The Past Week in Action 13 June 2022: Dubois KOs Bryan in 4; Kyoguchi Stops Bermundez in 8
By Eric Armit
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 14 Jun 2022
Highlights:
-Daniel Dubois knocks out Trevor Bryan in four rounds to win secondary WBA heavyweight title
-Hiroto Kyoguchi successfully defends the WBA light flyweight title with eighth round stoppage of Esteban Bermudez and super featherweight Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez is 32-1 after first round stoppage of Jorge Castaneda
-Jaime Munguia floors and halts Jimmy Kelly for win No 40
-Edgar Berlanga continues unbeaten as he outpoints Romero Angulo
- Richard Riakporhe stops Fabio Turchi in two rounds in IBF cruiserweight eliminator
-Olympic heavyweight gold medal winner Bakhodir Jalolov gets his eleventh consecutive inside the distance victory as he stops Jack Mulowayi.
Roarke Knapp outpoints Brandon Thysse to win the ABN heavyweight title
-Liam Davies wins the British super bantamweight title with points victory over champion Marc Leach
World Title/Major Shows
June 10
Mexico City, Mexico: Light Fly: Hiroto Kyoguchi (16-0) W TKO 8 Esteban Bermudez (14-4-2). Super Feather: Eduardo Hernandez (32-1) W TKO 1 Jorge Castaneda (15-2). Super Bantam: Mayerlin Rivas (17-4-2) W TKO 4 Karina Fernandez (17-7-1). Super Middle: Diego Pacheco (15-0) W RTD 4 Raul Ortega (10-3).
Kyoguchi vs. Bermudez
Kyoguchi retains the WBA title as he stops a bloodied and brave Bermudez in eight rounds. Kyoguchi was quickly into his stride in the first using sharp jabs to put Bermudez on the defensive and lashing out with classy left uppercuts. The second and third were a great rounds. Bermudez would score with jabs and straight rights then Kyoguchi would bang back with a cluster of scorching head punches only for Bermudez to drive forward with a bunch of body shots. Bermudez survive a doctor’s inspection in the fourth as his face was covered in blood from a nose injury and a cut high in his hairline which bled heavily. It was all close-quarters stuff in the fifth and sixth with Kyoguchi connecting with jabs and sharp shots inside and Bermudez peering through a mask of blood marching forward fining hooks. In the seventh Bermudez again got permission from the doctor to continue although both his head wound and his nose continued to bleed freely but a series of chopping rights, the last few of which landed to the back of the head, drove Bermudez to the floor and the referee deducted a point from Kyoguchi. The start of the eighth saw Bermudez pinned against the ropes as Kyoguchi bombarded him with punches until the referee came in to save Bermudez who was not punching back. Fourth defence of the WBA title for 28-year-old Kyoguchi a former IBF and OPBF minimumweight title holder. Gutsy display from Bermudez who held the secondary WBA title.
Hernandez vs. Castaneda
Hernandez overwhelms Castaneda in less than two minutes. Hernandez stormed out of his corner throwing punches and scored with hooks to head and body. Castaneda tried to use his longer reach to hold Hernandez off but was clouted with two rights to the head before a left hook staggered him and two more left hooks put him down. He beat the count but a series of punches snapped his head back and forth and he was out on his feet as the referee jumped in to save him. All done in 96 seconds as “Rocky” gets win No 29 by KO/TKO as he continues to re-establish himself after a shock first round kayo loss to Roger Gutierrez back in 2019. He wins the WBC International title from Castaneda who had won his last six bouts.
Rivas vs. Fernandez
Rivas successfully defends her WBA Female title. Rivas was working her jab well and landing rights on an aggressive Fernandez with a right to the head putting Fernandez down in the first. She beat the count but was rocked twice more. Fernandez continued to attack hard in the second and third but hooks and uppercuts had blood flowing from her nose. The fight was stopped but the doctor decreed she was able to continue but at the start of the fourth the doctor advised the fight be stopped. First defence of the WBA Female belt by Venezuelan Rivas in her second spell as title holder. Mexican Fernandez showed guts and determination but was too small, too wild and wide open to compete with Rivas.
Pacheco vs. Ortega
Pacheco continues to make progress but has his chin tested before he beats Ortega. Pacheco dropped Ortega in the first with rights to the head. Ortega made it to his feet but was shaken again late in the round. A huge swinging right staggered Pacheco in the second but he recovered and a left hook to the body sent Ortega down on one knee just seconds before the bell. Ortega landed an uppercut in the third that shook Pacheco but Pacheco scored heavily and dominated the rest of the round and dealt out heavy punishment in the fourth with Ortega not coming out for the fifth. Twelfth inside the distance victory for Pacheco. At 6’4” the 21-year-old is freakishly tall for his weight but Ortega managed to check his chin a couple of times.
