The Past Week in Action 27 April 2023: Tank Davis Stops Ryan Garcia; Morrell KOs Falcao; Cordina Defeats Rakhimov
By Eric Armit
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 26 Apr 2023
Highlights:
- Gervonta Davis kayos Ryan Garcia in the seventh round of their catchweight contest
-David Morrell knocks out Yamaguchi Falcao in the first round in defence of his secondary WBA super middleweight title and on the same show there are wins for Bektemir Melikuziev, Elijah Garcia, Fiodor Czerkaszyn, Vito Mielnicki and Floyd Schofield
-Joe Cordina regains the IBF super-featherweight title with a split decision over champion Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov
-Michal Cieslak wins the vacant European cruiserweight title with stoppage of Dylan Bregeon
-Lukasz Rozanskj stops Alen Babic in the first round to win the vacant WBC Bridgerweight title and on the same show heavyweight Martin Bakole stops Ukrainian Ihor Shevadzutskyi and Laura Grzyb wins the vacant European female super bantamweight title with victory over Maria Cecchi
-Gavin Gywnne retains the British lightweight title with stoppage of Craig Woodruff, Zelfa Barrett outpoints Jason Sanchez and Sandy Ryan wins the vacant WBO female welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Marie Pier Houle
World Title/Major Shows
April 22
Las Vegas, NV, USA: Super Light: Gervonta Davis (29-0) W KO 7 Ryan Garcia (23-1). Super Middle: David Morrell (9-0) W TKO 1 Yamaguchi Falcao (24-2-1). Super Middle: Bektemir Melikuziev (12-1) W PTS 10 Gabriel Rosado (26-17-1). Middle: Elijah Garcia (15-0) W PTS 10 Kevin Salgado (15-2-1). Middle: Fiodor Czerkaszyn (22-0) W TKO 9 Elias Espadas (22-6,1ND). Super Welter: Vito Mielnicki (15-1) W TKO 4 Jose Sanchez Charles (20-4-1). Light: Floyd Schofield (14-0) W TKO 2 Jesus Leon (23-2-2).
Davis vs. Garcia
Davis beats Garcia on a count out in the seventh round of a highly-anticipated but eventually disappointing catchweight contest
Round 1
In an overly cautious round Garcia was coming forward looking to make use of his longer reach to score with jabs. Davis was circling carefully just prodding with his right jab. Garcia landed a left jab to the ribs. It was two minutes into the round before Davis fired a punch and he came up short. They both threw jabs but neither connected and it was only for the little success that Garcia did have early that I gave the first round
Score:10-9 Garcia
Round 2
After a few seconds of caution Garcia launched a furious attack closing with David throwing hooks with Davis ducking inside and holding. Garcia continued his attack throwing rights from in close and again Davis ducked inside and held. Garcia scored with a right hook and as he followed inside Davis caught him with a short left hook to the head that dropped Garcia. He was up quickly and Davis did not press his advantage firing a couple of punches which came up short.
Score: 10-8 DavisDavis 19-18
Round 3
For entertainment this was a long way from fight of the day let alone fight of the year. Davis was coming forward and did connect with some straight lefts but Garcia was too tentative and the majority of punches from both were just prodded jabs with no wilful intent. The few lefts Davis landed gave him the round. If the fighters were less high profile the crowd would have been shouting for more action. The CompuBox stats showed that over the three completed rounds Davis had landed seven punches and Garcia 14!
Score: 10-9 DavisDavis 29-27
Round 4
Garcia landed a right to the head and Davis paid him back with three lefts to the body as the action hotted up. Garcia connected with a right but again Davis scored with straight lefts to edge the round but it was all one punch at a time stuff with no real exchanges.
Score: 10-9 DavisDavis 39-36
Official Scores: Judge Tim Cheatham 39-37* Davis, Judge Dave Moretti 39-38* Davis, Judge Steve Weisfeld 39-37* Davis
(Despite the knockdown of Garcia Judges Cheatham and Steve Weisfeld scored the second round 10-9 for Davis and Moretti scored the round 10-10)
Round 5
The pattern had not changed much. Davis was still circling and circling just extending his arm and looking for an opening and Garcia seemed reluctant to commit himself after the second round knockdown. There was very little action until Davis darted forward scoring with hooks to the body.
Score: 10-9 Davis Davis 49-45
Round 6
There was more action in this round. Garcia finally closed Davis down then came inside and landed a couple of useful rights. Davis replied with some good lefts and continued to come forward connecting with lefts to the body. Garcia got through with a couple of jabs and two right crosses one of which had Davis stumbling back and just did enough to take the round.
Score: 10-9 GarciaDavis 58-55
Round 7
Garcia started well landing a right hook to the head. Davis landed again with lefts to the body and then as they traded in close Davis landed a left to the ribs. Initially Garcia showed no effect from the punch but as they sprang apart he backed up pushing out a couple of jabs and then dropped to one knee and watched the count without trying to rise.
Now 27 wins by KO/TKO for Davis. His secondary WBA title was not on the line and it is hoped he will go on and face the winner of Devin Haney vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko. Garcia was heavily criticised over taking the count the way he did. He is only 24 so there is time for him to come again to satisfy his critics.
