The Past Week in Action 23 May 2022: Benavidez Crushes Lemieux; Alimkhanuly Demolishes Dignum
By Eric Armit
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 25 May 2022
Highlights:
-David Benavidez crushes David Lemieux in three rounds
-Zhanibek Alimkhanuly demolishes Danny Dignum in two rounds in WBO interim middleweight title fight and on the same show Jamaine Ortiz decisions Jamel Herring
- Jean Pascal outpoints IBF No 1 light heavyweight Fanlong Meng
-Jairo Noriega wins the vacant European flyweight title with points win over Angel Moreno and on the same show Britain’s James Metcalf outscores Kerman Lejarraga
- At cruiser Badou Jack flattens Hany Atiyo and Delfine Persoon outpoints France’s Elhem Mekhaled to win the vacant WBC Silver Female super featherweight title
-Unbeaten heavyweight Zhan Kossobutskiy beats Johann Duhaupas on a fifth round retirement
-Sarah Bormann wins the vacant IBO Female minimum title with decision over Mexican Ana Arrazola
World Title/Major Shows
May 21
Glendale, AZ.USA: Super Middle: David Benavidez (26-0) W TKO 3 David Lemieux (43-5). Super Welter: Yoelvis Gomez (6-0) W PTS 10 Jorge Cota (30-5). Feather: Luis Nunez (17-0) W PTS 10 Jonathan Fierro (13-1). Super Welter: Victor Ortiz (33-7-3) W PTS 10 Todd Manuel (20-20-1). Super Light: Richardson Hitchins (14-0) W TKO 4 Angel Rodriguez (12-11-3) . Welter: Estevan Villalobos (16-1-1) W KO 3 Christon Edwards (13-4).
Benavidez vs. Lemieux
Benavidez demolishes Lemieux in three rounds to win the WBC interim title. Lemieux was three inches shorter than Benavidez and was fighting out of a crouch which magnified the difference. Lemieux was taking the fight to Benavidez at the start with Benavidez mostly on the back foot firing strong jabs and straight rights. With less than ten seconds remaining in the round a left hook from Benavidez buckled Lemieux’s legs and sent him staggering back to the ropes badly shaken. Benavidez swamped Lemieux with punches but the bell went before Benavidez could finish the fight. The referee visited Lemieux’ corner to check on his condition. Lemieux came out throwing punches in the second but a right to the head and a left hook put him down. He collapsed against the ropes then slid down and out under the ropes onto the ring apron. He managed to get back to his feet and after the eight count just plunged forward throwing punches. At times the sheer volume of his punches forced Benavidez back. Every punch Benavidez landed rocked Lemieux but he survived to the bell. Lemieux launched an attack in the third but again every punch Benavidez landed shook Lemieux and after a right snapped Lemieux’s head back the referee stepped in and stopped the fight despite protests from Lemieux. Still only 25 it is difficult to see who in the division can stop him dominating it in the future. He is No 1 with the WBC and Lemieux was No 2 but none of the sanctioning bodies will take any action against Saul Alvarez and since he fought Caleb Plant for all four sanctioning body belts in October they will be waiting and hoping they can jump on the sanctioning fee gravy train if he meets Gennady Golovkin for the third time. Lemieux showed plenty of aggression and guts but he could not deal with the power from Benavidez.
Gomez vs. Cota
After finishing his first five fights in less than seven rounds in total Cuban southpaw Gomez finally gets some useful ring time. He was pressurising Cota from the start landing heavily to the body and had him badly hurt in the third only to wrestle Cota to the canvas giving Cota some additional recovery time. Cota had some limited success in the middle rounds but was shaken badly in the seventh and eighth before Gomez chose to cruise through the ninth and tenth. Scores 100-90 for Gomez on the three score cards. He has a lot to live up to as his father Jose won gold medals at the World Championships in 1978 the Pan American Games in 1979 and the Olympic Games in 1980. Cota won 28 of his first 29 fights but is now 2-4 in his last 6.
Nunez vs. Fierro
Dominican Nunez outscores teenager Fierro after ten entertaining and close rounds. Both fighters were letting the punches fly from the first. A clash of heads saw Nunez cut in the second but he was scoring strongly to the body and looked to have edged in front over the first four rounds. Fierro began to have success over the middle rounds in like for like exchanges which saw both fighters give and take punishment. After an action packed eighth the pace slowed in the ninth and they then blazed away at each other in a frantic finish. All three judges scored it 96-94 for Nunez. His last three victims were all unbeaten fighters but not top level and he needs at least a couple more wins before he is ready to move up. At 18 Fierro has time to rebound.
Ortiz vs. Manuel
Former WBC welterweight title holder Ortiz survives a late scare and scores a convincing unanimous decision over Manuel. Despite conceding height and reach Ortiz handed out a one-sided beating to Manuel who seemed to have parked his defence back in Louisiana but showed a good chin. Manuel had a good fifth rocking Ortiz with a right but Ortiz was soon back in control bombarding Manuel with punches to head and body. Ortiz was on target for a comfortable win but was floored by a right in the tenth which blunted his glory somewhat. Scores 98-91 twice and 97-92 for Ortiz. He has struggled for consistency since losing the WBC title to Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2011 and this was only his second fight in four years. Just one win in his last four fights for Manuel
Hitchins vs. Rodriguez
After three wins over good level opposition Hitchins takes a step back and stops Mexican Rodriguez. Hitchins floored Rodriguez in the second and had him reeling and defenceless in the fourth when the fight was stopped. The 24-year-old from New York failed to win his way through the US Trials for the 2016 Olympics but as he has Haitian antecedents he entered in the World Qualifier before losing to Gary Antuanne Russell in Rio. Fifth defeat by KO/TKO for Rodriguez.
