The Past Week in Action 28 February 2023: Subriel Matias Beats Jeremiah Ponce; Badou Jack Stops Ilunga Makabu
By Eric Armit
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 01 Mar 2023
Highlights:
-Subriel Matias wins the vacant IBF super lightweight title as he beats Jeremiah Ponce and there are wins for Jamal James and Elvis Rodriguez
-Badou Jack stops Ilunga Makabu in the twelfth round to win the WBC cruiserweight title
-Guillermo Rigondeaux returns with a win as he blasts out Jesus Martinez in the first round
-Dina Thorlund retains her WBO bantamweight belt with stoppage of Debora Lopez
-Connor Butler wins the vacant Commonwealth flyweight title with a hard-fought unanimous decision over Craig Derbyshire
World Title/Major Shows
February 25
Minneapolis, MN, USA: Super Light: Subriel Matias (19-1) W RTD 5 Jeremias Ponce (30-1). Welter: Jamal James (28-2) W PTS 10 Alberto Palmetta (18-2). Super Light: Elvis Rodriguez (14-1-1) W PTS 10Joseph Adorno (17-2-2). Welter: Ve Shawn Owens (14-3) W PTS 10 Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (18-2). Welter: Willie Jones (9-2) W TKO 1 Derrick Jackson (10-1).
Matias vs. Ponce
Matias wins the vacant IBF title as Ponce retires after a gruelling toe-to-toe punch for punch encounter.
Round 1
Ponce opened up immediately bombarding Matias with jabs hooks and uppercuts with Matias hiding behind a hight guard but not throwing much back. There did not look a lot of power in Ponce’s punches but Matias hardly threw a punch.
Score: 10-9 Ponce
Round 2
The second round began the same way with Ponce letting fly with left hook to the body and straight rights with very little coming back from Matias. It was toe-to-toe stuff and over the last minute Matias began to whack Ponce with powerful hooks from both hands. Matias landed four vicious left hooks in succession before the bell and Ponce was rocked.
Score: 10-09 MatiasTIED 19-19
Round 3
Ponce was still throwing plenty of punches as they traded in the round but Matias was blocking many of them and there was more power in the body punches from Matias. Ponce just kept coming forward pushing out punches but again he was taking a beating to the body and was shaken by hooks from Matias at the end of the round but Ponce had done enough to make it close
Score:10-9 MatiasMatias 29-28
Round 4
The first three rounds had been gruelling as they battled in the pocket for the whole three minutes. The body work from Matias was having its effect and Ponce’s output dropped as Matias landed hooks and uppercuts inside. Earlier Ponce had been throwing burst of five and six punches at a time now it was two at a time. He refused to take a step back continually walking forward pushing Matias back and paid for it as Matias kept hammering him to the body and again landed heavily at the bell.
Scores: 10-9 MatiasMatias 39-37
Round 5
Ponce still took the fight to Matias but now Matias upped his punch output landing scorching body shots in bunches. Ponce had made no attempt to use his longer reach and was fighting Matias’s fight by staying inside. He was badly shaken by a left hook and later by an uppercut but just kept coming forward. With just seconds remaining in the round, he finally went back and down from a series of punches from Matias with the last landing low. He made it to his feet at eight and with only five seconds remaining in the round made it to the bell and his corner pulled him out of the fight. The 31-year-old Puerto Rican has scored all of his nineteen wins inside the distance and reversed his only loss. He was No 2 with the IBF and Ponce No 1 and Jack Catterall No 3 so with Josh Taylor facing Teo Lopez the IBF title might be an alternative path for Catterall. Ponce had jumped into the IBF ratings when he stopped Lewis Ritson in ten rounds in June 2021. He made the mistake her of ignoring his edges of height and reach and trying to beat Matias inside and it was the wrong tactics.
James vs. Palmetta
Minneapolis-born James wins a wide unanimous decision over Argentinian Palmetta. James started out circling Palmetta using his longer reach to land light jabs and connecting with straight rights. The Argentinian was not quick enough to catch James who landed a volley of punches before the bell. Palmetta tried to pressurise James in the second but with the heigh difference (6’2” x 5’8”), reach and quicker hands of James, Palmetta was forced to soak up some hefty shots. Palmetta pressed hard and managed to land some good shots in the third particularly a left hook that had James backing off and he probably did enough the take that round. From there it was James doing most of the scoring. Palmetta had to somehow get past the jab of James. At distance James was able to spear Palmetta with long jabs and fire straight rights through the middle of the Argentinian’s guard and if Palmetta tried to get inside he was being caught with counters before James stepped out of Palmetta’s range and the process started all over again. When Palmetta did manage to take James to the ropes or into a corner James showed some tricky upper body movement before sliding out of harm’s way. This was the first fight for fourteen months for James and as he shook off the dust, he began putting together some flashing combinations to add to Palmetta’s discomfort. Palmetta took the punishment and kept trying to put James under pressure. The only way he was going to win was if James got tired or got carless. He managed to trap James against the ropes for a period in the seventh and eighth but James bobbed and weaved countered and then slipped out to the centre of the ring again and Palmetta faced more punishment. The ninth saw James standing and trading more and Palmetta managed to land some useful punches to head and body but took more in than he was giving out. Palmetta put in a big effort in the last chasing James hard and cutting off the ring having probably his best round of the fight finishing with a flourish. Scorers 98-92 twice and 99-91 for James. He was stopped in nine rounds by Radzhab Butaev in a challenge for the secondary WBA welter title in October 2021 but in the crazy WBA world despite fourteen months without a fight he was still No 10 in their ratings. Palmetta had won his last twelve fights against modest level opposition and was No 9 with the WBA.