June 11
Miami, FL, USA: Heavy: Daniel Dubois (18-1) W KO 4 Trevor Bryan (22-1). Heavy: Jonathan Guidry (18-1-2) W KO 7 Dacarree Scott (7-1). Light Heavy: Ahmed Elbiali (22-1) W DISQ 4 Dervin Colina (16-2). Cruiser: Johnnie Langston (11-3,1ND) W PTS 10 Isaiah Thompson (6-1-1). Welter: Tre’Sean Wiggins (14-5-3) W TKO 1 Travis Castellon (17-5-1). Middle: Ian Green (16-2) W PTS 10 Arthur Lenk (17-9).
Dubois vs. Bryan
Dubois knocks out Bryan in the fourth round to win the secondary WBC belt. It was obvious from the opening round that this was not going tom last long. Dubois was able to snap jabs past Bryan’s guard and connected with some overhand rights. Bryan hardly threw a punch and his footwork was abysmal. Bryan did much better in the second. He was on the front foot taking the fight to Dubois and letting fly with some rights. Nothing of consequence landed and by the end of the round Dubois was on target with his jab and scored with a couple of rights. After a cautious start with both just jabbing Dubois shook Bryan with a right that sent Bryan into the ropes. Dubois then had Bryan shaky and under fire with a stoppage looking possible but Bryan made it to the bell. Dubois rocked Bryan a couple of times in the fourth before ending the fight with a short left hook inside that sent Bryan face down on the canvas. Dubois got the job done and now has a title but not one that will get him a seat at the top table alongside Tyson Fury, Olek Usyk or Anthony Joshua-and let’s not forget Joe Joyce. At 24 Dubois is young for a heavyweight and there are tougher tasks than the very mediocre Bryan ahead with the possibility of facing the winner of the July 2 Hughie Fury vs. Michael Hunter eliminator. Bryan, 32, was making the second defence of the title which he owed to some disgraceful collusion between the Worst Boxing Association and paymaster Don King. He is rated No 43 by BoxRec and I don’t believe even Don King can rebuild him.
Guidry vs. Scott
Guidry sinks Don King’s plan to build Scott into a title challenger with a sixth round kayo. This was a close, entertaining contest. Scott outboxed Guidry over the first three rounds as they both battled hard trying to establish dominance. Scott was jabbing well and was quicker as they traded punches but with Guidry also scoring well there was plenty of action. Guidry looked to have edged the fourth and fifth but Scott finished the sixth strongly to retain the lead. Guidry ended it in the seventh as he attacked hard before putting together sequence of punches that dropped Scott on his back and he was counted out. Scott was on his back for a quite a while and spent the night in a Miami hospital. Guidry lost a split decision to Trevor Bryan for the secondary WBA title in January and is now hoping this win can lead to some bigger fights. Scott, 23, the WBA No 14 but Box Rec No 121, was rushed into a fight he was not ready for by King. He showed reasonable skills but with only 17 round of boxing under his belt- and ten of them against one fighter-he lacked the experience to pace the fight.
Elbiali vs. Colina
Elbiali beats a wild Colima on a fourth round disqualification. Colina threw everything at Elbiali over the first two rounds with Elbiali struggling to contain the attacks and there was lots of holding. Colina lost two points in the third for holding and hitting and when he transgressed again in the fourth he was disqualified. Elbiali wins the vacant NABA title. His only loss came in 2017 in the form of a sixth round stoppage against Jean Pascal and he has scored six low level wins since then. Venezuelan Colina was stopped in four rounds by Badou Jack in June last year-a fight in which he was deducted two points for fouls!
Langston vs. Thompson
Langston wins close split verdict over Thompson. Southpaw Langston had to overcome the longer reach of Thompson and worked hard. The fight lacked highlights early with neither dominating. It came to life late as after a lose seventh Thompson looked to be about to swing things his way as he landed heavily to shake Langston but when he tried to build on that a counter from Langston put him down. They traded continually through the ninth and tenth and Langston looked to have done enough to open a substantial gap but the judges scored it 96-93 and 95-94 for Langston and 96-93 Thompson so the knockdown cost Thompson the victory. Langston successfully defends his NABA title. He is No 15 with the WBA and No 77 according to Box Rec. Thompson just a four and six round prelim fighter.
Wiggins vs. Castellon
Wiggins retains the NABA title with first round stoppage of Castellon. Southpaw Wiggins floored Castellon three times with lefts and it was goodnight to Castellon after 2:07. Eighth victory by KO/TKO for Wiggins. Castellon has lost 5 of his last 6 fights with all five losses by KO/TKO and all within three rounds.
Green vs. Lenk
Green scores unanimous decision over Lenk to collect the vacant WBA Continental title. Scores 98-92 twice and 99-91. Last time out in November Green scored an upset victory over unbeaten 19-0 Tyler Howard. Just one victory in his last five fights for Lenk with all of the losses against good level opponents.
