The Past Week in Action 11 April 2023: Big Winners: Kenshiro Teraji, Takuma Inoue, Bam Rodriguez, Marlon Tapales, Shakur Stevenson and Brian Mendoza
By Eric Armit
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 12 Apr 2023
Bam Rodriguez connects at Christian Gonzalez.
Highlights:
-In a show in Tokyo Kenshiro Teraji retains his WBC and WBA light flyweight titles with stoppage of Anthony Olascuaga, Takuma Inoue wins the vacant WBA bantamweight title with a points victory over Liborio Solis and Relya Abe outpoints Kiko Martinez in an IBF featherweight eliminator
- In San Antonio Jesse Rodgriguez fights through the pain of a broken jaw to outpoint Christian Gonzalez and win the vacant WBO flyweight title and Marlon Tapales takes a split decision over champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev to win the IBF and WBA super bantamweight titles with Ray Ford, Thomas Mattice and Israil Madrimov also victorious
-In Newark Shakur Stevenson moves up to lightweight with a stoppage of Shuichiro Yoshino and there are wins for Keyshawn Davis, Jared Anderson, Troy Isley, Damian Knyba and Bruce Carrington
-In Carson Brian Mendoza knocks out Sebastain Fundora to win the interim WBC super welter title and there are wins for Brandun Lee, Luis Nunez, Gabriel Maestre Frank Sanchez, Chris Arreola and Gabriela Fundora
World Title/Major Shows
APRIL 8
San Antonio, TX, USA: FLY; Jesse Rodriguez (18-0) W PTS 12 Cristian Gonzalez (15-2). Super Bantam: Marlon Tapales (37-3) W PTS 12 Murodjon Akhmadaliev (11-1). Feather: Raymond Ford (14-0-1) W PTS 12 Jessie Magdaleno (29-2). Super Feather: Thomas Mattice (21-3-1) W TKO 10 Ramiro Cesena (16-1-1). Middle: Israil Madrimov (9-0-1) W PTS 10 Raphael Igbokwe (16-4).
14
Rodriguez vs. Gonzalez
Having relinquished the WBO super flyweight title Rodriguez drops down to flyweight and wins the vacant WBO title as he outpoints Gonzalez.
Round 1
Rodriguez was coming forward behind a high guard with Gonzalez moving smartly throwing right jabs and following with sharp right hooks which found the target. He switched guards easily and was just as effective in either, Rodriguez had some brief success with hooks at the end of then round but that was all.
Score: 10-9 Gonzalez
Round 2
Rodriguez hunted Gonzalez down for the full three minutes. Gonzalez was still using some slick foot work and countering well but over the second half of the round Rodriguez was scoring with hooks to the body and rattling Gonzalez with head punches.
Score: 10-9 RodriguezTIED 19-19
Round 3
Gonzalez was still moving and jabbing but now Rodriguez had upped hi pace and Gonzalez could not keep him out. Rodriguez was scoring with hooks inside and a left late in the round had Gonzalez badly shaken.
Score: 10-9 RodriguezRodriguez 29-28
Round 4
Rodriguez was relentless. Gonzalez was moving and countering but he had slowed and his punch output dropped. Rodriguez was hunting Gonzalez down whacking him with body punches and jarring him with head shots brushing off Gonzalez counters and pumping out punches.
Score: 10-9 RodriguezRodriguez 39-37
Round 5
Rodriguez continued to dominate the action. Gonzalez was circling the perimeter of the ring with Rodriguez in pursuit. 45Gonzalez was constantly changing guard and direction but all of that amounted to nothing as he just did not have the power to keep Rodriguez out and was being punished with hooks and straight shots.
Score: 10-9 RodriguezRodriguez 49-46
Round 6
Rodriguez in total control. He was pinning Gonzalez against the ropes and scoring with some scorching combinations constantly switching from head to body and occasionally jerking Gonzalez head back with jarring lefts. It turned out that Rodriguez had suffered a broken jaw in this round.
Score: 10-9 RodriguezRodriguez 59-55
Round 7
Gonzalez did some great work with his jab and stopped Rodriguez in his tracks with a right hook but he just could not escape Rodriguez or match him with quality or quantity now. Rodriguez was digging in hurtful body punches slowing Gonzalez further and landing solid rights to the head
Score: 10-9 RodriguezRodriguez 69-64
Round 8
Gonzalez did better in this round. He did some solid work with his jab and landed some flush straight rights. He also used some intelligent footwork to give him some space and Rodriguez found it harder to get close and stay close and I gave it to Gonzalez.
Score: 10-9 GonzalezRodriguez 78-74
Round 9
After a brief burst of punches at the start of the round Gonzalez was on his circular tour of the ring with Rodriguez in close attendance. Gonzalez was still jabbing well but was under constant bombardment by hooks and straight shots as Rodriguez hustled and harried him.
Score: 10-9 RodriguezRodriguez 88-83
Round 10
No change to the pattern with Rodriguez still hunting and Gonzalez jabbing and circling the ring. Gonzalez did enough good work to make this one close but Rodriguez had plenty of success ripping two-handed flurries inside and had the edge.
Score: 10-9 RodriguezRodriguez 98-92
Round 11
A close round. Gonzalez was moving more and consistently caught Rodriguez flush with left jabs and counters. Rodriguez had some good spells when he caught up with Gonzalez and landed some head punches but overall Gonzalez just had the edge.
Score:10-9 Gonzalez Rodriguez 107-102
Round 12
Gonzalez tried to stand and trade with Rodriguez at the start of the round but soon realised that was not going to work and was back circling the ring. Rodriguez pressed hard ducking under or ignoring Gonzalez’s counters and firing lefts and rights to head and body doing enough to take the round.