Villalobos vs. Edwards
Villalobos scores spectacular kayo of Edwards. Villalobos used his edges in height and reach to control the action over the first two rounds. In the third he put Edwards down and out with a savage right with Edwards being down for some time receiving medical attention. Fifth consecutive win for Villalobos and twelfth win by KO/TKO. Texan Edwards had won 7 of his last 8 outings.
Las Vegas, NV , USA: Middle: Zhanibek Alimkhanuly (12-
0) W KO 2 Danny Dignum (14-1-1). Light: Jamaine Ortiz (16-0-1)W PTS 10 Jamel Herring (23-4). Super Feather: Jesses Magdaleno (29-1) W PTS 8 Edy Valencia (19-7-6,1ND). Light: Giovanni Cabrera (20-0) W PTS 8 Elias Araujo (21-5). Super Feather: Carlos Balderas (13-1) W PTS 6 Ruben Cervera (13-3,1ND). Feather: Adam Lopez (16-3,1ND) W PTS 8 William Encarnacion (19-3). Welter: Delante Johnson (4-0) W TKO 3 Agustin Kucharski (8-4-5,1ND). Feather: Duke Ragan (6-0) W PTS 4 Victorino Gonzalez (5-3).
Alimkhanuly vs. Dignum
Alimkhanuly blows away an overmatched Dignum to win the interim WBO title. Alimkhanuly looked dangerous from the start and dropped Dignum late in the first. He caught Dignum with a left to the head and then stepped back to let Dignum tumble to the floor. Dignum was up quickly but rocked by another left to the head later in the round. Dignum slipped to the canvas twice early in the second. Alimkhanuly’s hand speed saw him connecting with some straight lefts. He shook Dignum who retreated to the ropes. Alimkhanuly stepped in and landed two lefts to the head and then a savage left uppercut which sent Dignum down on his back under the ropes and the referee immediately waived the fight over. Dignum took a while to recover. Kazak Alimkhanuly, a former World Championships gold medal winner, has scored wins over Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam and makes it six in a row by KO/TKO. Dignum had scored some useful wins over domestic opposition but was held to a draw by unrated Andrey Sirotkin in April last year and his ownership of the WBO European title saw him rated No 3 by the WBO above Chris Eubank, Liam Williams and Felix Cash. He was in over his head here and was rated No 34 by BoxRec.
Herring vs. Ortiz
Ortiz makes a slow start but dominates in the second half of the fight to win the unanimous decision. Southpaw Herring made good use of his longer reach to outbox Ortiz over the first half of the fight. Ortiz shook Herring briefly with a right in the second round but pressure and some hard body punches from Herring had him in front. Ortiz began to switch to southpaw at times over the middle rounds and he stepped up his work rate and began to get the better of the exchanges. Herring made the rounds closed but as he tired Ortiz staged a strong finish outscoring Herring and sweeping the last three rounds. Scores 97-93 twice and 96-94 for Ortiz who was defending the NABF title and wins the vacant IBF USBA belt. Ortiz had climbed off the floor twice to get a draw with then unbeaten Joseph Adorno. Former WBO super feather title holder Herring is now 36 and hinted at retirement.
Magdaleno vs. Valencia
Magdaleno returns to action for the first time in almost two years and outclasses fellow-southpaw Valencia. Magdaleno was just too smart and too fast-handed for Valencia. Magdaleno chose to counter the marching Valencia over the first four rounds but as he shifted a little dust he began to put together some snappy combinations. Clever defence work often left the advancing Valencia swishing air with his punches and he was even outworked when Magdaleno had his back against the ropes. Magdaleno stood and traded punches more as he worked his way to victory winning every round. Scores 80-72 for Magdaleno on the cards of the judges. Former WBO super bantam title holder Magdaleno will now be looking to work his way to a title shot at featherweight. Valencia had WBA No 1 Thomas Patrick Ward on the floor in their fight in June last year but lost a wide points verdict.
Cabrera vs. Araujo
Cabrera move to twenty victories as he outpoints Argentinian Araujo. Cabrera had four inches in height and five inches in reach over Araujo as well as better skills. It was to Araujo’s credit that he made the first two rounds close by a high work rate but Cabrera took over from the third and dominated the action. He was deducted a point for holding in the sixth but finished strongly and won on scores of 79-72, 78-73 and 77-74 Cabrera, 27, is making steady progress against the right level of opposition. Araujo was 20-1 before venturing outside of Argentina and has struggled since then.
Balderas vs. Cervera
Fourth successive win for Balderas. He made a good start felling Cervera with a left hook in the first. That may have been too much success too early as he kept looking to land a similar punch and did not find it with Cervera fighting well enough to win a couple of rounds. Scores 58-54 twice and 57-55 for the 2016 Olympian. Colombian Cervera was coming in on the back of three wins.
