The Past Week in Action 25 February 2025: Bivol Gains Revenge Over Beterbiev; Ortiz UD Madrimov; Stevenson TKO 9 Padley; Smith UD Buatsi; Parker TKO 2 Bakole
By Eric Armit
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 26 Feb 2025
Highlights:
-Dmitrii Bivol gains revenge for his only loss as he wins a majority decision over Artur Beterbiev and collects the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC and WBO titles
- Vergil Ortiz decisions Israil Madrimov to retain the WBC interim super welter title
-Shakur Stevenson stops late substitute Josh Padley in nine rounds in a WBC lightweight title defence
-Callum Smith outpoints Joshuia Buatsi to win the WBC interim light heavyweight title.
-Carlos Adames fights to a split draw against Hamza Sheeraz in a WBC middleweight title fight
-Joseph Parker stops late stand-in Martin Bakole in two rounds in an interim WBO heavyweight title fight
-Agit Kabayel gets off the floor and scores a sixth round kayo over Zhilei Zhang for the WBC interim heavyweight title.
Major Shows
FEBRUARY 22
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Light Heavyweight: Dmitrii Bivol (24-1) W PTS 12 Artur Beterbiev (21-0) W. Heavy: Joseph Parker (36-3) TKO 2 Martin Bakole (21-2). Light: Shakur Stevenson (23-0) W TKO 9 Josh Padley (15-1). Middle: Carlos Adames (24-1-1) DREW 12 Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0-1). Super Welter: Vergil Ortiz (23-0) W PTS 12 Israil Madrimov (10-2-1). Heavy: Agit Kabayel (26-0) W KO 6 Zhilei Zhang (27-3-1). Light Heavy: Callum Smith (31-2) W PTS 12 Josjua Buatsi (19-1).
Bivol vs. Beterbiev
Round 1
Bivol scored with a couple of snappy jabs and Beterbiev went to the body with a jab. Bivol got through with a jab and a right. Bibol fired two jabs and landed a right to the side of Beterbiev’s head. Bivol was backing around the ring but connected with a jab and a right cross. Bivol scored as he curved a left around Beterbiev’s guard. Beterbiev landed a right but Bivol slid away from trouble.
Score: 10-9 Bivol
Round 2
Beterbiev came out looking to up the pace and put Bivol under pressure. He was jabbing and tried a right but Bivol drilled a right through Beterbiev’s guard. He tried to force Bivol to the ropes but Bivol dodged his rush. Beterbiev banged home a right to the head but Bivol connected with a right to the body. Bivol kept moving and jabbing with Beterbiev unable to pin him down. Beterbiev landed right but Bivol fired back with a fast, accurate combination. Beterbiev landed three body punches but Bivol was finding the target with jabs. It was beautiful boxing from Bivol.
Score: 10-9 BivolBivol 20-18
Round 3
Another aggressive start from Beterbiev as he drove forward throwing rights at the retreating Bivol. After landing a jab Bivol changed things and came forward landing a right to the body and another to the head forcing Beterbiev to back up. Beterbiev came forward and Bivol met him with a jab and a right cross. Beterbiev was tracking Bivol around the ring but was being caught out often when Bivol would stop and step forward to score with a jab and a right. Bivol kept feeding the chasing Beterbiev jabs then again stopped and paced forward scoring with a series of punches. Beterbiev landed a left to the body and a right to the head then Bivol stopped and fired a bunch of shots. Beterbiev dug in a body punch and a right but walked into another shower of punches from Bivol.
Score: 10-9 BivolBivol 30-17
Round 4
Beterbiev caught up with the retreating Bivol and landed a burst of punches to head and body. Bivol contined to circle the ring popping jabs but Beterbiev closed him down and thumped home a body punch. Bivol kept moving and jabbing but not throwing as much and Beterbiev landed a right over Bivol’s lazy jab and was out-jabbing Bivol.
Score: 10-9 BeterbievBivol 39-37
Official Scores: Judge Jean Robert Laine 38-38 TIED, Judge Mike Fitzgerald 39-37 Bivol, Judge Dean Dwarte 38-38 TIED
Round 5
More all-out aggression from Beterbiev. He was jabbing strongly and scored with a right to the body. Bivol was moving and jabbing but was not landing his jabs and Beterbiev was hunting him down successfully and matched Bivol when Bivol stood and traded. Bivol drilled home a right counter but Beterbiev was dominating the exchanges with his jabbing and drove Bivol back landing rights to the head. Bivol had slowed in both movement and hand speed and Beterbiev seemed to be taking charge. Bivol had a growing swelling under his left eye but it was not a factor.