Score: 10-09 RodriguezRodriguez 117-111
Before winning the WBO super fly belt Rodriguez more often fought as a flyweight than a super flyweight even as low as 105lbs so this might be a good move for him and he has talked about a potential fight with IBF champion Sunny Edwards as the flyweight division is short of talent at this time. Gonzalez had won his last nine fights but just did not have the strength or punch to beat Rodriguez but boxed well so has a good chance of getting a shot at one of the other belts in the future.
Tapales vs. Akhmadaliev
Filipino Tapales wins the IBF and WBA titles with a disputed split decision over champion Akhmadaliev
Round 1
A very cautious opening from both southpaws. Lots of posing and probing such that a few jabs getting through from Tapales was enough for him to take the round. Not a promising start.
Score: 10-9 Tapales
Round 2
A better opening as Tapales landed a crisp left uppercut and continued to throw jabs-mostly short but some landed. Tapales got through with a jab and a right to the head and later they traded hooks before Tapales connected with a left to the head.
Score: 10-9 TapalesTapales 20-18
Round 3
There was still too much posing but eventually both began to throw jabs with Tapales following his jab with a right hook. Tapales ended the round with more jabs with Akhmadaliev not letting his punches go in another low scoring round
Score: 10-9 TapalesTapales 30-27
Round 4
Tapales worked hard with his jab with an occasional right following on. Akhmadaliev was short with his jab and when he threw a right he was wild and inaccurate and some more useful work with his jab by Tapales took the round.
Score: 10-9 TapalesTapales 40-36
Official Scores: Judge Jose Torres 40-36 Tapales, Judge Sergio Caiz 40-36 Tapales, Judge Javier Alvarez 38-38 TIED
Round 5
A good opening few moments from Akhmadaliev as he piled into Tapales throwing and landing hooks. Tapales took charge again with his jab. Akhmadaliev had another brief spell of success with hooks but Tapales ended the round strong with jabs and straight lefts.
Score: 10-9 TapalesTapales 50-45
Round 6
A close round. Akhmadaliev again scored well with hooks early and then also found the target with his jab. Tapales then took over working his jab and scoring with sneaky rights but Akhmadaliev’s earlier work won him the round.
Score: 10-9 AkhmadalievTapales 59-55
Round 7
This was a different Akhmadaliev. He walked into Tapales forcing him to the ropes and connecting with hooks and uppercuts. Tapales calmed things with his jab and landed a right to the head but Akhmadaliev was soon on the attack with his own jab and straight lefts. He connected with a heavy left hook and kept Tapales under pressure.
Score: 10-9 AkhmadalievTapales 68-65
Round 8
A round of two halves as Akhmadaliev attacked hard driving forward chucking hooks and then jabbing strongly. Tapales then found the range with his jab and landed heavy lefts to Akhmadaliev’s head and then did some good work with his jab to just edge a very close round.
Score: 10-9 TapalesTapales 78-74
Official Scores: Judge Jose Torres 79-73 Tapales, Judge Sergio Caiz 79-73 Tapales, Judge Javier Alvarez 78-74 Akhmadaliev
Round 9
Akhmadaliev scored with a series of rights to the head. He was shrugging off Tapales attempts to hold him off with his jab and connected with a strong left before forcing Tapales to a corner and banging home left hooks. The clearest win of a round so far.
Score: 10-9 AkhmadalievTapales 87- 84
Round 10
Akhmadaliev was walking forward bouncing rights and lefts off the head of Tapales. Akhmadaliev kept up the pressure with Tapales unable to hold him off and Akhmadaliev bombarded Tapales with punches at the end of the round.
Score: 10-9 AkhmadalievTapales 96-94
Round 11
Akhmadaliev was on the attack throwing head punches from both hands with Tapales forced on to the back foot. Tapales bought himself some space with his jab and it looked as though he might steal the round but Akhmadaliev again scored at the end of the round.
Score: Akhmadaliev 10-9Tapales 105-104
Round 12
Akhmadaliev’s round. He was scoring clubbing shots from both hands on an exhausted Tapales exploding with savage hooks and uppercuts with Tapales fighting hard to make it to the bell.
Score: 10-9 AkhmadalievTIED 114-114
Official Scores: Judge Jose Torres 115-113 Tapales, Judge Sergio Caiz 115-113 Tapales, Judge Javier Alvarez 118-110 Akhmadaliev
Tapales lost his WBO bantam title when he failed to make the weight for a defence against Shohei Omori in 2017 and was stopped in eleven rounds by Ryosuke Iwasa in fight for the interim IBF super bantam belt in 2019. His activity had been scarce since then with just one fight each in years 2020, 2021 and 2022 all resulting in wins over modest opposition but he is a champion again. Akhmadaliev had a mountain to climb after failing to win any of the first six rounds on two cards. The change over the second half of the fight was amazing but that start cost him his titles.
Ford vs. Magdaleno
Ford won this WBA eliminator with a unanimous decision over Magdaleno. Ford showcased his talents with quick hands and nifty foot work. Fellow-southpaw Magdaleno had to keep driving forward to work inside where he could nullify Fiord’s quicker hands but had to eat counters and chase hard to pin Ford down. Ford landed a burst of punches on the advancing Magdaleno in the fourth sending Magdaleno down on his knees. He beat the count and got back into the fight but took more punishment as Ford drilled him with punches and blocked or dodged Magdaleno’s counters. Ford scored another knockdown in the eleventh in similar circumstances to the first one. Again, it was a series of lefts and rights on the advancing Magdaleno and again he went down on his hands and knees. Ford tried hard to put Magdaleno away but had to settle for a points victory on scores of 119-107 twice and 116-112. Ford, 24, will now go on to challenge Mauricio Lara for the WBA title later this year in what will be an interesting clash of power vs. Skill. Magdaleno had won his last five fights and was No 7n with the WBA but this was his first fight in eleven month
Mattice vs. Cesena
Mattice gets a late stoppage win but a controversial one. Mexican Cesena hurt Mattice with a right in the first and outworked Mattice over the second and third. Mattice was having problems getting into the fight but had some success with rights in the fourth and fifth. Both committed some infringements and were warned by the referee to keep it clean. The sixth and seventh saw little action with Cesena having a slight edge and Mattice lost a point in the eighth for hitting on the break. Mattice ended it in the tenth. He stunned Cesena with a right to the head and drove him to the ropes and unloaded punch after punch. Cesena managed to escape briefly but Mattice drove him back again and bombarded him with punches. With Cesena not punching back when another right snapped Cesena’s head back the referee jumped in and stopped the fight. Cesena and his team were outraged but Cesena did look badly hurt after that last right. Mattice retains the WBC Continental Americas belt with his sixth win in his last seven fights. Cesena, 23, had won his last 15 bouts ad his first fight in the USA.