Lopez vs. Encarnacion
An excellent match up sees Lopes come off the canvas twice to decision Encarnacion. In the first round Lopez had hardly warmed-up before he was on the floor from a right. He got through the round but virtually gave away the second round as he boxed defensively to recover from the opening shock. Lopez had a good third but all of his hard work was undone as he was put down in the fourth by a series of punches. A change of tactics was called for and as part of the process Lopez switched to a southpaw stance. From there he took charge of the fight winning the fifth, sixth and seventh and then just getting the better of some furious exchanges in the last. Scores 77-74 twice and 76-74 for Lopez with two judges scoring the first round 10-9 for Encarnacion. Lopez’s losses have been majority decisions against Steven Fulton and Isaac Dogboe and had Oscar Valdez on the floor before losing on a seventh round stoppage. Dominican had lost inside the distance against Giovanni Cabrera and Abraham Nova.
Johnson vs. Kucharski
Olympian Johnson gets a couple more rounds under his belt as he halts Argentinian Kucharski. The visitor had an awkward style with an excess of movement and lunging attacks but Johnson stayed cool and picked him off over the first two rounds opening a cut under the right eye of Kucharski. When Kucharski lunged forward in the third Johnson met him with a counter right that set on his rump. Kucharski beat the count and then lunged in again as was put down with another right counter and then towel came in. The 23-year-old from Cleveland is a former World Youth champion, was twice US National champion but lost to Rosniel Iglesias in the quarter finals in Tokyo. First inside the distance loss for Kucharski.
Ragan vs. Gonzalez
Olympic silver medal winner Ragan really just getting some rounds under his belt as he adjusts to professional boxing and as the 60-54 scores on the three cards show he won every round. Only one inside the distance win so far. Three defeats in a row for Gonzalez with the other two being split decisions.
MAY 20
Plant City, FL, USA: Light Heavy: Jean Pascal (36-6-1, 1ND) W PTS 12 Fanlong Meng (17-1). Super Light: Antonio Moran (27-5-1) W PTS 8 Jeffrey Torres (10-2). Super Light Kendo Castaneda (18-5,1ND) W KO 1 Sonny Fredrickson (21-6). Super Light: Michael Dutchover (16-2) W PTS 8 Clarence Booth (21-5). Super Light: Joseph Fernandez (15-4-3) W PTS 8 Zhimin Wang (11-3).
Pascal vs. Meng
Pascal comes from behind to take a unanimous verdict over Meng. The first round saw Pascal trying to set traps to get Meng to come forward and counter but Meng stayed at a distance and scored with his southpaw jabs and long lefts. Pascal came forward more in the second and nearly paid the price. Meng hurt him with a straight left and then staggered him with another. Pascal was badly shaken but the bell came before Meng could do any more damage. Meng also had a good third again spearing Pascal with jabs and connecting with straight lefts with Pascal too slow to retaliate. Things heated up in the fourth when Meng went down from a push which led to Pascal lunging forward throwing a storm of punches but with Meng scoring the cleaner hits. He rocked Pascal with a left hook in the fifth and landed the best shots in the sixth. From there Pascal dragged Meng in to a brawl wrestling, holding and hitting and using other tricks. Meng lost his way and his output dropped and he was being caught by wide sweeping hooks from Pascal. Meng was boxing his way to the bell in the ninth and looked to be about to pocket the round when as Pascal landed a right Meng’s feet slipped out beneath him and he was given a count. Pascal built on that with a strong finish and took the decision. Scores 116-111, 115-112 and 114-113 for Pascal with the last seeming the most accurate to me. First fight for Pascal since outpointing Badou Jack in December 2019. Meng was No 1 with the IBF and Pascal unrated due to his inactivity but at 39 he would be an easy night for Artur Beterbiev.
Moran vs. Torres
Moran takes close decision against Torres in a semi-final of the ProBox “Last Chance” tournament. Torres scored well early and Moran’s face was quickly marked up. Moran came on strong over the second half of the fight as Torres tired and won on scores of 77-75 twice and 79-73.
Castaneda vs. Fredrickson
In a clash of two fighters badly in need of a win Castaneda obliterates Fredrickson. One thunderous left hook put Fredrickson down and out in the first round. Castaneda had lost his last 5 five fights now he moves into the semi-finals of a ProBox “Last Chance” tournament. Fredrickson had lost his last four fights.
Dutchover vs. Booth
Dutchover overcomes a slow start to take a split decision over Booth in the most competitive of the quarter-finals. Booth outboxed Dutchover early but Dutchover used smart movement and quicker hands to take over. Booth tried switching to southpaw but Dutchover just got stronger and was a good winner. Scores 78-74 and 77-75 for Dutchover and 77-75 for Booth.
Fernandez vs. Wang
Wang’s aggression saw him take a lead before Fernandez began to make better use of his four inches height advantage and much longer reach and went in front. Wang tired then rallied but too late to cancel out the lead Fernandez had established. Scores 78-74 twice and 77-75 for Fernandez whom had been stopped in the first round in his last fight in February and he moves into the quarter-finals.
AGUASCALIENTES, MEXICO
Not the place you might expect to come across a Cuban revolution but the official endorsement of Cuba’s star amateurs turning professional became a reality here with some of the biggest names in amateur boxing in action.