Rodriguez vs. Adorno
Rodriguez returns to action with a majority verdict over Adorno. This fight took a while to warm up. Rodriguez was continually coming forward but this was his first fight for a year and it showed. He was just following Adorno around the ring waiting and waiting and not throwing more than a few punches in each round. Adorno was skating around the ropes constantly flicking his jab out like a snake’s tongue than darting inside and scoring with two or three light punches and off again. There was no really serous action until fourth when they finally stood and traded a couple of times but the fifth was another low action session. Adorno had built a lead by the sixth but Rodriguez finally came to life and began to let his hands go landing some hurtful left hooks just doing enough good work to take the round. Rodriguez continued to attack hard in the seventh and scored a vital knockdown. He threw a left and missed but a following right saw Adorno dip so far at the knees he nearly went down. He stumbled to a corner in a crouch with Rodriguez following throwing punches. Although Adorno did not go all the way down, he sat on his haunches and all that kept him up was his right arm draped over the rope. The referee gave him a count and with a minute remaining in the round Rodriguez connected with hooks and uppercuts but Adorno covered up then fired back as they traded punches at the bell. The eighth and ninth saw a return to Rodriguez just following Adorno around the ring with Adorno pinging him with light jabs but Rodriguez opened up late in both rounds and landed enough to take the round. The last was close until with only seconds remaining Rodriguez rushed in with a volley of punches. A couple landed but not heavily and in trying to avoid them Adorno slipped on a wet patch on the canvas and went down. He was up immediately but the referee decided it was a knock down and after the count there was no time for Adorno to save the round. That 10-8 was critical as two judges gave it to Rodriguez by 97-91 and 95-93 and the third had it a draw at 94-94. With his loss to Kenneth Sims in 2021 and only one fight in 2022 Rodriguez badly needs to be more active. Adorno’s other defeat came against 22-0 Michael Rivera in March last year but last time out he had decisioned 21-0-1 Hugo Roldan.
Owens vs. Abdukakhorov
In something of an upset local fighter Owens outboxes Uzbek Abdukakhorov. Owens had the better skills and handled the strong but crude Abdukakhorov with relative ease. He was quick with his jabs slotting them through Abdukakhorov’s far from sound defence. Abdukakhorov continually switched guards but was slow and predictable and too often just resorted to crude slugging. When they stood and exchanged shots Owens’s quicker hands and greater accuracy gave him the edge. When Abdukakhorov did manage to connect with one of his power shots Owens shrugged them off and fired back. Abdukakhorov picked a round here and there but was never any real threat to Owens who won on scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93. This was Owens’ first fight since losing on a wide unanimous decision against Alberto Puello, now the WBA super light title holder, in December 2021. Abdukakhorov was also coming off a loss and a similar period of inactivity having been beaten on points by Cody Crowley in December 2021
Jones vs. Jackson
Jones ruins the unbeaten record of prospect Jackson. This one was over in just 82 seconds. One crushing left hook sent Jackson down. His head bounced off the canvas and the referee immediately signalled for assistance for Jackson who needed several minutes to recover. This was the first fight for fourteen months for Jones and his five inside the distance wins did not mark him as any danger to Jackson.
FEBRUARY 26
Diriyah, Saudi Arabia: Cruiser: Ilunga Makabu (29-2) W Badou Jack (27-3-3). Cruiser: Tommy Fury (9-0) W PTS 8 Jake Paul (6-1).
Jack vs. Makabu
Sweden’s Jack floors WBC champion Makabu twice on the way to a twelfth round stoppage victory.
Round 1
Both were tentative in the opening round. Jack was more mobile and had quicker hands. Makabu was mainly on the back foot and just pushing out an occasional jab with Jack doing what little scoring there was.
Score: 10-9 Jack
Round 2
They traded shots briefly at the start of the round and Jack later connected with rights cross and two rights to the body. Makabu took over forcing Jack back and scoring with hard jabs and body shots.
Score: 10-9 MakabuTIED 19-19
Round 3
Makabu dominated this round. He was coming forward landing right jabs and meaty hooks to the body. Jack was throwing very little and Makabu had him under pressure again finding the target with jabs and landed a sharp right uppercut.