Madrimov vs. Igbokwe
In his first fight since a technical draw with Michel Soro in July last year Madrimov gathered ten rounds of work taking a unanimous decision over Igbokwe The first three rounds were close with Madrimov’s superior skills giving him the edge and as he shed the rust from his inactivity he became sharper and more dominant. The inactivity caught up with Madrimov over the closing three rounds but he almost put Igbokwe away with a crunching right uppercut in the last. Igbokwe survived and Madrimov won on scores of 99-91 twice and 100-99. The Uzbek is No 1 with the WBA so standing in line waiting to see what happens with four-belt holder Jermel Charlo. Texan Igbokwe had lost on a sixth round retirement against Serhii Bohachuk in September.
Newark, NJ, USA: Light: Shakur Stevenson (20-0) W TKO 6 Shuichiro Yoshino (16-1). Light: Keyshawn Davis (8-0) W TKO 9 Anthony Yigit (26-3-1). Heavy: Jared Anderson (14-0) W RTD 3 George Arias (19-0). Super Welter: Troy Isley (9-0) W PTS 8 Roy Barringer (9-4). Heavy: Damian Knyba (11-0) W TKO 8 Curtis Harper (14-9,1ND). Feather: Bruce Carrington (7-0) W TKO 2 Brandon Chambers (9-1-1).
Stevenson vs. Yoshino
Stevenson starts his campaign to become a three-division champion as he stops Yoshino in six rounds. Yoshino was trying to put Stevenson under pressure in the first but Stevenson was comfortable on the back foot easily avoiding Yoshino’s attacks and landing straight lefts. Stevenson connected with a couple of body punches at the start of the second. Yoshino has some success with rights but as he came forward Stevenson met him with a left that sent Yosjinom down on his rump. He was up at eight and didn’t look too badly shaken. Stevenson added some more straight lefts but Yoshino was surging forward throwing punches at the bell. Yoshino was lunging in with his attacks in the third but having to eat left hand counters and some hurtful body shots. Stevenson went to the ropes and let Yoshino fire punches but a counter left had Yoshino backing off. Yoshino recovered and had some success with his attacks but Stevenson was now firing flashing combinations that were rocking Yoshino. The Japanese fighter piled forward for most of the fourth round pumping out punches. He was landing some but most were misses or blocked and later in the round Stevenson stepped in with a left to the head and a vicious right hook that saw Yoshino drop to his hands and knees. He was up at eight and there was not enough time for Stevenson to finish the job. Yoshino kept coming in the fifth but Stevenson was raking him with hellacious one-twos leading with either the right or the left and to head and body. You sensed Steveson had decided to close the show in the sixth. He was on the front foot refusing to let Yoshino launch any attacks. He was banging straight punches and hooks through Yoshino’s defence and after another left hook crashed into Yoshino’s chin the referee stopped the fight. It looked premature as Yoshino had been throwing punches only seconds before but the referee saw no future for Yoshino except more pain so made his decision. It was an imperious showing from Stevenson a master class in power and skill and it adds yet another exciting factor to the talent-rich lightweight division. Yoshino had his limitations exposed but he had run up a series of wins over good class domestic rivals.
Davis vs. Yigit
Davis outclasses a jaded Yigit and stops him in the ninth round. From the opening bell Davis was in total control. He was landing with lightning fast jabs and rattling Yogit’s ribs with body punches with Yigit too slow to block them or counter. Davis eased up in the second and third but Yigit was unable to take advantage of that as the footwork and quick reflexes of Davis left him without a good target. They clashed heads and Davis was dazed and given some recovery time. Davis upped the pace in the fourth and fifth. He was in control taking the fight to Yigit lashing Yigit with swinging hooks and uppercuts. It seemed as though Davis had written the script and could bring the curtain down whenever he chose to. He continued to score with lightning quick combinations in the sixth. Yigit had some success with body punches but was again being shaken by hooks and uppercuts. In the seventh a frustrated Yigit, unable to land anything of note, was screaming for Davis to come and fight and he paid for that as Davis blasted him with a whole stream of punches. The beat down continued in the eighth and at the bell Davis hammered home a sickening right to the body that dropped Yigit to his knees in pain. He made it to his feet as the round ended. A series of head punches from Davis at the start of the ninth was enough for the referee and he stepped in to save Yigit. Another towering display of power and talent from Davis in a division which, with the addition of Stevenson, has an abundance of world class fighters. Yigit has not been the same fighter since losing to Ivan Baranchyk in a brutal battle for the vacant IBF super light title in 2018 and it was also a worrying sign when he came in 5lbs over the limit when losing to Rolando Romero for the vacant interim WBA light title in 2021.