Light Heavy: Arlen Lopez (1-0) W KO 1 Fernando Galvan (7-5). Cruiser: Julio Cesar la Cruz (1-0) W KO 2 Deivis Casseres (27-16). Super Welter: Roniel Iglesias (1-0) W KO 2 Brandon Perez (7-1-1). Super Middle: Yoeinis Hernandez (1-0) W TKO 2 Juan Raygosa (17-21-3). Super Feather: Osvel Caballero (1-0) W TKO 4) Joshman Reyes ( 3-3). Light: Lazaro Alvarez (1-0) W PTS 6 Francisco Mercado 6-2). In the only fight not featuring a Cuban Venezuela JOSE UZCATEGUI 32-4 (27) stopped FELIPE ROMERO in two round at cruiserweight.
Bilbao, Spain: Fly: Jairo Noriega (12-0) W PTS 12 Angel Moreno (21-5-3). Super Welter: James Metcalf (23-2) W PTS 10 Kerman Lejarraga (34-3). Welter: Jon Miguez (17-0) W KO 6 James Moorcroft (16-2). Bantam: Fran Mendoza (14-0) W PTS 8 Alexander Mejia (18-2).
Noriega vs. Moreno
Noriega wins the vacant European title as he scores two knockdowns on the way to a unanimous decision over Moreno. The first knockdown came from a right in the opening round. Moreno recovered and was working his way into the fight with a good fourth and was coming forward in the fifth only to be put down by a left hook counter. Noriega then dominated the fight. Moreno found something extra in the eighth but was cut over his right eye after a clash of heads in the ninth. The 38-year-old Moreno is not a puncher and Noriega was able to hold off Moreno’s late charge and eased his way through the last round. Scores 118-109 twice and 116-110 for Noriega who has said he will now look to fight at light flyweight and try to land a title shot. Fourth unsuccessful shot at the European title for Moreno.
Metcalf vs. Lejarraga
Great result for Metcalf as he beats Lejarraga on a unanimous decision in Lejarraga’s home city. No study time here as Lejarraga came forward behind his jab with Metcalf also jabbing well and scoring to the body. The pace was fast with Lejarraga applying pressure but leaving gaps that Metcalf exploited. Metcalf looked to have scored a knockdown in the third with a right to the side of the sending Lejarraga to one knee but the referee ruled it a slip. Lejarraga shook Metcalf with a right in the fourth but Metcalf took the fifth and sixth with strong jabs and accurate power shots. Both were showing facial damage with Lejarraga cut over one eye and bruising under the other and Metcalf cut on his cheek. Lejarraga had a strong seventh but Metcalf found the target continually in eighth and the last two rounds could have been scored either way but Metcalf just having the edge and was a deserving winner. Scores 97-94, 96-94 and 96-95 for Metcalf who wins the vacant WBA Continental title but more important is that Lejarraga was No 4 with the WBA
Miguez vs. Moorcroft
Miguez stops Moorcroft. The visitor made it hard work for Miguez early with a busy style and some good counters. Miguel eventually found his way into the fight and took over in the fifth shaking Moorcroft a couple of times. In the sixth a body punch put Moorcroft down and out. Eighth win by KO/TKO for 25-year-old Miguez. Moorcroft had won his last three fights.
Mendoza vs. Mejia
Spanish-based Colombian Mendoza outworks and outpoints Nicaraguan Mejia. Mendoza was in control from the start scoring heavily in the first with Mejia occasionally threatening. The fourth was the best round with plenty of exciting exchanges but Mendoza never relinquished control. Scores 80-72 twice and 78-74 for Mendoza. Mejia had won 10 of his last 11 fights.
London, England: Super Bantam: Ionut Baluta (15-3) W PTS 10 Brad Foster (14-2-2). Super Bantam: Andrew Cain (10-0) W KO 1 Luis Moreno (10-3).
Baluta vs. Foster
Baluta outpoints Foster in a poor fight. There was too much holding and too much wrestling for this to be an entertaining fight. Forster boxed well early but soon lost his way with the greater punch output from Baluta, accurate or not, catching the eye and a frustrated Foster wrestling Baluta to the canvas in the fourth. Foster injured his right hand as the fight moved into the sixth round and although he partially compensated with some good left hooks Baluta took full advantage of the injury and finished strongly. Scores 97-93 twice and 98-94 for Romanian Baluta. He had scored wins over Kyle Williams, TJ Doheny and David Oliver Joyce but lost a majority decision against Michael Conlan in his last fight in April last year. Forster was coming off a loss in October against Jason Cunningham which involved the European, British and Commonwealth titles.
Cain vs. Moreno
Cain overwhelms Moreno. Cain was throwing punches with bad intentions driving Moreno around the ring. He dropped Moreno with a booming right uppercut. Moreno made it to his feet but went down again under a blizzard of punches and was counted out. Nine wins by KO/TKO for Cain who retains the WBC International Silver title. Mexican Moreno is 0-2 in fights in the UK.
Colon City, Panama: Super Middle: KeAndrae Leatherwood (23-8-1) W PTS 10 Dionisio Miranda (22-20-3). Heavy: Carlouse Welch (21-2-1) W RTD 3 John Cortez (12-11-1). Fly: Azael Villar (18-1-3) W TKO 2 Jonathan Arias (17-19).
Leatherwood vs. Miranda
Leatherwood floors oldie Miranda three times on his way to a very wide unanimous verdict. Leatherwood dropped Miranda in rounds 5,6 and 9 but Miranda made it to the final bell, Scores 100-87 three times for Leatherwood who lost his sole fights in both 2019 and 2020. Miranda, 39, is 0-12-1 in his last 13 bouts.
