The Past Week in Action 15 October 2024: Beterbiev Edges Bivol; Opetaia Stops Massey; Nicolson Outpoints Champman
By Eric Armit
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 15 Oct 2024
Highlights:
-Artur Beterbiev takes a majority verdict over Dimitrii Bivol to become undisputed light heavyweight champion
-Jai Opetaia retains the IBF cruiserweight title with a sixth round stoppage of Jack Massey
-Skye Nicolson outpoints Raven Champman in WBC featherweight title defence
-Fabio Wardley halts Frazer Clarkie in the first round for the British, Commonwealth and WBA Continental heavyweight titles
- Chris Eubank stops Kiamil Szeremeta in seven rounds to win the vacant IBO middleweight title
-Masamichi Yabuki stops Sivenathi Nontshinga in nine rounds to win the IBF light flyweight title
-Junto Nakatani stops Petch CP Freshmart in six rounds in WBC bantamweight title defence
- Shokichi Iwata halts Jairo Noriega in three rounds to win the vacant WBO flyweight title
-Seigo Yuri Akui wins a split decision over Thananchai Charunphak in a WBA flyweight title defence
-Kenshiro Teraji beats Cristofer Rosales on an eleventh round stoppage to win the vacant WBC flyweight title
-Seiya Tsutsumi outpoints champion Takuma Inoue for the WBA bantamweight title
-Anthony Olascuaga vs. Jonathan Gonzalez for the WBO flyweight title ends in the first round with Gonzalez too badly cut to continue and champion Olascuaga retains his title on a technical draw
-Phumelele Cafu scores upset points victory over champion Kosei Tanaka to win the WBO super fly title
-John Riel Casimero beats Saul Sanchez in the first round and Hiroto Kyoguchi takes a majority decision over Vince Paras at flyweight.
Major Shows
OCTOBER 12
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Light Heavy: Artur Beterbiev (21-0) W PTS 12 Dimitrii Bivol (23-1). Cruiser: Jai Opetaia (26-0) W TKO 6 Jack Massey (22-3). Feather: Skye Nicolson (12-0) W PTS 10 Raven Chapman (9-1). Light Heavy: Ben Whittaker (8-0-1) TEC DRAW 5 Liam Cameron (23-6-1, 1 ND). Heavy: Fabio Wardley (18-0-1) W TKO 1 Frazer Clarke (8-1-1). Middle: Chris Eubank Jr (34-3) W KO 7 Kamil Szeremeta (25-232).
Beterbiev vs. Bivol
Beterbiev successfully defends the IBF, WBC and WBO versions of the title and wins the IBO and WBA with a majority decision over Bivol.
Round 1
Bivol was firing jabs from the start circling Beterbiev who was only prodding with his jab trying to use it as a range finder. Beterbiev tried a right but Bivol danced away and came back with jabs then landed a right to the body. Beterbiev fired a good right but again Bivol came back with jabs. Beterbiev stepped in and threw a couple of shots and Bivol came back with punches of his own.
Score: 10-9 Bivol
Round 2
Bivol was doubling and tripling his jabs as Beterbiev tried to get close. Bivol continued to throw jabs then stepped in and landed a nice combination. Beterbiev was stuck on the end of Bivol’s jab and Bivol used good movement to avoid getting trapped on the ropes and was finding gaps for his jab.
Score: 10-9 BivolBivol 20-18
Round 3
Beterbiev came forward behind his jab looking to put some pressure on Bivol and was now throwing some rights. Bivol landed two good straight rights but Beterbiev was getting past Bivoi’s jab and connecting with some clubbing rights and ended the round with another right.
Score: 10-9 BeterbievBivol 29-28
Round 4
Bivol was working along the ropes looking to block or slip Beterbiev’s punches and he then drove a left and a right through Beterbiev’s guard. Bivol slid a jab past Beterbiev’ guard and followed with a straight right. With Bivol constantly changing direction Beterbiev was finding it hard to land anything and Bivol stopped long enough to land a pair of shots. Beterbiev looked dangerous with a couple of rights but Bivol kept spearing him with jabs.
Score: 10-9 BivolBivol 39-37
Round 5
Bivol was popping Beterbiev with jabs as Beterbiev was shadowing him around the ring. Beterbiev stepped in and landed a pair of rights. He was doing a good job of cutting off the ring and landed a right to the head and a left to the body. Bivol landed a good combination but Beterbiev stayed on top of Bivol and had him stumbling under pressure.