Anderson vs. Arias
Anderson crushes Arias in three rounds. Anderson prowled after Arias who was circling the ring with plenty of movement but throwing no punches. Anderson was content to shadow Arias just stabbing out jab until late in the round when he put together some combinations but Arias had hardly thrown a punch. Armstrong continued to dictate the action in the second. Arias showed some fire lashing out with wild swipes but mostly it was Anderson now fighting southpaws, landing heavy jabs and clubbing shots to head and body. Arias tried to stand and swap punches with Anderson in the third but was quickly broken apart and was blasted by a series of punches and in trouble at the bell. There was a debate involving Asias, his corner and the doctor. Je had swelling under both eyes and blood from his nose and it the end his corner indicated he would not be coming out for the next round. That makes it 14 inside the distance finishes in fourteen fights taking up less than 28 rounds for the 6’4” 23-year-old Anderson. He is already rated WBO 9/WBA 11/WBC 11. Arias was unbeaten but at 5’11” he was just not big enough or powerful enough to be a danger to Anderson. If there is a concern with Anderson it is in the way when he throws a jab on the way back his left hand always drops to around thigh level which could be dangerous against a puncher.
Isley vs. Barringer
Isley adds another win and a few more rounds of experience as he decisions Barringer. Isley was too quick, too smart and had the harder punch. Barringer did his job by staying around for eight rounds but never looked likely to cause an upset. Isley shook Barringer with a right in the fourth and bossed the fight over the closing rounds to win on scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 but the 24-year-old Tokyo Olympian looks a little light in the punching department. Barringer had won his last three fights.
Knyba vs. Harper
Polish giant Knyba stops Harper in the eighth. At 6’7” Knyba towered over a seriously overweight Harper. Knyba started well using his longer reach (86” which might be the longest of active boxers) to land his jab and following through with right crosses and Harper lost a point for hitting on the break. Knyba continued to control the fight over the second and third but was cut over his left eye by a punch in the fourth. Despite blood dripping down the side of his face from the cut Knyba comfortably boxed his way through the fifth but Harper had a good sixth and tested Knyba’s chin with a heavy right in the seventh. Knyba landed a series of rights to the head in the eighth that had Harper shaken and staggering and the referee stopped the fight with twenty seconds remaining inn the round. The 27-year-old Knyba move to seven inside the distance wins and is 4-0 in bouts in the USA. Fifth loss by KO/TKO for Harper who holds the unbeatable record for the quickest defeat as he climbed out of the ring as the bell sounded in the first round giving a stoppage time of 0.01 seconds.
Carrington vs. Chambers
Carrington much too good for Chambers and gets a second round kayo. Chambers survived the first round but dropped to the floor under a torrent of punches in the second and just sat the count out. Fourth victory by KO/TKO for the former elite level amateur. First inside the distance loss for Chambers who was out of his league.
Carson, CA, USA: Super Welter: Brian Mendoza (22-2) W KO 7 Sebastian Fundora (20-1-1). Super-Light: Brandun Lee (28-0) W PTS 10 Pedro Campa (34-4-1). Feather: Luis Nunez (19-0) W PTS 10 Christian Olivo (20-0-1). Welter: Gabriel Maestre (5-0-1) W RTD 3 Devon Alexander (27-8-1). Heavy: Frank Sanchez (22-0,1ND) W TKO1 Daniel Martz (20-11-1). Heavy: Chris Arreola 39-7-1, 2ND) W KO 2 Matthew McKinney (13-7-3). Fly: Gabriela Fundora (11-0,1ND) W PTS 8 Maria Santizo (1132).
Mendoza vs. Fundora
Mendoza comes from a long way behind to knock out Fundora in the seventh round and win the interim WBC belt.
Round 1
Fundora had huge edges in reach and height (almost 8”) and he used those to keep pushing out jabs to keep Mendoza on the back foot. Fundora hardly used his right and his jabs were light prods but he landed some whereas Mendoza just could not get close enough to connect.
Score: 10-9 Fundora
Round 2
Mendoza darted inside and scored with a pair of hooks but was then again stuck on the end of Fundora’s jab. Fundora did little except dab Mendoza with jabs and add an occasional left doing just enough to take the round with Mendoza just swiping wildly and missing badly.
Score: 10-9 FundoraFundora 20-18
Round 3
More action in this round than the other two combined. Mendoza had some success with hooks but Fundora was throwing more and landing some good lefts. Instead of standing off he was taking then fight inside scoring with sharp left hooks and uppercuts and putting Mendoza under pressure.
Score: 10-9 FundoraFundora 30-27
Round 4
A very forgettable round. Fundora just kept sticking Mendoza with right jabs and when Mendoza overreached when lunging forward Fundora allowed himself a left hook. Mendoza was again reduced to slinging single wild punches.
Score: 10-9 FundoraFundora 40-36
Round 5
Mendoza managed to get inside and stayed there for much of the round. They were trading hooks and uppercuts with Fundora getting them better of the exchanges. Mendoza was warned for holding as he tried keep Fundora from getting outside but Fundora was happy where he was as he continued to score with short punches and Mendoza was taking plenty of punishment.
Score: 10-9 FundoraFundora 50-45
Round 6
This one was mostly fought inside with Mendoza trying to deny Fundora punching room. However, Mendoza was not working inside and Fundora was landing more hooks and uppercuts with Mendoza getting a second warning for holding and doing very little clean work.
Score: 10-9 FundoraFundora 60-54
Round 7
The round started with Mendoza firing a couple of hooks but missing. Fundora then had his jab working until as he pulled his right hand from throwing a jab out of the blue a booming left hook crashed onto Fundora’s chin. He stood still for a second and then folded at the knees staggering backwards. Mendoza came after him and landed a right and left that sent Fundora down on his back. He managed to sit up but then watched and seemed to talk to the referee even as he was being counted out. A stunning finish and a huge upset. Mendoza wins the WBC interim belt but it could prove to be a blind alley as Jermell Charlo holds all four titles and a fight with unbeaten Tim Tszyu, which would fulfil the WBO mandatory obligation, is next for him with pressure to defend the WBA and IBF titles surely to follow. This was obviously a huge blow for Fundora who was having it too easy being six points up on two cards and three on the third and he paid for his overconfidence. He is just 25 and will be back but with a question mark on his chin to bee answered.