Morrell vs. Falcao
Morrell retains the secondary WBA title as he obliterates Falcao inside a round. Falcao was looking to impose himself on Morrell moving forward jabbing strongly. Morrell then used his longer reach to force Falcao back and banged home two right hooks and a left to the head. He continued his attack firing hooks from both hands before Falcao tried to force him back with jabs. Morrell connected with a hook and an uppercut sending Falcao to the ropes and then landed two more hooks that staggered Falcao and he dropped to a sitting position on the ropes. The referee gave him a count and when the action resumed Morrell cracked Falcao with more hooks and Falcao fell forward clutching Morrell to stay upright. The referee separated them and Morrell landed a clubbing left that sent Falcao to the ropes and then put him down and out with a vicious right hook with the referee waiving the fight over as Falcao lay face down on the canvas. The 25-year-old Cuban was impressive in this one but holding the secondary WBA title will only become important if Saul Alvarez vacate or losses to John Ryder. Brazilian Falcao was No 6 with the WBA but had never faced an opponent remotely near being rated and was No 94 in the BoxRec ratings.
Melikuziev vs. Rosado
Melikuziev gains revenge for a third round kayo loss to Rosado in 2021as he wins by a wide margin on all three judge’s scorecards. It looked as though this might be close as the first two rounds were fairly even. Melikuziev picked up the pace in the third getting through with some hefty lefts with Rosado not quick enough to counter. The fourth saw more of the same as Melikuziev also scored with right jabs and stinging lefts and Rosado waiting too long before letting his punches go. A left from Melikuziev staggered Rosado in the fifth but he did not capitalise on that. Rosado was livelier in the seventh and eighth letting his hands go but that was also putting himself in target range for Melikuziev who scored with counters with Rosado coming back with some rights late in the round. Melikuziev was on top in the ninth getting past Rosado’s high guard with lefts. Rosado needed a knockout in the tenth but it was Melikuziev who banged home the power punches to emerge a winner on the three cards which all read 99-91 for the Uzbek. These two have headed in different directions after Rosado’s shock win in 2021. Melikuziev had scored four wins over modest opposition and is rated WBO 8 and WBA 12. Rosado, now 40, had lost fights against Jaime Munguia, Shane Mosley Jr and Ali Akhmedov and announced his retirement after this loss.
Garcia vs. Salgado
Second good win in seven weeks for teenager Garcia as he outpoints Mexican Salgado. The first three rounds were close with Salgado having the edge and Garcia suffering a nose injury as their heads clashed. Garcia upped his pace from the fourth and Salgado was the one under pressure with his punch output dropping. Garcia out landed Salgado in the fifth and sixth and took the seventh with the addition bonus of Salgado being deducted a point in the seventh for low blows. Salgado rallied briefly in the eighth but Garcia was stronger and fitter and swept the last two rounds to emerge a good winner on scores of 97-92 twice and 95-94. Arizonan southpaw Garcia, 19, had stopped 16-0 Amilcar Vidal last month and has power and skill. Salgado’s other loss was against then unbeaten Joey Spencer in September.
Czerkaszyn vs. Espadas
Czerkaszyn stops Espadas in nine rounds. The pattern of the fight was set early with Czerkaszyn using a stiff jab to keep Espadas on the back foot with Espadas bobbing and weaving under Czerkaszyn’s punches to work inside. It was a messy fight with few highlights as their styles did not mix. What clean work there was was coming from Czerkaszyn with Espadas occasionally dangerous with wild right swipes. Czerkaszyn connected with a series of punches to head and body in the fifth with Espadas looking to be badly shaken but he came though the crisis. Espadas looked to be tiring by the seventh round and was trapped in a corner and under heavy fire at the bell. The referee asked the doctor to examine Espadas in the interval. The fight continued with Espadas shipping more punishment in the eighth and the fight should have been stopped but that only delayed the end which came in the ninth. Espadas soaked up some more heavy hits before the referee eventually stepped in and stopped the fight. The Ukrainian-born Pole has fourteen wins by KO/TKO and was coming off a win over useful Nathaniel Gallimore but he has a fragile look to him and may struggle again higher level opposition. Espadas had his last fight in August when he was stopped in five rounds by Xander Zayas.
Mielnicki vs. Charles
Mielnicki disposes of Charles with three knockdowns. In the first round Mielnicki’s accurate jabbing had already opened a cut and brought blood from the nose of Charles. He continued to score heavily in the second dropping Charles twice. Both knockdowns came from rights to the head with Charles making it to his feet as the bell went to end the round. It was over just 33 seconds into the fourth when right dropped Charles and the referee waived the fight over without a count. Still only 20 Mielnicki won numerous Junior Tournaments and claims a 147-22 record in the Juniors. He suffered an unexpected loss to 6-2 James Martin in 2021 but has recovered from that with seven victories. Mexican Charles lost on points against Austin Trout in December and this is his first inside the distance loss.
Schofield vs. Leon
Schofield marches on. “The Austin Kid” destroys Mexican Leon in two rounds. Schofield floored Leon three times for a second round victory. The last knock down came from a savage right counter with no count necessary as Leon was never going to beat the count. Then 20-year-old is being matched with decent level opposition (apart from Leon) for a fighter at this stage of his career. This is his eleventh inside the distance finish and his first defence of the WBA International belt. Leon’s record heavily padded with substandard opposition.