Anaheim, CA, USA: Super Middle: Jaime Munguia (40-0) W TKO 5 Jimmy Kelly (26-3). Light: Oscar Duarte (23-1-1) W TKO 8 Mark Bernaldez (23-6). Minimum: Yokasta Valle (25-2) W PTS 10 Lorraine Villalobos (5-4). Super Welter: Carlos Ocampo (34-1) W KO 1 Vicente Rodriguez (40-11-1).
Munguia vs. Kelly
Munguia stops Kelly in the fifth. Once again we saw the boxer not banger of Munguia in the first as he patiently stalked the circling Kelly before putting together couple of attacks late in the round. Kelly had a good second round with plenty of movement some quick bursts of pinches including a solid left hook and Munguia had trouble pinning Kelly down. Munguia had been giving Kelly too much space but he closed the distance in the third getting through with some strong left hooks. Both had good spells in the fourth with Munguia forcing Kelly to stand and punch more but with Kelly finding gaps for his counters and again scoring with a good left hook. Kelly was doing well in the fifth until Munguia clipped him with a left hook that sent Kelly staggering across the ring and down by the ropes. Kelly was up at eight but put down again by a short right hook. He was up at eight again but Munguia forced him to a corner and blasted him with punches until he slumped to a sitting position on the canvas. He again got up but the referee waived the fight over. Now 32 wins by KO/TKO for Munguia. He is No 1 with the WBO and No 2 with both the WBA and WBC. With a projected date of 3 September for Alvarez vs. Golovkin III the WBA and IBF titles are tied up and with Jermall Charlo not having defended the WBC title for a year he will be under pressure to defend against No 1 Carlos Adames so the WBO where Demetrius Andrade plans are uncertain and where Munguia is No 1 looks his best bet. Second unsuccessful title shot for Kelly who was stopped in seven rounds by Liam Smith in 2015. Kelly was coming off a win over 28-0 Kanat Islam so could find a way back later this year or early next.
Duarte vs. Bernaldez
Quality performance from Mexican Duarte as he slowly breaks down Filipino Bernaldez on the way to an eighth round stoppage. Duarte established his superiority in the first putting Bernaldez under heavy pressure and rocking him severely. He continued to take the fight to Bernaldez scoring with heavy and accurate shots. Bernaldez was struggling to stay in the fight and Duarte had him in trouble again in the fifth with a hail of punches that saw the doctor examine Bernaldez before the start of the sixth. Duarte raked Bernaldez with corrosive punches in the sixth and seventh and with Duarte landing more jarring punches in the eighth the fight was halted. Eighteen victories by KO/TKO for Duarte and a run of eight in a row now. Second successive loss by KO/TKO for Bernaldez.
Valle vs. Villalobos
Nicaraguan-born Costa Rican Valle wins every round against Villalobos in a defence of her IBF Female title. Although only 5’4” Valle had height and reach over the 4’11” Villalobos and made good use of her longer reach to control the fight from the outside in the early action. As she settled into then fight she was equally comfortable coming inside scoring with short punches and getting out again. In the late rounds she put Villalobos under plenty of pressure as Villalobos slowed and tired. Scores 100-90 for the champion on all three cards. A former IBF Atom weight title holder Valle was making the fifth defence of her title. Californian Villalobos had lost a close decision in a challenge for the WBC interim Atom belt in 2019.
Ocampo vs. Rodriguez
Ocampo racks up another quick win as he demolishes Argentinian Rodriguez in the first round. A crippling body punch put Rodriguez down and out to give Ocampo win No 22 by KO/TKO. In his only defeat he was given a taste of his own medicine as he was knocked out in the first round by Errol Spence in an IBF title challenge in 2018 but here he was coming off a career best win a ninth round stoppage of 35-3 Mikael Zewski in March. Only the fourth time Rodriguez has failed to last the distance but only one win in his last eight bouts.
New York, NY, USA: Super Middle: Edgar Berlanga (19-0) W Romero Angulo (27-2). Super Feather: Henry Lebron (16-0) W PTS 8 Luis Lebron (18-4-1). Super Bantam: Carlos Caraballo (15-1) W Victor Santillan (11-0). Feather: Pablo Cruz (22-4-1) W Orlando Gonzalez (17-1). Super Light: Dakota Linger (13-5-3) W TKO 2 Josue Vargas (20-2) .