Score: 10-9 BeterbievBivol 48-47
Round 6
Beterbiev used his jab to keep Bivol on the back foot and cracked home a hard right. Beterbiev was throwing more jabs than Bivol and with more accuracy. He was doing a good job of forcing Bivol back and Bivol was mainly just moving and covering up. Bivol dived in and landed a burst of punches but Beterbiev drove forward throwing rights and lefts driving Bivol back. Bivol came to life with jabs and then rights to the head but was under pressure and Beterbiev landed a left to the body.
Score: 10-9 Beterbiev TIED 57-57
Round 7
Beterbiev threw a couple of jabs then Bivol came over the top with a couple of head punches. Bivol had not worked hard enough over the last two rounds but he was back throwing jabs and then followed up with a series of head shots. Constant changes of direction by Bivol were frustrating Beterbiev and whilst Beterbiev was waiting for a target Bivol was moving in with a quick combination and out again. He then drove forward rocking Beterbiev with punches. That fired up Beterbiev and he was forcing Bivol back and unloading punches but Bivol’s early work just earned him the round.
Score: 10-9 BivolBivol 67-66
Round 8
Just some probing jabs over the first half of the round then Beterbiev connected with a couple of long rights to the body. Beterbiev stepped in with a hook and an uppercut before the round burst into life as they traded hooks with both landing a couple. Bivol’s inactivity over the early part of the round gave the edge to Beterbiev.
Score: 10-9 BeterbievTIED 76-76
Round 9
Bivol had not worked hard enough in the eighth but he was quickly on target with his jabs and putting together some fast combinations. Beterbiev connected with a right to the head and Bivol came back with a left to the body and then a four-punch series. He danced away when Beterbiev chased him then stopped and scored with a burst of punches.
Score: 10-9 BivolBivol 86-85
Round 10
A purposeful Beterbiev was marching forward stabbing out punches forcing Bivol to retreat. Beterbiev was having trouble pinning Bivol down but managed to connect with a couple of punches. Bivol fired a series of punches late in the round but then Beterbiev bullied him to the ropes and scored with rights.
Score: 10-9 Beterbiev TIED 95-95
Round 11
Plenty of pressure from Beterbiev but Bivol took the opportunity to get through with a jab and a right. Beterbiev picked up the pace and forced Bivol back with a jab and hooks from both hands. Bivol responded with jabs then Beterbiev stormed forward forcing Bivol to the ropes and followed him along the ropes snapping out punches keeping Bivol against the ropes as he banged punches to the body. Bivol came off the ropes but Beterbiev again bullied him back to the ropes and landed to the body with hooks and uppercuts. Bivol looked drained and Beterbiev blasted him with hooks and right crosses with Bivol just covering up.
Score: 10-9 BeterbievBeterbiev 105-104
Round 12
Beterbiev connected with a hard right early in the round then Bivol fired a couple of burst of punches but Beterbiev stepped back and most fell short. From there it was all Beterbiev as he backed Bivol around the ropes driving home lefts and rights. Bivol managed one brief rally but had nothing left and was doing more holding than punching.
Score: 10-9 BeterbievBeterbiev 115-113
Official scores: Judge Glenn Feldman 115-113 Beterbiev, Judge Pawel Kardyni 116-112 Beterbiev, Judge Manuel Oliver Palomo 114-114.
Beterbiev wins on a majority decision and now holds all five versions of the light heavyweight title. The fight was there for either to win until a strong finish from Beterbiev saw him sweep the last three rounds on all three cards. Bivol was in front on the three cards after the ninth but seemed to just run out of gas and had little left for those crucial rounds.
Opetaia vs. Massey
Opetaia demolishes Massey in six one-sided round inn IBF title defence.
Round 1
Opetaia was coming forward and tried a few long lefts but was short. Opetaia kept up the pressure tracking Massey around the ropes and connected with a right and a left. Massey landed a right to the body and Opetaia a left to the body.
Score: 10-9 Opetaia
Round 2
Opetaia weas again tracking a retreating Massey along the ropers an de landed some lead lefts to the body. Massey fired a combination scoring with a right. Opetaia again scored a couple of lefts to the body at the bell.
Score: 10-9 OpetaiaOpetaia 20-18
Round 3
The action heated up as Opetaia upped his pace and they traded punches with both landing. Massey connected with a right but he was still on the back foot and throwing single punches. Opetaia got through with a left to the body and a right hook then pinned Massey against the ropes and scored with a little burst of punches.