Cardiff, Wales: Super Feather: Joe Cordina (16-0) W PTS 12 Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov (17-1-1). Super Feather: Zelfa Barrett (29-2) W PTS 12 Jason Sanchez (16-4). Light: Gavin Gwynne (16-2-1) W TKO 5 Craig Woodruff (12-7-1). Welter: Sandy Ryan (6-1) W PTS 10 Marie Houle (8-1-1). Cruiser: Jordan Thompson (15-0) W TKO 6 Luke Watkins (16-3). Feather: Skye Nicolson (7-0) W PTS 8 Linda Lecca (15-7-2,4ND).
Cordina vs. Rakhimov
Cordina regains the IBF title with split decision over champion Rakhimov in a titanic battle that has to be a candidate for Fight of the Year
Round 1
Rakhimov came out putting Codina under pressure as he advanced behind a high guard. Codina was constantly moving changing direction and slipping away from Rakhimov’s attacks. Cordina was piercing Rakhimov’s guard with jabs and connecting with body punches as Rakhimov strived unsuccessfully to pin him down
Score: 10-9 Cordina
Round 2
More pressure from Rakhimov and Cordina chose to stand and trade hooks with Rakhimov getting the better of the exchanges. Strange tactics from Cordina as he was standing in front of Rakhimov and not using his better skills. The pace was frantic as they went toe-to-toe and both fired hooks and uppercuts. Cordina scored with a series of hooks and blocked most of Rakhimov’s. Cordina then connected with two lefts that floored Rakhimov. Rakhimov was up quickly and after the count Cordina landed some crunching uppercuts but then Rakhimov fired back and was outlanding Cordina at the bell. A mad pace but plenty of action in a great round.
Score: 10-8 CordinaCordina 20-17
Round 3
No let up in the pace as Rakhimov had Cordina backing up under a storm of jabs and hooks and there was little coming back from Cortina. Rakhimov was throwing burst of six or seven punches at a time. Cordina had scored with some good single shots but had practically taken the round off.
Score: 10-9 RakhimovCordina 29-27
Round 4
Rakhimov was just pumping out punches going for volume but most were blocked or missing. Cordina was boxing sliding jabs and straight rights through Rakhimov’s guard and slipping away from Rakhimov’s punches. He was letting Rakhimov waste energy whilst scoring with sharp and accurate single shots. Rakhimov landed a good left but then just fired wildly.
Score: 10-9 CordinaCordina 39-36
Round 5
Cordina was not moving as much and that allowed Rakhimov to trap Cordina on the ropes and score with body punches. Rakhimov then landed a big right to the chin that snapped Cordin’s head back and Codina was suddenly in trouble. Rakhimov pinned him against the ropes and hammered home shots from both hands. Cordina tried to hold but Rakhimov shook him off and continued his attacks. Cordina then landed a counter that sent Rakhimov back on his heels and they stood and traded punches again.
Score:10-9 RakhimovCordina 48-46
Round 6
After a slower start to this round a clash of heads seemed to shake Cordina and Rakhimov piled on the punches with Cordina trying to hold. Cordina was landing good quality single shots and Rakhimov going for quantity. A right from Cordina sliced open a cut over Rakhimov’s left eye in a close round which Rakhimiov just edged.
Score: 10-9 RakhimovCordina 57-56
Round 7
Rakhimov’s left eye was closing and Cordina took advantage of that changing angles to come at Rakhimov from the side where his vision was limited and scoring with jabs and straight rights. He kept landing the rights on the advancing Rakhimov and banged home a right that had had Rakhimov backing off and it was a dominate round for Cordina.
Score: 10-9 CordinaCordina 67-65
Round 8
After dominant the last round Cordina did little in this round Rakhimov was marching forward punching and getting through with hooks to the body. Cordina was just throwing single punches and he was rocked by a left hook to the head.
Score: 10-9 RakhimovCordina 76-75
Round 9
Classy boxing from Cordina in this round. Rakhimov was still marching forward but Cordina was sticking him with jabs then moving around him and landing jabs and quick rights. Rakhimov kept punching but Cordina was blocking them and countering again with single, hard accurate counters and shook Rakhimov with a right.
Score: 10-9 CordinaCordina 86-84
Round 10
Rakhimov was not going to let his title slip away. He stormed into Cordina for the whole three minutes pumping out punches as if it was the first round not the tenth. Cordina was kept too busy defending himself to counter effectively
Score: 10-9 RakhimovCordina 95-94
Round 11
Cordina’s round. He boxed more not letting Rakhimov close enough often enough for the champions usual stream of punches. He was picking Rakhimov off and landed two consecutive neck-snapping uppercuts. Rakhimov finished the round with a big attack but it weas not enough.
Score: 10-9 CordinaCordina 105-103
Round 12
Rakhimov attacked hard in the last but Cordina moved well and landed the better quality punches. Rakhimov kept chasing but Cordina was slippery and winning the exchanges.
Score: 10-9 CordinaCordina 115-112
Official Scores: Judge Alex Levin 116-112 Rakhimov, Judge Pawel Karsyni 115-112 Cordina, Judge Phil Edwards 114-113 Cordina
Rakhimov was making the first defence of the title he won by beating Zelfa Barrett in November. The knockdown was critical. It looked as though Rakhimov was on the way to winning the round which would have been a 10-9 for him but instead it was scored 8-10. Cordina’s movement, defensive work and the accuracy of his punches won him his rounds and although close he just deserved the decision. This was a great fight and would make a great return.