Berlanga vs. Angulo
Berlanga scores unanimous decision win over Angulo. Berlanga’s career opening sixteen first round wins is coming back to bite him in the bum as he is now getting the education he should have had earlier in his career. Unfortunately he is being measured by those sixteen wins and found wanting irrespective of the fact that he is fighting much better opposition. This fight was typical of that malaise as although he won by a wide margin against an experienced opponent who has only lost once inside the distance and then in the tenth round against David Benavidez in a WBC title fight he took plenty of criticism. The first two rounds were close with Angulo taking the fight to Berlanga but Berlanga’s jab giving him the edge. Angulo had a useful third bringing blood from Berlanga’s nose but there was some light entertainment as Angulo accidentally headed for Berlanga’s corner at the end of the round. Angulo continued to march forward and he seemed to have the edge in the fourth and fifth. Berlanga worked well with his jab in the sixth but the fans were looking for more action. Angulo had been using his elbows and a frustrated Berlanga looked to have taken a bite at Angulo’s shoulder but the referee missed it. Berlanga scored strongly in the eighth but Angulo scored with a cracking right in the ninth before Berlanga despite a cut over his right eye outfought Angulo in the tenth. Scores 99-91 twice and 98-92. Berlanga indisputably the winner although Angulo’s efforts looked to be worth more than the scores showed. A useful learning fight for Berlanga and at 25 he has time to develop against more testing opponents than those he blew away at the start of his career. Angulo came in 1½ lbs over weight but the fight went ahead with an agreed maximum for Angulo to weigh on the fight day. Apart from the Benavides loss Angulo’s only other defeat was on points against Gilberto Ramirez in a WBO title challenge.
Lebron vs. Lebron
Henry outpoints Luis in the clash of unrelated Lebron’s. Henry boxed well over the first two rounds being busier and quicker before Luis came into the fight in the third with a strong attack. Henry was back in control over the fourth and fifth boxing cleverly rocking Luis in the fifth and outboxing him in the sixth. Luis then staged a stronger finish as Henry’s output dropped but by then Henry already had the decision wrapped up. Scores
80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 for Henry. The 24-year-old Puerto Rican southpaw is being built well on a series of useful opponents. Having been unbeaten in his first 16 bouts Luis has fallen away to 2-3 in his last five.
Santillan vs. Caraballo
Dominican southpaw Santillan goes in front early and successfully defends his lead to take the points. Puerto Rican Caraballo, with fourteen inside the distance wins, was supposed to be the puncher here but it was Santillan who showed the power in the first half of the fight hurting Caraballo and staggering him in the fourth. Caraballo was hampered by a cut over his right eye but battled back strongly and although rocked again in the seventh he came close to turning this one around. Scores 78-74 twice and 77-75 for Santillan. Caraballo won his first fourteen fights before suffering four knockdowns but only losing a close decision to Filipino Jonas Sultan.
Gonzalez vs. Cruz
Puerto Rican Gonzalez rebounds from his first pro loss as he beats down Texan Cruz in five rounds. Gonzalez was scoring heavily from the start and Cruz could not match the power or accuracy of Gonzalez. Cruz was rocked a few times and really had nothing left by the fifth and the referee stopped the fight. Gonzalez, 26, lost on points against Cuban Robeisy.
Linger vs. Vargas
Vargas looked classes above Linger who had only the most basic of skills and every time he threw a right he missed by miles and almost fell over. It was the same in the second until he connected with a right that had Vargas staggering and touching the canvas with both gloves to steady himself. The referee decided it was not a knockdown so no count. Linger forced Vargas to the ropes and then held him there as he bombarded Vargas with punches until Vargas skid down the ropes and almost out through the bottom ropes. Vargas got up but you could see he was groggy and unsteady but the referee signalled for the fight tom continue. Vargas was on the ropes shipping more punishment and it took the ringside doctor and other ringside officials climbing on the ringside apron to get the fight stopped. Linger had won only one of his last six fights and this should get him a couple of good paydays. Vargas had been stopped in 95 seconds by Jose Zepeda in October but had returned with a win in March.
London, England: Cruiser: Richard Riakporhe (15-0) W TKO 2 Fabio Turchi (20-2). Super Middle: Zak Chelli (12-1-1) W PTS 10 Germaine Brown (12-1). Welter: Chris Kongo (14-1) W PTS 10 Sebastian Formella (23-3). Welter: Lauren Price (1-0) W PTS 6 Valgerdur Gudstensdottir (5-3).
Riakporhe vs. Turchi
Riakporhe finishes Turchi with a body punch in the second. Turchi was coming forward in the first bobbing and weaving behind a high guard trying to get past the longer reach of Riakporhe who was just probing with his jab and throwing an occasional right in a low key opener. The pattern was the same in the second until Riakporhe connecting with a left hook to the body of the oncoming Turchi. The Italian went down writhing in agony. He climbed to his feet but was visibly still in pain and when the referee signalled for the fight to continue Turchi’s second rushed across the ring waiving a towel and the fight was stopped. Eleventh win by KO/TKO for the 6’5” Riakporhe. This was an IBF eliminator between No 11 Turchi and No 12 Riakporhe but positions 1 and 2 are vacant so this win could see Riakporhe elevated to No 1 or 2-madness-and be in line for a title shot. Turchi’s other loss was split decision against Tommy McCarthy in 2019.
