and scored with body punches but Gonzalez outboxed Soto in the eleventh and was already celebrating in the twelfth round as he continued to duck and dive around Soto’s punches and land quick counters. Scores 116-112 twice to Gonzalez and 116-112 for Soto. Gonzalez had been halted in seven rounds by Kosei Tanaka in a challenge for the WBC flyweight title in August 2019 but had moved down to light flyweight and scored wins over experienced Mexicans Saul Juarez and Armando Torres. Soto was making the fourth defence of the WBO title and had put together a winning sequence of 17 fights. Martin vs. Garcia Martin pulls off a great upset victory as he takes a majority decision over Garcia after a close fight. Martin just had a slight edge in a feeling-out first round. The lights went out briefly at the start of the second but once the lights returned Garcia got to work snapping out his jab and staggering Martin with a right to even the scores. Garcia continued to be in charge in the third and fourth outscoring Martin but the Spaniard was just getting started. The pace picked up in the fifth with Martin finding the target with lefts and rights and although Garcia ended the round strongly Martin had clawed a round back. The action was hectic in the sixth but the momentum seemed to have shifted to Martin and he was the one who finished strongly to even up the scores. The pace dropped in the seventh but again Martin did the better work to move into the lead. Martin was putting together some impressive combinations in the eighth but Garcia had a big ninth outscoring and rocking Martin. Garcia must have known he needed to take the tenth and they both battled hard with Martin landing a series of shots in the middle of the round and just doing enough to take the round and deserve the decision. Scores 97-93 twice for Martin and 95-95. Huge win for former undefeated European champion Martin who will now be looking to get a title shot but with Josh Taylor holding all four of the titles and having four different mandatory challengers there is not much room for a voluntary shot and the highest rating Martin had was No 7 with the WBA. First fight for twenty months for Garcia who was looking to build on his win over Jessie Vargas. This is a big blow to his hopes of another title chance. Jarvis vs. Frias Unbeaten Australian Jarvis has to overcome a rocky second round to stop Frias. After a steady first round Frias staged a furious attack in the second. Jarvis was pinned to the ropes for most of the round being raked with punches and the referee seemed on the point of jumping in to stop the fight on a couple of occasions but with guts and some holding survived. Jarvis then took over and slowly beat the fight out of Frias until the referee came in to stop the flight in the fifth. The 23-year-old Jarvis started out as a bantam but at 5’9” was always going to outgrow that division. He has 18 wins by KO/TKO and is one of the best young prospects in Australia. He wins the IBF Inter-Continental belt and is currently rated No 9 super feather by the IBF but has outgrown that weight as well. Mexican Frias was a decent 7-1-1 before losing this one Rodriguez vs. Burgos Rodriguez floors Burgos twice on the way to a fourth round stoppage. Southpaw Rodriguez dominated the action over the first three rounds and then wrapped up the win in the fourth. He rocked Burgos early and then dropped him. Burgos managed to get up but was floored by left and the referee stopped the fight. The 21-year-old Texan gets his sixth consecutive inside the distance finish. One win in his last five for Burgos. Pacheco vs. de Abreu No real test here for Pacheco but a de Abreu almost made it to the last bell. Pacheco was the one on the front foot for most of the fight. He used his longer reach to keep de Abreu on the defensive and tested his chin with some long rights shaking him in the fourth. de Abreau showed some nice moves and switched guards occasionally but took plenty of punishment in the seventh. They traded punches in the last and although Pacheco landed some hard rights to the head it was a surprise when the referee stopped the fight with just 39 seconds remaining. Pacheco, 20, is just gathering experience right now so won’t be rushed. Brazilian de Abreu had turned pro in the USA in 2016 but this was his first fight there in five years. Ababiy vs. Duversonne “White Chocolate” Ababiy outpoints Duversonne. Ababiy was jabbing well and slotting straight rights through Duversonne’s guard. He showed plenty of movement and dug to the body well. Duversonne did very little over the early rounds but from the sixth came into the fight more as Ababiy’s work rate dropped. They traded punches over the last two rounds with Duversonne doing the pressing and scoring the harder shots. Scores 80-72, 79-73 and 77-75 for twenty-year-old Ababiy who was in his first eight round fight. After going 11-0-2 at the start of his career it is now five losses in a row for Duversonne Riga, Latvia: Cruiser: Mairis Breidis (28-1) W TKO 3 Artur Mann (17-2). Breidis has an easy night as he destroys a vastly overrated Mann in three rounds. Mann made a bright start stabbing out jabs early in the round with Briedis more cautious. Slowly Breidis began to come forward exerting pressure but Mann landed two good rights late in the round. Breidis picked up the pace in the second. His jab was stronger putting Mann on the back foot and he was throwing long rights. Just before the bell Breidis threw a right over a lazy jab from Mann which clipped Mann on the chin. Mann took a couple of steps back then dropped to a knee. He was up early and the bell went just seconds after the eight count was completed. Breidis chased Mann down in the third. He harried Mann and caught up with him scoring with a series of punches that had Mann dropping to the floor. He was up at seven and gained a few more seconds of recovery time as his mouthguard was replaced. A clash of heads opened a cut on the bridge of Breidis nose but he ignored that and after a bad tempered exchange of punches to the back of the head Breidis landed a bunch of hooks and uppercuts with Mann stumbling back and down to his knees. Mann arose at five but promptly dropped straight back down and then stumbled up again and the referee just waived the fight over. First fight for Breidis since taking a majority decision over Yuniel Dorticos for the IBF title in September last year. The IBF have nominated Jai Opetaia as the mandatory challenger for Breidis. Mann’s No 6 with the IBF was down to some very funny goings on with the IBF ratings (see Observations) October 15 Panama City, Panama: Feather: Anselmo Moreno (40-6-1) W KO 1 Walberto Ramos (26-11-2). Light: Jezreel Corrales (25-4) W PTS 10 Jesus Bravo (19-5-1). Super Fly: Salvador Juarez (16-7-2) W PTS 10 Geraldo Valdez (10-1). Super Feather: Ricardo Nunez (23-3) W TKO 1 Ricardo Solano (25-3-2,1ND). Super Welter: Alfredo Mosquera (27-4-2, 2ND) W PTS 10 Abel Mina (14-1). Feather: Rafael Pedroza (12-0) W KO 7 Iwier Henriquez (11-14-1.1ND). Moreno vs. Ramos Moreno gets this one over early as he blitzes Colombian Ramos forcing a stoppage after just 86 seconds. Moreno floored Ramos twice finishing with a powerful right for the second knockdown that put Ramos down and out. The former WBA title holder at bantamweight, who has taken part in 17 title fights for various belts, has done nothing of note since losing inside the distance in consecutive fights against Shinsuke Yamanaka and Julio Ceja but still manages to be rated No 2 with the WBA. First fight in two years for 40-year-old Ramos. Corrales vs. Bravo Corrales outpoints Bravo. Apart from a count when he overreached and lost his balance in the second round this was just a good workout for Corrales against Peruvian Bravo. Corrales put Bravo down in the fourth for a genuine knockdown and won on scores of 98-90 on the three cards. After a run of three losses in four fights Corrales was out of action for 16 months before returning with a win in May. Four losses on the bounce for Bravo. Juarez vs. Valdez Mexican Juarez gets unanimous points victory over Dominican Valdez. This was war from bell to bell as they traded hard shots for the full ten rounds. It was close all the way but Juarez’s experience gave him the edge and he was a good winner. Scores 97-93 twice and 96-94. Juarez gets his fourth victory in a row and lifts Valdez’s WBC Latino title. Valdez was defending the title for the second time. Nunez vs. Solano Nunez despatches Solano in 71 seconds. A huge right to the head floored Solano early. Somehow he beat the count but was trapped against the ropes being hammered by head punches when the referee stopped the fight. Nunez rarely does a distance fight with 23 of his fights ending early-unfortunately three of those 23 early endings were losses including came in a second round defeat against Gervonta Davis for the WBA featherweight belt in July 2019. Dominican Solano had a 17-1-2, 1ND run going into this one with the No Decision coming when both he and his opponent landed so many illegal punches they were both thrown out. Mosquera vs. Mina Mosquera outpoints Mina over ten tough, gruelling but entertaining rounds. Although having an edge in reach southpaw Mosquera was usually the one forcing the fight with Mina happy to trade inside but losing a point for holding in the sixth. Both fighters tired late due to the many exchanges. Scores 99-90, 97-92 and 96-93 for Mosquera. Second fight this year for Mosquera, 34, but he has seen his best days in the rear view mirror. Mina suffered his first pro loss in June on a split decision against 17-1 Mexican Damian Sosa in June. Pedroza vs. Henriquez Panamanian puncher Pedroza keeps his 100% record with win over Henrique. Pedraza was down in the second but then dominated the action before bringing the curtain down it in the seventh. Just before the bell to end the round a right to the body saw Henrique take a couple of steps forward and then collapse to his knees. He made it to his feet but was pulled out of the fight. Eleventh inside the distance ending for Pedraza who had climbed off the canvas to outpointed Venezuelan Henrique in 2018. Saint-Quentin, France: Light: Guillaume Frenois (49-2-1) W PTS 10 Giuseppe Carafa (14-5-2). Light Heavy: Daniel Blenda Dos Santos (17-1) W KO 5 Mehdi Privat (5-3). Frenois vs. Carafa Frenois gets good win over a competitive Carafa. The southpaw skills of Frenois gave him a big edge but Carafa made him work hard for the decision. Frenois was sharp with his right jabs and constantly met the advancing Carafa with straight rights but never completely subdued him. Scores 97-93 twice and 98-92 for Frenois. He is boxing at lightweight after losing on points against Tevin Farmer for the IBF super feather belt in July 2019. He wins the vacant WBA Continental belt. Former Italian champion Carafa showed well. Dos Santos vs. Privat Dos Santos had some problems with the reach of the much taller Privat but he solved that problem spectacularly in the fifth with a leaping left hook to the head that sent Privat face down on the canvas and out. Second win for Dos Santos after losing on a fourth round stoppage against Joshua Buatsi in May. Privat had won his last three fights. Reggio Emilia, Italy: Super Feather: Juan Gomez (11-0) W PTS 12 Nicola Henchiri (10-2). Super Bantam: Luca Rigoldi (25-2-2) W PTS 10 Mattia De Bianchi (11-1) . Light: Domenico Valentino (10-2) W PTS 6 Maycol Escobar (9-25-2). Super Bantam: Vincenzo Picardi (5-0) W PTS 6 Shoaib Zaman (4-15-2). Gomez vs. Henchiri Visitor Gomez wins the European Union title with wide unanimous call over champion Henchiri. Gomez led from the start with his strong if at times crude attacks. He was too aggressive for light-punching Henchiri who was floored in the tenth and well beaten. Scores 119-107, 119-108 and 118-108 for Gomez. Henchiri was making the first defence of the title. Rigoldi vs. De Bianchi Former European champion Rigoldi regains the Italian title with points victory over De Bianchi. Scores 99-91, 97-93 and 96-94. Third win for Rigoldi since losing his European title to Gamal Yafai in December. Unsuccessful first defence for De Bianchi. Valentino vs. Escobar Former top level amateur and former Italian champion Valentino returns with a win as he outpoints Nicaraguan loser Escobar. Last time out in September 2020 Valentino suffered a shock second round kayo against Mohamed Khalladi. Escobar’s recent record is now 0-11-1. Picardi vs. Zaman Italian champion Picardi has no trouble getting a win over Italian-based Pakistani Zaman. The 37-year-olf Picardi is hoping his fifth victory will allow him the chance to fight for the European title. Thirteen losses in a row for Zaman. Mexico City, Mexico: Light Fly: Axel Vega (15-4-1) W pts 10 Armando Torres (26-20). At 4’ 9 ½” Vega must be one of the smallest male pro fighters so he has had to develop an attacking style to work his way inside. He did this early against the experienced Torres with lots of success but then tried boxing on the outside. That allowed Torres a foothold in the fight and he had a good seventh in a strong finish but could not claw back the lead Vega had established. Vega won on scores of 98-93, 95-93 and 96-95. Vega was defending the WBA Fedecentro belt. He has lost in shots at