Lee vs. Campa
Lee outpoints Campa in an exciting clash of power punchers. The first bell was effectively a declaration of war as these two came out throwing bombs. Lee was quicker and more active but Campa was looking to trade punches and they hammered away at each other for three minutes. By the second Campa was already marked up but he took the fight to Lee although a left hook dislodged his mouthguard. The high-volume action continued in the third and fourth with Lee getting the better of the frenzied exchanges adding more bumps and bruises to Campa’s face and with Campa again losing his mouthguard. Campa rebounded in the fifth doing some great work inside but he took heavy punishment in the sixth with a left hook again dislodging his mouthguard which resulted in a warning from the referee. Lee had built a good lead but Campa landed strong shots to the body in the seventh but again a left hook sent Campa’s mouthguard flying. Lee dropped his pace in the eighth but the ninth was brutal as they stood and traded punch after punch. First Lee was driving Campa back then Campa was driving Lee back as they fired punches with defence a rank outsider in the list of priorities. Lee felt he had this one won and he let Campa lead most of the way in the tenth and took the decision on scores of 100-90,98-92 and 97-93. Lee a deserving winner but the scorers conceal how hard Campa made Lee work for every point. Lee, 23, is Nom 13 with the WBC as he continues his run of wins over good quality opposition. Campa lost only one of his first 36 fights but lost on a seventh round stoppage against Teo Lopez in August.
Nunez vs. Olivo
Nunez protects his WBA No 4 ranking with a wide but controversial decision over Olivo. To some extent it was quality vs. quantity. Over the first two round the aggressive Olivo was taking the fight to Nunez with a high punch rate giving him the edge over the more accurate work from Nunez. The third was close but the better skills of Nunez looked to have given him the edge and he built on that shaking Olivo with a right in the fourth in which Olivo went down twice, with neither time resulting in a count, and taking the fifth and sixth. Olivo just kept coming and had an impressive seventh with Nunez under heavy fire and shaken. Nunez had a better eighth landing some good right hooks but Oliva rebounded from that to edge the ninth. Olivo was cut over his left eye in a clash of heads early in the tenth and Nunez just did enough to edge the last which might have just earned him a very narrow decision. The judges saw a different fight scoring it 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93 for Nunez. I might have gone with 96-94 but these scores looked too wide for what had been a close fight. Nunez still has hopes of a title shot somewhere down the line and Olivo will rebound.
Maestre vs. Alexander
Maestre wins over Alexander on a fourth round retirement. In the first Alexander was circling Maestre just flicking out jabs with Maestre looking for an opening. The pesky southpaw jabs and plenty of upper body movement from Alexander were frustrating Maestre’s attempts to land anything of consequence. Maestre came out determined in the second throwing more punches but he was still finding Alexander an elusive target and was tagged by a couple of lefts. Alexander was getting the better of the exchanges until Maestre found the target with a series of hooks than sent Alexander back and down. Alexander got up and the bell went during the count. Alexander scored well at the start of the third but Maestre landed a succession of punches as the round closed. During the interval there was a long discussion in Alexander’s corner involving the doctor, and Alexanders team which went well beyond the one minute and eventually the fight was waived over with Alexander retiring. There is a wealth of amateur experience behind the six fight pro experience of Venezuelan Maestre but at 36 he has to be a man in a hurry. Alexander 35 was having his first fight since August 2021 and this was a bad night for him.
Sanchez vs. Martz
Sanchez disposes of Martz with three knockdowns in the first round. A couple of body punches dropped Martz for the first knockdown. The second came from a right that looked to land on Martz shoulder. No doubt about the third which was caused by a heavy right cross to the head and as Martz went down the referee waived the fight off. All over in 101 seconds. The 30-year-old Cuban is No 2 with the WBO and like all of the other top fighters in the division is waiting for the Usyk vs. Fury fight to be on or off-but something-so the rest can get on with their careers. Tenth loss by KO/TKO for Martz.
Arreola vs. McKinney
In his first fight since May 2021 Arreola beats McKinney in two rounds. A right to the body sent McKinney down and he was unable to beat the count. At 42 it seems there is still some life in Arreola. McKinney, 41, had put on 35lbs since his last fight inn December but was still giving away 35lbs to Arreola.
Fundora vs. Santizo
Fundora saved some family pride as she outpointed Guatemalan Santizo on scores of 79-72 twice and 77-74, Fundora dropped Santizo inn the sixth but did not escape unscathed as a Santizo punch opened a cut on the bridge of her nose in the fourth. How the 5’1” Santizo managed to reach the nose of the 5’9” Fundora is a mystery.
Tokyo, Japan: Light Fly: Kenshiro Teraji (21-1) W TKO 9 Anthony Olascuaga (5-1). Feather: Relya Abe (25-3-1) W PTS 12 Kiko Martinez (44-12-2). Welter: Jin Sasaki (15-1-1) W TKO 3 Keita Obara (26-5-1). Bantam: Takuma Inoue (18-1) W PTS 12 Liborio Solis (35-7-1,1ND).
Teraji vs. Olascuaga
Teraji retains the WBC and WBA belts with a ninth round stoppage of substitute Olascuaga in a one-sided conhtest.
Round 1
A fast-paced opening round. Teraji was dancing around Olascuaga sliding home jabs and adding in quick body punches. Olascuaga Had a little spell of trying to close down Teraji and scored with a couple of body punches but Teraji finished with a burst of shots to head and body.
Score: 10-9 Teraji
Round 2
Teraji was circling Olascuaga spearing him with jabs with Olascuaga not fast enough to counter. Teraji was choosing his moment to dart in with a jab and a straight right and Olascuaga just could not pin him down. Teraji changed his tactics and he was then the one coming forward forcing Olascuaga onto the back foot and scoring with rights.
Score: 10-9 TerajiTeraji 20-18
Round 3
Olascuaga piled into Teraji at the start of this round driving forward and finally having some success connecting with hooks to the body. From there, with the exception of a good right to the head, it was all Teraji. Going forward or back he was scoring with jabs uppercuts and straight rights. Just before the bell as they came together Teraji connected with a right to the head that knocked Olascuaga off balance and he put both gloves on the canvas to stop going down. After the count there was not enough time for Teraji to build on that.