Score: 10-9 BeterbievBivol 48-47
Round 6
A more studied start from Beterbiev and Bivol was able to slam some jabs through Beterbiev’s guard. Beterbiev picked up the pace and forced Bivol back and they traded jabs. Bivol put together one of his flashing combination but then Beterbiev drove forward landing lefts and rights as he forced Bivol backwards along the ropes. Bivol put together another combination of straight shots but the jabs were not as spiteful as in the early rounds. Beterbiev chased Bivol into the ropes and connected with a solid right to the head
Score: 10-9 BeterbievTIED 57-57
Round 7
Beterbiev forced Bivol back with hard jabs and landed a right to the head. Bivol was doing some nice work with his jab but it wasn’t keeping Beterbiev out. Bivol put together another burst of punches and had his jab working again. He twice fired a batch of punches with Beterbiev unable to counter. Beterbiev had a small cut on his left eyelid.
Score: 10-9 BivolBivol 67-66
Round 8
As Beterbiev drove forward Bivol was meeting him with jabs and straight rights and moving along the ropes to avoid Beterbiev’s replies. Bivol continued to slide jabs through Beterbiev’s guard and landed a left jab/straight right combo. Bivol stopped retreating and stood in front of Beterbiev and again landed a series of straight lefts and rights. Beterbiev just could not pin down the fast moving Bivol and was being ambushed by quick bursts of light punches. Both landed heavy rights.
Score: 10-9 BivolBivol 77-75
Official Scores: Judge Jean Robert Laine 76-76 TIED, Judge Mike Fitzgerald 77-75 Bivol, Judge Dean Dwarte 77-75 Bivol.
Round 9
Beterbiev was again chasing down Bivol and walking into an ambush when Bivol stopped and banged home a burst of punches. Beterbiev was chasing in vain and being caught by snappy shots from Bivol. Beterbiev was having problems reacting to the quick footwork and constant changes of direction by Bivol and when he missed with a right Bivol stepped inside with a barrage of punches. As Beterbiev continued to march forward Bivol stopped backing off and landed a fast combination and then stepped back. When Beterbiev started to come forward again Bivol stepped forward and again landed a burst of punches. For a short spell Bivol moved inside and switched angles four times with a confused Beterbiev unable to block the punches.
Score: 10-9 BivolBivol 87-84
Round 10
The fight was getting away from Beterbiev and he had to know it. He managed to catch Bivol against the ropes early and connected with a couple of body shots. Bivol caught Beterbiev with a right counter to the head then fired another of his quick burst of punches. Beterbiev landed well as he jabbed solidly forcing Bivol back and connected with a right to the head. Beterbiev anticipated Bivol’s ambushes and backed away from them to edge a close round.
Score: 10-9 BeterbievBivol 96-94
Round 11
A different Bivol. He came out fast taking the fight to Beterbiev landing jabs and even when he backed off a pace he was still firing those jabs. He was also stopping and suddenly firing punches and every time Beterbiev threw a punch Bivol was coming straight back at him with jabs and rights. Beterbiev stepped in and landed a right but Bivol paid him back with a left and a right and landed a right cross to Beterbiev’s head. Bivol began to hunt Beterbiev using his jab to force Beterbiev across the ring. Beterbiev managed to force Bivol back but was having problems landing anything heavy. Bivol refused to take a step back and they stood and traded heavy shots in the best exchange of the fight.
Score: 10-9 BivolBivol 106-103
Round 12
Beterbiev was piling forward behind his jab pressing hard and landed a right to the body. Bivol was retreating but firing jabs. Beterbiev landed a left and a right but Bivol was moving away from them. Both landed a right and then they stood and traded punches. Beterbiev was getting through with lefts and rights and Bivol was floating around the ring avoiding trouble. Beterbiev connected with a couple of rights and a cut opened outside the left eye of Bivol which could have been a big problem if it had happened earlier. The last few seconds off the fight saw a standing ovation for the two boxers.
Score: 10-9 BeterbievBivol 115-113
Official Scores: Judge Jean Robert Laine 114-114 DRAW, Judge Mike Fitzgerald 116-112 Bivol, Judge Dean Dwarte 115-113 Bivol.