Barrett vs. Sanchez
Barrett wins the vacant WBA Continental title with a unanimous decision over an aggressive Sanchez. A studied opening from Barrett as he boxed on the back foot painting Sanchez face with jabs and scoring with a sharp right counters on the ever advancing Sanchez. The visitor had some success early in the second trapping Barrett against the ropes and firing hooks but Barrett covered well and rocked Sanchez twice with rights. A right in the third buckled Sanchez at the knees but he continued to be the aggressor in the fourth. In the fifth Sanchez landed a couple of overhand rights but was then nailed by a big right from Barrett. Sanchez folded at the knees and then went down on his hands and knees. He got up and walked a couple of paces and dropped again. He was up at eight and defied Barret’s attempts to put him down again. Sanchez made it to the bell and then rebounded to have the edge in the sixth and seventh and outscored Barrett in the eighth. Sanchez continued to march forward but slick boxing, constant movement and accurate jabs and counters saw Barrett picking up the late rounds and he outboxed Sanchez in the last. Scores 119-108, 118-110 and 116-111 for Barrett. He was having his first fight since losing on a ninth round stoppage against Rakhimov for the vacant IBF title in November. After losing consecutive fights against Chrisopher Diaz and Adam Lopez Sanchez was out for two years before returning with a win in February.
Gwynne vs. Woodruff
In an all-Welsh battle Gwynne retains the British title as he batters and bludgeons Woodruff to defeat in five rounds. Gwynne was chasing down Woodruff from the start. Woodruff was boxing cleverly on the retreat catching the oncoming Gwynne with counters. No love lost between these two and it was nasty from the first. Gwynne’s relentless pressure quickly began to tell and he was having success pinning Woodruff against the ropes and digging in hooks to the body from both hands. By the third Woodruff was no longer flitting about the ring but was being dragged into a brawl and spent most of that round and the fourth against the ropes as Gwynne worked him over with hooks and uppercuts. There was no power in Woodruiff’s punches and he could not fight his way off the ropes. It looked as though the end was near as Woodruff was only fighting back sporadically but he got some needed respite when Gwynne lost his mouthguard. The fight stopped until it was replaced and the bell came with Woodall looking a spent force. Gwynne was remorseless in the fifth. Woodruff banged back but was slowly ground down and was taking heavy punishment when the referee stopped the fight. These two had fought to a majority draw in September but it was different story here as Gwynne was just too strong for Woodruff
Ryan vs. Houle
Ryan wins the vacant WBO female title as she outpoints Houle. Canadian Houle started at a suicidal pace rushing Ryan and trying to overwhelm her. Ryan stayed steady and used her strength and reach to counter Houler’s attacks. Houle continued to take the fight to Ryan but was wild with her punches and getting caught with some corrosive shots from Ryan. Ryan scored heavily in the sixth with Houle doing well to get through the round and she was under lots of pressure again as Ryan pounded her with punches in the eighth. Both tired with Ryan lasting the distance better but Houle never stopped fighting back. Scores 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 for Ryan.
Thompson vs. Watkins
Thompson retains the IBF European title with sixth round stoppage of seasoned pro Watkins. The 6’6” Thompson should have been comfortable with his five inch height advantage but mixed it more than necessary. Watkins was very much in the fight until Thompson’s body punches broke him down. He was on the floor twice in the sixth from body punches and the fight was stopped. Now seven victories in his last eight fights by KO/TKO for Thompson. Former Commonwealth champion Watkins suffered consecutive defeats against Lawrence Okolie and Isaac Chamberlain in 2018 and although scoring three wins since then he had hardly been active with this only his fourth fight in four years.
Nicolson vs. Lecca
Nicolson wins every round against Peruvian Lecca. Nicolson was in charge all the way with Lecca never really a threat at any time. Nicolson was able to score with her right jab and straight lefts to head and body with Lecca showing some good defensive work but no offence and the referee scored the one-sided contest 80-72 for Nicolson. The Australian is still looking for her first inside the distance win but will soon be ready for a title shot. Former WBA super fly title holder Lecca is too small to be competitive at featherweight and was almost in survival mode from the start.
Rzeszow, Poland: Cruiser: Michal Cieslak (24-2,1ND) W KO 4 Dylan Bregeon (12-3-1). Heavy: Martin Bakole (19-1) W TKO 3 Ihor Shevadzutskyi (10-1). Bridgerweight: Lukasz Rozanski (15-0) W TKO 1 Alen Babic (11-1). Super Bantam: Laura Grzyb (9-0) W PTS 10 Maria Cecchi (8-2). Light Heavy: Steed Woodall (18-1-1) W PTS 10 Boris Crighton (11-3).