Score: 10-9 OpetaiaOpetaia 30-27
Round 4
Massey was lively at the start standing his ground and firing punches but Opetaia skipped away from them and landed a left to the body with Massey on the back foot again. They traded punches then Opetaia dug in a left to the body then a left to the head.
Score: 10-9 OpetaiaOpetaia 40-36
Round 5
Another quick start from Opetaia as he took Massey to the ropes and fired a series of punches. Massey blocked most but some lefts got through. Massey landed a right counter but was forced to the ropes as Opetaia fired a salvo of punches landing to head and body. Massey was against the ropes again after being caught with a right hook with Opetaia finding gaps for his punches inside.
Score: 10-9 OpetaiaOpetaia 50-45
Round 6
Opetaia came straight after Massey who initially traded shots but then backed off. Opetaia kept coming launching hooks and Massey was forced to hold. He again stood and traded punches but Opetaia began to land heavily with both hands. Massey had slowed and could not keep Opetaia off. Opetaia chased Massey across the ring trapping him on the ropes and as Opetaia connected with a series of head punches the towel came in from Massey’s corner. Third successful defence of the IBF belt for Opetaia and win No 20 by KO/TKO. This was a voluntary defence and unless the IBF orders him to face his mandatory challenger ,39-year-old Huseyin Cinkara, he might look to take on the winner of WBA champion Gilberto Ramirez vs. WBO Chris Billiam-Smith in a three-tile unifier. First inside the distance loss for Massey.
Nicolson vs. Chapman
Nicolson makes a successful defence of the WBC title with a convincing unanimous decision over England’s Chapman. The challenger was competitive over the first two rounds taking the fight to Nicolson and connecting with a good right. Nicolson was in her stride by the third and despite Chapman having a slight edge in reach Nicolson controlled the action from the third boxing with skill on the back foot. Chapman kept coming forward but Nicolson was catching her with punches on the way in and using smart footwork to move out of range when Chapman tried to counter. As the rounds passed Chapman became more and more desperate with her attacks and was leaving plenty of gaps in her defence and Nicolson exploited them to land rights jabs and straight lefts. Chapman managed to have some limited success in the ninth but Nicolson responded with a strong last round getting through with a heavy left. Scores 98-92 twice and 99-91. Second defence of the WBC belt for Nicolson who again showcased her excellent skills. WBC International title holder Chapman just came up against a better fighter on the night but had earned the title shot with some good wins.
Whittaker vs. Cameron
Whittaker had toned down then flashy stuff for this one. He was much quicker with his hands than Cameron and put together some impressive combinations inn then opening round. Cameron just shrugged them off. Whittaker continued to use his speed to score in the second firing home a series of body punches but again Cameron Juist shrugged them off. A sharp right stopped Cameron in his tracks in the third and he was forced to retreat and cover up under a series of punches from m Whittaker but things were changing. Cameron was forcing his way forward tossing lefts and rights and he landed a hard right to the head. Whittaker came back and forced Cameron to the ropes but could not find any gaps in Cameron’s defence. Cameron kept the pressure on Whittaker over the fourth attacking hard with Whittaker not relishing the pressure and looking a little ragged in his work. The fifth was another good round for Cameron as Whittaker was being forced to stand and trade and getting the worst of the exchanges and looked to be tiring. In the sixth as Cameron pushed Whittaker back against the ropes they both tumbled over the top rope and landed heavily on the ring apron. Both were helped back though the ropes badly shaken. Whittaker had suffered damage to his right ankle And was taken from the ring on a wheelchair.
Due to the way the fight ended the result was decided on the score cards and the judges saw 58-57 for Whittaker, 58-57 for Cameron, and 57-57, to declare the fight a technical draw.
Wardley vs. Clarke
Wardley finishes Clarke in the first round. After some early probing with jabs both tried throwing right hands without connecting . Wardley fired an overhand right that crashed into the left side of Frazier’s head sending him stumbling sidewards to the ropers and then back into a corner. Wardley connected with some hard head punches. Frazier tried to fight his way out of the corner but he was driven back to the ropes by a left and a right to the head and another right to the head saw Frazier drop to one knee and his was distorted indicating a jaw injury. The referee started the count but with Frazier in some distress he stopped the count and waived the fight over. They fought a titanic battle in March but this time Wardley ended the fight in less than three minutes. With the focus on Fury, Dubois and Joshua Wardley has been improving from fight to fight under the radar and is a growing threat. Frazier went to hospital for treatment to his jaw and cheekbone. And will be out for some time.