Chelli vs. Brown
Chelli collects the English title as he outpoints defending champion Brown. Chelli hustled and bustled the more skilful Brown and he moved into an early lead. Brown was trying to win this one as the counter puncher and although he found gaps in Chelli’s defence he was being outworked. Eventually Chelli cleverly dialled back his aggression to pace himself but Brown could not lift his game enough to claw back the points from Chelli’s early work. Scores 98-92, 98-93 and 97-94 for Chelli. Fifth consecutive victory for Chelli, Brown was defending the English title for the first time.
Kongo vs. Formella
Impressive showing by Kongo as he takes the unanimous decision over a very competitive Formella. The visitor made a strong start with plenty of good movement and accurate jabbing. Kongo was coming forward but Formella was setting a fast pace and seemed to have taken the first two rounds. Kongo upped then pressure over the third and fourth to even things up but Formella boxed well in the fifth. The strength of Kongo began to be the determining factor and Formella’s pace and output dropped as Kongo dominated over the second half of the fight and although cut over his left eye late he ended a clear winner. Scores 98-92, 97-93 and 97-94 for Kongo who wins the vacant WBC International Silver belt. His only loss is a close decision against Michael McKinnon. German Formella, a former undefeated IBO title holder, was derailed in 2020 with back-to-back points defeats against Shawn Porter and Conor Benn.
Price vs. Gudstensdottir
Yet another top female boxer turns pro as Price boxes her way to victory over Gudstensdottir. Assured performance from Price as she was comfortable on the front foot or the back and drove home punches with frequency, power and accuracy though the whole six rounds. Gudstensdottir was game but outclassed as Price won every round with the referee carding it 60-54. The 27-year-old Welsh southpaw did it all winning gold medals at the Olympics, European Games and Commonwealth Games.
June 10
Verona, NY, USA: Heavy George Arias (18-0) W PTS 8 Alante Green (10-0-1). Heavy: Bakhodir Jalolov (11-0) W KO 8 Jack Mulowayi (11-3-1). Light: Tyler Tomlin (13-0) W Chann Thonson (10-0). Light Heavy: Charles Foster (20-0 W Bo Gibbs Jr (23-2,1ND). Welter: Oshea Jones (1-0) W PTS 6 Sonya Dreiling (4-3). Heavy: Joe Jones (13-4) W Amron Sands (11-2)
Arias vs. Green
Arias take a split verdict over Green in a clash of unbeaten heavyweights. The early rounds were close with very few highlights. Fortunately it came to life from the fifth with Arias looking to have outscored Green in some exciting exchanges and the fire continued into the sixth. The sudden increase in pace died away over the closing two rounds but Arias seemed to have had the edge. Scores 78-74 and 77-75 for Arias and 77-75 for Green. Dominican-born Arias, 30, was coming off a split decision victory over 21-0 Cassius Chaney in December and Green had beaten reasonable level opposition in Stivens Bujaj and Samuel Clarkson.
Jalolov vs. Mulowayi
Giant Uzbek southpaw Jalolov maintains his 100% record of inside the distance wins as he kayos Belgian Mulowayi in the eighth round. Jalolov’s jabs had Mulowayi showing a swelling by his left eye in the second and had him badly shaken in the third and fifth before dropping him with a left just before the bell to end the sixth. Jalolov rocked Mulowayi in the seventh but could not put him away until an uppercut followed by a left hook in the eighth did the trick. The 6’7”, 27-year-old Jalolov went past the fifth round for the first time in a fight. He twice collected a gold medal at the World Championships and took gold in Tokyo where he beat Frazer Clarke on a cuts stoppage and outpointed the USA’s Richard Torrez but lost to Joe Joyce at the 2016 Olympics. First inside the distance loss for Congolese-born Mulowayi
Thonson vs. Tomlin
Canadian Thonson adds another win as the ringside doctor rules a bloody Tomlin out in the fifth round. A right from Thonson in the first started a swelling under Tomlin’s left eye and things went downhill from there for Tomlin. Over the third and fourth Thonson landed hard and often and although Tomlin fought back he was bleeding heavily from his nose and a cut on his cheekbone and the ringside doctor ruled him out early in the fifth. Seventh KO/TKO victory for Thonson. Tomlin’s wins have been scored in towns in boxing’s backwaters.
Foster vs. Gibbs
Southpaw Foster continues his comeback with stoppage of Gibbs. Foster put Gibbs on the floor early in the first but Gibbs survived. He soaked up more punishment in the second and third and when he was staggered in the fourth the referee stopped the fight. Only the second fight in almost three years for the 6’2” local southpaw and his eleventh victory by KO/TKO. Third inside the distance defeat for Gibbs.