Score: 10-8 TerajiTeraji 30-26
Round 4
Olascuaga made an aggressive start to the round but just could not land anything on the elusive Teraji and jabs and straight rights had him backing up. Olascuaga was gutsy but he was being outclassed boxing in survival mode for much of the round and hoping for Teraji to walk onto a counter.
Score: 10-9 TerajiTeraji 40-35
Official Scores: Judge Nobuto Ikehara 40-35 Teraji, Judge Hisatoshi Miyazaki 40-35 Teraji, David Sutherland 40-35 Teraji.
Round 5
For much of the round it was target practice for Teraji. After a brief early success with a couple of body punches Olascuaga spent much of the round against the ropes hiding behind a high guard whilst Teraji raked him with punches. When Olascuaga did come forward Teraji banged home straight rights that sent Olascuaga on the retreat again.
Score: Teraji 10-9Teraji 50-44
Round 6
A better round from Olascuaga but one he still lost. He was able to get Teraji to stand and trade punches and scored with a couple of head punches and good body shots. Teraji was throwing more and landing more and he took over the middle of the round landing jabs, hooks and some nice uppercuts with Olascuaga having a modicum of success with body punches late in the round.
Score: 10-9 TerajiTeraji 60-53
Round 7
It was toe-to-toe stuff briefly at the start of this round as both banged away to head and body. Olascuaga refused to be backed-up and stayed inside trading until a series of body punches had him hurt and in retreat. Teraji followed him around the ropes pounding away with body punches. Olascuaga rebounded and at the bell they were toe-to-toe again with both ripping home body punches and uppercuts.
Score: 10-9 TerajiTeraji 70-62
Round 8
Teraji took this round off. He was just dancing on his toes stabbing Olascuaga with an occasional jab and some straight rights but not pressing his attacks. Olascuaga mostly chased in vain but he finished the round strongly scoring with a series of head punches and taking the round.
Score: 10-9 OlascuagaTeraji 79-72
Official Scores: Judge Nobuto Ikehara 80-71 Teraji, Judge Hisatoshi Miyazaki 79-72 Teraji, David Sutherland 79-72 Teraji.
Round 9
Both were ready to swap shots from the start of this one. For a few seconds Olascuaga was giving as good as he was getting but then Teraji unleashed a torrent of punches that had Olascuaga stumbling back to the ropes. Teraji continued to bombard Olascuaga with punches driving him down. l Olascuaga slid down the ropes until his rear went half way through the bottom rope so that he was sitting on the ring apron at which point the referee came in to save Olascuaga
Teraji lost his WBC title in a surprise stoppage by Masamichi Yabuki in September 2021 but regained it by halting Yabuki in March last year and won the WBA belt with a stoppage of Hiroto Kyoguchi in November. He will now be looking to unify the title further against either IBF champion Sivenathi Nontshinga or WBO belt holder Jonathan Gonzalez who he was to have fought on the show until Gonzalez fell ill. Olascuaga was in way over his head. He had never actually fought at light fly and was listed as No 26 by Box Rec. He showed good skills and plenty of guts but as to his quality we will only find that out when he has more fights.
Abe vs. Martinez
Abe takes a wide unanimous decision over veteran Martinez in their IBF title eliminator. In his usual manner Martinez stormed forward in the first and second and landed some good punches twice rocking Abe with uppercuts aiming to hustle Abe out of his comfort zone. Abe boxed cooly behind his southpaw jab and found the target with counters in the third opening a cut on the bridge of Martinez’s nose. He found plenty of openings for counters as Martinez surged forward in the fourth. Martinez did better in the fifth making it a close round. Abe was cut over his right eye in the sixth but landed heavily in the round. Accurate jabs and counters on the wide open Martinez had the Spaniard leaking blood from his nose in the seventh and Abe was in control. Martinez was still trying to apply pressure but Abe was avoiding his rushes with slick footwork and landing jarring jabs and heavily counters. By the ninth Abe was also bleeding from the nose so there was plenty of blood around and Abe seemed to dial things back a bit in the tenth and then
outboxed a tiring Martinez over the eleventh and twelfth. Scores 119-109 twice and 117-111 for Abe. He is now the mandatory challenger to Luis Alberto Lopez who unseated Josh Warrington in December. Former IBF super bantam and feather title holder Martinez is now 37. He had been written off a few times but must surely be near the end of a great career.
Sasaki vs. Obara
Sasaki blasts out Obara in a defence of his WBO Asia Pacific title. Sasaki came out firing punches trying to blow the more experienced Obara away. Obara looked fragile and seemed to lack the power to keeping the raging younger fighter off. Sasaki continued his ferocious attacks in the second but leaving himself open and a right from Obara sent him reeling back and down. After the count he again piled into Obara and at the end of the round landed a succession of punches including a right upper cut that shook Obara. A hurtful left hook to the body at the start of the third sent Obara down doubled up with pain. Obara beat the count but a thundering right tom the head put him down on his back and the referee immediately stopped the fight. Win No 14 by KO/TKO for 21-year-old Sasaki. It might be the end of the round for Obara, the WBO No 8 and a former challenger for both the IBF and IBO super light titles. He is now 36 and this was a brutal kayo.