Score: 10-9 MakabuMakabu 29-28
Round 4
Makabu continued to walk down Jack with his jab. Jack was a bit livelier throwing some counters but Makabu was doing most of the scoring. Jack fired a quick burst of punches but then backed off again. As Makabu continued to come forward Jack landed a counter right hook that sent Makabu back and down and Makabu rolled head over heels backwards before getting up at the count of four. When the action resumed Makabu was back in control forcing Jack back with his jab and scoring to the body.
Score: 10-8 JackJack 38-37
Round 5
Jack scored well at the start of the round penetrating Makabu’s guard with right hand leads to the head but Makabu fired back with right hooks to the body. Makabu looked to be taking over but Jack fired a bunch of hooks looking to have stung Makabu with a right uppercut and he finished the round with a couple that pierced Makabu’s guard.
Score: 10-9 JackJack 48-46
Round 6
This was a bounce-back round for Makabu. He upped his pace connecting with right jabs and solid body shots. Jack was on the retreat for the whole of the round with Makabu landing clubbing lefts to the head and he had Jack bobbing and weaving desperately under a shower of punches at the bell
Score: 10-9 MakabuJack 57-56
Round 7
Jack came back from a bad round and produced a good one. He had been ignoring his jab but now whilst mainly on the backfoot he was firing a plenty of jabs and right crosses. Makabu found the target with some body shots but Jack stood and punched with him and was more accurate with his punches.
Score: 10-9 JackJack 67-65
Round 8
Best round of the fight so far because Jack decided to stand and trade punches and not let Makabu force him back. Both were landing jarring shots Jack connecting with hooks and uppercuts and Makabu with his heavy right jab and bludgeoning lefts. It was close but for me Jack just edged it.
Score: 10-9 JackJackl 77-74
Round 9
One for Makabu. He padded forward catching Jack with solid jabs and hard lefts. Jack was moving more and throwing less. Jack was being forced back and Makabu was landing punch after punch as Jack struggled to dodge the incoming fire. Jack banged back briefly at the bell but had been outscored by a big margin
Score: 10-9 MakabuJack 86-84
Round 10
Makabu had slowed but was again landing heavy artillery at the start of the round. Jack then forced Makabu to the ropes and hammered home a series of head shots. Makabu came back whacking Jack with jabs but as the round came to an end Jack cracked Makabu with a succession of left hooks snapping Makabu’s head back and with a left uppercut that seemed to stun Makabu.
Score: 10-9 JackJack 96-93
Round 11
Just twenty seconds into the eleventh a three-punch combination finished off by a left to the side of the head dumped Makabu on his rump against the ropes. Makabu beat the count and then marched forward but Jack was dancing around him clouting him with punches. Makabu looked spent but he continued to walk onto heavy punches as a confident Jack bounced on his toes and pierced Makabu’s guard with hurtful rights.
Score 10-8 JackJack 106-111
Round 12
Makabu came forward trying to find one punch that would save his title but instead a right from Jack sent him stumbling back across the ring to the ropes and as Jack unloaded a savage sequence of punches the referee jumped in and stopped the fight. Jack’s movement and pacing of the fight was excellent and, in the end, he wore the slower Makabu down and pulled off an upset. He is being hailed as a three division champion but I don’t buy into that as WBA light heavyweight title was the secondary version so he was not “the” champion. Nevertheless, a magnificent achievement to fight his way to the top ranks over three divisions. Makabu was making the third defence of the title and had won his last ten fights.
Fury vs. Paul
I can’t really get excited about a fight between a novice- Jake Paul rated No 376 by Box Rec with just six wins with five of those he beat never having won a fight and the other being 3-1 in his four fights vs. Tommy Fury a young fighter with eight wins in four and six round fights with five of the fighters he has beaten having only four wins between them with and rated No 351 by Box Rec. You will find plenty of coverage of it elsewhere so I will limit myself to saying that that Fury was floored in the last round but won a split decision on scores of 76-73 twice for Fury and 75-74 for Paul with the knockdown saving Paul from an even wider defeat.
FEBRUARY 24
Hialeah, FL, USA: Bantam: Guillermo Rigondeaux (21-3,1ND) W KO 1 Jesus Martinez (33-19-1).
Rigondeaux shows real fire as he blows away Martinez in the first round. A determined Rigondeaux used a couple of right jabs to find the range and then with just twenty-seconds gone in the round he drove Martinez to the ropes and down with a series of lefts. Martinez was up quickly and after the count started circling the ring with Rigondeaux prowling after him. Martine was trapped in a corner and a straight left dropped him heavily. He got as far as kneeling on one knee but made no further attempt to get up. Over and done with in 75 seconds. After back-to-back losses against John Riel Casimero and Vincent Astrolabio the 42-year-old Cuban just had to win here to keep his career alive. Fellow-southpaw Martinez, also 42, suffers his eleventh inside the distance defeat.