Eubank vs. Szeremeta
Eubank scores four knockdowns on the way to a seventh round stoppage of Szeremeta. Eubank made a great start shaking Szeremeta with one right and then dropping him with another right in the first minute of the fight. Szeremeta was up quickly and walked in to Eubank. He landed a good right of his own but had to absorb another right from Eubank late in the round. Eubank boxed well in the second. He was jabbing strongly and firing hard rights as hooks and dangerous uppercuts. Szeremeta was having trouble getting past Eubank’s jab and being tied up inside. He was jabbing well but not following in behind it. Ther third round was a messy affair with both boxers warned for holding inside and Eubank was on the floor twice as they wrestled. They both scored inn a late exchange but Eubank was landing the harder punches. Eubank launched a big attacks in the fourth twice striding forward throwing hooks and uppercuts. The storm blew over and Eubank settled for out jabbing Szeremeta. A slower start to the fifth as Eubank was again on target with his jabs and Szeremeta landed a good combination. Eubank connected with a couple of hooks then settled for boxing behind his jab. Szeremeta was trying to dive inside to get past Eubank’s jabs in the sixth but Eubank was clinching to stop the Pole doing any useful work. Eubank worked steadily with his jab and Szeremeta just could not find the range. With 25 seconds remaining in the round Eubank landed a right hook to the body and then sent Szeremeta down with a right hook to the head. Szeremeta was up at three and despite a hard uppercut from Eubank he made it to the bell. Eubank was warned for punches to the back of the head in the seventh although both had been guilty of that in every round. A right to the body had Szeremeta dropping to his hands and knees. He beat the count but when the action resumed a left to the body sent Szeremeta down again. He made it to his feet but after the eight count the referee waived the fight over. First fight for Eubank since his tenth round stoppage of Liam Smith. He is No 3 with the WBC, No 5 (4) with the IBF and No 7 with the WBA so in the picture but with work to do to get a title shot. Third loss by KO/TKO for Szeremeta with the others coming against Gennady Golovkin and Jaime Munguia but in his last 4 fights he had gone 2-0-2 against very modest opposition.
Tokoname, Japan: Light Fly: Masamichi Yabuki (17-4) W TKO 9 Sivenathi Nontshinga (13-2).
Yabuki floors champion Nontshinga three times and stops him in the ninth to win the IBF title.
Round 1
A very cautious star from bothn fighters had them both short with their jabs. Yabuki became a bit more adventurers firing a couple of rights and getting through with his jab to take a close opening round.
Score: 10-9Yabuki 10-9)
Round 2
Yabuki landed good combination to the head which sent Nontshinga to the ropes but Nontshinga slid away before Yabuki could build on that. Yabuki connected with a sneaky right and Nontshinga with a left hook. Yabuki landed righty counter as Nontshinga tried to come inside with Nontshinga not really letting his punches go.
Score: 10-9 YabukiYabuki 20-18
Round 3
Bothn were just probing with their jabs until Yabuki landed two rights to the head. Yabuki drove forward throwing punches following Nontshinga as he retreated to the ropes but Nontshinga dodged away. Yabuki kept throwing jabs and although short they were stopping Nontshinga from launching any attacks.
Score: 10-9Yabuki 30-27
Round 4
The first minute saw both throwing out jabs but not following through. Yabuki found the target with a couple of jabs. Nontshinga landed light right but neither did enough to win the round.
Score: 10-10 TiedYabuki 40-37
Round 5
A better round for Nontshinga. He was using clever defensive work to slip or block Yabuki’s jab and moving forward scoring with his own jabs. He landed a nice long right to the body and a left hook. Yabuki could not find the range with his jab and Nontshinga connected with a right to the head. Yabuki tried to finish the round strongly but slick upper body movement from Nontshinga had the challenger swishing empty air.
Score: 10-9 NontshingaYabuki 49-47
Round 6
Yabuki was letting his punches go more than in the fifth and was jabbing well. He connected with a right to the head and Nontshinga backed to the ropes looking to draw Yabuki onto counters. Yabuki avoided the trap and put together a nice sequence of hooks both scored with a hook but it was Yabuki’s round.
Score: 10-9 YabukiYabuki 59-56
Round 7
Nontshinga was livelier at the start of the round shooting out his jabs but Yabuki soon had his own jab working and scored with a straight right. He knocked Nontshinga off balance with another right and landed a couple of jabs whilst dodging Nontshinga’s jab.