both the WBO and WBA light flyweight titles. Torres, 40, had found a little form in winning 4 of his last 5 fights. Los Mochis, Mexico: Welter: Santiago Dominguez (25-0) W TKO 5 Jesus Rubio (13-5-1). Super Feather: Jose Nunez (22-1) W KO 9 Osvaldo Maldonado (10-2). Mexican Dominguez makes in nineteen inside the distance victories as he forces Rubio out of the fight in the fifth. Dominguez had punished Rubio from the start and he ended things in the fifth. A bunch of vicious left hooks to the body had Rubio turning away from the action in agony and the fight was stopped. Dominguez wins the vacant WBC Latino title. Rubio’s third loss by KO/TKO. Despite his 25 wins the low quality of his opposition means Dominguez is not currently rated. Nunez vs. Maldonado Local fighter Nunez continues to cut a swath through some modest opposition as he knocks out Maldonado in the ninth. All 22 of Nunez’s wins have come by KO/TKO. Second consecutive defeat for Maldonado Kazan, Russia: Super Middle: Fedor Chudinov (25-2-1) W RTD 2 Ronny Mittag (31-5-4).Bantam: Fatima Dudieva (11-0) W PTS 8 Soledad Macedo (17-16-2). Chudinov vs. Mittag Chudinov gets unsatisfactory victory as Mittag retires after two rounds with an ankle injury. Chudinov was walking Mittag down in the first. Mittag was firing bursts of punches without much power with the slower Chudinov landing single harder shots but they exchanged furiously at the bell. Mittag continued to score with lots of shots in the second finding Chudinov an open target but Chudinov was now throwing more and Mittag was on the retreat and under plenty of pressure. The German retired at the end of the second blaming a broken rib. The two rounds were entertaining with Mittag busier but Chudinov landing the heavier punches. Chudinov is rated WBA 2/WBO 8/WBC 10 EBU 2 but a title shot is a distant dream at best. This was Mittag’s chance to regroup after losses in domestic action against Patrick Wojcicki and Denis Radovan so an unfortunate ending. Dudieva vs. Macedo “Amazonka” Dudieva continues unbeaten with a points victory over Uruguayan Macedo in a Female eight. Dudieva was just too quick, too mobile and too busy for the portly Macedo who was outboxed in every round and was just aiming to survive over the late rounds. Ghent, Belgium: Middle: Sasha Yengoyan (45-8-1) W PTS 6 David Nikolayev (9-9-1).Middle: Stephen Danyo (20-4-3) W PTS 6 Milos Janjanin (14-27). 2 Yengoyan vs. Nikolayev Yengoyan goes out with a win. In what he says will be his last pro fight Yengoyan takes a unanimous verdict over Nikolayev on a score of 58-56 from all three judges. Yengoyan was 31-1-1 at one time and won the World Boxing Federation title but never a major title. Russian Nikolayev never came close to ruining the party. Danyo vs. Janjanin Dutchman Danyo gets a points win over Bosnian Janjanin. 60-54, 59-54. 58-56. October 16 Newcastle, England: Hughie Fury (26-3) W RTD 5 Christian Hammer (16-7). Middle: Savannah Marshall (11-0) W TKO 2 Lolita Muzeya (16-1). Middle: Chris Eubank Jr (31-2) W RTD 5 Wanik Awdijan (28-2). Fury vs. Hammer Fury wins this one as Hammer retires after five rounds citing an arm injury. Fury boxed in a measured style in the first content to let Hammer rumble forward and using his longer reach to score with his jab. Hammer kept swinging hopefully in the second and third doing enough to cause a bruising under Fury’s right eye but Fury switched guards and found the target with hooks and uppercuts. They traded heavy shots in the fourth and the fight seemed to be warming up nicely. Hammer landed a right at the start of the fifth but was later deducted a point for hitting on the break. Fury then launched a big attack and put Hammer under lots of pressure. The fight ended there with Hammer retiring due an arm injury. Fury has lost big fights against Joseph Parker, Kubrat Pulev and Alexander Povetkin. He has three wins under his belt now but is not in the ratings so is going to have to start winning big fights to get anywhere near a title shot. Hammer is also a serial big fight loser having been beaten by Tyson Fury, Povetkin, Luis Ortiz and Tony Yoka and I can’t see him changing that trend. Marshall vs. Muzeya Marshall stops Muzeya in two rounds. Marshall constituted a huge step up in class for Muzeya who tried to surprise Marshall with a hurricane attack in the first. Marshall waited out the storm and then welcomed Muzeya to the elite level shaking the Zambian with an uppercut just before the bell. Muzeya bravely tried to come forward again in the second but was being rocked by powerful uppercuts. When Marshall cut loose with a ferocious attack Muzeya was overwhelmed and was in deep trouble when the referee stopped the fight. Marshall retains the WBO Female title with her ninth KO/TKO victory and she is hoping to face Clarissa Shield soon. They will both appear on the same show in December. Meanwhile Shields is giving MMA a try but will not want to pass up the chance to gain revenge against Marshall who beat her at the 2012 world championships the only loss Shield has suffered. Muzeya was just not in this class. Eubank vs. Awdijan Eubank forces Awdijan in to retirement after five rounds. Eubank eased his way into the fight in the first round then upped the pace in the second putting the retreating Awdijan under pressure. Awdijan showed some good defensive work in the third but Eubank was connecting with some hefty body punches. Eubank continued to go to the body in the fourth and Awdijan was not relishing the strength sapping shots. It was all Eubank in the fifth with Awdijan hurt again with body punches and the visitor retired at the end of the round with a rib injury. Useful outing for Eubank but he badly needs to get into some big fights and soon-and he no longer has the WBA interim title but is ranked No 1 by them. Armenian-born German Awdijan had won his last 21 fights but against a carefully selected collection of mediocrity. New York, NY, USA: Super Light: Petros Ananyan (16-2-2) W PTS 10 Daniel Gonzalez (20-3-1). Super Light: Cletus Seldin (26-1,1ND) W KO 7 William Silva (28-4). Welter: Cesar Francis (9-0) W PTS 8 Jose Roman (11-1). Super Light: Will Madera (17-1-3) W RTD 5 Jamshidbek Najmitdinov (17-2). Ananyan vs. Gonzalez Russian Ananyan pulls out a majority decision in a close fight. The contest did not really catch alight over the first three rounds with neither boxer fighting at a high pace. Ananyan was switching guards and just seemed to have a slight edge over those rounds and he needed it. Despite a cut on his forehead Gonzalez upped his pace and put Ananyan under plenty of pressure over the middle rounds and looked to have moved into the lead but not by much. Ananyan came on stronger at the end landing the heavier punches and the judges decided he had just done enough to turn the fight his way. Scores 96-94 twice for Ananyan and 95-95. Ananyan was having his first fight since getting a huge win with a points victory over unbeaten Subriel Matias in February last year. The inactivity has cost him what would have been a very high rating with the more active Matias Now the IBF No 2. No surprise Gonzalez ran Ananyan as close as his only losses before this have been against Danny O’Connor and Chris Algieri. Seldin vs. Silva Seldin “The Hebrew Hammer” scores spectacular kayo over Silva. The first three rounds were forgettable as neither fighter really did much. Seldin picked up the pace from the fourth taking the fight inside and landing heavy body punches. Silva was trying to land big shots on the incoming Seldin but it was not working. Seldin buckled Silva’s legs with a right in the sixth and in the seventh connected with two rights to the head that put Silva down and out with no count needed. A loss to Yves Ulysse in 2017 and shoulder injuries had Seldin considering retirement but an eleventh round victory over Zab Judah in 2019 won Seldin the vacant NABA title and he is rated No 13 by the WBA but a long way from any smell of a title shot. Silva’s other losses have come against Felix Verdejo, Teo Lopez and Arnold Barboza Francis vs. Roman Panamanian-born New Yorker Francis floors and outpoints Roman. This started out as a fairly even contest but gradually Francis was bossing the battle with body punches inside. Francis had a big fourth round with Roman on the floor and never really the same fighter after that. Roman was fighting without conviction and Francis powered his way to victory. Scores 78-73 twice and 79-72. Overtime for Francis as his last two wins only took him 2:40seconds in total. Puerto Rican Roman just never recovered from the fourth round knockdown. Madera vs. Najmitdinov A disappointing first showing in the USA for Uzbek Najmitdinov as he pulls out after five rounds with an arm injury. Good start from Najmitdinov as he landed power punches over the first two rounds. Madera’s speed saw him getting into the fight in the third and taking the action to Najmitdinov. He had Najmitdinov spilling blood and the doctor looked at Najmitdinov in the fourth. Madera was in charge in the fifth with Najmitdinov bleeding heavily from the nose and seemingly carrying and injury and he retired at the end of the round. An important win for Madera as he tries to rebuild his reputation after a first round stoppage loss against Felix Verdejo in July last year. Najmitdinov’s only other loss was against Viktor Postol back in 2017 and now he too has a rebuilding job. Cancun, Mexico: Super Bantam: Christopher Lopez (14-0-1) W PTS 10 Franklin Manzanilla (20-7). Super Fly: David Cuellar (20-0) W TKO 6 Moises Fuentes (25-7-1). Welter: Taras Shelestyuk (19-0) W TKO 10 Ernesto Espana (31-3-1). Super Bantam: Pedro Tut (21-1) W PTS 8 Antonio Garcia (25-8).Light Fly: Yesenia Gomez (19-5-3,1ND) W PTS 8 Itzayana Cruz (6-8). Light: Oscar Duarte (21-1-1) W TKO 5 Iran Rodriguez (8-7-4). Middle: Simon Madsen (13-0) W TKO 7 Selim Martinez (4-3). Lopez vs. Manzanilla Lopez wins the vacant WBA International title with decision over Manzanilla. It was a tough night for Lopez who triumphed despite suffering two knockdowns. Eight successive wins for Lopez. Venezuelan Manzanilla had shown his power previously by flooring Rey Vargas before losing on points to Vargas for the WBC super bantamweight title in February 2019. Cuellar vs. Fuentes Cuellar moves to a whole new level as he stops Flores in six rounds. Punches from Cuellar had a swelling showing by the right eye of Flores by the second round and only the ropes held up Flores in the third. By the sixth Flores was badly busted up and taking punishment when a right put him down flat on his back out cold and the referee immediately called for medical help. Flores was taken to hospital and underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain. He is said to be recovering but nit is early days. This was the first fight in just over three years for Flores. He retired after being knocked out in one round by Daigo Higa in February 2018 in a challenge for the WBC flyweight title and then being stopped in five rounds by Roman Gonzalez in September that year. The 19-year-old Cuello had knocked out Karim Arce in nine rounds in June. Shelestyuk vs. Salas Ukrainian southpaw Shelestyuk comes back with a win as he halts Ernesto Espana in nine rounds. First fight for 22 months for Shelestyuk. The inactivity has cost him his world rating but he will be out to get back in contention. Espana’s record has more padding than a NFL team. He is the son of Ernesto and nephew of Cristano who both won titles but Ernesto is not in their league. Tut vs. Garcia Tut has his first outing in 22 months as he outpoints Garcia over eight rounds. Tut took the unanimous decision for his sixteenth victory in a row, Garcia lost on points to Anselmo Moreno in May. Gomez vs. Cruz Local fighter Gomez outpointed “La Diva” Cruz in a slow Female eight. “La Nina” Gomez has lost only one of her last seventeen contests. Cruz is now 2-4 in her recent fights. Duarte vs. Rodriguez Duarte stopped Rodriguez in five for win No 16 by KO/TKO. Duarte is trained by former champion Erik Morales. Rodriguez is without a win in his last four tries. Madsen vs. Martinez Cancun-based Dane “Viking” Madsen made it seven wins in a row, six by KO/TKO with a seventh round stoppage of Martinez. Madsen 26, has done all of his pro fighting in Cancun. Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina: Super Light: Emiliano Dominguez (26-9-1) W PTS 10 Miguel Correa (10-21-2). After a disappointing 2-5-1 run any win is welcome for Dominguez as he tries to work his way back into the national rankings having lost in a shot for the title in July. He wins on scores of 99 ½ - 92 ½, 98 ½- 92 and 98 ½ -92 ½. Yet another loss on Correa’s spotty record. San Lorenzo, Argentina: Welter: Marcelo Sanchez (7-2-3) W PTS 10 Nahuel Galesi (13-8-1). Sanchez continues his improved form as he outpoints Galesi to win the vacant WBC Latino title on scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93. Sanchez came in at short notice. He has shown much improved form being 7-1-2 in his last 10 fights. Fourth points defeat in a row for Galesi. Koingsbrunn, Germany: Light Heavy: Luca Cinqueoncle (14-0) W TKO 7 Killan Weck (5-2). Light Heavy: Uensal Arik (35-2) W TKO 2 Janne Forsman (22-15). Cinqueoncle vs. Weck Cinqueoncle wins the vacant IBO Youth title when Weck’s corner throw in the towel in the seventh round. The 6’2” has eleven inside the distance victories. Weck had won his last 5 fights. Arik vs. Forsman German-born Turk Arik stops poor Finn Forsman. That makes it 29 wins by KO/TKO for Arik who has won his last 17 fights but against sub standard opposition. Eleventh consecutive loss for Forsman nine by KO/TKO. Accra, Ghana: Super Light: Robert Quaye (20-0) W TKO 1 Nathanael Nukpe (13-8-1). Feather: Holy Dorgbetor (8-0) W PTS 12 Success Tetteh (10-3). Quaye vs. Nukpe An uppercut from Quaye ends this one in the first round. He moves to 17 wins by KO/TKO and is ready for much better opposition as his record contains not a single real test. Nukpe was having his first fight since April 2019 and has lost 5 of his last 6 contests. Dorgbetor vs. Tetteh Dorgbetor wins the vacant national title as he outclasses Tetteh. Dorgbetor won every round on all three cards leading to three scores of 120-108. Good experience for Dorgbetor, 22, who had taken only 19 rounds for his seven previous wins. Tetteh was kayoed in two rounds by Nigerian Oto Joseph in an ABU title fight in April 2019. Rome, Italy: Super Welter: Marco Papasidero (9-2-4) W Mirko Di Carlantonio (11-7-1). Papasidero finally gets a win over Di Carlantonio and it gains him the vacant national title. In a close fight Di Carlantonio moved ahead by the half way point but Papasidero was stronger over the later rounds and was a good winner. Scores 96-94 twice and 97-93 for Papasidero. He lost in his first pro fight to Di Carlantonio and they drew in a fight for the vacant title in July. The 40-year-old Di Carlantonio was 5-0- going in. Florence, Italy: Orlando Fiordigiglio (33-3) W TKO 5 Beka Murjikneli (6-17-1) Fiordigiglio returns to the ring with a comfortable stoppage of Murjikneli. A series of body punches finished Murjikneli in the fifth. At 37 Fiordigiglio is still hoping for some big fights but may have to settle for domestic challenges. Georgian Murjikneli Is without a win in his last twelve fights. Windhoek, Namibia: Super Bantam: Filipus Nghitumbwa (10-1) W TKO 6 Innocent Mantengu (14-5-1). Super Middle: Paulinus Ndjolonimu (13-0) W TKO 2 Anthony Jarmann (17-5-1). Welter: Charles Shinima (13-0) W KO 2 Mohamed Mutalemwa (10-3-1). Super Feather: Jeremiah Nakathila (22-2) W TKO 2 Ndonana Ncube (7-3). Nghitumbwa vs. Mantengu Nghitumbwa put South African Mantengu under pressure from start. Mantengu tried to box his way out of trouble but he lacked the skill or the power to succeed. Nghitumbwa landed heavily in the fifth and then put Mantengu down and out in the sixth with a body punch. Nghitumbwa wins the vacant WBO Global belt. Former South African champion Mantengu had won the WBA Pan African title in his last fight. Ndjolonimu vs. Jarman In an all-Namibian clash Ndjolonimu gets repeat inside the distance win over Jarman. After a slow first Ndjolonimu connected with a left hook to the head in the second and Jarman went down and was unable to continue. Jarman was defending the WBO African title he won with a tenth round kayo of Jarman in April. Ndjolonimu has eleven inside the distance finishes. All five of Jarman’s losses have been by KO/TKO. Shinima vs. Mutalemwa Shinima wins the vacant WBO African title with kayo of Tanzanian Mutalemwa. Shinima floored Mutalemwa at the start of the second and then put him on the floor with a body punch with Mutalemwa unable to beat the count. Eighth consecutive inside the distance victory for Shinima. Mutalemwa was a decent 8-0-1 before this one. Nakathila vs. Ncube Nakathila wipes out Zimbabwean Ncube in two rounds. After rocking Ncube in the first Nakathila finished the job with a body punch in the second. First fight for Nakathila since losing on points against Shakur Stevenson for the interim WBO title in June. Third stoppage loss suffered by inexperienced Ncube Fight of the week (Significance): Emanuel Navarrete’s win over Joet Gonzalez was good for boxing and hopefully will lead to some big fight for Navarrete. Fight of the week (Entertainment): Emanuel Navarrete vs. Joet Gonzalez. For the second successive week a candidate for Fight of the Year. Honourable mention to the contests between Salvador Juarez and Geraldo Valdez Fighter of the week: Emanuel Navarrete Punch of the week: The left hook from Daniel Bienda Dos Santos that flattened Mehdi Privat. Upset of the week: Has to be Sandor Martin’s win over Mikey Garcia. Prospect watch: Mexican super flyweight David Cuellar is 20-0 with 13 wins by KO/TKO. Observations Rosette to: Navarrete vs. Gonzalez as another great advert for boxing and Top Rank for following up Fury vs. Wilder with Navarrete vs. Gonzalez Red Card to: The IBF for playing disgraceful games with their rating of Artur Mann. Before the fight with Mairis Breidis for the IBF title on Saturday Mann was rated No 6 by the IBF. Mann’s last fight before facing Breidis was on 20 June 2020 when he was unrated by the IBF. Four months later without fighting he jumped into their ratings at No 13 and eventually climbed to No 6 all without taking part in a single fight . So unrated to No 6 without fighting and he challenges Breidis having not fought for 16 months and surprise-surprise he collapses the first time Briedis turns the screw. Rubbish ratings lead to rubbish title fights-and these sort of “games” rob more deserving fighters of a title chance. And to the WBO. We keep getting told how important their Global title is so how come Namibian Fillipus Nghitumbwa with a 9-1 record (built against low level opposition) vs. Innocent Mantengu with a 14-5-1 record qualify to compete for this gloriously important Gold title? Is the winner now eligible to challenge Steve Fulton? Or is it just a sop to the local promoter for his outstanding loyalty to the WBO? A title only gets the amount of respect owed to those who hold and compete for the title. Box Rec has Nghitumbwa rated No 50! -Celebrate a good weekend for Spanish boxing with Sandor Martin beating Mikey Garcia and Juan Felix Gomez winning the European Union super featherweight title. Ole!-that’s all the Spanish I know amigos. By Eric Armit
Highlights: -Tyson Fury climbs off the deck to kayo Deontay Wilder in the eleventh round of an electrifying WBC heavyweight title fight -Robert Helenius gets a repeat win over Adam Kownacki who is disqualified after six rounds -Frank Sanchez outpoints Efe Ajagba in clash of unbeaten heavyweights - Edgar Berlanga gets off the floor to outpoint Marcelo Coceres Vladimir Hernandez outpoints Julian Williams in an upset -Robeisy Ramirez and heavyweight Jared Anderson score wins. -Dominic Boesel outpoints Robin Krasniqi to regain the IBO light heavyweight title - In Liverpool Liam Smith stops Anthony Fowler, Troy Williamson wins British super welterweight title with victory over Ted Cheeseman, Shannon Courtenay loses her WBA Female bantamweight title on the scales and Californian Jamie Mitchell outpoints Courtenay to win the vacant title -In Birmingham Jason Cunningham retains the European super bantamweight title and wins the British and Commonwealth titles with narrow victory over Brad Foster, Ekow Essuman knocks out Danny Ball for Commonwealth, British and IBF European welterweight titles and Callum Johnson struggles past Server Emurlaev on a majority decision in a WBO Global light heavyweight title defence. World Title/Major Shows October 9 Las Vegas, NV, USA: Heavy: Tyson Fury (31-0-1) W KO 11 Deontay Wilder (42-2-1). Heavy: Robert Helenius (31-3) W DISQ 6 Adam Kownacki (20-2). Heavy: Frank Sanchez (19-0) W PTS 10 Efe Ajagba (15-1). Feather: Robeisy Ramirez (8-1) W PTS 10 Orlando Gonzalez (17-1). Super Middle: Edgar Berlanga (18-0) W PTS 10 Marcelo Coceres (30-3-1). Super Welter: Vladimir Hernandez (13-4) W PTS 10 Julian Williams (27-3-1,1ND). Heavy: Jared Anderson (10-0) W TKO 2 Vladimir Tereshkin (22-1-1). Heavy: Viktor Vykhryst (8-0) W TKO 3 Mike Marshall (6-1-1). Fury vs. Wilder Fury scores crushing win with late stoppage in a dramatic heavyweight fight which saw both fighters on the floor, Fury twice and Wilder three times before Fury ended things with a thunderous right to the head in the eleventh. Round 1 Good first round for Wilder. He was coming forward jabbing almost exclusively to the body and firing some range finding rights. Fury was on the back foot and only really came alive late on the round with a long right but had been outworked. Score: 10-9 Wilder Round 2 Too much holding in this round with Fury using his additional weight to lean on Wilder. Fury was mostly on the front foot and shook Wilder with a big right and later when Wilder did land a big right Fury immediately fired back and just had the edge. Score: 10-9 Fury TIED 19-19 Round 3 Fury took the fight to Wilder. He was coming forward behind his jab and throwing rights. Wilder was on the back foot and clinching with Fury being warned for leaning on. A right from Fury rocked Wilder but Wilder responded by driving forward throwing rights. As they traded punches against the ropes a short right from Fury buckled Wilders knees and he went down. He was up quickly and after the eight count there were just fifteen seconds left in the round and although Fury connected with another right Wilder held and survived. Score: 10-8 Fury Fury 29-27 Round 4 Fury was looking to capitalise on that knockdown but too often he was willing to drop into a clinch and use his weight to push Wilder around. As Fury rumbled forward he was nailed by a right counter to the temple and stumbled forward then pitched to the canvas. He climbed up at six but went down again as Wilder landed a couple of clubbing punches. Fury was up at six and when the eight count was completed the round was over without another punch thrown. Score: 10-7 Wilder Wilder 37-36 Official Scores: Judge Tim Cheatham 38-35 Wilder, Judge Dave Moretti 37-36 Wilder, Judge Steve Weisfeld 37-36 Wilder Round 5 A close round. Fury showed his powers of recuperation and used his jab well. Wilder was right hand happy just throwing overhand rights which Fury was able to duck under. He did land a couple of shots when he had Fury in a corner but Fury had done the cleaner work. Score: 10-9 Fury TIED 46-46 Round 6 Not a pretty round as there were too many clinches. Fury connected with a series of left/rights forcing Wilder back and twice used his 39lbs of additional weight to push Wilder down to the floor. With Wilder doing very little useful work. Score: 10-9 Fury Fury 56-55 Round 7 Another round for Fury. He was landing his jab and scoring with body punches inside. Wilder looked exhausted and he was so predictable just throwing a left jab followed by a right so that Fury was able to duck under the right. Fury trapped Wilder in a corner and landed a series of head punches which had Wilder reeling but Fury could not find the punch to end things. Score: 10-9 Fury Fury 66-64 Round 8 This round was one-sided. Fury rocked Wilder three or four times with rights and Wilder was stumbling back throughout the round occasionally throwing wild rights in the hope of connecting and almost going over when he missed. Fury was in total control. Score: 10-9 Fury Fury 76-73 Official Scores: Judge Tim Cheatham 75-74 Fury, Judge Dave Moretti 75-74 Fury, Judge Steve Weisfeld 75-74 Fury. Round 9 The doctor checked Wilder before the start of the round. Apart from a brief flurry of punches early in the round it was all Fury. He was rolling forward scoring with his jab and rocking an exhausted Wilder with rights. Wilder hardly had the strength to throw a punch. He was bleeding from the mouth and returned to his corner a dejected figure. Score: 10-9 Fury Fury 86-82 Round 10 Fury piled on the pressure and Wilder hardly had the strength to hold his arms up. A right to the side of the head sent Wilder down. He was up at five and after the eight count Fury tried to land some clubbing shots but Wilder held on before coming to life and putting the tension back into the fight as he connected with a series of hooks and uppercuts. Score: 10-8 Fury Fury 96-90 Round 11 Fury ended it by driving Wilder across the ring scoring hooks and uppercut until a right to the head dropped Wilder heavily and the referee thankfully waived the fight over. Official Scores: Judge Tim Cheatham 94-92 Fury, Judge Dave Moretti 95-91 Fury, Judge Steve Weisfeld 95-92 Fury. This may have only been for the WBC title but with all due respect to Oleksandr Usyk who holds the other belts is immaterial as Fury proved he is the best heavyweight on the planet. Wilder enhanced his reputation for the way he fought on through exhaustion to remain dangerous and he played his part in a fight that will live on as a classic Helenius vs. Kownacki Helenius gets a second win over Kownacki. Helenius had exposed the flaws in Kownacki when stopping him in four rounds in March 2020 and was able to do the same again here. He found the Pole an easy target for jabs and straight rights rocking Kownacki with a right in the first and effectively closing Kownacki’s left eye by the end of the round. Helenius used his longer reach to score at range and caught Kownacki with counters when he advanced. Kownacki kept trying to close the gap but in his frustration he went low with a punch in the third and was given a warning. There was more punishment for Kownacki