Charlottenburg, Germany: Middle: Julio Alamos (16-0) W TKO 4 Bjoern Schicke (20-2-1). Middle: Etinosa Oliha (17-0) W TKO 6 Rafael Ortiz (16-5-1). Middle: Thomas Piccirillo (12-0-4) W PTS 8 Kevin Bertogal (8-42-5).
Schicke vs. Alamos
In an upset unfancied Chilean Alamos destroys Schicke. Over the first three rounds Schicke dictated the action using his jab to keep the taller Chilean on the back foot. Alamos tried holding his hands low to lure Schicke into an ambush but Schicke stuck to his boxing. He seemed to be in control until Alamos drove Schicke back and then landed a leaping left hook that sent Schicke down on his back. He beat the count but punches from Alamos had him sliding down trying to hold on to Alamos but Alamos shrugged him off and Schicke dropped to the canvas. He clawed his way up using then ropes but was in no condition to continue and the fight was stopped. First fight outside of Chile for Alamos and he wins the vacant IBO Inter-Continental title with his ninth KO/TKO finish. There were big plans for the future of former undefeated European Union title holder Schicke but Alamos ruined those.
Oliha vs. Ortiz
Italian Oliha wins the vacant IBO Inter-Continental belt with stoppage of Ortiz. After a steady start Oliha wound up the pressure in round after round whacking the Mexican with heavy rights until Ortiz’s corner threw in the towel in the sixth round. Eighth inside the distance finish for the former Italian champion. Ortiz had won 13 of his last 14 fights including victories over experienced Saul Roman and Omar Chavez
Piccirillo vs. Bertogal
Italian-born German Piccirillo outboxes modest French southpaw Bertogal. Piccirillo was in charge all the way. He had Bertogal on the back foot and only Piccirillo’s lack of power allowed Bertogal to last the distance with all three judges scoring it 80-72. The lack of a punch will limit Piccirillo’s horizon. Fifth consecutive defeat for Bertogal
Cartagena, Colombia: Heavy: Tyrrell Hendon (21-4) W TKO 7 John Cortez (15-12-1). Heavy: Jesus Escalera (8-0) W TKO 2 Yonny Molina (10-5-1).
Hendon vs. Cortez
Texan Hendon wins the vacant UBO title with a seventh round stoppage of Spanish-based Colombian Cortez. A tiring Cortez was floored by a booming left hook in the seventh and although he managed to get up, he was on shaky pins and the fight was halted. Ninth win in a row for Hendon. After a run of ten successive losses Cortez had won his last three fights-against opponents with total records of 0-4-1. The bar is set low for UBO title fights.
Escalera vs. Molina
Puerto Rican southpaw Escalera stops Venezuelan Molina in the second round. A series of body punches ended the fight. A busy Escalera was having his eighth fight in five months all won by KO/TKO but when you are forty-two you can’t afford to lose any time. Venezuelan Molina had been victorious in 5 of his last 6 fights with the five guys he beat having combined records of 0-12.
Konigsbrunn, Germany: Cruiser: Mohammed Bekdash (24-0) W TKO 2 Gusmyr Perdomo (28-16). Super Light: Fatih Duebues (11-1) W PTS 10 Jaider Parra (35-5-1).
Bekdash vs. Perdomo
Styrian-born German Bekdash registers his twelfth successive win by KO/TKO with the stoppage of Perdomo. Twenty-one inside the distance victories for Bekdash with not one serious test faced. Venezuelan Perdomo, 45, lost to Mikkel Kessler for the WBA super middle title way back in 2009.
Duebues vs. Parra
German Duebues gets his seventh consecutive win as he outpoints Parra on scores of 97-93 twice and 98-92. Parra, 40, started out as a super featherweight and challenged for the WBA belt in 2013
Algyo, Hungary: Super Middle: Mate Kis (21-1-2) W PTS 10 Armen Yepremyan (13-3-2). Middle: Renato Egedi (19-1-2) W TKO 2 Kenan Katic (5-8-1).
Kis vs. Yepremyan
Kis wins the vacant IBO International trinket with a points victory over Armenian Yepremyan. The visitor made a lively start but from the third the better boxing and precise countering of Kis put him ahead. There were furious exchanges in the fifth and sixth and although Yepremyan remained dangerous he could not claw back the lead Kis had built and the Hungarian won 97-93 on the three cards. The only loss suffered by Kis was a seventh round stoppage against fellow-Hungarian Istvan Szilli in December 2020 and this is his fifth win since then. “Gorilla” Yepremyan had won his last four bouts.
Egedi vs. Katic
Hungarian southpaw Egedi returns with a win. He landed solid shots in the first before putting Katic down with a right in the second. Katic did well to get up but another series of punches had him staggering and the referee stopped the fight. First fight for almost two years for Egedi and he is now unbeaten in his last 18 fights. Eight inside the distance losses for Bosnian Katic.