Jones vs. Dreiling
Olympian Jones eases her way into the pro ranks. Jones is a good few levels above Dreiling who took plenty of punishment but refused to crumble as Jones won ever round. Scores 60-54 for Jones on the three cards. The 24-year-old from Toledo was three times the US National champion and won a gold medal at the Pan American Games and a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics.
Pilar, Argentina: Yoel Peralta (11-1-1) W PTS 10 Christian Andino (16-4-1).
Peralta takes a split decision over Andino in a return bout. Local fighter Peralta used his longer reach and plenty of aggression to ease his way in front. Andino only fought in spurts and did too much holding. Andino had a strong sixth but Peralta was in control in the seventh and eighth and although the ninth and tenth were close Peralta looked a clear winner. Scores 98-92 and 97-93 for Peralta and 96-94 for Andino. Peralta, the younger brother of Yamil, wins the vacant WBC Latino Silver title and is unbeaten in his last eleven fights. They had fought to a split draw in September but this is the third loss in a row since then for Andino.
Znojmo, Czech Republic: Cruiser: Vasil Ducar (11-5-1) W TKO 2 Marek Prochazka (10-5-1). Super Welter: Vladimir Lengal (10-0) W TKO 3 Richard Walter (11-23-1).
Ducar vs. Prochazka
Ducar retains the Czech title with second round stoppage. Ducar was on top in the first and ended it in the second. He pinned Prochazka in a corner and unloaded punches until he drove Prochazka to the floor bringing the towel in from Prochazka’s corner. On his travels Ducar has lost to Kevin Lerena, Chris Billam-Smith and Mike Perez all on points. Prochazka started out as a super middle so has put on quite a bit of weight.
Lengal vs. Walter
Lengal wins the vacant Czech title as he halts Walter in the third. Lengal put Walter down twice in the third round and the fight was stopped. Ninth inside the distance victory for Lengal but Walter, with his eleven wins, had scored more wins than all of Lengal’s previous nine opponents combined. Now 16 losses by KO/TKO for Walter.
Skowhegan, Ma, USA: Welter: Brandon Berry (24-6-2) W KO 6 Juan Witt (33-01-2).
Neighbourhood fighter Berry gets a sixth round kayo victory over previously undefeated Argentinian Witt. Berry was looking to win this one by pressure and body punching whereas Witt was relying on his longer reach and better skills. Witt was able to be competitive over the first four rounds but faded in the fifth. Berry floored Witt with a right in the sixth and then again with a left to the body and Witt was counted out. Seventeenth victory by KO/TKO for Berry who is 11-1 in his last 12 fights. He wins the UBO International belt. Witt, 35, was having his first fight in almost five years and he reportedly hurt his left hand in the third round.
Ringkobing, Denmark: Heavy: Kem Ljungquist (13-0) W KO 2 Paata Aduashvill (10-34-3).
Luckily this bit of trash did not last very long. Ljungquist was eight inches taller than the poor Georgian Aduashvili and after a slow first floored Aduashvili twice in the second and it was all over in less than six minutes. Eighth win by KO/TKO for the 6’6 ½” 31-year-old Dane. Aduashvili suffers his nineteenth loss by KO/TKO and his sixteenth defeat in a row-and this was supposed to be Ljungquist’s first ten round fight-some hopes of that!
Aktau, Kazakhstan: Super Feather: Bekman Soylybaev (14-1) W PTS Tomas Rojas (52-21-1,1ND). Middle: Meiirin Nursultanov (17-0) W KO 5 Sebastian Papeschi (18-4).
Soylybaev vs. Rojas
The first thing you need to know about this fight is that Rojas won no matter what the scorecards say. The Mexican veteran outboxed, outworked and outscored Soylybaev. The home fighter chose to try to be the counter-puncher but the crafty Riojas feinted and feinted until Soylybaev lost patience and lunged forward swinging at where Rojas had been and getting countered. Throughout the fight Rojas slid home right jabs and lefts to the body and as Soylybaev telegraphed his attacks Rojas was able to either slip away or duck bob and weave leaving Soylybaev swishing empty air and then pick Soylybaev off with punches as Soylybaev tried to recover his balance. Despite then ten year difference in ages it was Rojas whom worked hard in every round and produced the stronger last round. He beat Soylybaev but not the judges as somehow all three scored it 100-90 for Soylybaev-truly disgraceful. Now 41 the former WBC super flyweight title holder has won only one of his last six fights but you get no favours in the other guy’s back yard.