in the fourth and he was given another warning in the fifth for a below the belt shot. Helenius looked close to ending the fight in the sixth until another low punch from Kownacki earned him disqualification. Now 37 Helenius’ career looked over when he was knocked out by Gerald Washington in July 2019 but the March 2020 victory over then unbeaten Kownacki revived his career and won him the WBA Gold title. He might have an outside chance of a fight against Trevor Bryan or Mahmoud Charr but Fury or Oleksandr Usyk would be very hard to sell. Difficult to see where Kownacki goes from here. He built his record on the basis of grinding his opposition down and it looks as though he has gone as far as he is going. Sanchez vs. Ajagba Sanchez outpoints Ajagba. The Cuban was just too accomplished a boxer for the Nigerian and exposed his limitations. Ajagba tried to take the fight to Sanchez but Sanchez constantly found gaps for his jabs and right counters. Ajagba had success when he put his punches together but never really threatened Sanchez dominance. He had no idea how to cut off the ring and was throwing too few punches. Sanchez scored a flash knockdown in the seventh but was lucky to not lose a point for hitting Ajagba when he was down. Ajagba put in a strong finish but it was not enough. The fight never really caught fire with the fans occasionally booing the lack of action as Sanchez won without taking any chances. Scores 98-91 twice and 97-92 for Sanchez. He retains the WBC Continental Americas and WBO NABO titles. He is rated No 5 with the WBO with the No 1 spot vacant. Ajagba has plenty to work on so hopefully this will result in some improvements in his skills. Ramirez vs. Gonzalez Cuban southpaw Ramirez continues to settle in as a pro and show some of the class he displayed as an outstanding amateur as he takes wide decision over fellow-southpaw Gonzalez. Both Ramirez and Gonzalez were moving up to ten rounds for the first time and they took the open round feeling each other out. The hand speed, accuracy and clever footwork gave Ramirez the edges. Gonzalez found the Cuban a hard target to pin down whereas Ramirez was snapping out right jabs and left hooks. He shook Gonzalez with a right hook in the ninth and breezed through the last. Scores 99-91 twice and 97-93 for Ramirez as he gets his eighth win in a row after a shock loss in his first pro fight. A good class amateur at 26 Gonzalez has time to rebound from this. Berlanga vs. Coceres Berlanga probably learned more about himself in this fight than in his 17 previous fights combined. Any chance of an early finish disappeared as although Berlanga was out scoring Coceres over the first three rounds he found the constantly moving Argentinian an elusive target. Coceres began to make his mark in the fight in the fourth and fifth and a couple of hooks in the sixth caused some concern for the Berlanga fans. Berlanga kept pressing and scored heavily in the seventh but although Coceres had a heavy swelling around his right eye he was never in any serious trouble. In fact the only knockdown in the fight came from a right by Coceres which floored Berlanga late in the ninth too late for Coceres to build on that and there was no more drama in the last. Scores 96-93 for Berlanga from all three judges. Berlanga wins the vacant WBO NABO belt. This fight and the points win over Demond Nicholson in April have shown Berlanga can’t knock everyone over early and that he can work for his wins as he will have to do as the quality of his opposition grows. Coceres suffered his only inside the distance loss when he was knocked out by Billy Joe Saunders in the eleventh round of a challenge for the WBO super middle title in November 2019 having given Saunders all kinds of trouble and being in front on one card. He blotted his copybook with a loss back home against Sebastian Papeschi but restored some pride here. Hernandez vs. Williams Hernandez comes from a long way back to get upset decision over former IBF/IBO/WBA title holder Williams. This one went with the script early with an aggressive Hernandez cut in the first round shaken badly in the second and cut over both eyes by the fifth. That was as good as it got for Williams. Hernandez was still strong and still marching forward with Williams’s strength and stamina failing under the pressure. Hernandez stormed through the second half of the fight with William exhausted and struggling to the final bell to avoid a stoppage loss. Scores 97-93, 96-94 for Hernandez and 96-94 for Williams. Consecutive losses to Israil Madrimov and Souleymane Cissokho had derailed Hernandez but a win over Alfredo Angulo in August last year made this a good test for Williams who was having his first fight since losing his titles to Jeison Rosales in January 2020. They say you can never forget how to ride a bicycle but perhaps pacing a fight is a skill that can fade as that was what cost Williams this fight. Anderson vs. Tereshkin Anderson blitzes an over-hyped Tereshkin. Anderson was much too quick for southpaw Tereshkin. He was slotting home jabs and getting through with rights with the static Tereshkin only scoring with an occasional left. Tereshkin landed a couple of rights in the second but then it was all Anderson. He scored heavily before forcing Tereshkin to a corner and unloading with lefts and rights. Tereshkin looked at the referee inviting him to stop the fight which he did. That’s ten wins in a total of less than 22 rounds for Anderson. Tereshkin’s record is very deceptive. He was coming off what looked like an impressive 23-0 record except that those 23 losers had only 26 wins between them. Vykhryst vs. Marshall Unbeaten Ukrainian Vykhryst much too good for Marshall and scores knockdowns in the second and third rounds before the fight is halted. Six inside the distance wins for the 29-year-old former European Amateur Championships gold medal winner. Marshall had won 3 of his last 4 fights. Liverpool, England: Super Welter: Liam Smith (30-3-1) W TKO 8 Anthony Fowler (15-2). Super Welter: Troy Williamson (17-0-1) T KO 10 Ted Cheeseman (17-3-1). Super Welter: Kieron Conway (17-2-1) W PTS 10 James Metcalf (21-2). Bantam: Jamie Mitchell (7-0-2 ) W PTS 10 Shannon Courtenay (7-2).Super Light: Luke Willis (11-0) W PTS 10 Rylan Charlton (6-2-1). Heavy: Solomon Dacres (3-0) W PTS 8 Kamil Sokolowski (10-23-2). Super Feather: Peter McGrail (1-0) W PTS 6 Ed Harrison (2-9). Welter: Robbie Davies Jr (21-3) W TKO 4 Jonny Phillips (5-8). Smith vs. Fowler Smith’s strength and experience earn him a win over Fowler. In the early rounds it was Fowler’s excellent work with his jab which saw him pick up the points. As early as the opening round Smith was cut over his left eye by a punch from Fowler who edged the second round and scored heavily in the third. From the fourth the greater strength of Smith began to tell. He put Fowler, who was also cut by then, under constant pressure slowly breaking his fellow Liverpudlian down and floored Fowler heavily with a right in the fifth. From there it was just a matter of time before Smith ended the fight. He continued to pile on the pressure in the sixth and seventh. In the eighth Smith scored with a series of punches and then dropped Fowler with a left hook. Fowler made it to his feet but was in no condition to continue and the fight was halted. Great response from Smith to his controversial loss to Magomed Kurbanov in May and he will now head off to the USA to try to work his way to another title shot. Fowler will regroup and hope to comeback stronger. Williamson vs. Cheeseman Williamson stops Cheeseman to win the British title in a stirring battle that might have been Fight of the Week but for Fury vs. Wilder. Cheeseman made a steady start blocking or ducking Williamson’s punches and coming back with sharp shots to head and body. By the third they were both willing to stand and trade hard punches with both being rocked in what had become a battle for survival. Defence was parked in the corner as they pounded on each other with quality punches in round after round. Cheeseman looked to be taking charge of the fight from the sixth. A spectacular seventh saw Cheeseman staggered by a right and almost going down only to fire back and have Williamson reeling and in deep trouble at the bell. They continued to trade punches in the eighth but in the ninth Cheeseman started to struggle. He was badly shaken by a left hook and looked exhausted as Williamson raked him with slashing hooks. Williamson launched a ferocious attack in the tenth and although Cheeseman tried to punch back a terrifying left hook saw down flat on his back with his right leg folded under him and with no count required. Great battle with the strongest surviving. Ninth inside the distance in his last ten fights for Williamson. Cheeseman was making the first defence of the British title he had won with a stoppage of James Metcalf in March. He will need a long rest after this war. Conway vs. Metcalf Conway takes majority verdict over Metcalf. Conway made full use of his much longer reach to score with jabs on the smaller Metcalf who found it hard to get inside and was reaching to do so leaving himself open to counters. Conway was using his jab to set Metcalf up for straight rights and looked comfort fable over the first three rounds. Metcalf upped his pace from the fourth putting Conway under severe pressure inside. Conway had a good fifth but Metcalf hustled and harried him through the sixth and seventh which were close rounds. Both were showing the scars of battle over the eighth and ninth with Conway cut over his right eye and Metcalf having a swelling under his left eye. Metcalf slowed in the ninth which allowed Conway room to box and Metcalf stormed through the tenth to make it close. Scores 96-94 and 96-95 for Conway and 95-95. Conway fought a split draw with Ted Cheeseman for the British title in June 2019 but lost a split decision to unbeaten Souleymane Cissokho in August. He will be looking to challenge Troy Williamson who won the British title on this show. Former Commonwealth champion Metcalf was stopped in eleven rounds by Cheeseman for the vacant British title in March. Courtenay vs. Mitchell A bad experience all round for Courtenay. She lost her WBA title when she failed to make the weight for this first title defence and then lost a majority decision to Californian Mitchell. From the start it was a case of the higher work rate and relentless pressure of Mitchell against the harder and more accurate punching from Courtenay. Mitchell’s aggression deservedly won out as Courtenay found herself pinned to the ropes with little room to work and despite a strong finish she could not do enough to offset Mitchell’s earlier work. Scores 97-93 and 96-94 for Mitchell and 95-95. The 5’2” Mitchell won the vacant title. Courtenay will have to regroup and perhaps a move up in weight might help. Willis vs. Charlton Willis holds off a strong finish from Charlton to take the majority decision. Willis boxed be beautifully over the early rounds using slick footwork and quick hands. Charlton found it difficult to land anything of note whilst Willis threaded jabs and quick rights through Charlton’s defence. Charlton exerted continuous pressure but mostly without any success. That changed over the closing rounds as Willis slowed and Charlton was able to drag Willis into trading punches. A tired Willis lost a point in the last round for holding but he had dominated so much of the fight that he was a deserved winner and if anything the scores looked too close at 95-94 twice for Willis and 95-95. Good test for Willis who was moving down to lightweight and going ten rounds for the first time. Second defeat in a row for Charlton who had been stopped in eight rounds by Florian Marku in February. Dacres vs. Sokolowski Dacres goes eight rounds for the first time and outscores the reliable Sokolowski. The 6’5” former elite level amateur made good use of his substantial reach advantage over the 6’1” Sokolwski but was made to work hard for his win. Referee’s score 78-74 for Dacres. A former member of Team GB he chose boxing over rugby and decided to turn pro as the berth for Tokyo was always going to go Frazer Clarke. He is a very useful addition to the crowded ranks of promising heavyweights. Sokolwski has lost six of his last seven contests but is strong and durable. McGrail vs. Harrison Plenty of interest over the first pro fight for Liverpool’s highly decorated amateur Peter McGrail. One of the most successful amateurs in the current period the 25-year-old McGrail eased his way through six rounds against a tough Ed Harrison with the referee scoring the fight 60-54 giving every round to McGrail. In the amateurs McGrail won gold medals at the European Championships and Commonwealth Games and bronze medals at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships but lost out to the experienced Thai Chatchai Butdee in Tokyo and missed out on a medal. Only one loss by KO/TKO for Harrison Davies vs. Phillips Davies, a late addition to the card, got in some useful ring time as he stopped Phillips in four rounds. Phillips had weighed just 133 ½ lbs in his fight in September and had lost his last six fights. Davies was just too accomplished and too strong for him and when a right