Rome, Italy: Feather: Shelia Martinez (5-3) W PTS 10 Anna Brozzi (4-2). Middle: Khalil El Harraz (15-3-1) W PTS 10 Mirko Di Carlantonio (15-11-1).
Martinez vs. Brozzi
Spaniard Martinez wins this battle of novices to relieve Italian Brozzi of the European female title. Martinez had a four inch height advantage and a longer reach and Brozzi could not find a way to overcome those handicaps. Martinez took the early rounds with her jabs and straight rights with Brozzi unable to get inside often enough for the pressure to throw Martinez out of her stride. Brozzi had a good fourth but Martinez was back in control until another big effort from Brozzi saw her have the edge in the ninth and she put in a great effort in the tenth but Martinez was a good winner. Scores 98-92 twice and 96-95 as Martinez completes the turn-around of her career from a 1-3 start. Rome-born Brozzi was making the first defence of the European title.
El Harraz vs. Di Carlantonio
Rome-based El Harraz outpoints Di Carlantonio. El Harraz was chasing down and pressurising veteran Di Carlantonio for the whole fight. Good defensive work from Di Carlantonio and El Harraz’s lack of any power in his punches allowed Di Carlantonio to last the distance and a cut over his left eye meant El Harraz did not escape unscathed. Scores 100-90 twice and 98-92 for El Harraz as the former Italian middleweight champion wins the vacant IBF Latino belt. Di Carlantonio was 4-1 in his last 5 outings.
Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania: Super Bantam: Tony Rashid (15-2-2) W PTS 12 Sabelo Ngebinyana (15-7).
Home fighter Rashid wins a majority decision over South African Ngebinyana. It was a case of the strength of Rashid against the quicker Ngebinyana. The visitor used smart foot work to constantly circle Rasbid darting in and landing good shots to head and body. Rashid was at his best when he could force Ngebinyana to the ropes and use his power. Ngebinyana looked to have worked his way into the lead taking four of the first six rounds. Rashid’s strength told over the second half of the fight and he narrowed the gap. The decider was the last round which Ngebinyana just edged which seemed to make him a winner but the judges gave it to Rashid 115-113 twice and 114-114. Rashid wins the vacant ABU belt. Ngebinyana can feel unlucky but it was close and that always favours the local man.
FEBRUARY 25
St Julians, Malta: Fly: Connor Butler (10-0-1) W PTS 12 Craig Derbyshire (8-29-4). Heavy: Dave Allen (21-5-2) W TKO 1 Michael Bassett (2-9). Super Middle: Christian Schembri (22-9) DREW 10 Elton Azzopardi (0-1-0). Super Bantam: Ryan Farrag (21-4) W KO 2 Georgi Georgiev (8-19-1).
Butler vs. Derbyshire
Butler wins the vacant Commonwealth title with a unanimous decision over Derbyshire in a fast-paced competitive fight. Butler had the skill and quick hands and was able to dance around Derbyshire stabbing him with jabs and straight rights. Derbyshire was dangerous when he launched his fierce attacks. Neither is a puncher so both were willing to stand and trade if need be. Butler rocked Derbyshire occasionally with right crosses but it was his classy boxing that gave him the edge. Derbyshire landed some heavy rights in the fifth and worked hard looking to wear the quicker man down. They just stood and traded punches in a wild sixth and it was a big round for Derbyshire with Butler cut over his left eye and Derbyshire cut over his right. Derbyshire also had a good seventh with more fierce exchanges. The pace dropped a little but there were constant wild exchanges right up to the last bell with that extra bit of quality from Butler the difference and he won on scores of 116-111 twice and 115-112 but both boxers received well deserved applause for ignoring their bad cuts and staging a twelve round war.
Allen vs. Bassett
This fight did not last long-thankfully. Allen knocked down and stopped a grossly overweight Bassett in a farcical match. Allen was having his first fight for eleventh months having reversed his decision to retire he is giving it one more shot. Fifth inside the distance defeat in a row for Bassett.
Schembri vs. Azzopardi
The Maltese middleweight title remains vacant after Schembri and Azzopardi fought to a split draw. Schembri had the more conventional style with Azzopardi’s background being in Martial Arts. It was the better technique of Schembri against the strength of Azzopardi. I thought Schembri just did enough to get the decision but the judges scored it 97-94 for Azzopardi. 96-95 for Schembri and 95-95.
Farrag vs. Georgiev
Like Dave Allen Farrag is trying one more time. He was streets ahead of Bulgarian Georgiev. He battered Georgiev around the ring landing left hooks to the body and dropped Georgiev with one just before the bell. Georgiev got up and there was no time for any more action. It was a similar story in the second. Again, body shorts were hurting Georgiev but the pay-off punch was a fearsome right uppercut that floored Georgiev. He climbed to his feet but the referee waived the fight over. The former European bantamweight champion was having his first fight since August 2019. Ninth defeat in his last ten fights for Georgiev
Monte Hermoso, Argentina: Welter: Hugo Roldan (22-1-1) W PTS 10 Jose Acevedo (14-5-2). Sper Light: Ruben Neri Munoz (12-0) W PTS 10 Alexis Torres (9-4-1).