Welch vs. Ramos
Georgia’s Welch gets his nineteenth consecutive win as Colombian Cortez retires after the third round. Welch, 42, has been working his way through a selection of Latin American boxing “pensioner”. Ten losses in a row for Cortez who Welch knocked out in 80 seconds in January last year.
Villar vs. Arias
Local hope Villar gets his fourteenth inside the distance win as he stops Dominican Arias in two rounds. Villar putting his career back together with his fourth victory since being destroyed in 55 seconds by Jerson Ortiz. In keeping with the quality of the other “top” bouts on this show Arias has now lost nine on the bounce.
Sroda Wielkopolska, Poland: Super Feather: Damian Wrzesinski (25-2-2, 1ND) W PTS 10 Ismail Gallatano (10-4-3). Middle: Lukasz Maciec (28-4-1) W PTS 8 Joel Julio (39-12). Welter: Louis Greene (14-3) W TKO 5 Tomasz Nowicki (10-1,1ND).
Wrzesinski vs. Gallatano
Wrzesinski takes the unanimous decision over Tanzanian Gallatano. This was a dull fight with few highlights. Gallatano boxed better at distance but could not keep Wrzesinski out. The Pole did most of his scoring inside without ever really threatening a stoppage Scores 98-92 twice and 99-91 for Wrzesinski
Maciec vs. Julio
Maciec outpoints veteran Julio. Maciec shook Julio badly at the end of the first and again in the sixth with a left hook but could not finish the job and had to settle for a win ion points. Scores 80-72 twice and a strange 77-75. Maciec climbing slowly back after defeat against Anthony Fowler in February. Eight losses in a row for Colombian Julio
Greene vs. Nowicki
Greene rebounds from a couple of domestic losses and upsets the local with a second round stoppage over unbeaten Nowicki in the fifth. Nowicki boxed cleverly in the first and seemed to hurt Greene with a left hook to the body. Greene really upped the pressure in the second and third with Nowicki often pinned to the ropes but defending well and finding gaps for counters. Nowicki survived a furious and sustained attack in the fourth from Greene but in the fifth was again being forced to defend with his back to the ropes when a big right followed by a left hook to the jaw rendered him helpless and the referee intervened. Englishman Greene must like visiting Poland. Last time there in 2019 he snapped the eighteen-bout unbeaten streak of Lukasz Wierzbicki
Pablo Nogues, Argentina: Middle: Lucas Bastida (18-1-1) W TKO 2 Luis Rivero (8-1).
Bastida destroys Bolivian Rivero in two rounds. In the second round Bastida exploded a straight right to the head of Rivero that dropped him heavily. Rivero beat the count but was reeling under a burst of punches and the referee came in and saved him. Fifth defence of the South American belt for “The Tornado” and his tenth win by KO/TKO. Rivero very much sub standard. The eight fighters he beat had only four wins between them.
Cartagena, Colombia: Feather: Jonathan Romero (35-1) W PTS 8 Jean Hernandez (7-5-1).
Former IBF super bantam title holder Romero returns with a win but does not impress. Romero won easily but blamed an injury for a less than stellar showing. Scores 80-72 twice and 78-74 for Romero who lost the IBF title to Kiko Martinez back in 2013. This is the twelfth win since then for 35-year-old Romero and he said he is intending to go to London and seek another title shot. Venezuelan Hernandez just a four and six round fighter.
Tokyo, Japan: Super Bantam: Yukinori Oguni (21-2-2) TEC DRAW 4 Keita Kurihara (16-6-1).
Oguni and Kurihara fight to a technical draw. His superior technical skills saw Oguni sweep the first three rounds. Kurihara was having some success in the fourth when heads collided and former IBF super bantam title holder Oguni was cut above his right eye. He was unable to continue and the fight was declared a technical draw. Oguni, who was having his first fight for three years, was in front 30-27 twice and 29-28 at the stoppage.
May 21
Hamburg, Germany: Heavy: Zhan Kossobutskiy (18-0) W RTD 5 Johann Duhaupas (39-7). Light: Dzmitry Asanau (3-0 W PTS 8 Marcos Villasana (27-7). Heavy: Romano Kujak (11-0) W PTS 10 Elvis Smajlovic (15-13-2). Cruiser: Karo Murat (33-4-1) W TKO 6 Norbert Szekeres (19-86-4).
Kossobutskiy vs. Duhaupas
No real problems for Kossobutskiy as Duhaupas shows little fire before retiring after five rounds. Kossobutskiy did what scoring there was in the first landing a couple of good shots late in the round. A punch from Kossobutskiy sent Duhaupas reeling into the ropes in the second which really have counted as a knockdown. Kossobutskiy won the third and by the fourth there was a growing swelling around his left eye. Kossobutskiy landed some good body punches in the fifth and with his left eye almost closed Duhaupas did not come out for the sixth. Eleven inside the distance victories in a row fight Kazak southpaw Kossobutskiy who wins the WBC International belt. At 41 it is time Duhaupas hang-up his gloves. No real tests yet for Kossobutskiy
Asanau vs. Villasana
Belarusian Asanau boxes rings around Villasana on the way to winning a unanimous decision. Asanau was just too quick and too clever for Villasana. He was snapping out jabs, firing quick bursts of punches and getting out before Villasana could counter. His speedy footwork has Villasana chasing in vain and having his head snapped back by punches too quick for him to block. Over the last three rounds Asanau took the fight to Villasana and stood and traded and had Villasana backing up. No scores but Asanau won by a mile. An ambitious approach to tackle someone as experienced as Villasana in only his third fight but Asanau won silver in the 2015 European Games and gold in 2019 and a bronze medal in the World Championships. Villasana had won his last 13 fights but was outclassed in this one.