Cieslak vs. Bregeon
Cieslak wins the vacant European title with a fourth round kayo of Bregeon. The taller Bregeon started trying to use his longer reach but there was not enough power in his jabs to keep Cieslak out. Cieslak was tracking Bregeon around the perimeter of the ring switching guards and looking for openings. He was landing rights to the body and shrugging off counters from Bregeon and ripped home some rights before the bell. In the second Bregeon was again on the back foot being hunted down by Cieslak but doing some useful work with his jab. Cieslak managed to cut off the ring and scored with some hard shots to head and body but late in the round Bregeon landed some useful rights. Cieslak upped the pressure in the third forcing Bregeon to stand and trade punches and Cieslak landed some left hooks to the body and overhand rights as he hustled and harried Bregeon. Early in the fourth Cieslak sent some rights whistling past the head of Bregeon and then connected with one that unhinged Bregeon’s legs. Cislak landed two more rights and Bregeon dropped to one knee. He was up at eight but Cieslak hounded him long the ropes landing more rights until Bregeon again went down on one knee and he was counted out as he was climbing off the canvas. Cielak’s two losses have come on points against Ilunga Makabu for the WBC title and Lawrence Okolie for the WBO title. He is No 4 with the WBO and No 9 with the WBC so still in the picture for a third title shot. Bregeon had suffered back-to-back losses against Fabio Turchi and, in a challenge for this same European title, and against Chris Billiam-Smith in 2021 and collapsed disappointingly here.
Bakole vs. Shevadzutskyi
Bakole floors and stops overmatched Shevadzutskyi. Ukrainian Shevadzutskyi padded forward in the first jabbing and throwing occasional rights to the body. Bakole let him come just pushing out jabs and trying some uppercuts. Over the second half of the round Bakole drove Shevadzutskyi back with jabs, hooks and uppercuts with Shevadzutskyi scoring with right counters but under heavy fire at the bell. Shevadzutskyi came forward again in the second but was floored by a booming left hook. He was up at five and after the count was shaken by uppercuts from Bakole and then battered around the ring with Bakole landing hooks, uppercut and clubbing shots. He bravely tried to punch back but took relentless punishment. He came out for the third round but was pinned against the ropes with Bakole unloading on him when the referee stopped the fight. The Congolese boxer gets his eighth win in a row. Victories over Sergey Kuzmin and Tony Yoka have seen him rated No 2 by the WBA which seems excessively high. Shevadzutskyi no real test but then he was not meant to be one.
Rozanski vs. Babic
Rozanski wins the vacant WBC title as he blitzes Babic in a first round stoppage. Immediately after the bell Rozanski stormed forward throwing punches. Babic managed to force Rozanski back but he surged forward again looking to overwhelm Babic and forced him to the ropes landing a series of punches and Babic went down on one knee. He was up immediately and did not seem to shaken but Rozanski connected with a right to the head that had Babic staggering and stumbling and he fell into the ropes. Rozanski clouted him with lefts and rights and the referee jumped in and stopped the brawl. Rozanski, 37, did not turn pro until he was 29. He has won fourteen of his fights by KO/TKO and never gone past four rounds. Babic protested the stoppage and it did seem a bit premature.
Grzyb vs. Cecchi
Poland collected another European title as Grzyb took a split verdict over Cecchi to win the vacant female title at super bantam. This one was difficult to score with plenty of even rounds. Grzyb was quicker and busier over the first half of the fight with Cecchi boxing on the back foot and countering. Cecchi improved over the second half of the fight but just failed to claw back the early lead of the local fighter. The scoring very variable at 98-92 and 96-94 for Grzyb and 97-93 for Cecchi
Woodall vs. Crighton
In an all-English clash Woodall take a close decision over Crighton no scores of 77-75. Ninth consecutive victory for the boxer from Birmingham. His only loss is against Steve Rolls way back in 2015. He was inactive in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and this is only his third fight in six years whereas Crighton was having his third fight in a month including a creditable loss against Lyndon Arthur in March when he came in as a very late substitute.
APRIL 19
Plant City, FL, USA: Super Welter: Angel Ruiz 18-2-10 W KO 6 Luis Collazo. Super Bantam: Jose Salas (12-0) W PTS 10 Prince Danzie (23-1). Welter: Vadim Musaev (6-0) W KO 1 Martin Alvarez (7-1). Cruiser: Robin Sirwan Safar (16-0) W RTD 5 DeShon Webster 12-7-3.
Ruiz vs. Collazo
Collazo calls time on his long career after being counted out in the sixth round of his fight with Ruiz. The fight started badly for Collazo as in the first he was staggered by a right jab from Ruiz falling into the ropes and being bombarde with punches by the younger and quicker man. Collazo had a much better second. There was plenty of back and forth action with Collazo scoring well with bursts of hooks but Ruiz banged back later in the round. Collazo scored with a series of hooks in the third but there was no snap or power in the shots and Ruiz landed two heavy lefts that sent Collazo down on his back. He beat the count but was trapped on the ropes under fire and fell back with the ropes holding him up and he was given a count. Collazo made it through the round but took serious punishment in the fourth being sent reeling under a series of hooks and uppercuts. Collazo looked exhausted but went to the well for one last time in the fifth blasting Ruiz with hooks and uppercuts but the storm blew out and Collazo retreated after Ruiz landed a hard body punch. It was over in the sixth when a right to the body sent Collazo down on his hands and knees and he was counted. Highest profile win so far for Ruiz who after going 16-0 was 1-2-1 in his last 4 fights. At 42 Collazo was just a shell and had been largely inactive. He turned pro in May 2000 and went 25-1, including winning the secondary WBA welterweight title in April 2005, but lost in his second defence against Ricky Hatton in May 2006 and failed to win any of his three later challenges for titles.