Roldan vs. Acevedo
Roldan collects the vacant WBA Fedelatin title as he decisions Acevedo. Roldan launched a fierce attack in the first and landed some powerful shots but Acevedo saw out the storm. Roldan settled to box in the second constantly changing guard but a right from Acevedo had him dipping at the knees. A clattering of heads in the third saw both cut. Acevedo was cut on his left eyelid and Roldan high on his forehead. Acevedo’s cut continued to seep blood throughout the fight. From the fourth Roldan went onto the back foot boxing again and was generally in control. Acevedo lost a point in the ninth for punches to the back of the head and Roldan ran out a clear winner on scores of 98-91, 97-92 and 96-93. A defeat by a single point on all three cards saw Roldan lose his unbeaten record against Joseph Adorno in September. Just one win in his last seven fights for Acevedo.
Munoz vs. Torres
Munoz proves too big and too strong for Torres. He used that strength to put Torres under relentless pressure. Torres tried to stand and trade punches but was gradually worn down by left hooks to the body. A right to the head floored Torres in the eighth and he spat out his mouthguard to get some extra respite and was deducted a point for that. Munoz had Torres reeling and ready to go in the tenth but the bell saved Torres. Scores 99-89 twice and 98-90 for Munoz who was making the first defence of his WBA Fedelatin belt. Torres was 3-1-1 in his previous five fights.
Orlando, FL, USA: Bantam: Antonio Vargas (16-1) W TKO 6 Michell Banquez (20-3). Super Light: Nestor Bravo (21-0,1ND) ND 4 Jair Valtierra (16-2,1ND). Super Welter: Freudis Rojas (10-0) W TKO 1 Gilberto Venegas (19-36-5,1ND)
Vargas vs. Banquez
Former amateur stand-out Vargas makes it six wins in a row with an inside the distance victory over useful Venezuelan Banquez in a fight for the vacant WBA Continental Americas title. After an even first round the harder punching of Vargas took its toll on Banquez. The Venezuelan came to fight but Vargas broke him down with a sustained body attack and Banquez’s corner man climbed to the ring apron late in the sixth to stop the fight. The 26-year-iold Texan won a gold medal at the Pan American Games, was twice National Golden Gloves champion and a US National Champion as well as being a member of the US Olympic Team at the 2016 Olympics. He suffered a shock first round kayo loss against Jose Cardenas in 2019 but has rebounded with six wins. Banquez had won the vacant IBO bantam title with a wide unanimous verdict over 19-0-01 Prince Patel in 2019 but was coming off a loss against 20-1 Ramon Cardenas in July last year.
Bravo vs. Valtierra
Bravo’s defence of the WBO NABO title against Mexican Valtierra came to a premature end in the fourth round when the unbeaten Puerto Rican suffered a bad cut in a clash of heads and was unable to continue with the fight ending as a No Decision.
Rojas vs. Venegas
Southpaw Rojas chalked up another win as he stopped Venegas in the second round. The 24-year-old 6’2” Riojas has won all ten of his fights by KO/TKO and all inside four rounds. He twice won gold at the US National Championships but was eliminated at the US Olympic Trials for Tokyo. Venegas, 45, turned pro when Rojas was just six months old!
Brampton, Canada: Super Welter: Josh Wagner (15-0) W PTS 10 Xhuijo Vrenozi (18-6).
Wagner remained undefeated as he scored a couple of knockdowns on the way to a unanimous decision over Albanian Vrenozi on scores of 100-87 from all three judges.
Holstebro, Denmark: Bantam: Dina Thorslund (19-0) W TKO 8 Debora Lopez (20-2-1). Super Middle: Jacob Bank (9-0) W RTD 3 Taras Golovashchenko (6-9). Cruiser: Viktor Trush (8-2) W TKO 4 Ditlev Rossing (15-0).
Thorslund vs. Lopez
Thorslund retains the WBO female title with eighth round stoppage of Lopez. The taller Thorslund dominated with her longer reach and better skills from the start with Lopez not liking the early pressure and getting three warnings for holding. When their heads collided in the fifth Lopez suffered a large hematoma under her eye. Things got no better for the Argentinian and when heads banged again in the eighth Lopez effectively stopped fighting and the referee came in and made stoppage official. Third defence for Thorslund who was in front 70-62 on the three cards at the finish. Lopez’s only previous loss came in a challenge for the vacant WBO title last year.