Score: 10-9 YabukiYabuki 69-65
Round 8
Yabuki had been boxing mainly on the back foot over the last two rounds but upped his aggression getting onto the front foot and he connecting with a left to the body and a right to the head. He was stepping away from Nontshinga’s punches and coming back with counters. A series of rights to the head suddenly had Nontshinga turning away to the ropes and dropping to his knees gazing out into the crowd. He was up at six and signalled he was able to continue and the bell went as the referee counted the eight.
Score: 10-8 YabukiYabuki 79-73
Round 9
Yabuki landed some heavy shots from both hands but Nontshinga took them and came forward behind his jab making Yabuki back off. Nontshinga continued to come forward but Yabuki unleashed a bombardment of lefts and rights driving Nontshinga to the ropes and down on his side. He made it his feet and obeyed the referees instructions to show he could continue. Yabuki hunted him down and another right sent Nontshinga to the canvas and the referee immediately stopped the fight. Yabuki had lost his WBC title on a third round kayo by Kenshiro Teraji but had scored three inside the distance wins since then. Nontshinga, a two-time IBF champion, had lost and then regained the belt in fights against Adrian Curiel. At 25 he can come again as it is impressive what he has achieved in so few fights.
OCTOBER 13
Tokyo, Japan: Bantam: Seiya Tsutsumi (12-0-2) W PTS 12 Takuma Inoue (20-2). Flyweight: Kenshiro Teraji (24-1) W TKO 11 Cristofer Rosales (37-7). Fly: Seigo Yuri Akui (21-2-1) W PTS 12 Thananchai Charunphak (25-2). Light Fly: Shokichi Iwata (14-1) W TKO 3 Jairo Noriega (14-1).
Tsutsumi vs. Inoue
Tsutsumi wins the WBA title with a unanimous decision over champion Inoue. In a high intensity fight Tsutsumi set a fast pace and maintained that from the first to last. His work rate had Inoue struggling and despite his reputation for having strong stamina Inoue just could not match Tsutsumi’s pace. A tiring Inoue was given a standing count in the tenth after left hooks from Tsutsumi had sent him hurdling into the ropes and although Inoue was not shaken he was unable to stage a strong finish and Tsutsumi won on scores of 117-110, 115-112 and 114-113. Revenge is sweet no matter how long you have to wait for it and Tsutsumi got revenge for a loss to Inoue in the amateurs twelve years ago. Inure was defending the title for the third time.
Teraji vs. Rosales
Teraji wins the vacant WBC title with a late stoppage of Rosales. Teraji started out his career as a light flyweight but had climbed through the divisions whereas Rosales had generally fought a division or two higher and had an edge in height and reach. Teraji had speed and better power and that proved decisive. He was just too quick for Rosales and dominated the exchanges, He had Rosales in trouble in the third but Rosales got through that and as the fight progressed tried changing guards to throw Taraji off his fight plan. Rosales had some small success with that tactic but he was having to ship more and more punishment as Teraji stepped up his attacks. Rosales face was covered in blood flowing from his fractured nose. The referee stopped then fight in the eleventh to have the doctor examine Rosales and the doctor advised the fight be stopped. Teraji had lost his WBC light flyweight to Masamichi Yabuki in September 2021 but knocked out Yabuki in three round to regain the title. He added the WBA title but gave them both up to challenge for this vacant title. Nicaraguan Rosales is a former WBC flyweight champion. He lost his title to Charlie Edwards in 2018 and this is his second shot at the WBC title since then.
Akui vs. Charunphak
Akui retains the WBA title with a split decision over Thai Charunphak. This was a good quality scarp between two good boxers. Akui was pressing the fight with intelligent rather than wild attacks and Charunphak boxed cooly moving cleverly and countering. Auki upped his pace over the middle rounds with Charunphak rebounding to score well particularly in a strong tenth. Akui recovered and dominated the twelfth which proved decisive. It was close and could have gone either way but Auki took the decision on scores of 115-113 and 117-111 with the third card reading 115-113 for Charunphak. Third defence for Auki and Charunphak had won his last 24 fights.
Iwata vs. Noriega
Iwata wins vacant WBO light fly title with third round victory over Noriega. Iwata was looking to end this early. He was firing punches with bad intentions from the start. Noriega stayed cool and showed excellent speed and good skills to hold Iwata off over the first two rounds. Unfortunately, he lacked the punch to dissuade Iwata and was on the floor from an uppercut in the third. He made it to his feet and it looked as though he might just make it the bell but was flattened by a left hook and the referee did not even bother to count. Iwata had lost on points in a challenge for this same WBO title against Jonathan Gonzalez in 2022 but has come back strongly with five wins in a row by KO/TKO. Spaniard Noriega had scored useful wins over Angel Moreno and Azael Villar but had no chance against puncher Iwata.
