GUEVARA KNOCKS OUT CLAVERAS IN ROUND 1 TO RETAIN WBC JR. FLYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE; TACONING COULD BE NEXT (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 13 Apr 2015
With an impressive, devastating left hook to the liver, Mexican WBC Jr. Lightweight world champion Pedro "Pedrin" Guevara (25-1-1, 17 KO's) stopped Filipino challenger Richard Claveras (12-1-2, 12 KO's) to retain his world title Saturday night in Mazatl?n, Sinaloa, M?xico.
Claveras started the fight aggressive, throwing hands at Guevara, but the more experienced world champion caught him well with a power blow to the liver that sent him knees-first to the deck.
California referee Jerry Cantu delivered the full 10-second count with Claveras still out-of-air on the floor. Time was 2:31 of round 1.
The win was Guevaras's first defense of the belt he earned by knocking out Japanese former champ Akira Yaegashi (20-5, 10 KO's) in round 7 last December in Tokyo.
Similarly, Guevara won his world title and made his successful first defense with the same devastating blow: a solid, well-placed left hook to the liver.
In addition to having a boxing world title, the 25-year-old Pedro Guevara is also licensed attorney-at-law.
Meanwhile, the Filipino challenger Richard Claveras, also 25 years-old, should draw valuable lessons from his rough trip to Mexico.
Still the ABCO 108-lbs champ, Claveras has the golden chance to bounce back in the sport he loves as a more careful, effective, clever fighter. Achieving that will take time and dedication. It's all up to him.
The young Negros Occidental boxer went to Mazatlan, Mexico, accompanied of Japanese manager Ryuta Kato of United Boxing Gym (Philippines & Japan) and Warren Evison.
Claveras down.
Gevara celebrates.
Photos courtesy of Bankoku Gurentai.
GUEVARA'S NEXT DEFENSE AGAINST ANOTHER FILIPINO?
Pedro Guevara's second title defense could be against hard-hitting Zamboangue?o southpaw Jonathan Taconing (21-2-1, 18 KO's).
Taconing is not only rated WBC # 3, but also the reigning OPBF champion and if the clash comes to fruition, a relentless Taconing would a dangerous opponent for Guevara.
Just last last weekend, a focused, well-trained Taconing knocked out Mexican former world champ Ram?n Garc?a Hirales in the high-elevation area of Metepc, M?xico, where the Filipino performed at a top level, pressing his opponent throughout the 10 torrid rounds while showing excellent conditioning and a much better oxygen level than the Mexican himself.
Indeed, Jonathan Taconing is by far a more accomplished, experienced and powerful fighter thank Claveras.
Taconing should have been granted a world title shot long ago by the WBC since his extremely controversial technical decision lost to then WBC world champion Kompayak Porpramook in Thailand back in 2012.
Should the Guevara-Taconing title fight comes to be, Guevara would find a tough, determined enemy in the Filipino.
Three years ago, Guevara lost a very close split decision to Ormocano southpaw Jhonriel Casimero (21-2, 13 KO's). It's the Mexican's only defeat in 27 combats.
However, Guevara has improved enormously as a fighter since his 12-rounder against Casimero.
Yes, Guevara has got better in his technique as a boxer and has developed confidence and power.
This reaffirms that the Guevara vs. Taconing would be a really interesting rumble...
Let's hope that Taconing will finally get the world title shot he deserves.
CO-MAIN EVENT: KIKA CHAVEZ OUTBOXES GURO
With acclaimed trainer "Nacho" Beristain in her corner, Mexican former world champion Jessica "Kika" Chavez (22-4-3, 4 KO's) skilfully outboxed tough Filipina fight girl Norj Guro (7-5-1, 4 KO's) of Iligan, Lanao del Norte, to claim the vacant WBC female International Jr. Flyweight Belt.
After ten fast-paced rounds, scores were 100-90, and 98-92 (twice), all in favor of the 26-year-old "Kika" Chavez.
The "Viva Mazatl?n" boxing event was promoted by Promociones del Publo and De Le?n Promotions, broadcasted live by Televisa Channel 5.
Recommended Televisa Deportes video: moment in round 7 in which Guevara delivers a pulverizing left hook to the liver of Japanese Yaegashi to win WBC Jr. Flyweight belt last December in Tokyo:
http://deportes.televisa.com/video/boxeo/2015-04-07/abogado-pedro-guevara/
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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