in the fourth shook Phillips the fight was halted. A return to winning ways for the former British and European champion who had lost an upset decision against Gabriel Valenzuela in February. Birmingham, England: Super Bantam: Jason Cunningham (30-6) W PTS 12 Brad Foster (14-1-2). Welter: Ekow Essuman (16-0) W KO 6 Danny Ball (10-1-1). Super Bantam: Liam Davies (11-0) W PTS 10 Dixon Flores (17-8-3,2ND). Light Heavy: Callum Johnson (20-1) W PTS 10 Server Emurlaev (24-3). Super Feather: Nick Ball (14-0) W TKO 1Piotr Gudel (10-7-1). Cunningham vs. Foster A three title triumph for southpaw Cunningham as he overcomes a slow start to take a narrow unanimous decision over Foster to win the British and Commonwealth titles and retain the European title. Foster dominated the early rounds. He was quick and tricky come in under Cunningham’s punches and scoring with hooks inside. Cunningham was waiting too long to let his punches go and was being outboxed. Foster looked to have comfortably swept the first four rounds but then Cunningham upped his work rate became more of the aggressor and stepped up the pressure on Foster. He was also leaning forward more which was frustrating Foster attempts to duck inside land to the body. In the eighth Foster suffered a cut over his left eye which bled through the rest of the fight. He was having a good round in the eighth but landed a low punch and was deducted a point losing his advantage from earlier in the round. The ninth and tenth were close as Foster fought hard to hold on to his British and Commonwealth titles and he was very much back in the fight. Cunningham just had the edge over the eleventh and twelfth but in the end it was the one point deduction that decided the outcome. Scores 116-112, 115-114 and 114-113 for Cunningham. He was coming off a points win over Gamal Yafai that landed him the European title in May. With the decision so close Foster deserves a return and if it is as good a fight as this one it will be a treat for the fans. Essuman vs. Ball Essuman retains the British and Commonwealth titles and wins the vacant IBF European with knockout of Ball. The pace was fast in this one from the first bell. Ball was taking the fight to Essuman but the champion was scoring with jabs and switching his attacks from head to body constantly changing angles and showing some classy defensive work. Ball continued to come forward but was having to take punishment and was cut over his right eye in the second. Essuman wound up the pressure in the third with Ball spending time pinned to the ropes. A great fourth saw Ball hurt Essuman with a right only for Essuman to fire back with a right of his own. Essuman bossed the action in the fifth before stunning Ball with a right in the sixth. He then drove Ball into a corner and pounded him with punches until Ball fell to his hands and knees. Ball had nothing left. He remained on his hands and knees on the canvas with blood pouring from his mouth and he was counted out. High class display from Botswana-born Essuman and his seventh inside the distance win. He was very impressive here. Ball gave it his best but Essuman was just too good and too big a step up for him. Davies vs. Flores Davies comfortably boxes his way to victory over a too small Flores. Davies was able to score at distance and he dealt easily with the lunging attacks that Flores employed to try to get inside. A right uppercut staggered Flores in the first but he connected with some useful head punches at the end of the third. Flores had no alternative he had to march-or lunge-forward and Davies made him pay with hooks and uppercuts as he came in. Davies had Flores in trouble at the end of the seventh but never looked like ending the fight early and boxed sensibly to the final bell, Scores 100-90 twice and 99-91 for English champion Davies who is making progress but is far from ready for the top British fighters. Nicaraguan Flores is typical of the Nicaraguan visitors to the UK-limited but willing. Johnson vs. Emurlaev Johnson suffers a torrid night on the way to a majority decision over Emurlaev. Johnson was tracking Emurlaev around the perimeter of the ring and trying to nail down the constantly shifting Russian. The taller Emurlaev changed direction, changed guard and changed tactics in every round. Johnson stuck to his task and was able to score with hooks to the body from both hands but Emurlaev would switch from pawing with jabs to suddenly firing a salvo of straight shots from both hands. With the unpredictable movement of Emurlaev Johnson had difficulty cutting the ring off but he was scoring consistently whereas Emurlaev was scoring in bursts. Emurlaev had a good eighth when with Johnson cut over his right eye and bleeding from the nose Emurlaev drove forward landing a series of straight punches. Johnson rebounded in the ninth and both fighters had dominant periods in the tenth. At the end with Johnson cut, bleeding from the nose and with a swelling under his right eye and Emurlaev unmarked the visitor looked the winner but Johnson’s fierce attacks got him a win-but only just. Scores 99-92 and 96-94 for Johnson- with the first score looking way out- and 95-95. Johnson retains the WBO Global title he won in April as he chases down another world title shot but this was a much harder fight than he needed at this stage. Uzbek-born Emurlaev was out of the ring for over eight years before returning in February this year and was 2-1 since returning with the loss coming against Kazakhstan’s Olympic bronze medallist from Tokyo Kamshybek Kunkabayev. Ball vs. Gudel Ball gets this one over in quick time as he floored Pole Gudel three times with the referee stopping the fight on the third knockdown after just 56 seconds. Seventh inside the distance victory for the 25-year-old from Liverpool. Gudel has now lost 5 of his last 6 contests. October 8 Los Polvorines, Argentina: Bantam: Pablo Gomez (14-10-2) W PTS 10 Abel Silva (7-7-3). Light: Augustin Quintana (15-1-1) W PTS 8 Esteban Stodulski (9-2-3,1ND). Gomez vs. Silva Gomez collects the vacant South America title with unanimous decision over Silva. It was Silva who forced the fight early with Gomez showing good defensive work and countering with jabs and straight rights. The rounds were close but gradually Gomez took control outscoring Silva at distance and inside as he swept the late rounds. Scores 97-93 twice and 99-91 for the former Argentinian champion as he makes it 10 wins in his last 11 fights. Silva had won his last two outings. Quintana vs. Stodulski Quintana much too good for Stodulski. Quintana was on target with straight rights from the first and a desperate Stodulski loss a point in the fifth for a butt. Quintana landed a series of body shots in the seventh which had Stodulski in trouble but he made it to the final bell. Scores 80-72 ½, 79-72, 79-2 ½ for Quintana his sixth consecutive victory. Stodulski’s losses have come against good level domestic opposition Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Light Heavy: Bryan Perez (16-1) W RTD 2 Likar Ramos (30-12). Super Welter: Bryan Medina (15-2) W TKO 2 Gustavo Sandoval (15-18-1). Perez vs. Ramos Perez wins but in confusing circumstances. In this clash of southpaws Perez dropped Ramos with a perfect right uppercut in the first minute of the fight. He was up at four and managed to avoid any more trouble. Ramos was wrongly counted when he lost balance getting under a Perez shot in the second and again went down-without a count- from a right to the back of the head. At the end of the round Ramos continued to rub the back of his head and the referee called the doctor into the ring to examine Ramos. Without waiting to see what the doctor would say the referee called Perez to the centre of the ring and lifted his arm as winner with both the doctor and Ramos gazing on in amazement as the doctor had not been asked if Ramos could continue and looked as though he was going to say Ramos was fit to do so. In the confusion at one point both boxers left their corner thinking the fight was not over. I guess it goes down as a second round retirement. Perez only loss was against former WBA interim champion Felix Varela but he floored and outpointed Varela in a return in March. Colombian Ramos, 36, was too small and too overweight to pose any threat to light heavyweight Perez. Ramos competed at the 2004 Olympics as a featherweight so was vastly overweight here. Medina vs. Sandoval A farcical mismatch sees Medina dispose of Sandoval in two rounds. In the first Medina tried to blow away the much smaller and tubby Sandoval with a barrage of hooks and uppercuts but Sandoval survived. Two rights to the head floored Sandoval in the second. He made it to his feet but was finished and when he went down from another right the fight was stopped. Eleventh victory by KO/TKO for Medina but he needed a win after back-to-back losses against 18-0 Heber Rondon and 18-1 Carlos Adames. Ninth inside the distance loss for Colombian Sandoval just a crude slugger with no technique. October 9 Magdeburg, Germany: Light Heavy: Dominic Boesel (32-2) W PTS 12 Robin Krasniqi (51-7). Heavy: Peter Kadiru (12-0) W PTS 10 Boris Estenfelder (11-3-1). Cruiser: Roman Fress (14-0) W PTS 10 Luca D’Ortenzi (15-2). Heavy: Umut Camkiran (17-0) W RTD 2 Dorde Tomic (3-4). Heavy: Viktor Jurk (1-0) W TKO 1 Zoltan Csala (12-25). Cruiser: Ammar Abduljabbar (1-0) W TKO 1 Sviatoslav Svyryd (5-4). Boesel vs. Krasniqi Boesel regains the IBO title with split decision over Krasniqi in a return fight. After a quiet first round the action evolved with Boesel taking the centre of the ring behind a high guard with Krasniqi circling looking for opportunities to come forward and score inside. The pace heated up with Krasniqi taking control over the middle rounds and Boesel doing better over the seventh and eighth. Boesel upped his pace in the ninth with the tenth close. Krasniqi seemed to put the verdict beyond doubt when he had Boesel in serious trouble in the eleventh with Boesel forced to hold to survive. The last was close but Krasniqi looked to have dome enough to win although the judges saw it differently with scores of 116-112 and 115-114 for Boesel and 115-114 for Krasniqi. Revenge for Boesel but Krasniqi had cause for complaint. Kadiru vs. Estenfelder Kadiru retains the German title with points win over Estenfelder. No doubt about the winner but not one of Kadiru’s best nights. He dominated the fight but it was a pedestrian performance from Kadiru. He outboxed Estenfelder without ever looking likely to win inside the distance. Scores 100-98, 99-91 and 98-92. He is only 24 so it is early to judge his full potential . Former champion Estenfelder was having only his third fight in three years and had lost a split decision and his German title to unbeaten Roman Gorst in October 2019. Fress vs. D’Ortenzi Fress retains the WBO Inter-Continental title with very debatable win over D’Ortenzi. The visitor made a good start and put Fress down in the fourth. He looked to have built on that and to be in front until a late surge by Fress made it close but D’Ortenzi seemed to have had a good edge which made the scores of 97-92 twice and 95-94 for Fress questionable. First defence for the Kazakh-born German. D’Ortenzi, a former Italian heavyweight champion, had won his last seven fights. Camkiran vs. Tomic German-born Turk Camkiran gets another meaningless inside the distance win as poor Tomic retires after the second round. Camkiran, the EEU champion (for European fighters from countries outside of the European Union), has one decent win over 32-2 Arnold Gjergjaj but other than that his opposition has been sub standard. Under 5’10” and over 245lbs gives you some idea of Bosnian Tomic’s daintiness Jurk vs. Csala Another heavyweight giant enters the scene as Germany’s Jurk stops Hungarian Csala in the first round. The 6’7” Jurk scored four knockdowns before the fight was stopped. The 20-year-old Jurk was German champion at Under-17,Under-18 and Under-22 and won a silver medal at the European Under 22 Championships. He has also been a regular sparring partner for Anthony Joshua. Csala, 44, suffers his sixth first round loss in his last seven fights and 24 of his 26 losses have come inside the distance Abduljabbar vs. Svyryd German Olympian Abduljabbar has his first pro fights just two months after fighting in Tokyo and stops Ukrainian Svyryd in the first round. The Iraqi-born German lost to eventual silver medallist Muslim Gadzhimagomedov in the semi-finals of the 91kg competition. Second consecutive first round loss for Svyryd Accra, Ghana: Middle: Emmanuel Quaye (6-9) W TKO 3 Boateng Agyemang Prempeh (2-1). Quaye wins the vacant Ghanaian title with stoppage of Prempeh. This was a very one-sided bout. Prempeh was crude without any skills. Quaye was landing heavy rights through the first two rounds and Prempeh seemed to injure his shoulder at the end of the second. A fierce attack from Quaye in the third sent Prempeh tumbling through the ropes to the ring apron flat on his back and the referee stopped the fight. Second shot at the national title for Quaye and his sixth win in his last seven fights. The two fighters Prempeh had beaten had combined records of 0-8. Los Hornos, Argentina: Light Heavy: Braian Suarez (15-0) W TKO 1Devis Casseres (26-14). Suarez wipes out an overmatched Casseres in the opening round. A series of punches had Casseres wobbling and the referee gave him a standing count. Suarez then blasted Casseres with hooks to the body and put him down with an uppercut and the referee stopped the fight. Sixth consecutive victory by KO/TKO and thirteen in total for Argentinian champion Suarez. Colombian Casseres has won only two of his last nine fights. London, England: Super Feather: Liam Dillon (10-0-1) W PTS 10 Dennis Wahome (7-1). Dillon wins the vacant English title with majority decision over southpaw Wahome. Scores 98-94 and 96-94 for Dillon and 95-95. Both fighters were returning to action after almost two years out due to COVID-19. Fight of the week (Significance): Tyson Fury’s win over Deontay Wilder hopefully might get us closer to a unified title-but don’t hold your breath. Fight of the week (Entertainment): Has to be Fury vs. Wilder with honorary mention to Troy Williamson vs. Ted Cheeseman Fighter of the week: Fury again Punch of the week: The right from Fury that finished Wilder was awesome and Liam Smith’s left hook that put Fowler down was a classic but I go for Troy Williamsons left hook that sent Ted Cheeseman down and out cold. Upset of the week: Vladimir Hernandez was just supposed to be a warm up for the returning former IBF, IBO, WBA super middleweight title holder Julian Williams but he took the decision. Prospect watch: A bit risky but I go for British super featherweight Peter McGrail who had his first pro fight in Liverpool after a stellar amateur. Observations Rosette for making a substantial contribution to the good of boxing goes to the Fury vs. Wilder show that had quality fights right down the card and in fact the quality of fights in Liverpool and Birmingham were also good for boxing Red Card for matchmakers continuing to use Hungarian Zoltan Csala. The 44-year-old Csala has a 12-26 record with 24 of his losses by KO/TKO with eleven of those losses in the first round. -Yet another giant heavyweight on the scene with the 6’7” German Viktor Jurk having his first pro fight on Saturday (against Csala). A former German Under-21 champion he has sparred regularly with Anthony Joshua. They just keep coming and there were ten heavyweights on the Las Vegas card. - It is strange how sometimes a boxer can turn his career around. The new South American bantamweight champion Pablo Gomez was 4-9-2 in his first 15 fights and is 10-1 in his last eleven-a can of spinach perhaps. For this week's Closet Classic we want to go all the way back to 1983 and to London, England, for what turned out to be a brilliant, though often forgotten, Flyweight thriller that saw two men with very different styles fighting each other to a near standstill. It was a thrilling action fighter against a skilled Filipino southpaw and they put on something of an instant classic. Frank Cedeno (30-6-3, 13) vs Charlie Magri (28-2, 21) That bout we're going to talk about is the September 1983 WBC Flyweight title bout between defending champion Charlie Magri and Filipino challenger Frank Cedeno. Heading in to the bout Filipino fighter Frank Cedeno was seen as a big under-dog in what was his first fight outside of Asia. Prior to this bout he had done little, and had lost his most meaningful bout to date, an OPBF Flyweight title bout against Hong Soo Yang. Although he had held the Philippines national title he had never proven himself as one of the best in Asia. Coming in to the bout Cedeno had fought 3 times in just over 8 months, and this was his 5th bout in just over 13 months. On paper his best win in that time was over Korean Super Flyweight champion OK Kyun Yuh, but that win was a long, long way away from a world win. What allowed him to fight so often was his style, and he was a very technically smart boxer-mover, who was tough, but typically relied on his skills rather than his toughness. Englishman Charlie Magri was the stylistic opposite to Cedeno. He was a raging bull in the ring, with a power and pressure style. He was all about aggression and physicality and he had taken the title 6 months earlier with a TKO win over Eleoncio Mercedes. Prior to holding the WBC belt he had held the European title and had won 5 of his previous 6, avenging the one loss. Not only was Magri a powerful and aggressive fighter but he was also a very popular one, and at the time he was one of the few stars British boxing had. He had the hopes of a country behind him and a large and vocal crowd cheering him on in Wembley Arena. From the opening round it was clear Magri was full of confidence. He came out quickly and was happy to let his hands go, dragging Cedeno into a great little battle early in to the first round. Cedeno played his part and fought back as the two traded shots in a surprisingly action packed opening round. It seemed pretty obvious that Magri didn't want this to go long and in round 2 he increased his pace further. Despite Magri increasing his tempo Cedeno was managing to take things well, and used the ring well, relying on the ropes to take some of the sting out of Magri's shots. It seemed a smart game plan for the short term, but not something he was going to be able to do through the bout, as Magri was landing some massive body shots. After two very good rounds, both of which seemed to go in favour of Magri, the pace increased again as we got round 3, and what a round this was! This was high level stuff, with bombs from both, Magri was putting everything in to every shot he threw. He was trying to gut Cedeno with huge body shots, the type of thing that lesser fighters would have quit after feeling one or two of them. Cedeno however took them and came back, landing clean head shots, boxing well and staying composed despite the pressure. The paces had been electric through the first 3 rounds but it felt like maybe the tide was turning with Magri starting to slow in round 4 and Cedeno finding his ranging with alarming success. Although Cedeno appeared to be taking over, he was feeling the effects himself, and it felt like one good shot, from either man, could be the end. We had drama, momentum shifts, a thrilling and exciting tempo, intense action, two very back and forth and two different styles that gelled perfectly. This is a real hidden gem, and one that should be enjoyed by every fight fan! A great, rarely mentioned, Flyweight classic. As boxing fans we can all enjoy the sport, whilst seeing things very differently to each other. We all have styles of fights we particularly like, or dislike. What some of his see as amazing fights other moight not enjoy quite as much. At the end of the day however we can all appreciate a good, solid, back and forth bout, and if the men each get pushed deep, and both men are forced to answer serious questions during the bout we tend to get something exciting and memorable. For today's Closet Classic we're looking at a bout that isn't an all out war, it's not a massive tear up, it's actually quite an educated battle. But it's a battle that it thoroughly entertianing, highly competitive and one of the best technical chess matches that we managed to get in 2013. It was also one of the final bouts of the year. Takashi Uchiyama (20-0-1, 17) vs Daiki Kaneko (19-2-3, 12) As we all know Japan puts on big boxing events at the end of the year thanks TBS who typically put on a stacked card every year. At point TBS had a rival channel also putting on shows on New Year's Eve. That was TV Tokyo who had their shows lead by WBA Super Featherweight champion Takashi Uchiyama, who appeared in the year ending TV Tokyo show 6 times. In Uchiyama's third New Year's Eve bout he took on fellow Japanese fighter Daiki Kaneko in a bout that had skills, drama and excitement, though was never an all out war. Instead it was a proper tough, punishing, technical fight. If you didn't follow the Japanese scene in the 00's and 2010's you might not be too familiar with Takashi Uchiyama. The Japanese Super Featherweight was the one constant in the division at the time. He claimed the WBA title in 2010, stopping Juan Carlos Salgado in the 12th round, and made the title his for years. Among his defenses he twice took on Japanese opponents, with the first of those being Takashi Miura, who he fought in a thrilling 2011 bout. In his second he took on Daiki Kaneko. Outside of Japan Kaneko was a complete unknown, like many domestic fighters in the country. In Japan however he was seen as the rising hopeful at 130lbs. Like Uchiyama he was a big, strong fighter, with solid power, good size and strength at the weight and solid technical ability. He lacked the "good night" power of Uchiyama, but at this point he was 25 years old, some 9 years younger than the 34 year old champion, and he technically was the bigger man, having reach and height advantages over Uchiyama. Despite having 2 losses to his name Kaneko had gone unbeaten since he was 19 and was 13-0-3 (10) in his previous 16 bouts. They had included him winning the Japanese title in 2012 and defending it 4 times before facing Uchiyama. In Japan the bout was been seen as potential passing of the torch bout. Kaneko the youngster taking on the veteran. In many it was regarded as Japan's answer to Carl Froch's first bout with George Groves, which had taken place a month earlier in the UK. From the off this was a technical affair, both men trying to establish their jab, and their range. It was clear, almost immediately, that Kaneko was not just the bigger man, but also the quicker man, and he looked to let shots go in bursts. Despite that Uchiyama was the more well school, his shots were crisper, landing cleaner and his experience at a higher level showed in the way he judged the distance better and picked his shots more intelligently. Despite being a mostly technical opening rounds, dominated by jabs from bother me, the first 3 minutes flew bye with both men landing plenty of solid single shots. There was a real tension in the ring, and that tension continued into round 2. It was clear that both men were looking to use their jabs to open up their opponents and landing their big, powerful, right hands. Of the two Kaneko mixed things up a bit more, coming in and working the body every so often whilst Uchiyama relied on what he knew worked, his straight punches. What both had in common however was respect of the power the other man had, and the knowledge they could be hurt if either landed with a sustained attack. Round by the action grew in intensity, with both men feeling more comfortable in there, and the middle rounds, although still a mid-range battle, saw compelling back and forth action. The main change was Kaneko, who began to press more, feeling more desperate and like he needed to up the anti, taking more risks. This actually brought him solid success, though nothing he could sustained for long, with Uchiyama's better timing countering the explosive bursts of the challenger. That was until round 10 when Kaneko landed a jab, followed by a short left hook and a big right hand. Uchiyama was down, with less than 20 seconds of the round left, he looked hurt when the bout resumed and the crowd were crazy. It was a huge moment late in the bout and it seemed like may, just maybe, the youngster, was down on the cards, had began to get his man exactly where he wanted him. He was then sent out for round 11 to try and take out the defending champion, giving us a special finish to the bout. We won't ruin what happens in the final rounds, but it is very much a modern day forgotten classic. This isn't an all out war, this isn't a brawl. This isn't a crude, phone booth slugfest. What it is however is a fantastic tachnical bout, with real drama in the final stages. It's a bout that has skills, technical ability and then men digging deep in the final stages. Sadly, especially given the significance of Uchiyama in Japanese boxing, this bout often goes overlooked, but it is a great bout and the final rounds are truly sensational. By Eric Armit