Inoue vs. Solis
The WBA bantam title remains the property of the Inoue family as younger brother Takuma outpoints Solis to win the title that Naoya relinquished to chase after a title at super bantam. Solis was quicker off the mark and edged Inoue to take the first round as with the twenty-four years age difference he might need to pick up rounds early as he was more likely to tire over the second half of the fight. Inoue did better in the second landing a strong right to the head in a slow round and he also captured the third. Solis upped his pace in the fourth and in the fifth as he missed with a punch his elbow opened a bad cut over the left eye of Inoue. Good defensive work and a fair amount of holding by Inoue meant that Solis was working hard but not always usefully and after the fifth Inoue was in front. From there Solis did begin to labour being rocked by a combination in the sixth and having problems getting past Inoue’s jab. Inoue took no chances and there few highlights as Solis was not able to get inside often enough to seriously threaten Inoue and, in his frustration, he was leaving himself open to counters. Luckily Inoue has little power but he was able to comfortably box his way to success. Scores 118-110. 117-111 and 116-112 for Inoue. He lost to Nordine Oubaali in a challenge for the WBC title in 2019 and has been carefully guided to avoid any risky ventures and with the three other titles vacant challengers will be thin on the ground. Venezuelan Solis, a former IBF and WBA secondary belt holder at super fly, must be near to the end of his caree4r.
APRIL 6
Indio, CA, USA: Fly: Angelino Cordova (18-0-1) W PTS 10Angel Acosta (23-3).
Cordova gets very close unanimous decision over Acosta. It was a fight where the first four rounds were fairly even, Cordova outworked Acosta over the middle rounds, Acosta made the stronger finish but Cordova overcame a cut and a point deduction to take the decision on scores of 95-94 twice and 96-93. The third and fourth went Acosta’s way as Codrova was cut over his left eye in the third and deducted a point for punches to the back of the head in the fourth. Cordova fired back hard to take the fifth, sixth and seventh by outworking Acosta. Over the closings round the harder punching from Acosta had the tiring Cordova losing his mouthguard three times and Acosta looked to have done enough to take the decision. First real test for Venezuelan Cordova. Former WBO light fly champion Acosta was having his first fight for eleven months.
APRIL 7
Moscow, Russia: Cruiser: Yury Kashinsky (21-3) W TKO 3 Ali Ismaylov (20-9-1). Middle: Igor Mikhalkin (26-3) W RTD 3 Elvin Ganbarov (16-2).
Kashinsky vs. Ismaylov
Kashinsky returns to the ring for the first time in seventeen months and snaps a two-bout losing sequence as he stops ancient Azeri Ismaylov in the third round for his nineteenth inside the distance victory. Azeri, 48, was out of action for almost eleven years before returning in July last year and had scored two wins.
Mikhalkin vs. Ganbarov
Mikhalkin gets a win when Ganbarov retires at the end of the third round with an injury tohis right arm. The experienced southpaw outboxed Ganbarov. For three rounds he was flitting around the ring pinging Ganbarov with light jabs and an occasional straight left with Ganbarov unable to pin Mikhalkin down. In the third Ganbarov threw a right which seemed to connect with Mikhalkin’s left elbow. Ganbarov promptly turned away from the action. The fight was briefly stopped but then continued with an obviously injured Ganbarov retiring at the end of the round. Now 37 the former IBO and European title holder will be hoping to get another shot at a title. Azeri Ganbarov lost his unbeaten tag when he was knocked outby 29-1 Johan Gonzalez in March last year.
Brooks, CA, USA: Super Welter: Guido Schramm (16-1-1) W PTS 10 Jahyae Brown (13-0). Super Light: Bryan Flores (24-0-1) W PTS 10Shinard Bunch (20-2-1,1ND) W. Feather: Manuel Avila (25-2-1) W TKO 7 Alberto Torres (11-6-3). Super Welter: Raul Garcia (12-0-1) DREW 8 Robert Terry (9-0-1).
Schramm vs. Brown
Argentinian Schramm comes from behind to get an upset majority decision over Brown. The expectation was that the superior skills of Brown would see him through. The first two rounds were close but Brown was more accurate with his shots and took the fourth and fifth. The sixth saw Brown’s output drop as Schramm continued to plough forward landing heavily to the body. Brown began to fade out of the fight and was badly rocked in the ninth. Schramm won on scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 95-95. Third win in a row for former undefeated national champion Schramm. Brown, who admitted he had lost, was moving up to ten rounds for the first time.
Flores vs. Bunch
It was a bad night for the favourites as highly touted Bunch also ended up a loser. It started well for Bunch as he put together an impressive combination in the first that put Flores down heavily. Flores survived but it took him a while to get into the fight and using his longer reach Bunch built on his first round success with some sharp jabbing and good countering. The fight changed over the middle rounds as Flores caught fire and had Bunch under relentless pressure with Bunch spending more and more time pinned against the ropes. Flores was in control and he did enough to overhaul the lead Bunch had built winning a split decision on scores of 97-92 and 95-94 and 96-93 for Bunch. Twentieth victor in a row Flores who wins the IBF USBA belt. Bunch had scored a win over experienced Henry Lundy in December.
Avila vs. Torres
Avila beats former sparring partner Torres. Avila had Torres on the floor in both the first and second rounds and continued to hand out a serious beating until the doctor pulled the plug as the bell sounded for the start of the seventh round. Avila’s losses have come in fights against Joseph Diaz and Joet Gonzalez. He was out for almost three years after losing to Gonzalez before returning with a win in February. Fifth loss in a row for Torres.
Garcia vs. Terry
This one was close all the way with Terry the better boxer and Garcia busier trying to hustle Terry out of his stride. Terry’s accuracy saw him score well in the second and fourth rounds and Garcia was cut under his right eye in the fifth. Although their records were very much alike Dominican Garcia had a lot more experience of pacing an eight round fight and he finished strongly looking to have taken the last two rounds to get the decision but the judges saw it as a split draw at 77-75 for Garcia, 77-75 for Terry and 76-76. Both fighters remain unbeaten.
Tacoma, WA, USA: Feather: Brandon Valdes (15-3) W PTS 10 Angel Contreras (15-6-2). Super Welter: Neeco Macias (18-2) W RTD 5 Ramon Ayala (25-8-1).
Valdes vs. Contreras
In a Mexico vs. Colombia match it was the South American who came out on top as Valdes outpointed Mexican Contreras on scores of 98-92 twice and 96-94. Valdes wins the vacant WBA Fedebol title.