Bank vs. Golovashchenko
Danish hope Bank gets another win as he easily beats Ukrainian Golovashchenko. Bank was too skilled for the limited Ukrainian and it was no surprise when Golovashchenko did not answer the bell for the fourth round. Fourth inside the distance victory in his last five fights for 22-year-old Bank. Five losses in a row for Golovashchenko.
Trush vs. Rossing
Things did not all go the way of the home fighters as Czech southpaw Trush stopped Dane Rossing in the fourth round. Trush was sharper at the start but Rossing got into his stride and dropped Trush with a right in the third. Trush recovered and they traded hard shots to the bell. Trush turned the tables in the fourth landing a succession of hard punches that had Rossing reeling and taking punishment bringing the referee in to save the local. All eight of the Czech’s wins have come by KO/TKO. Rossing had won six pf his last seven fights inside the distance but this time he was the victim and not the victor.
Charleville-Mezieres, France: Super Feather: Yoni Valverde (10-0) W PTS 10 Lucas Montagne (4-7-3).
In his first defence of the national title neighbourhood favourite Valverde boxed his way to a majority decision victory over a tougher than expected Montagne. Valverde knew Montagne would march forward and he laid out his fight plan accordingly. He boxed cleverly on the back foot sliding home accurate counters, and blocking many of the challenger’s punches. Montagne had his best moments when with his relentless aggression he could pin Valverde against the ropes and work to the body and he made it a close fight. Scores 97-93 and 96-94 for Valverde and 95-95. No real punch power, just two wins by KO/TKO, will limit Valverde’s horizons. Montagne was coming off a creditable draw against 16-2 Yurik Mamedov last month
Roubaix, France: Light: Laid Douadi (23-0-1) W PTS 10 Miguel Acosta (15-11-2).
Douadi clocks-up win No 16 in a row as he takes every round against Argentinian southpaw Acosta and is victorious on scores of 100-90 on all three cards winning the vacant IBF International title. Despite his impressive looking credentials Douadi’s opposition has been very ordinary and he is down at No 12 in the EBU ratings.
Munich, Germany: Light Heavy: Shefat Isufi (37-4-2) W PTS 12 Hernan Perez (9-8). Light Heavy: Robin Krasniqi (52-7) W RTD 5 Timur Nikarikhoev (26-5).
Isufi vs. Perez
What looked on paper a non-threatening fight against an Argentinian on a bad run of form turned into a desperate struggle for Isufi. The local favourite boxed his way through the first round but from the second he was having problems with the hounding pressure from Perez. The sixth saw Perez scoring heavily and Isufi was also cut over his left eye. Perez continued to apply plenty of pressure but Isufi’s better skills helped him pick up rounds from the seventh and he finished the stronger but it was questionable whether he had made up for that slow start. It was very close but two judges had Isufi in front 117-111 and 114-113 with the third giving it to Perez 115-113. Perhaps no robbery but the 117-111 looked way out. Isufi retains the WB Federation belt for the second time. Isufi lost on points to Billy Joe Saunders for the vacant WBO super middle title in 2019 and this is his tenth win over very modest opposition since then. Former South American champion Perez has won only one of his last six fights.
Krasniqi vs. Nikarikhoev
Former IBO light heavy and European super middle title holder Krasniqi launches his comeback with a win. Now trained by former title holder Juergen Braehmer, who beat Krasniqi in 2015, Krasniqi had been inactive since losing his IBO title to Dominic Boesel in October 2021. Some rust showed early as Krasniqi struggled with his accuracy and distance. Once he warmed up he clouted Nikarikhoev with well-timed combinations. He ended it in the fifth. With just seconds remaining in the round, he drove Nikarikhoev along the ropes landing hooks with both hands. Nikarikhoev turned away walking to a corner as the bell went and did not come out for the sixth. At 35 Krasniqi is going to give it another go. Russian Nikarikhoev had won his last four contests.
Charlottenburg, Germany: Super Welter: Haro Matevosyan (17-0,1ND) W PTS 12 Alejandro Davila (23-5-2).
This was supposed to be Part 2 of the AGON team’s two-part promotion in Charlottenburg but unbeaten heavyweight top-liner Grant Shala pulled out with an injury and that left Matevosyan as the main event. Mexican Davila made Matevosyan work hard for his win. Despite suffering a large hematoma Davila took the fight to Matevosyan with the Armenia-born southpaw covering well and scoring with quick, accurate counters. Matevosyan deservedly retained the IBF Inter-Continental title on scores of 117-111 twice and 116-112 but the fight looked closer then that. It was his fifth defence. Davila went 19-0-2 at the start of his career but has seen hard times since then.
Osaka, Japan: Feather: Tomoki Kameda (40-3) W TKO 5 Luis Castillo (30-5). Super Flyweight: Rene Bibiano (19-0) W PTS 8 Lerdchai Chaiyawed (9-11).