Nursultanov vs. Papeschi
Nursultanov knocks out Papeschi in the fifth. It was clear from the start that Nursultanov was too big and too strong for Papeschi. He was hunting Papeschi around the ring jarring him with jabs and hurting him with hooks to the body. To his credit Papeschi tried to rake the fight to Nursultanov when he could but was slowly being broken down by the power and relentless pressure from Nursultanov. By the fourth the fight had gone out of Papeschi and he was just looking to survive. In the fifth a booming right from Nursultanov sent Papeschi face down on the canvas. He tried to rise but just fell back into the ropes and was counted out.
Kempton Park, South Africa: Super Welter: RoarkeKnapp (14-1-1) W PTS 12 Brandon Thysse (14-3-1) W. Heavy: Chris Thompson (11-2-1) W PTS 12 Joshua Pretorius (9-6). Light: Samuel Takyi (2-0) W TKO 2 Mandlenkosi Sibuso (4-2).
Knapp vs. Thysse
Knapp gets revenge and wins the vacant ABU title with split decision over Thysse in a titanic scrap. Knapp almost blew Thysse away with a booming right in the first but Thysse stayed upright as was fighting back at the bell. Thysse seemed to have the better of the second before Knapp scored heavily again in the third and fourth and a heavy punch from Thysse bust open Knapp’s nose in the fifth. That was the pattern for the fight as first one and then the other would score heavily as the fight swayed back and forth. Knapp tried to box more in the late rounds but was still scoring well. Thysse had a big eleventh as he landed some hurtful body shots and shook Knapp with a huge right. Knapp rode out the storm and boxed and outscored Thysse in the last to emerge the winner. Scores 116-112 and 115-114 for Knapp and 115-113 for Thysse but boxing is the winner after fights like this. Knapp had been knocked out in seven rounds by Thysse in 2019 but had rebuilt with four wins by KO/TKO. Thysse had won his last four fights.
Thompson vs. Pretorius
The South African title changes hands yet again as Thompson outclasses champion Pretorius. Thompson dictated in a fight that was always going to seem tame by comparison with the Knapp vs. Thysse fight. Unfortunately this one would have looked tame even without that comparison. Pretorius just did not turn up. Southpaw Thompson was just too quick and too mobile for Pretorius who was rarely able to trap Thompson on the ropes or land anything of consequence. Thompson fed Pretorius a diet of jabs and put his punches together well with Pretorius firing one shot at a time and having very little success. Scores 120-108 on the three cards for Thompson who also wins the ABU belt. He is 7-0-1 in his last eight outings. Pretorius was making the first defence of both titles but his loss was in keeping with the pattern of the current heavyweight division in South Africa with the last three title holders all losing their title in their first defence,
Takyi vs. Sibuso
Ghanaian Olympic bronze medallist Takyi gets his second pro win as he beat Sibuso inn two rounds. The 21-year-old golden hope of Ghanaian boxing dropped Sibuso in the first and again in the second when Sibuso’s corner chucked in the towel. Takyi, who is managed by former champion Ike Quartey, was reportedly having his first pro fight but Takyi had his first pro fight in April in Ghana where he stopped Kamaruddeen Boyefio in two rounds.
Valladolid, Spain: Super Feather: Salvador Jimenez (10-0) W TKO 9 Kevin Baldospino (9-7-2).
After an early shock home town Jimenez wears down and stops challenger Baldospino in defence of the national title. Baldospino put Jimenez on the canvas in the first with a right hook but Jimenez recovered quickly. They fought a fierce battle until Baldospino tired. He was badly shaken in the ninth and under heavy fire when the referee stopped the fight. First defence for Jimenez of the title he won in March. Ecuadorian-born Baldospino has lost three in a row.
Telford, England: Super Bantam: Liam Davies (12-0) W PTS 12 Marc Leach (18-1-1). Super Fly: Ijaz Ahmed (10-2-2) DRAW 10 Quasie Khademi (8-1-2).
Davies vs. Leach
Fighting in front of his home town fans Davies wins the British title as he builds an early lead and then holds off a strong finish from champion Leach. Davies scored a knockdown with a right in the first round but Leach survived. A good 10-8 start for Davies but on the down side a clash of heads opened a bad cut on the bridge of his nose. The rounds were close and hard to score but the stronger punching of Davies put him in front. Leach came on strong applying plenty of pressure in the late rounds and made it close with Davies just managing to hold on to that lead. Scores 118-111, 116-113 and 115-113 for Davies who will now be looking to challenge European champion Jason Cunningham. Southpaw Leach was making the first defence of the title and was unbeaten in his last 19 contests. He was No 13 with the WBA and he will rebuild and work his way to regaining the title next year.
Ahmed vs. Khademi
The third meeting between these two settles nothing and leaves the British title vacant as they fought to a draw. Ahmed’s aggression gave him a slight edge but Khademi picked up points with his skilful boxing and countering. They know each other so well that this was always going to be close and in the end it could have gone either way. Scores 115-112 Ahmed, 114-113 Khademi and 114-114. Their earlier clashes resulted in a majority decision for Ahmed and a split draw but neither is calling for a fourth face-off.
Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina: Super Bantam: Marianela Ramirez (10-7-2) W PTS 10 Laura Griffa (18-5). Light: Fabricio Bea (18-0-1) W TKO 6 Roberto Monzon (4-7).
Ramirez vs. Griffa
Ramirez scores wide unanimous points victory over Griffa in defence of her South American title. Both fighters lost a point for infractions of the rules. All three judges turned in cards reading 98-90 for Ramirez who was making the first defence of the title.
Bea vs. Monzon
Bea marches on with sixth round stoppage of Monzon. The referee gave Monzon a standing count in the sixth and with Monzon under more fire the fight was halted. Bea, 24, has won his last 14 bouts with the last thirteen of that run all finishing inside the distance. Sixth consecutive defeat for Monzon.
Toowoomba, Australia: Super Light: Steve Spark (15-2) W TKO 3 Apinun Khongsong (18-2).
Home town boxer Spark wipes out vastly overrated Thai Khongsong. Spark scored three knockdowns in the third round to win the vacant Australasian belt. With not a single win over any quality fighter the IBF elevated Khongsong to No 1 in their ratings with Josh Taylor saying thank you and knocking out Khongsong in one round!
Lo Barechea, Chile: Fly: Andres Campos (13-0) W PTS 10 Jesus Silvestre (37-8).
Chilean Campos maintains his 100% record and retains the WBO Latino belt with points win over Mexican Silvestre. Scores 100-90, 99-91 and 96-94. Second defence for 25-year-old three-time national amateur champion Campos. Former WBA minimum title challenger Silvestre had won his last six fights.
Fight of the week (Significance): Daniel Dubois win should see some interesting fights at heavyweight whilst Fury, Usyk and Joshua are sorting out their differences.
Fight of the week (Entertainment): Hiroto Kyoguchi vs. Esteban Bermudez was a case of two styles that came together to make a great fight. Honourable mention to Roarke Knapp vs. Brandon Thysse another great contest
Fighter of the week: Daniel Dubois for pulverising Trevor Bryan giving a modicum of respectability to the secondary WBA title.
Punch of the week: Richard Riakporhe’s body punch that had Fabio Turchi writhing in agony takes my vote
Upset of the week: Dakota Linger (12-5-3) was just a stay busy fight for 20-2 Josue Vargas so his send round win was not supposed to be on the cards.
Prospect watch: Welsh welterweight Lauren Price eased her way through her first pro fight and with her Olympic, European Games and Commonwealth gold medals she has the right pedigree.
Observations
Rosette: Daniel Dubois for making Don King’s $3 million to stage the fight with his man Trevor Bryan a failed gamble.
Red Card: To the referee of the Dakota Linger vs. Josue Vargas fight. He ruled the first knockdown suffered by Vargas a slip. When Vargas was knocked down a few seconds later he although Vargas got up and stumbled unsteadily the referee lifted his gloves instead of Vargas doing so and he did not ask Vargas to step forward or to the side. Again just a few seconds later a helpless Vargas was trapped on the ropes suffering punch after punch and as this was happening the referee was standing back instead of being close to the action and it took the doctor, ring officials and Vargas corner all on the ring apron waiving and signalling before the referee actually moved forward and stopped the fight. Red Card also to the judges who gave Kazak Bekman Soylybaev every round against Tomas Rojas who for me won every round!
-Good to see Lauren Price and Oshea Jones joining the pro ranks. Both were elite level amateurs and Olympic medallists. The more the merrier for female boxing. Shortly before the Olympics Jones was lucky to escape when her house burned down and she lost all of her trophies but she should soon be piling them up again.
-With those sixteen first round wins in a row Edgar Berlanga was tearing through the opposition like a new Mike Tyson, Tyson won his first 19 fights by KO/TKO twelve of them in the first round. That’s not not the only thing they have in common now-Berlanga took a bite out of Romero Angulo a la Tyson vs. Holyfield!
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.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
SPORTS SHORTS 285: AMIR KHAN ACCEPTS OFFER FOR AN EXHIBITION MATCH WITH MANNY PACQUIAO
By Maloney L. Samaco, Mon, 25 Nov 2024FOGOUM, TOSHIHIKO, KIM, RATTAWUT, RUF, CHUTINAN IN ACTION IN HIGHLAND’S EXCITING “SHOWDOWN” NOV 28 AT SPACEPLUS IN BANGKOK, THAILAND
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 25 Nov 2024Gil Robiego Co Elected New APPBRO President for 2025-2027
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 25 Nov 2024Garma wins, climbs to 8th place
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 25 Nov 2024Davao futsal scores 1st win
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 25 Nov 2024Filipino 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 2024