OCTOBER 14
Tokyo Japan: Bantam: Junto Nakatani (29-0) W TKO 6 Petch CP Freshmart (76-2). Fly: Anthony Olascuaga (7-1, 1ND) No Decision 1 Jonathan Gonzalez (28-3-1. 1 ND) Super Fly: Phumelele Cafu (11-0-3) W PTS 12 Kosei Tanaka (20-2).
Nakatani vs. Petch CP
Nakatani makes a successful second defence of the WBC title with a sixth round stoppage of experienced Thai Petch CP (Tasana Salapat). It was a clash of southpaws and it started with a slow first round. Petch CP tried to put Nakatani under pressure in the second and made it a close round. Nakatani boxed and scored well over the third and fourth and was 40-36 un front on two cards and 39-37 on the third. Nakatani began to break down Petch CP in the fifth with some hurtful uppercuts and then floored the Thai in the sixth. Petch CP beat the count and tried to fight back hard but was sent down again late in the round and the referee called the fight off. Nakatani is a three-division champion and with his 22 wins by KO/TKO he should have a much higher profile even amidst the current stars of Japanese boxing. After losing to Takuma Inoue for the interim WBC bantam title Petch CP had scored 28 consecutive victories.
Olascuaga vs. Gonzalez
This fight was over in the first round when a clash of heads opened a cut over the left eye of Gonzalez. The fight continued but Gonzalez said he could not see out of his left eye and the fight was stopped. Olascuaga was making the first defence of the of the WBO title.
Cafu vs. Tanaka
South African Cafu pulls off a major upset as he scores a split decision over champion Tanaka, This was a very fast-paced close fight. Tanaka applied plenty of pressure but Cafu boxed brilliantly on the back foot. In the end the fight swung on the basis of what happened in the fifth round, Tanaka shook Cafu with an uppercut but Cafu banged back with a right hook that floored Tanaka. Tanaka beat the count and survived to the end of the round then clawed his way back into the fight. It was close all the way from there with Cafu winning on scores of 114-113 twice and 114-113 for Tanaka with the knockdown the decider. Great win for Cafu over the four-division champion. Cafu had recorded good wins over Jackson Chauke and Genisis Libranza but was a huge outsider in this fight. Tanaka, who had previously held the WBO minimum, light flyweight and flyweight titles was making the first defence of the super flyweight belt.
OCTOBER 11
Dunkirk, France: Super Welter: Priscilla Peterle (11-0) W PTS 10 Claribel Mena (12-2).
Peterle wins the vacant WBC Silver title with a unanimous decision over Mena. Peterle’s accurate jabbing had seen here build a good lead. A clash of heads in the sixth saw her cut over her left eye in the sixth and although she boxed with a bit more caution after the injury she worked her way to a comfortable victory. Scores 98-92 twice and 97-93 for the former European champion. Dominican Mena had won her last 11 fights.
Guadalajara, Mexico: Super Feather: Alberto Mora (12-0) W KO 4 Benito Garcia (17-10-3). Super Light: Gabriel Valenzuela (30-3-1) W PTS 8 Jesus Lopez (16-15-3).
Mora vs. Garcia
Mora beat Garcia in four rounds. After an even first bound Mora was using strong jabbing to put on the defensive and scoring with hurtful hooks from both hands. The third saw Mora continuing to dominate the action connecting with long left hooks. Mora ended it in the fourth. After doubling up his left hooks he dropped Garcia with a body shot and Garcia was a counted out. Now nine wins by KO/TKO for solid prospect Mora. Garcia’s recent record is 1-4-1 in his last 6 fights .
Valenzuela vs. Lopez
Valenzuela continues his impressive run with a unanimous decision over Lopez. Juist one defeat, against Montana Love, in his last 28 fights for Valenzuela. Lopez was an improved 10-0-1 in his last 11 contests.
Managua, Nicaragua: Super Feather: Ricardo Blandon (18-6,1 ND) W TKO 1 Harvey Calero (8-23-3).