Kameda vs. Castillo
In only his second fight in 14 months Kameda stops Mexican Castillo. Strong jabbing gave Kameda the first round but Castillo banged back to make the second close. Kameda dug in some hurtful body punches in the third and also opened a cut on the bridge of Castillo’s nose. Kameda was again scoring well to the body on the fourth and a left hook to the body in the fifth had Castillo in agony and unable to continue and the referee stopped the fight. Kameda is No 2 with the WBA and with the No 1 spot vacant he is in line for a shot at the winner of Murodjon Akhmadaliev’s defence against Marlon Tapales on 8 April. First inside the distance loss for Castillo
Bibiano vs. Chaiyawed
Bibiano scores one for Mexico as he outpoints Thai Chaiyawed on scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73. Impressive looking figures but Bibiano has been well protected. Chaiyawed is 0-6 in Japanese rings.
Calape, Philippines: Light Fly: Regie Suganob (13-0) W TEC DEC 8 Mark Vicelles (17-1-1).
Southpaw Vicelles had won his last two fights on first round stoppages and was coming forward confidently in this one. Suganob was mostly on the back foot looking to counter but also used nifty footwork to get past Vicelles jab and quicker hands to bang home rights and get out before Vicelles could counter effectively. Suganob dropped Vicelles with a right in the fourth and connected with a series of rights in the fifth. A clash of heads in the sixth saw Vicelles suffer a bad cut under his right eyebrow. The blood was trickling down between his eye and his nose affecting his vision. The cut worsened over the seventh and late in the eighth the doctor ruled Vicelles was unfit to continue and the result was decided on the cards with the eighth round being scored and with Suganob winning on scores of 80-71, 78-73 and 77-74. With Vicelles No 4 with the IBF and Suganob No 6 Suganob now qualifies to fill the vacant No 1 spot as mandatory challenger to Sive Nontshinga.
Basel, Switzerland: Middle: Faton Vukshinaj (15-0-2) W KO 2 Yaniel Rivera (7-1-1).
Unbeaten Swiss Vukshinaj disposes of Rivera in two rounds. In the first round Vukshinaj was tracking Cuban Rivera around the ring bobbing and weaving looking to connect with hooks from both hands. Rivera kept moving but looked to lack the power to keep Vukshinaj out. In the second Vukshinaj continued to take the fight to Rivera throwing overhand rights and Rivera showed a bit more aggression with sharp jabs and a couple of rights. Vukshinaj connect with a big right to the head that sent Rivera staggering to a corner and down. Rivera watched the count but was up too late and counted out. Tenth victory by KO/TKO for “Volcano” who has wins over experienced opponents in Florin Cardoso and Guido Pitto. Rivera no real test.
Pathum Thani. Thailand: Chainoi Worawut (20-0-1) W PTS 10 Jhon Gemino (23-16-1).
Chainoi (Thattana Luangphon) retained the WBC Asian Boxing Council belt with a unanimous decision over Filipino Gemino. The taller Thai was in the driving seat over the first half of the fight with experienced, strong Gemino coming on over the later rounds. Chainoi was able to stay in front with a higher work rate and won on scores of 97-93 twice and 98-92.He was making the sixth defence of the ABC belt. Former Philippines feather title holder Gemino had lost on points in his last two bouts both of which were held in Japan
Fight of the week (Significance): Tied between Matias vs. Ponce and Jack vs. Makabu as both produced new champions which can only be good for boxing.
Fight of the week (Entertainment): Jack vs. Makabu with it swings as first one then the other dominated with honourable mention to Butler vs. a good old fashioned scrap with a good mixture of styles
Fighter of the week: Badou Jack for his win over Makabu
Punch of the week: The Willie Jones left hook that knocked out unbeaten Derrick Jackson was scary with honourable mention to the right uppercut from Ryan Farrag that almost decapitated Giorgi Georgiev
Upset of the week: For me Jack beating Makabu who I felt would be too strong for him.
Prospect watch: Super welterweight Freudis Rojas 10-0 (10)
Observations
Rosette To Fightzone and Fight Academy for a the first ever Commonwealth title fight in Malta and a show that might give the sport a boost on the George Cross Island.
Red Card To all those who relegated a real fight Jack vs. Makabu to second billing behind a fight between two novices who did not even rate inside the first 300 in the division in Box Rec ratings.
-If at first you don’t succeed……………..How about Ilunga Makabu’s first pro fight? He was knocked out in just 29 seconds.
-Since Mauricio Sulaiman decided to bastardise the whole rating system by stating that Paul would qualify for a place in the WBC top 40 if he won, he now has to decide whether, since Fury beat Paul, Fury will be rated or show he was jumping on an illusory bandwagon desperate for any crumb of publicity.
-Female boxing has made great progress but there is still a long way to go when Sheila Martinez with a 4-3 record and Anna Brozzi 4-1 contest a European title. Not great but you go with what you have until better times come along.
-OK so I practically ignored Paul vs. Fury but that was my decision to make. They say he who pays the piper picks the tune which is why I work for free (but I am always open to offers).
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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