Highlights: -David Avanesyan overwhelms Liam Taylor in two rounds in a European welterweight title defence -Francesco Patera and Daniele Scardina score inside the distance wins in Milan -South African Nhlanhia Tyirha gets off the floor in the first round to outpoint Filipino Jaysever Abcede to win the vacant WBO Global light flyweight title - Nehomar Cermeno, Ray Beltran and Richard Riakporhe return to action with wins and former IBF lightweight title holder Miguel Vazquez outpoints Nicaraguan Oliver Flores World Title/Major Shows: October 1 Milan, Italy: Light: Francesco Patera (25-3) W TKO 3 Devis Boschiero (49-7-2). Super Middle: Daniele Scardina (20-0) W RTD 4 Juergen Doberstein (26-5-1). Welter: Nicholas Esposito (15-0) W PTS 10 Emanuele Cavallucci (12-5-1). Super Welter: Samuel Nmomah (16-0) W TKO 4 Craig O’Brien (12-3). Super Bantam: Vincenzo La Femina (10-0) W TKO 6 Oleksandr Yegorov (20-7-1). Welter: Reshat Mati (11-0) W PTS 8 Vladyslav Baranov (7-11-2). Patera vs. Boschiero A classy display of box/punching from Patera proves too much for veteran Boschiero who is ruled out by the doctor in the third round. Hostilities broke out early in this one as Boschiero, the smaller man, took the fight to Patera in the first driving forward pumping out punches. Patera stayed cool scoring with hurtful jabs and digging in left hooks to the body. Patera boxed beautifully in the second. He took charge firing jabs and straight rights through Boschiero’s guard adding in hooks and uppercuts to the mix with Boschiero unable to get on the front foot. By the end of the round Boschiero was bleeding from a cut by his right eye caused by a punch and was also bleeding from the nose. Patera continued to pound on Boschiero in the third and with the cut over his left eye continuing to bleed the referee asked the doctor to examine the cut and it was ruled too severe for Boschiero to continue. The 28-year-old Belgian wins the vacant WBO Inter-Continental belt. The former undefeated European champion has put together a run of impressive victories over 17-0 Lewis Ritson, 24-1-1 Marvin Petit, 20-1 Paul Hyland and unbeaten former amateur star Domenico Valentino but with his only rating being WBC 13 he has not had the credit he deserves for that run. Boschiero, 40, may be at the end of the road. The former Italian and European champion lost a split decision to Takahiro Ao in Tokyo in a challenge for the WBC super feather title in 2011but never landed the return match his performance merited. Scardina vs. Doberstein Scardina wins on a fourth round retirement after an exhausted Doberstein is unable to continue. Doberstein spent the first round visiting every corner of the ring at high speed and flicking out light Jabs with Scardina trying to cut him off and having limited success. Doberstein continued to speed around in the second with Scardina doing a better job of cutting off the ring. By the end of the round Doberstein had slowed and was holding regularly but then he scored with three uppercuts which were the biggest punches landed by any fighter so far. Doberstein slowed dramatically in the third with Scardina able to catch him with jabs and get through with long rights and body punches and a nasty punch to the back of the head. Doberstein’s punch output dropped. Doberstein went for broke in the fourth throwing punch after punch but being caught by counters. To his credit he just kept punching to the bell but was totally exhausted and retired at the end of the round. “King Toretto” Scardina, the former undefeated European Union champion, wins the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title in only his second fight in two years so he will be hoping to be more active. Kazak-born German Doberstein showed some good skills but poor conditioning. He was 7-2 going into this one with the losses being a very close decision against Robin Krasniqi and a seventh round kayo against Juergen Brahmer and this was also his second fight in two years. Esposito vs. Cavallucci Esposito retains the national with a points win over former champion Cavallucci. After a slow start that favours Cavallucci Esposito took over and despite solid resistance from the challenger Esposito emerged a good winner. Scores 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 for Esposito who was making his first defence. Only one win in his last five outings for Cavallucci. Nmomah vs. O’Brien The opening round saw two well-matched boxers testing their jab and both scored with hard rights. Most of the action was on the inside in the second with O’Brien just getting the better of the exchanges. Nmomah just edged the third but O’Brien was cut over his right eye in a clash of heads. Nmomah drove O’Brien to the ropes in the fourth and landed a series of punches but O’Brien did not seem in trouble and he was angry when his corner threw in the towel. Italian-based Nigerian Nmomah has done all of his fighting in Italy and showed some good touches. O’Brien had won 4 of his last 5 fights and complained bitterly about the stoppage. La Femina vs. Yegorov La Femina gets his fifth inside the distance victory with stoppage of seasoned Ukrainian pro Yegorov in six rounds . Yegorov was 20-1-1 at the start of his career but has fallen away with this his sixth consecutive defeat. Mati vs. Baranov Staten Island’s Mati takes a unanimous verdict over Ukrainian Baranov. Mati was able to use his height and reach to outbox a willing but limited Baranov. Scores 80-72 twice and 78-74 for “The Albanian Bear” Mati. Baranov is 1-7 in his recent activity. October 2 London, England: Welter: David Avanesyan (28-3-1) W TKO 2 Liam Taylor (23-1-1). Super Middle: Germaine Brown (10-0) W PTS 10 Jamal Le Doux (8-2) . Cruiser: Richard Riakporhe (12-0) W PTS 8 Krzys Twardowski (9-3). Cruiser: Mikael Lawal (14-0) W TKO 3 Benoit Huber (7-1). Middle: Linus Udona (17-0) W TKO 3 Xhuljo Vrenozi (17-4).Super Welter: Joe Pigford (18-0) W KO 5 Isaac Aryee (26-10). 18 Avanesyan vs. Taylor Avanesyan retains the European title with second round stoppage of Taylor. Taylor scored well with his jab and straight rights determined not to let Avanesyan dictate the fight. Avanesyan was coming forward behind a high guard looking to get close to force Taylor onto the back foot and land hooks and uppercuts. Taylor kept jabbing but Avanesyan was snapping Taylor’s head back with uppercuts and slamming hooks to the body. A right to the head saw Taylor go down on one knee. He was up swiftly and punched with Avanesyan for the remaining seconds of the round. Taylor threw everything at Avanesyan in the second but Avanesyan was relentless and constantly got passed Taylor’s guard with left uppercuts. A series of head punches had Taylor reeling and the referee stopped the fight. Fourth successful defence of the European title for the British-based Russian. He won the title with an inside the distance victory and has finished all four of his defences by KO/TKO. He is rated WBO 6/WBC 7/WBA 9/IBF 12 in a very tough division but it would be nice to think he might land a title shot next year. Taylor was 12-0, 1 TD going in and landed punches that would have won him most fights but Avanesyan just steam-hollered him. Brown vs. Le Doux Impressive performance from Brown as he takes the referee’s decision over a combative Le Doux. Brown outscored and out outworked Le Doux taking control from the outset with flashing combinations that rocked Le Doux a few times. It was the sixth before Le Doux made any real impression looking to have won that round and the seventh. Brown took over again in the eighth and finished strongly to emerge the clear winner. Referee’s score 99-92 for Brown who outpointed Dmitri Chudinov in Belarus in his last fight in October. Le Doux had been victorious in his last five fights but had been inactive for two years. Riakporhe vs. Twardowski Riakporhe gets in some much needed ring time against Pole Twardowski. Riakporhe spent the first two rounds just finding the range for his jab and landing a couple of cracking rights. Twardowski did enough to keep Riakporhe busy without really being threatening. Riakporhe’s timing was off and Twardowski’s jabs brought blood from Riakporhe’s nose but the Pole was stunned by a right late in the seventh. In the eighth Twardowski suffered a nose bleed when heads bumped together with Twardowski claiming it was a butt and blatantly trying to butt Riakporhe. He rushed Riakporhe and ran onto a heavy right that floored him but he was up quickly and Riakporhe just boxed his way to the bell. Referee’s score 79-72. This is Riakporhe’s first fight since December 2019 and the pandemic has hurt his career as he was high in the ratings with wins over Jack Massey, Tommy McCarthy and Chris Billam-Smith before the shut down. Twardowski had won his last four fights and did his job well here. Lawal vs. Huber Lawal stops Huber in three rounds. Both were firing heavy punches over the first two rounds but Huber was rocked by a right late in the second. When Lawal landed another booming right in the third the referee stopped the fight over strong protests from Huber and it did look an early halt. London-based Nigerian Lawal has eight victories by KO/TKO. Swiss Huber came in as a late substitute but certainly gave it a try. Udona vs. Vrenozi Udona forces a third round stoppage against Vrenozi. A close first round saw a punch from Udona open a cut over Vrenoz’s right eye. Udona pressed hard in the second with a competitive Vrenozi punching with him. In the third a right uppercut had Vrenozi taking a knee and Udona pounds on him until Vrenoz’s corner throw in the towel. Ninth win by KO/TKO for the Nigerian-born English champion. Italian-based Albanian Vrenozi suffers his first inside the distance loss . His good looking record is padded with sub-standard victims. Pigford vs. Aryee Pigford marches on with yet another inside the distance win as he halts Aryee in the fifth. That makes it 15 inside the distance victories in a row and 17 in total but his opponents have been low level performers. Ghanaian Aryee was having only his second fight in four years and his victims have been mainly inept. September 30 Dallas, TX, USA: Welter: Charles Hatley (30-2-1) W TKO 10 Frederick Lawson (28-3). Light Heavy: Deon Nicholson (15-1) PTS 8 Craig Baker (21-3) Hatley vs. Lawson Hatley grinds down and stops Lawson. The Dallas southpaw was taking the fight to Lawson early with the Ghanaian competitive enough to be very much in the fight. Slowly Hatley increased his work rate and by the eighth Lawson was fading out of the fight. Lawson was badly rocked in the ninth only just surviving to the bell but was shipping heavy punishment in the tenth when the fight was stopped. First fight for eleven months for 35-year-old Hatley and win No 21 by KO/TKO. He was knocked out in six rounds by Jermell Charlo in a WBC title challenge in 2017 but then had just one fight in each of years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Lawson was having his first outing for two years and suffers his third inside the distance defeat Nicholson vs. Baker Nicholson returns for the first time since being stopped by Efe Apochi in April and outboxes local hero Baker. Nicholson worked hard to get inside the much longer breach of Baker and won the fight there. Baker just could not keep Nicholson out and was rocked a couple of times as Nicholson showed superior power on his way to the unanimous verdict. Scores 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 for Nicholson as he returns to the winning column. Third loss by KO/TKO for Baker who had been stopped in tough matches by Edwin Rodriguez and Oleksandr Gvozdyk. October 1 East London, South Africa: Light Fly: Nhlanhia Tyirha (6-1) W PTS 12 Jaysever Abcede (20-10). Light Fly: Siphamandla Baleni (18-3-2) W PTS 12 Mpumeleto Tshabalala (5-1). Tyirha vs. Abcede South African southpaw Tyirha climbs off the floor to win the vacant WBO Global title with unanimous decision over fellow southpaw Filipino Abcede. There was plenty of discussion over whether Tyirha was ready for a title fight and the questions looked valid when Tyirha was put down heavily in the first round by a thunderous straight left. He was up early and from then used his speed and skill to outbox Abcede. The Filipino walked Tyirha down throughout the fight but Tyirha showed some excellent defensive skills. He put together some rattling combinations but lacks power which meant Abcede was able to keep pressing. He scored heavily to the body when he could pin down Tyirha but too often Tyirha slipped out of danger and banged home more combinations and deservedly won on scores of 117-110 twice and 116-111 which would have been wider but for the 10-8 first round. Tyirha, 21, had won the South African title in his fourth fight and suffered his only loss when being outpointed by former IBF minimumweight title holder Nkosinathi Joyi in 2019. Abcede was having his first fight since November 2019 and was 4-1 in his previous 5 contests. Baleni vs. Tshabalala Baleni makes a successful first defence of the South African title with majority verdict over Tshabalala. The fight was dull by comparison with the WBO title fight with too much holding and mauling with Baleni having to deal with the longer reach of the taller Tshabalala but winning on scores of 116-112, 116-113 and 114-114. Baleni, 30, is a former undefeated South African minimumweight and WBO Global light flyweight title holder. Tshabalala had never been past the sixth round before. Glendale, AZ, USA: Super Light: Ray Beltran (37-9-1,1ND) W RTD 6 Edgar Ramirez (18-19-1). Beltran returns to action after 28 months away and gets a win as Ramirez retires after the sixth round. The former WBO lightweight champion was 142lbs for this one so could go up to super light or down to light as he tries to fight his way to another title shot but at 40 time is against him. Just a single victory in his previous eight fights for Ramirez. Villa Mercedes, Argentina: Welter: Luis Veron (19-3-2) W Leonardo Amitrano (17-6). Veron retains the South American title with narrow unanimous decision over home town fighter Amitrano. Despite his indifferent record Amitrano is a tough man to beat and it was the better skills of Veron that gave him the edge. His accurate jabbing and well placed combinations offset the aggression and constant switching of guard by Amitrano. Veron was bleeding heavily from the nose over the late rounds but was a good winner. Scores 96 ½-94 ½, 98-97 and 96-95 for Veron. He was 17-0-2 at one point but suffered losses to Michael McKinson, Tara Shelestyuk and