Salas vs. Danzie
Salas proves too quick and too mobile for Ghanaian Danzie. Salas was able to literally box rings around a slow and mainly static Danzie. Salas constantly circled Danzie spearing him with jabs and darting in to connect with a burst of punches and get away before Danzie could counter. Salas elected to stand and trade late in the fight and Danzie was then dangerous with his hooks. Danzie was down in the ninth seemingly from a left hook but the replay showed he had tripped over Salas’ foot. Salas then coasted through the tenth winning 100-89 on all three judge’s cards. Impressive performance from the 21-year-old Tijuana southpaw. Danzie, 38, was just too slow.
Musaev vs. Alvarez
Florida based Russian southpaw Musaev blew away Mexican Alvarez in the first round. Musaev floored Alvarez with a left hook and although Alvarez made it to his feet he was wobbly and the fight was stopped. Third inside the distance victory for the 2021 World Championships silver medallist. Alvarez was having his first fight for thirteen months.
Safar vs. Webster
Swede Safar registered another inside the distance win as he beat Webster on a fifth round retirement. The 6’3” Safar has won nine of his last ten fights by KO/TKO whereas Webster is 0-5-3 in his last 8.
APRIL 21
Quilmes, Argentina: Super Fly: Agustin Gauto (20-1) W PTS 10 Luis Guerrero (8-6-2).
After a slow, close first round Gauto upped his pace in the second. He put Venezuelans Guerrero under constant pressure dominating the action in third, fourth and fifth and Guerrero was deducted a point in the sixth. Gauto continued to dominated a mediocre fight and Guerrero was forced to take a standing count in the eighth. Gauto seemed to ease up in the ninth but the tenth was almost a disaster for him. Guerrero dropped an exhausted Gauto with a right. After the count the referee saw that a piece of tape was loose on Gauto’s glove so he stopped the fight to get it fixed giving Gauto important recover time and he made it to the final bell. Scores 99-89, 98-89 and 97-89 for Gauto. Once world rated Gauto is rebuilding after losing on a second round stoppage against unfancied Miel Fajardo in Dubai in March last year. Guerrero falls to 1-3-1 in his last five bouts.
Brisbane, Australia: Light: Jalen Tait (12-0) W PTS 10 Kye MacKenzie (21-5).
Young prospect Tait wins the vacant Australian title with a unanimous decision over the much more experienced MacKenzie. No scores available but the 21-year-old southpaw a good winner and showed real talent. Third successive loss for once world rated MacKenzie.
Olomoue, Czech Republic: Super Light: Pavel Polakovic (10-0) W PTS 10 Francisco Mercado (7-3). Cruiser: Vasil Ducar (14-6-1) W PTS 8 Dzemal Bosnjak (4-7).Super Feather: Martin Parlagi (29-5-2) DREW 8 Daniel Ibarguen (4-9-2). Super Light: Patrik Balaz (9-3) W KO 1 Tornike Surmava (3-9-1).
Polakovic vs. Mercado
Unbeaten Czech Polakovič wins the vacant WBC CISBB belt with unanimous decision over Mexican Mercado. In a clean, open fight Polakovič’s better boxing and higher work rate saw him build a big lead over the first half of the fight. Mercado did a bit better over the second half against a tiring Polakovič but nowhere near enough to overhaul Polakovič’s lead and the Czech won a clear unanimous decision on scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91.
Ducar vs. Bosnjak
Czech cruiserweight Vasil Ducár scored two knockdowns on the way to a decision over Bosnian Bosnjak. Despite some rough stuff from Bosnjak Ducar just had the edge over the first three rounds and put Bosnjak on his knees with a body punch in the fourth. Bosnjak survived but was in trouble again in the fifth. He overcame that but was floored by a combination in the eighth and although cut over his right eye late in the fight Ducar won the unanimous verdict on scores of 79-72, 78-73 and 77-74.
Parlagi vs. Ibarguen
Slovakian Parlagi is held to a draw by inexperienced Colombian Ibarguen. Parlagi made a good start rocking Ibarguen in the first and third but failing to finish him. The Colombian began to get into the fight over the middle rounds and despite being hurt again in the seventh shook Parlagi with uppercuts in the last to earn a split draw. Scores 77-73 Parlagi, 77-75 Ibarguen and 76-76. Parlagi now 4-0-1 in his last five outings.
Balaz vs. Surmava
Fighting in his home town for the first time as a pro Balaz flattens Georgian Surmava in the first round. This was not unexpected but it was spectacular. As Surmava threw a lazy jab Balaz came out the top with thunderbolt and Surmava pitched forward and down-out cold before he hit the canvas. Second first round win in a row for Balaz and second first round loss in a row for Surmava.
Johannesburg, South Africa: Super Bantam: Bongani Mahlangu (25-9) W TKO 5 Mduduzi Mzimela (6-1). Middle: Donjuan van Heerden (7-1) W TKO 1 Nelson Mbhele (4-4).
Mahlangu vs. Mzimela
“Dancing Shoes” Mahlangu retains the South African title with a fifth round stoppage of inexperienced Mzimela. Although 17 years older than the challenger Mahlangu used clever footwork to frustrate Mzimela. It did not help Mzimela chances when he suffered a cut in his mouth in the second round that had him swallowing blood from there. Mzimela attacked throughout but frustration made him careless and a straight left to the chin in the fifth had him out on his feet before he went down heavily and the referee immediately waived the fight over. Mahlangu at 43 is the oldest active South African boxer. Mzimela, 26, lacked the experience to pose a real threat.
van Heerden vs. Mbhele
van Heerden wins the local Gautang belt with a first round stoppage of Mbhele. After being stopped in his first pro fight van Heerden has won seven in a row. Mbhele had never been in a fight scheduled for more than four rounds.