Kujak vs. Smajlovic
Kujak just too strong for Bosnian and won the unanimous decision. Kujak landed heavy jabs and clubbing shots from both hands. Smajlovic was rocked a few times but proved tough and occasionally managed to drive Kujak onto the back foot but those occasions were few and he soaked up a lot punishment and did well to see out the two rounds. No scores available.
Murat vs. Szekeres
Murat stops Szekeres in the sixth round. Szekeres chose to try to walk through Murat’s punches and was soon bleeding from the nose. By the end of the fifth both fighters were exhausted. Murat floored Szekeres with a left to the body in the sixth. Szekeres beat the count but had nothing left. However the referee allowed the fight to continue and Szekeres took more punishment before slumping down against the ropes and the fight was stopped. First fight for the former IBF title challenger since December 2018 and he was carrying lots of surplus weight. Hungarian Szekeres is 0-40-1 in his last 41 fights!
Managua, Nicaragua: Fly: Felix Alvarado (38-2) W TKO 4 Luis Hernandez (10-6-1,1ND). Light Fly: Josue Morales (24-12-4,1 ND) W TKO 3 Gerardo Verde (19-8-1). Super Fly: Winston Guerrero (17-0) W PTS 8 Misael Garcia (15-4-2).
Alvarado vs. Hernandez
Former undefeated IBF light flyweight title holder Alvarado moves up to flyweight after relinquishing his IBF title and halts Mexican Hernandez in the fourth round. Alvarado had lost a little speed but not power and he rattled Hernandez in the first before flooring him in the second. Hernandez got through the round but took a hammering in the third and the referee stopped the fight after Alvarado rocked Hernandez in the fourth. Alvarado has 33 wins by KO/TKO and has scored 18 wins by KO/TKO in his last 20 fights.
Morales vs. Verde
Texan southpaw Morales stops experienced Verde in three rounds to win the vacant American Boxing Federation Continental Americas belt. Now twelve wins in a row for the Houston fighter. Verde, 37, lost to Ivan Calderon for the WBO minimum title back in 2005!
Guerrero vs. Garcia
Cheered on by Roman Gonzalez Guerrero, 21, floors Garcia with a straight left in the second round and wins all the way to take the verdict on scores of 80-71 from the three judges. Looks a good prospect.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Cruiser: Badou Jack 26-3-3 W TKO 1 Hany Atiyo (17-6). Super Feather: Delfine Persoon (47-3) W PTS Elhem Mekhaled (15-1).
Jack vs. Atiyo
After some cautious prodding with his jab by Atiyo Jack stepped in with a left hook to the head that sent Atiyo down on his back and he was counted out after 46 seconds. Fourth win for Jack since moving up to cruiserweight after consecutive losses to Marcus Browne and Jean Pascal. All six of Egyptian Atiyo’s losses have come by way of KO/TKO.
Persoon vs. Mekhaled
Belgian Persoon wins the vacant WBC Silver Female super feather belt with a unanimous decision over France’s Mekhaled. Scores 97-93, 97-94 and 96-94. Persoon has lost two close decision against Katie Taylor. Mekhaled is a former undefeated European champion
Orlando, FL, USA: Middle: Connor Coyle (16-0) W PTS 10 Antonio Todd (13-6,1ND). Feather: Christopher Diaz (26-4) W RTD 6 Deivi Julio (24-12,1ND). Light: Joseph Adorno (15-1-2) W KO 1 Juan Santiago (16-21-2).
Coyle vs. Todd
Coyle wins the vacant NABA belt with split decision over Antonio Todd. Coyle went in front early finding the spot with left hooks and straight rights. Fighting behind a high guard Todd came through those painful early stages and dialled up the pressure late making Coyle work hard for his win and rocking him in the last. Scores 97-93 and 96-94 for Coyle and 96-94 for Todd. Irishman Coyle will be hoping this win will get him ranked with the WBA. Todd had outpointed the more experienced Hugo Centeno in January.
Diaz vs. Julio
Puerto Rican Diaz rebounds from consecutive losses against Emanuel Navarrete and Isaac Dogboe with victory over Colombian oldie Julio. Diaz was scoring consistently to head and body with Julio doing just enough to stay in the fight. Diaz became a little bit ragged as he chased an inside the distance win but handed out enough punishment for Julio to retire after the sixth round. Diaz has lost big fights against Masayuki Ito and Shakur Stevenson. Julio, 41, was 17-0 at one stage but is now just a jobbing opponent.
Adorno vs. Santiago
Adorno gets this one over in quick time. After connecting with a series of punches he uncorked a left hook that put Santiago down and out after only 82 seconds. A needed win as he had gone 0-1-2 in his last three tough fights. Only one victory in his last ten fights for Santiago.