Blandon wipes out Calero in the first. A deadly left to the body right to the heads combination put Calero down heavily and the referee immediately waived the bight over after just 94 seconds. Experienced Blandon gets his twelfth inside the distance finish. Seventh loss in a row for Calero,
Beverley, England: Light Fly: Craig Derbyshire (11-29-4) W PTS 12 Paul Roberts (6-5-2).
Derbyshire retains the Commonwealth title as he gets a unanimous decision over Roberts after twelve entertaining rounds. This one was fought at a high pace from the start with Derbyshire forging forward and Roberts on the back foot and Roberts using his longer reach to score at distance. It was relentless pressure as Derbyshire looked to hunt the very quick Roberts down trap him against the ropes and work to the body. Roberts lacked the punch to keep Derbyshire out so he relied on some smart movement as he circled the ring with his hands down relying on his reflexes and accurate counters. It was an entertaining clash of styles with both having good spells but neither dominating and plenty of furious exchanges. Since neither is a big puncher both were able to stand and trade those punches without too much risk which also encourage both to let the punches fly which suited Derbyshire. Roberts was burning a lot of energy with his constant circling the ring and stood his ground more over the late rounds. Derbyshire continued to come in behind his jab and landed good rights. With the result obviously close both fought hard over the last two rounds with Derbyshire connecting with some good rights in the last having a tiring Roberts cut and bleeding but still battling. Scores 115-113 twice and 117-112 for Derbyshire. With so few little men in the UK both have had to consistently take fights where the were giving away weight against naturally bigger men. Derbyshire had won the title at his second attempt and was making the first defence. Roberts had won the Southern Area super flyweight belt in November but was down to 107 lbs for a fight in April so was not uncomfortable at getting down to the division weight. These two could go again and again produce another entertaining fight.
North Little Rock, Ak.: USA: Light Heavy: Kalvin Henderson (19-2-1) W PTS 8 Cleotis Pendarvis (22-22-2).
Henderson outpoints Pendarvis. Henderson had big physical edges over Pendarvis who had turned professional as a welterweight and did not pose any real threat to Henderson who dominated in ever round. Pendarvis used his experience and a few tricks to stay in the fight and was only briefly in trouble in the fifth as Henderson won on scores of 80-72 twice and a too close 77-75. Henderson was stopped in four rounds by David Morrell in a challenge for the WBA secondary title. With typical WBA shenanigans Henderson went from unrated to No 10 for beating a guy with a 9-5 record-and fought morrell four months later. He has now won four low level fights. Pendarvis, 38, has lost 18 of his last 19 fights.
Hollywood, FL, USA: Middle: Yoenil Hernandez (6-0) W TKO 8 Bryce Henry (7-1). Super Feather: Armando Martinez (12-0) W TKO 8 D’Angelo Keyes (18-5).
Hernandez vs. Henry
Another inside the distance win for tall Cuban Hernandez as he halts Henry in a clash of unbeaten fighters. Henry was overmatched as he was jumping from six rounds to ten and was up against a much harder puncher. Henry showed some nice skills but no power. Hernandez was able to walk through the lighter punches from Henry and he ended it in the eighth sending Henry down with a right to the body and a fierce left hook. Henry made it to his feet and took a step to one side but the referee just waived the fight over. All six of the 6’2” Hernandez’s wins have been by KO/TKO.
Martinez vs. Keyes
Martinez makes it a double for Cuba as he stops Keyes in the eighth round. Martinez had too much skill and power for Keyes. He ended it with three knockdowns in the eighth. After the second knockdown the referee asked Keyes to lift his hands and walk to the side. Keyes did neither bur the referee just let the fight continue and seconds later two rights from Martinez had Keyes dropping to his knees and then the fight was stopped. Eleven wins by KO/TKO for Martinez in his 12 fights. Keyes drops to 3-4 in his last 7 bouts.
OCTOBER 12
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Feather: Adrian Robledo (10-1) W TKO 7 Johan Segura (15-3). Bantam: Michell Banquez (23-4) W PTS 10 Leonardo Viriz (6-3-1). Super Bantam: Alan Cantero (8-1-1) T KO 8 Alexis Sicilla (7-9-1).
Robledo vs. Segura
Robledo stops Segura in the seventh. Robledo floored southpaw Segura in the third and twice in the sixth. When Segura was rocked by a combination in the seventh the referee stopped the fight. Robledo retained the WBA Fedelatin title and won the vacant WBO Latino title with his sixth victory by KO/TKO. Argentinian-based Colombian Segura suffers his first inside the distance loss.