Windham, NH, USA: Welter: Brandon Higgins (9-3) W Brandon Berry (25-6-2).
This looked a fairly even match on paper but it proved one-sided as Higgins won the battle of Brandon’s 100-90 on all three cards as he bounces back from losing to unbeaten Nicholas Molina in a fight for the New England title in November. Berry had won twelve of his last thirteen bouts.
APRIL 22
Timbues, Argentina: Super Bantam: Daniela Bermudez (31-4-3) W TKO 5 Daniela Rivero (9-5).
Bermudez wins the vacant Argentinian title with fifth round stoppage of Rivero. Slower now but with more power Bermudez dominated from the start landing with heavy rights. Rivero tried to match Bermudez but was taking punishment in every exchange. A right at the end of the fourth dazed Rivero and after being shaken by a series of punches in the fifth the referee gave her a standing count. The referee was ready to let then fight continue but the towel was thrown in by Rivero’s corner. In the past Bermudez has held the WBO super fly and bantam titles and IBF and WBO super bantam titles but was knocked out in nine rounds by Amanda Serrano in a fight in 2021 with the IBO, WBC and WBO featherweight titles. Rivero is a former IBF bantam title challenger.
Charleroi, Belgium: Super Light: Antoine Vanackere (20-1) W TKO 2 Leonardo Uzcategui (20-9-3). Super Feather: Miko Khatchatryan (16-1) W PTS 10 Luis Millan (22-6).
Vanackere vs. Uzcategui
Vanackere gets a second round win over substitute Uzcategui. After Vanackere took the opening round Uzcategui went down in the second from what looked a light jab. The referee started the count but Uzcategui’s second entered the ring. That should have led to a disqualification but the second had climbed into the ring to save Uzcategui who had suffered an injury to his orbital bone so it was deemed a stoppage victory and not a disqualification. Twelve wins in a row for Vanackere who was defending the IBO Inter-Continental belt. Venezuelan Uzcategui was 6-0-1 in his last 7 fights.
Khatchatryan vs. Millan
Belgian Khatchatryan won a wide unanimous decision over Venezuelan Millan on scores of 99-90, 98-90 and 97-91. Khatchatryan was defending the IBO International title. He lost on points against Joe Cordina in December 2021 but has rebuilt with three wins. Millan also came in as a substitute and had won his last five fights.
Bielefeld, Germany: Cruiser: Leon Harth (22-5) W PTS 10 Luca D’Ortenzi (17-3). Heavy: Dujar El Scheich (21-0) W KO 3 Dominic Vial (9-5)
Harth vs. D’Ortenzi
Harth holds on to his WBA Continental belt with a questionable unanimous decision over Italian D’Ortenzi. The visitor looked to have done enough to win but the judges scored it 95-94 twice and 97-93 for Harth with home advantage the real winner. Armenian-born Harth has lost important domestic matches against Artur Mann, Leon Bunn and Enrico Koelling. D’Ortenzi was 9-1 in his last 10 outings.
El Scheich vs. Vial
Syrian-born German El Scheich gets yet another inside the distance win over carefully filtered opposition with third round kayo of Vial. That makes it 20 wins by KO/TKO in a record lacking any first line opponent and he has won his last 16 bouts by KO/TKO. Vial is 6’8” but has nothing else going for him and all five of his losses have come by KO/TKO within the first three rounds of his fights.
Empoli. Italy: Light Heavy: Dragan Lepei (22-6-2) W PTS 10 Giovanni Carpentieri (16-5-3).
Former Italian super middleweight champion Lepei wins the vacant light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision over Carpentieri. Lepei was on the front foot from the opening round. He outboxed Carpentieri who fought a defensive fight but was always dangerous with his superior power. Carpentieri scored well with counters but had to survive rocky times in the fifth, seventh and eighth rounds but was still fighting back to the final bell. Scores 97-93 twice and 98-92 for Romanian-born Lepei. He had come through a rough patch with a 2-4 record in his last 6 fights. Carpentieri had won his last eight bouts.
Hermosillo, Mexico: Super Feather: Daniel Lugo (25-2) W TKO 3 Jesus Serrano (17-7-2,1ND)
Local fighter Lugo returns to action after a seventeen month absence and gets back on track with a third round stoppage of Serrano for win No 17 by KO/TKO. Lugo had an unbeaten run of 21 bouts snapped when he lost to Edwin Palomares in six round in November 2021. Serrano was having his first fight since August 2018.
Morogoro, Tanzania: Super Middle: Twaha Kassim (22-8-1) W PTS 10 Iago Kizira (7-10).
Kassim retains the UBO Inter-Continental belt with a unanimous decision over Georgian Kizira. This was a slow-paced one-sided bout for six rounds with Kassim in control. Kizira shook Kassim with a left hook the seventh and from there went onto the attack upping his pace and having Kassim under fire over the last three rounds. A big finish but it was not enough to overtake the lead Kassim had built. Fifth win in a row and first defence of the UBO belt for Kassim. Kizira is 2-8 in his last ten fights but keeps his proud boast of never losing inside the distance, No scores available.