New York, NY, USA: Super Bantam: Jose Gonzalez (16-0-2) W Jonathan Sannino (14-2-1
New York-born southpaw Gonzalez extends his unbeaten run to 19 with a points win over Italian Sannino. Scores 78-74 twice and 79-73. Ninth consecutive victory for Gonzalez. Sannino is a former national super bantamweight champion.
Cleveland Heights, OH, USA: Super Feather: Thomas Mattice (18-3-3) W KO 1 Jessie Rosales (23-5-1). Bantam: Antonio Nieves (19-3-2) W Judy Flores (10-0).
Mattice vs. Rosales
Fighting in his home city Mattice sent Filipino Rosales down and out with a left in the first round. Mattice has lost when he has tried to move up to another level. This is only the second fight since November 2019 for Rosales and his fourth loss by KO/TKO.
Nieves vs. Ambo
Nieves, another Cleveland native, and a former WBO bantam title challenger returned with a win as he decisioned another Filipino Judy Flores. Scores 80-72 twice and 80-71. First fight for Nievas since losing to Joshua Greer in October 2019. Nieves was beaten in six rounds by Naoya Inoue in 2017.
San Antonio, TX, USA: Cruiser: Andrew Tabiti (19-1) W TKO 2 Shamarian Snider (10-3-1). Super Feather: Iranda Torres (13-6-1) W Bo Mi Re Shin (11-1-3).
Tabiti vs. Snider
Tabiti wipes out Snider in two rounds. Snider chose to walk forward behind a high guard and whilst boxing on the retreat Tabiti hammered Snider with left hooks to the body. Snider continued with the same tactics in the second and Tabiti connected with a ramrod straight right that dumped Snider on his rump and although he beat the count he was shaky and the referee stopped the fight. Tabiti was out for two years after losing to Yuniel Dorticos for the IBF title in June 2019 and this is his second win since his return.
Shin vs. Torres
Korean Shin wins the vacant WBC International Female belt with a unanimous verdict over locally-based Mexican Iranda Torres. Shin simply outworked Torres. Scores 98-92, 98-93 and 97-93. Shin is a former undefeated IBA title holder. Torres is 1-3 in her last 4 fights.
Cordoba, Argentina: Middle: Jonathan Wilson (21-5-1) W PTS 10 Martin Bulacio (10-6).
After a slow start Wilson picks up the pace and outscores Bulacio to win a unanimous decision. Bulacio used his longer reach and some good footwork to establish a lead over the first two rounds. Sanchez began to roll from the second hounding Bulacio around the ring scoring with hooks and uppercuts and almost getting a stoppage in the ninth. Bulacio bravely survived the tenth with Wilson winning on scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93. Sixth win in his last seven fights for Sanchez.
Brossard, Canada: Heavy: Alexis Barriere (7-0) W TKO 4 Abokan Bokpe (9-3). Super Middle: Shakeel Phinn (22-3-1) W PTS 6 Joaquin Murrieta (11-11-3)
Barriere vs. Abokan
Barriere wins the vacant Canadian title with fourth round stoppage of Abokan for his fifth victory by KO/TKO. The 6’4” southpaw was Canadian amateur champion in 2017 and 2018.
Phinn vs. Murrieta
Fighting in his home town “The Jamaican Juggernaut” eases his way back into the winner’s ranks with a unanimous decision against Mexican Murrieta. First fight for Phinn since losing on points against unbeaten Mateusz Tryc in Poland in November 2019 and he took a couple of rounds to shake the rust. Scores 60-54 from all three judges.
Cernay, France: Welter: Moussa Gary (13-5-2) W PTS 10 Jorick Luisetto (11-4).
Gary gives Cernay their second French champion as he takes a very narrow victory over Luisetto with all three judges handing in cards of 95-94.
Offenbach, Germany: Minimum: Sarah Bormann (14-0) W PTS 10 Ana Arrazola (28-15-3) W 28-14-3). Cruiser: Ilies Lyyas (12-2) W TKO 4 Muhammad Oguzhan Arifogullari (10-5). Super Welter: Ahmad Ali (17-0-1) W PTS 10 Felice Moncelli (23-7-1). Light Heavy: Luca Cinqueoncie (15-0) W PTS 10 Leon Maric (7-3). Emir Ahmatovic (12-1) W TKO 2 Husseyin Ajkdemir (11-2).
Bormann vs. Arrazola
Bormann wins the vacant IBO Female title with a points victory over Mexican Arrazola. Bormann, 32, also holds the WBC Silver, IBF, GBU and WBFed minimumweight titles. Arrazola lost in challenges for the IBF minimum and WBC Atom belts in 2019
Lyyas vs. Arifogullari
German Lyyas wins the vacant WBC Mediterranean belt with a fourth round stoppage of German-born Turk Arifogullari. Sixth consecutive victory for Lyyas.
Ali vs. Moncelli
German Ali wins the vacant WBC Mediterranean belt as he takes a unanimous verdict against Italian Moncelli a former Italian and WBC International title holder. No scores available
Cinqueoncie vs. Maric
Cinqueoncie, 20, retains the IBO Youth title and wins the vacant IBF, WBC and WBO Youth titles with a points victory over 19-year-old Bosnia Maric.
Ahmatovic vs. Ajkdemir
Serbia-born German Ahmatovic outclasses Ajkdemir and stops him in two rounds for his ninth inside the distance victory in a fight for the vacant WBC Mediterranean belt.