Macias vs. Ayala
Southpaw Macias returns after three years out with an inside the distance win over Ayala. Macias set a pace that Ayala could not match and Ayala took a beating before retiring at the end of the fifth round.
APRIL 8
Cutral Co, Argentina: Welter: Leandro Fonseca (16-1-1) W TKO 9 Christian Andino W (17-7-2). Super Light: Axel Isla (8-2) W PTS 10 Claudio Daneff (18-3-1). Super Light: Yamila Abellaneda (16-6-1) W PTS 10 Pamela Benavidez (10-13-3).
Fonseca vs. Andino
Fonseca makes a successful first defence of the Argentinian title with stoppage of Andino. Fonseca forced the pace with Andino fighting a mainly defensive fight and there was little action over the first four rounds. From the fifth Fonseca took charge with Andino slowing and fading. Andino could hardly lift his arms in the eighth and lost a point for holding. When the bell went for the start of the ninth Andino left the corner but the towel was thrown in before a punch was exchanged. Fonseca extends his unbeaten run to 16 bouts. Andino is 1-6-2 in his last 9 bouts.
Isla vs. Daneff
Isla gains revenge for a previous defeat and wins the national title with a split decision over champion Daneff. Isla made the perfect start putting Daneff down in the first round with a body punch which proved a decisive moment in the fight. Their styles melded well and there was plenty of action with Daneff boxing and Isla marching forward to fight inside. The roles changed over the late rounds with Isla going onto the back foot and Daneff hustling and Isla having a strong last round to just come out in front. Scores 95-94 twice for Isla and 95-94 for Daneff. Isla gets revenge for a split decision defeat against Daneff for the title in November. Daneff had won his last seven fights.
Abellaneda vs. Benavidez
Abellaneda wins the vacant Argentinian title with a unanimous decision over Benavidez. Although she had lost her last four fights, two of them against Abellaneda, Benavidez put up a good showing. She attacked from the start but despite her efforts the longer reach and better footwork of Abellaneda and some slack defensive work by Benavidez made it very much a one-sided fight but one judge did not see it that way. Two had it 100-90 and the third 95-94! Abellaneda had previously held the nation title at lightweight and she is now 3-0 in fights against Benavidez.
Herstal Belgium: Light: Francesco Patera (28-3) W KO 1 Irakli Shariashvili (8-14-1).
An early night for former undefeated European champion Patera as he ends this mismatch in the first round. A single right to the head ended the fight after just 20 seconds. Tenth consecutive victory for Patera whose career seems to have stagnated lately. Now seven inside the distance losses for Georgian Shariashvili.
Waterford, Ireland: Super Welter: Dylan Moran (18-1) W TKO 6 Mauro Godoy (37-8-1).
Irishman Moran gets a win in his first pro fight in his home town as he stops Argentinian Godoy in the sixth round. Godoy proved a difficult opponent who came to win. Moran boxed on the back foot jabbing and countering the Argentinian who marched forward through out the fight. In the sixth Moran connected with a series of head shots that had Godoy reeling and the referee stopped the fight. Godoy and his team protested long and loud over the stoppage. Eighth win in a row for southpaw Moran. Godoy is 1-6 in his last 7 bouts but he gave Moran a real test.
Fight of the week (Significance): Shakur Stevenson’s win over Shuichiro Yoshino adds another significant factor into the lightweight mix
Fight of the week (Entertainment): Brandun Lee and Pedro Campa went to war
Fighter of the week: Brian Mendoza for his come from behind win over unbeaten Sebastian Fundora with honourable mention to Jesse Rodriguez for fighting through a broken jaw to beat Cristian Gonzalez and win his second title.
Punch of the week: Either the left hook to the body from Jin Sasaki that out Keita Obara down the first time or the belting right hook to the head that flattened Obara for the second knockdown. The body punch from Keyshawn Davis that almost cut Anthony Yigit in half was fearsome and both punches in the left/right combination from Shakur Stevenson that floored Shuichiro Yoshino the second time were a joy to behold but I go for the left hook from Mendoza that effectively finished the Fundora fight.
Upset of the week: Again, Mendoza beating Fundora was nor predicted
Prospect watch: No new names this week
Observations
Rosette: Big shows in Tokyo, Carson, Newark and San Antonio were a feast for the fans so congratulations to the promoters for delivering the goods.
Red Card: Was it really fair to put 5’9” flyweight Gabriela Fundora in with 5’1” Maria Santizo and call it a match?
-When it comes top added records Colombian Angelino Cordova must be right up there with the best. He won his first 16 fights. Fifteen of those no hopers had managed just six wins between them and the opponent who had managed to score 26 wins had lost his last seventeen fights but he must be doing something right as he outpointed Angel Acosta on Thursday.
-There can’t be too many still active fighters who competed at both the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games before turning pro after the 2004 Games. That’s the proud boast of Azeri Ali Ismaylov. He was inactive from November 2011 until returning with a win in July 2022 and although now 48 had a fight on Friday-but lost.
-Yet another big heavyweight won on Saturday as 6’7” Pole Damain Knyba stopped Curtis Harper. Knyba claims to have the longest reach in boxing at 86”.
- I was impressed with the power of Jared Anderson’s jab as it reminded me of the way that Sonny Liston dominated and intimidated opponents with his jab. It is very different today, Liston was 6’2” and fought at around 213lbs so he would be a Bridgerweight today!!! WOW
- There was some strange scoring at the weekend. In the fight for the vacant Argentinian super light title two judges scored it 100-90 for Yamila Abellaneda and the third had her winning 95-94 but all three watch the same fight. Just another normal week in boxing
- I can’t remember seeing scoring comparable to that in the Tapales vs. Akhmadaliev fight. Two judges had Tapales winning all of the first six rounds but only one of the last six and one judge gave Tapales the first two round but none of the remaining ten!
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