Uncasville, CT, USA: Super Bantam: Elijah Pierce (17-2) W PTS 10 Tramaine Williams (20-2). Welter: Chordale Booker (19-1) W TKO 4 Daniel Aduku (15-3-1).
Pierce vs. Williams
Pierce comes from behind to outpoint Williams. The smaller Williams was giving away height and reach to Pierce but settled quickly and hustled the less experienced Pierce out of his stride. Pierce finally started to make use of his longer reach from the fourth with Williams forced onto the back foot by some stiff jabbing from Pierce. Willams suffered a bad cut over his right eye and faded badly over the closing rounds and Pierce clawed back the deficit and first established and then held his lead. Scores 97-93 twice and 95-94 for Pierce. After being inactive for fifteen months Pierce returned in March 2021 and has won eight fights since then. He collected the vacant WBC Silver title for this victory. Big setback for Williams. He had lost to Angelo Leo for the vacant WBO title in 2020 and was aiming to fight his way to another title shot.
Booker vs. Aduku
Booker gets a stoppage win after Aduku is sent flying through the ropes by a punch and is unable to continue. After a feeling-out first round Ghanaian Aduku attacked hard in the second but Booker scored with some useful right hooks to the body to take the round. Booker knocked Aduku back on his heels with a left in the third. In the fourth a left hook from Booker sent Aduku head first through the ropes and onto the ring apron. Initially the referee indicated it was not a knockdown but a push with the possibility of Brooker facing disqualification but the final decision was that it was the left hook that sent Aduku flying and as Aduku was unable to continue Booker was declared the winner. Second win for Booker as he tries to re-establish himself after a first round stoppage loss against Austin Williams in April last year. First fight outside Ghana for 21-year-old Aduku who will find life tougher against better quality opposition than he is used to at Home.
Monteslivano, Italy: Welter: Emanuele Cavallucci (15-7-1) W TKO 8 Alessio Mastronunzio (11-4).
Cavallucci wins the vacant IBF Mediterranean title with a stoppage in the eighth round of Mastronunzio. In the end it was a cut that gave Cavallucci victory but he had dominated the fight dropping Mastronunzio with a left in the fourth. Mastronunzio was cut on his eyebrow and the wound bled copiously, Mastronunzio survived a doctor’s examination in the seventh and again in the eighth. As the round continued the cut worsened and when the doctor examined Mastronunzio again he ruled him out and the fight was stopped. Former Italian champion Cavallucci had been 2-5 in his last 7 contests. Second unsuccessful attempt to win this IBF title for Mastronunzio
Windhoek, Namibia: Welter: Charles Shinima 16-0) W TEC DEC 5 Henriques Lando (8-5). Super Middle: Paulinas Ndjolonimu (16-0) W KO 4 Dickson Saidi (5-5-1).
Shinima vs. Lando
Shinima retains the WBO African title with technical points win over Angolan Lando. Shinima had built a lead over the first four rounds against a competitive Lando. Shinima went down in the fifth after a clash of heads and was unable to continue. It went to the scorecards with Shinima in front 50-45, 49-46 and 48-47. He was making the third defence of the African title and is rated No 13 by the WBO. Angolan Lando has done all of his fighting in South Africa.
Ndjolonimu vs. Saidi
Local fighter Ndjolonimu was making his fourth defence of the WBO African title and he ended things quickly. He dropped Malawian Saidi with a body punch in the fourth and Saidi was counted out. Twelfth inside the distance win in a row for Ndjolonimu who because of this title is rated No 7 by the WBO.
Fight of the week (Significance): Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia. With this win Davis keeps alive the hopes of more outstanding matches in the talent-rich lightweight division
Fight of the week (Entertainment): Has to be the twelve rounds of mayhem between Joe Cordina and Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov that had them singing in the Valleys
Fighter of the week: Shared between Cordina and Rakhimov
Punch of the week: Almost too many to choose from. I go for the right hook from Morrell that finished Yamaguchi Falcao but the fight-ending left from Scofield, the overhand right from Balaz or the right hand counter from Mielnicki were all special.
Upset of the week: None
Prospect watch: Arizona middleweight Elijah Garcia just 19 with a 15-0 record and 12 wins by KO/TKO impressed at the weekend.
Observations
Rosette: Cordina and Rakhimov for a great fight
Red Card: Davis and Garcia as I expected a better fight but there was not a single spell of exciting exchanges in the seven rounds
-On the other hand, there was not a single sanctioning body title involved so no sanctioning fee, no sanctioning body President in the ring, no glossy over the top belts or T-shirts forced over a boxer’s sweaty body-and yet the boxing world still turned.
-The week has seen the end of the careers of two warriors as Luis Collazo and Gabe Rosado retired
-Some controversy over the scoring of the second round knockdown of Ryan Garcia. Two of the judges did what judges used to be trusted to do and look at a round as a whole and not just cop out and score a round 10-8 if there is a knockdown irrespective of what might have happened in the other 2:52 seconds. The 10-10 score falls into the same category it is just strange because we have been so used to the twisted logic that makes it 10-8 because of one punch. What a surprise. Judges actually allowed to do and did what they are supposed to do-JUDGE-oh dear a dangerous precedent!
-Bongani Mahlangu (43) is the oldest active boxer in South Africa and because of his “advanced” age for the first time in South African boxing a father and son fought on the same bill with Bongani’s son Bheki Maitse (21) winning in one of the supporting bouts but dad is not putting away his gloves yet.
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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