Elvis Rodriguez. Amitrano, the Argentinian No 1, took IBF No 1 Jeremiah Ponce to a split decision and is a former South American champion at super light. Panama City, Panama: Light Fly: Azael Villar (17-1-3) W PTS 10 David Martinez (10-5-1). Bantam: Felix Montenegro (10-9-1) W PTS 10 Alejandro Espinoza (17-2). Super Feather: Nehomar Cermeno (27-8-1) W TKO 1 John Valencia (4-2-4,1ND). Feather: Jhonatan Arenas (19-1) W KO 5 Samuel Moreno (9-4-1). Villar vs. Martinez Villar picks-up the WBC Fecarbox belt with unanimous decision over Mexican Martinez on scores of 97-93 twice and 98-94. Villar’s only loss was an upset first round stoppage against Nicaraguan Jerson Ortiz in 2018. Martinez had scored two inside the distance victories this year. Montenegro vs. Espinoza Local fighter Montenegro continues a small run of good form as he wins on a split verdict over favoured Mexican Espinoza. The early rounds saw Espinoza using his longer reach to outbox Montenegro but Montenegro changed his tactics and dominated the second half of the fight. Scores 96-94 twice for Montenegro and 96-94 for Espinoza. Montenegro collects the vacant WBC Continental Americas title and gets his fourth win in a row something he has not previously achieved in his career. Espinoza had been 5-0 in his most recent fights. Cermeno vs. Valencia Too easy for Cermeno as he stops overmatched Valencia late in the first round. Now 42 the former holder of the secondary WBA super bantamweight title was having his first outing since April 2018. Panamanian Valencia in way over his head. Arenas vs. Moreno Panamanian Arenas comes out of retirement and knocks out fellow-countryman Moreno in the fifth round. Arenas lost his first pro fight and then scored eighteen straight wins, twelve by KO/TKO before retiring in October 2016. Moreno was having his first fight for six years. October 2 Argentina: Middle: Lucas Bastida (17-1-1) DREW 10 Juan Taborda (16-0-1). Welter: Juan Leal (14-1) W PTS 10 Christian Andino (16-2-1). Bastida vs. Taborda Bastida holds on to his South American title and Taborda to his WBO Latino one as they fought to a split draw. Taborda settled quickest and working inside against the taller Bastida and he built a good lead. It was only over the second half of the fight that the 6’1” Bastida managed to work efficiently at distance and also scored with some scorching left hooks to the body. They both put in a huge effort in the last knowing the fight was close but they had to share the points as the judges scored it 97-93 for Taborda 96-94 for Bastida and 95-95. Both were making their first defence with Bastida Argentinian No 1 and Taborda No 2. Leal vs. Andino Leal is still Argentinian champion due to a majority decision over No 2 Andin0. Leal attacked hard at the first relying on his better hand speed with Andino getting into the fight in the second with his left jab and right crosses. That’s how the fight developed with the champion coming forward and Andino boxing and countering. The rounds were close with Andino’s clever boxing taking him in front and by the end of the seventh he had a good lead. Leal staged a storming finish sweeping the closing rounds to take the decision. Scores 97-93 and 96-94 for Leal and 95-95 which gives Leal his ninth consecutive victory. Second unsuccessful shot at a national title for Andino. Santa Rosa, Argentina: Bantam: Angel Aquino (8-4-1) W PTS 10 Luciano Baldor (16-23. Somewhat of an upset as Argentinian No 5 Aquino outpoints No 1 Baldor to lift the vacant national title. Scores 98-91, 97-92 and 98 ½ -95 for Aquino who was 2-4 going into this one against Baldor who had won his last ten fights. Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic: Heavy: Tomas Salek (16-3) W PTS 10 Michal Reissinger (2-1). Super Middle: Robert Racz (25-2) W TKO 1 Ondrej Budera (15-22-1). Fly: Fabiana Bytyqi (18-0-1) W PTS 6 Farah El Bousairi (3-1). Salek vs. Reissinger Salek wins the Czech title at the second attempt as he takes unanimous decision over Reissinger. The fight was close early with former martial arts competitor Reissinger just edging in front over the first two rounds but Salek was stronger and took charge of the fight after that and earned the unanimous decision. Scores 100-90, 99-92 and 98-92 for Salek. He had lost to Pavel Sour in a fight for the title in 2019 and was coming off a third round stoppage loss to Kash Ali in May. Reissinger had won his two previous fights in the first round. Racz vs. Budera Former undefeated champion Racz regains the Czech title with first round stoppage of Budera. Racz floored Budera twice with Budera’s corner throwing the towel in the ring after just 2:50 of the opening round. The 26-year-old Racz has scored 21 victories by KO/TKO. Budera had won the Czech light heavy title in July. Bytyqi vs. El Bousairi WBC Atomweight champion Bytyqi returns to action but struggles to get past inexperienced El Bousairi on a split verdict. First fight for eight months for Bytyqi who was out with a fractured elbow. Spanish-based Moroccan El Bousairi was having only her second fight in over three years and came in as a late replacement. Munich, Germany : Light Heavy: Serge Michel (12-2) W TKO 3 Stephane Tchamba (3-8-1). Predictable outcome as “Sniper” Michel stops Tchamba in three. Michel was scoring with heavy uppercuts in the first and floored Tchamba in the second. Tchamba only just survived the round but was dropped again in the third and the towel came in from Tchamba’s corner. First fight for Michel since losing on a tenth round stoppage against Ricards Bolotniks in the final of the MTK tournament in December. Seven losses and a draw is Tchamba’s recent form. Tokyo Japan: Super Fly: Ryoji Fukunaga (15-4) W PTS 12 Hayate Kaji (15-1 Fukunaga holds on to the OPBF, Japanese and WBO Asia Pacific belts with very controversial majority decision victory over the younger unbeaten Kaji. The challenger seemed to edge the first round but Fukunaga scored with some blistering body punches in the second. Kaji rebounded to take the third hurting Fukunaga with left hooks. The fourth was close with Fukunaga just doing enough to take it but again Kaji landed heavily in the fifth with Fukunaga forced to hold to survive. After the fifth the scores were 48-47 twice for Fukunaga and 48-47 for Kaji which seemed very generous to Fukunaga. The champion outscored Kaji in the sixth but took heavy punishment in the eighth and ninth with a stoppage looking possible and also seemed to outscore Fukunaga in the tenth. Kaji had never been passed the eighth round before and Fukunaga did enough to take the last two rounds. Scores 115-113 twice and 114-114 whereas Kaji looked to have been the clear winner. Southpaw Fukunaga, 35, was a modest 10-3 until he hit a good run scoring wins over opposition such as Froilan Saludar and Kenta Nakazawa but he was lucky here. Monterrey, Mexico: Super Light: Miguel Vazquez (44-10) W PTS 10 Oliver Flores (30-4-2). Heavy: Brandon Moore (10-0) W KO 1 Jesus Nerio (15-10-1). Super Light: Jimmer Espinosa (11-0) W TKO 5 Jorge Melendez (14-8-2). Super Bantam: Neslan Machado (18-0) W PTS 8 Alan Salazar (11-9-1). Super Bantam: Christian Uruzquieta (20-4-2,1ND) W PTS 8 Juan Ocura (13-16-2,1ND). Vazquez vs. Flores Former IBF lightweight champion Vazquez scores a unanimous decision over Nicaraguan Flores. It was southpaw Flores who went out in front over the first three rounds. Vazquez began to roil from the third a round in which Flores was cut on his left eyebrow in a clash of heads. Vazquez gradually took over and with his better skills and higher work rate did enough to get the decision although the fight was harder for Vazquez than the scores of 99-91, 98-92 indicate and a better reflection was the third score of. 96-94. After losing a very controversial decision to Lewis Ritson in England in October Vazquez picked up his second win this year back in Mexico. Former WBA super feather title challenger Flores was having his first outing for two years. Moore vs. Nerio Floridian heavyweight Moore at 6’6” much too big for and punches too hard for 5’11” Nerio. Moore retains the WBC USNBC belt with first round kayo delivered by a left hook. Sixth inside the distance finish for Moore and seventh loss by KO/TKO for Mexican Nerio. Espinosa vs. Melendez Mexico City’s Espinosa remains unbeaten after stoppage of Melendez. Espinosa floored Melendez with a right uppercut in the fifth and although Melendez arose he was being heavily punished and the fight was halted. Tenth quick win for the promising 23-year-old. Melendez had won 4 of his last 5 fights. Machado vs. Salazar Miami-based Cuban hope Machado keeps his 100% record but has to work hard to take the verdict over Salazar on scores of 78-73, 77-74 and 78-76. Then 25-year-old Machado impressed with three wins in the UK but had only one fight in 2019 and one in 2020. Salazar falls to 3-5 in his last 8 contests. Uruzquieta vs. Ocura Uruzquieta outpoints Ocura on a unanimous decision over eight but no scores given. Uruzquieta lost a point and Ocura two due to infringements of the rules. Uruzquieta is 6-1-1in his last 8 fights and was a popular visitor to Canada where he went 2-2-1 in his 5 fights. Both fighters have a ND on their records but for very different reasons. Uruzquieta’s was due to a cut but Ocura tested positive for a banned substance after scoring a career best win by beating Alexander Miskirtchian in Belgium so the fight was ruled a No Decision and he has now won only of his last ten fights. Koscierzyna, Poland: Middle: Adrian Szczypior (8-0) W PTS 10 Vladyslav Gela (11-4). Szczypior wins the vacant Polish International title on a split decision over Ukrainian Gela. Szczypior’s right jabs helped him get off to a good start and he was more accurate than Gela who often relied on crude rushing attacks. Gela did better over the late rounds but was denied what looked a clear knockdown as Szczypior was the winner on scores of 97-93 and 94-96 and 96-94 for Gela. Bang Phun, Thailand: Light: Apichet Petchmanee (11-0) W KO 2 Phutthiphong Rakoon (8-5). Super Fly: Adrian Lerasan (10-4) W KO 5 Suradech (6-5). Apichet vs. Rakoon No problems here for Apichet who beats fellow-Thai Rakoon in the second round. A body punch sent Rakoon down in the second and although he made it to his feet he was still doubled up in agony and was counted out. Not even any useful ring time for Apichet. Lerasan vs. Suradech Filipino Lerasan wins the WBC Asia Continental belt with kayo of Thai Suradech (Masuk Tor Buamas) in the fifth round. Lerasan scored a knockdown in the third and put Suradech down and out in the fifth. Lerasan won the WBA Asian belt in Thailand in his last fight in March 2020. Five losses on the bounce for Surachet. Fight of the week (Significance): None of major significance Fight of the week (Entertainment): Ryoji Fukunaga vs. Hayate was a clash of styles that provided plenty of action Fighter of the week: David Avanesyan for his crushing win over Liam Taylor in his fourth defence of the European welterweight title with honourable mention to South African Nhlanhia Tyirha for getting off the floor to win the WBO Global light flyweight title in only his seventh fight. Punch of the week: Any one of the left uppercuts from David Avanesyan which broke Liam Taylor apart Upset of the week: No biggies Prospect watch: Super Middleweight Germaine Brown looked good in beating Jamal Le Doux to go to 9-0 Red Card: In future I will use this to highlight any person or thing that in my opinion has harmed boxing over the past week Rosette: For the good things that have happened in the fights for that week Observations -Different trainers-different reactions. Irish super welterweight Craig O’Brien was incensed when his corner threw in the towel in his fight with Samuel Nmomah. When 44-year-old Rafal Jackiewicz, once an IBF welterweight title challenger but now fighting at 170lbs, told his trainer he was retiring after the fourth round of his fight with unbeaten Kewin Gruchala his trainer ranted and raved at him, slammed the water bottle on the canvas then climbed out of the ring shouting insults at Jackiewicz all the way to either the dressing rooms or even the venue exit. -There was some question of whether the Nhlanhia Tyirha vs. Jaysever Abcede WBO Global title fight would take place. Boxing South Africa was less than pleased at the match and understandably. There were two South Africans in the WBO top ten-Sivenathi Nontshinga at No 6 and Hekkie Budler at No 8 with neither Tyirha or Abcede in the ratings at all. Additionally the national champion Siphamandla Baleni was overlooked so it was like a slap in the face to Boxing SA-and incidentally to the other fighters rated in the top 15. What’s the point of having ratings if you are just going to ignore them when it comes to fighting for your vacant high prestige title (well as viewed as high prestige by the WBO anyway). - It was all set to be the return of boxing to Maracaibo. An outdoors show in honour of WBA super featherweight champion Roger Gutierrez. Nine fights including two WBA regional title fights and a huge crowd-then it bloody well rained on their parade. Luckily it is being rescheduled as Venezuelan boxing is at a very low ebb and it needs shows like this. |
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