CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR TITLE FIGHTS
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 25 Dec 2016
Christmas and New Year season are not usually the time for big-time boxing bouts, but there are still some important title fights which took place and are scheduled next week.
Light-heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev continued perfect 100% KO rate yesterday when he fought Isidro Prieto in a12-round main event in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. Beterbiev is slated for a world title shot in 2017.
Prieto fought toe-to-toe with Beterbiev and was floored twice as the Russian's heavy punches dealt him his first KO loss at 2:44 in the first round. Beterbiev already has knocked out each of his 11 foes since he turned professional in June 2013. Prieto from Paraguay never suffered a knock out in any his first 30 professional fights prior to the Beterbiev encounter.
A short right hand by Beterbiev decked Prieto just 30 seconds after the opening bell for the vacant WBC silver light heavyweight title. A powerful left hook backed Prieto followed by a crushing right hand which knocked him down the second time as he struggled to get up on wobbly legs. He felled again to the canvas prompting referee Michael Griffin to stop the punishment and Prieto's record dropped to 26-2-3, 22 KOs.
In other world championship fights, on December 30 WBO superflyweight champ Naoya Inoue will defend his world title against former champion Kohei Kono in Tokyo, Japan. While on the same fight card Akira Yaegashi defends his IBF light-flyweight title against Samartlek Kokietgym.
On December 31, Takashi Uchiyama will have an opportunity to revenge against Jezreel Corrales, who scored an upset earlier this year to snatch the WBA super-featherweight title also in Tokyo. On the same bill, Ryoichi Taguchi defends the WBA light-flyweight title against unbeaten opponent Carlos Canizales.
In Kyoto, Japan IBF super-bantamweight champion Jonathan Guzman faces Yukinori Oguni while Kazuto Ioka defends the WBA flyweight crown against Yutthana Kaensa. Lee Haskins was supposed to defend his IBF bantamweight title against Shohei Omori on the same card but suffered a leg injury. Instead, Omori will fight Rocky Fuentes, his replacement.
In Gifu, Japan the vacant WBO light-flyweight title will be fought between Moises Fuentes and Kosei Tanaka.
Photo shows Artur Beterviev punching Isidro Prieto to the ropes.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024