Lagos, Nigeria: Bantam: Opeyemi Adeyemi (8-0-1) W TKO 2 Felix Okine (6-4). Feather: Taiwo Agbaje W RTD 4 Emmanuel Quartey (24-5)
Adeyemi vs. Okine
Adeyemi wins the vacant West African (WABU) title with second round stoppage of Okine. A left to the body in the second sent Okine down and the fight was immediately stopped. Sixth win by KO/TKO for Nigerian Adeyemi. Fourth loss in a row for Ghanaian Okine.
Agbaje vs. Quartey
Southpaw Agbaje stops Quartey after four one-sided rounds with Quartey not coming out for the fifth round. The 20-year-old Nigerian southpaw gets his seventh win by KO/TKO and lifts the vacant WABU tile. Agbaje won two fights in the UK on 2021. Quartey has five losses by KO/TKO.
Valencia, Spain: Super Feather: Juan Gomez (11-0) W Anthony Riviere (10-3-1).Light: Robin Zamora (16-13,1ND) W PTS 8 Alin Florin Ciorceri (16-3). Super Welter: Jorge Fortea (22-3-1) W RTD 7 Sarkhan Babaev (2-5-1).
Gomez vs. Riviere
Local southpaw Gomez makes a successful first defence of the European Union title with a wide victory over Frenchman Riviere. After tasting a couple of hard punches from Riviere in the first round Gomez boxed skilfully without taking any chances. Riviere pressed hard but Gomez stayed busy boxing cleverly and scoring consistently with hard, accurate shots. Well in front Gomez opened up in the last and put Riviere down with a body punch and emerged the winner ion scores of 118-109 twice and 120-107.
Zamora vs. Ciorceri
Nicaragua southpaw Zamora springs an upset as he decisions Valencia-based Romanian Ciorceri. Zamora fights wild and his pressure took the fight away from Ciorceri who was almost overwhelmed at times. The majority decision should have been unanimous and wider. Scores 77-75 twice for Zamora and 76-76. Zamora fought in Glasgow eight days ago and his team were incensed with some justification when he did not get the decision there. Ciorceri had a seven-bout winning run ended.
Fortea vs. Babaev
Home fighter Fortea returns to action after 14 months with a win over Azeri-born Russian Babaev. Fortea was always in control but Babaev resisted well until the accumulated punishment proved too much and he retired at the end of the seventh round. Fortea had been knocked out in three rounds by Anthony Fowler in March 2021.
Fight of the week (Significance): David Benavidez’s win over David Lemieux keeps alive his faint hopes of a shot at Saul Alvarez
Fight of the week (Entertainment) James Metcalf vs. Kerman Lejarraga
Fighter of the week: David Benavidez
Punch of the week: So many to choose from. The driven right from Lucas Bastida that dropped Luis Rivero was devastating. The left hook from Kendo Castaneda that flattened Sonny Fredrickson was a terror but the right uppercut from Andrew Cain that finished Luis Moreno gets my vote.
Upset of the week: James Metcalf was very much an outsider against home city fighter Kerman Lejarraga but took the unanimous decision
Prospect watch: Only his third fight but Belarusian lightweight Dmitry Asanau showed real skill in outpointing more experienced Marcos Villasana
Observations
Rosette Tom allthepromoters whom have made my life so difficult this week with so many shows
Red Card Nothing too damaging this week-unless is me turning in a 27 page report!
-It is difficult to say how much of an influence on boxing it may have but if you get fighters such as Arlen Lopez, Julio Cesar la Cruz, Roniel Iglesias and Lazaro Alvarez along with others such as Andy Cruz now able to fight as professionals then along with other the potential impact is huge.
-It was unusual to see a national title fight scheduled for eighth rounds as was the Canadian heavyweight title fight between Alexis Barrier and Abokan Bokpe. The Canadians take a very sensible approach. The national body works with the local commission to set the number of rounds based on the experience of the two contestants and any local regulations. That is more sensible than some countries where you find guys with on 5 or 6 fights over six rounds suddenly jumping to ten rounds.
-Not sure how many fighters are active today who had his only shot at a world title in 2005 which is the story with Gerardo Verde who lost to Ivan Calderon for the WBO minimum title seventeen years ago this week.
About the Author
Born in Scotland, Eric Armit started working with Boxing News magazine in the UK in the late 1960’s initially doing records for their Boxing News Annual and compiling World, European and Commonwealth ratings for the magazine. He wrote his first feature article for Boxing News in 1973 and wrote a “World Scene” weekly column for the magazine from the late 1970’s until 2004. Armit wrote a monthly column for Boxing Digest in the USA and contributed pieces to magazines in Mexico, Italy, Australia, Spain, Argentina and other countries. Armit now writes a Weekly Report covering every major fight around the world and a bi-weekly Snips & Snipes column plus occasional general interest articles with these being taken up by boxing sites around the world. He was a member of the inaugural WBC Ratings Committee and a technical advisor to the EBU Ratings Committee and was consulted by John McCain’s research team when they were drafting the Ali Act. He is a Director and former Chairman of the Commonwealth Boxing Council. Armit has been nominated to the International Boxing Hall of Fame the past two years (2019 and 2020) to which he said, “Being on the list is an unbelievably huge honour.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eric Armit.
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