Banquez vs. Viriz
Venezuelan Banquez proved too good and too experienced for novice Viriz. A right from Banquez put Viriz down in the second and he outscored the home fighter the rest of the way. A clash of heads opened a cut over Viriz’s right eye in the seventh but he showed plenty of guts and lasted the full ten rounds. Scores 100-90 twice and 99-90. Banquez was defending the WBA Fedelatin belt. He was flying high after wins over unbeaten Prince Patel and Cuban Joahnys but a run of three losses derailed him and this is third bwin as he rebuilds. Viriz was jumping from four round fights straight up to ten rounds and was way out of his depth.
Cantero vs. Sicilla
Cantero busts up and stops champion Sicilla to win the national title. Boxing neatly with accurate attacks and a solid defence Cantero built a good lead over a competitive Sicilla. The pressure and sustained attacks from Cantero slowly broke Sicilla down. In the eighth, with Sicilla cut over his right eye and bleeding copiously from his nose, the doctor shook his head and the referee stopped the fight. Cantero is 8-0-1 after losing his first fight with a revenge victory over the man who beat him in those figures. Unsuccessful first defence for Sicilla.
Goppingen, Germany: Cruiser: Firat Arslan (56-9-3) W KO 2 Angel Ledesma (13-6-1).
Another easy win over sub-standard opposition for Arslan. Ledesma managed to last out the first three minutes but he was overpowered and put down and out early in the second. Arslan, 54, is 22-1-1 in his last 24 fight with 20 of those wins by KO/TKO so he will keep plodding along whilst there are those who enjoy following him and there are plenty. For Ledesma, Box Rec’s No 442 in the cruiserweights, it is now three fights in Germany and three inside the distance losses,
Helminen, Germany: Middle: Besir Ay (19-1) W PTS 10 Milos Beranek (13-3-1).
Ay vs. Beranek
Ay gets a unanimous decision over Czech Beranek. That makes it 18 in a row for German champion Ay who won on scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 96-94. He has yet to face anything vaguely like reasonable opposition.
OCTOBER 13
Yokohama, Japan: Super Bantam: John Riel Casimero (34-4-1) W TKO 1 Saul Sanchez (21-4).Fly: Hiroto Kyoguchi (19-2) W PTS 10 Vince Paras (21-3-1).
Casimero vs. Sanchez
In his first fight for a year Casimero stops Californian Sanchez in the first. Casimero sent Sanchez down with a left hook just seconds into the light and although Sanchez beat the count when he was staggered by a right later in the round the referee stopped the fight. The former three-division champion once again let himself down by not making the wright in two attempts. The fight went ahead with Casimero 2 lbs heavier than Sanchez. Putting the weight issue to one side Sanchez had lost a majority decision against Jason Moloney for the WBA bantam title in January so Casimero still has the power.
Kyoguchi vs. Paras
Kyoguchi just squeaks by Filipino Paras on a majority decision. Kyoguchi had tried to box his to victory when these two clashed in May in South Korea but Paras had won a tight unanimous decision. Kyoguchi took a more aggressive approach here. The change worked for Kyoguchi as he took the decision but Paras looked worth at least a draw. Scores 96-94 twice for Kyoguchi and 95-95
Fight of the week: (Significance): Beterbiev vs. Bivol with the five belts at stake was easily the biggest fight of the week
Fighter of the week: Beterbiev a now undisputed king of the light heavyweights
Punch of the week: The left hook from Iwata that flattened Noriega
Upset of the week: Phumelele Cafu’s WBO super flyweight title win over 20-1 Kosei Tanaka was a huge shock.
Prospect watch: Mexican super featherweight Alberto Mora 12-0 with 8 wins by KO/TKO looked good at the weekend
Observations
Rosette: To all those involved in the shows in Riyadh and Japan with twelve world title fights on show over a three day period
Red Card: None
Money: Reportedly both Beterbiev and Bivol were each guaranteed $10 million for their fight. That purse will double Beterbiev’s previous career total of around $10 million. Beterebiev’s previous highest purse was $1.6 million for the Callum Smith fight. Bivol’s previous highest purse was $ 4 million for beating Saul Alvarez. Saudi money is a game changer giving us fights we want but might never have had if not for the gushing oil wells. Nothing lasts forever and those sort of figures might never be seen again if the Saudi’s move on to another sport so enjoy it whilst you can guys and be nice to Bob Arum, Eddie Hearn , Frank Warren, DazN, Skye etc. as you might need them to be generous sometime in the future.
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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