Bivol gets revenge for his majority decision loss against Beterbiev in October and wins all five versions of the light heavyweight title. It was a classic battle that lived up to expectations. This is one of those cases where a third fight is a must and woe betide any sanctioning body that tries to force any other fight. In the crazy would of sanctioning bodies the light heavyweights now have one real champion then you have David Benavidez who holds the secondary WBA title and WBC interim title and Callum Smith who won the WBO interim belt. How in any sensible world can you have the world champion sitting in the dressing room gloved up whilst two fighters compete for the interim title in the same division. Only in boxing can this crazy situation occur and it shows what a farce the use of the word “interim” is. The really ridiculous thing would be for the IBF to threaten to strip Bivol unless he fights their No 1 Michael Eifert a guy with a 13-1 record who has had only one fight (against a guy with a 12-4 record) in the last two years?
Parker vs. Bakole
Parker stops an obese, overweight, unfit and very late substitute Bakole in two rounds in defence of his WBO interim/temporary title.
Round 1
Parker was jabbing to the body. Bakole tried a right but Parker easily evaded it. Parker continued to work with his jab with Bakole backing up looking to lure Parker forward. Parker missed with a right and Bakole moved forward pawing with his jab then dived in throwing punches but Parker dodged them.
Score: 10-9 Parker
Round 2
Bakoloe was advancing with Parker on the back foot avoiding Bakole’s jab and letting fly with rights which whistled over Bakole’s heads. Bakole landed two left hooks to the body. As Bakole came forward Parker connected with a couple of hard rights and then landed a right to the head that sent Bakole
tottering back then going down heavily. Bakole climbed unsteadily to his feet and stumbled into a corner clearly unable to continue and the referee stopped the fight. Parker stays a factor at heavyweight. His wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang have earned him the right to think he might yet get another title shot. Bakole had climbed into contention with victories over Tony Yoka, Carlos Takam and Jared Anderson and he was a top 3 named contenders by all four sanctioning bodies. He was sitting at home with his feet up when the chance came to earn $600,000 for facing Parker at only three days’ notice. Bakole reportedly weighed in at 310 lbs for this fight, 43 lbs more than Parker and 26 lbs heavier than he weighed when beating Jared Anderson in August. With the heavyweights in limbo until Usyk decides who he is going to fight next I guess Bakole felt he had little to lose by taking this fight and he has been promised another big fight as a reward for stepping in at short notice.
Stevenson vs. Padley
Stevenson gradually breaks down and stops late substitute Padley in nine rounds in a WBC lightweight title defence.
Round 1
Both were generally short with jabs at the start. Padley tried to dive inside a couple of times but Stevenson countered and danced back. Stevenson landed a left and Padley again jumped in and connected with a left to the body. Low scoring feeling out round.
Score: 10-9 Stevenson
Round 2
Stevenson banged home a straight left. Stevenson landed a right and Padley moved quickly out of range. Stevenson landed a solid straight left and then a right and Padley responded with a right. First real exchange of the fight. Stevenson slammed home two lefts.
Score: 10-9 StevensonStevenson 20-18
Round 3
Stevenson drove Padley to a corner with a left then slid home a jab. Stevenson connected with a left and a right. Padley drove forward and landed a body punch but Stevenson skipped back and landed a counter. Stevenson stabbed home a couple of right jabs. Stevenson banged home two lefts. Padley was not throwing much. He was looking to counter but Stevenson’s speed was too much for him.
Score: 10-9 StevensonStevenson 30-27
Round 4
Padley drove forward a couple of times and managed to get through with a body punch. Stevenson landed a couple of jabs but there was so little action that neither fighter did enough to win the round.
Score: 10-0 TIEDStevenson 40-37
Official Scores: Judge Predrag Aleksic 39-37 Stevenson, Judge Pavel Hynek 40-36 Stevenson, Kieran McCann 40-36 Stevenson
Round 5
Stevenson landed a right and a left as they got tangled up. Stevenson was more positive with his jabs and landed a left. Stevenson was staring to let his hands go more and putting together some combinations. Stevenson banged home two hooks to the body. Some real fire from Stevenson now as he connected with a burst of hooks.
Score: 10-9 StevensonStevenson 50-46
Round 6
Padley launched three quick attacks but Stevenson blocked the punches. Stevenson was really upping the pace standing in front of Padley and banging home punches from both hands. Stevenson stepped out from a corner and blasted Padley with hooks. He pinned Padley against the ropes and unloaded a bunch of punches. Padley escaped and had Stevenson against the ropes and fired shots but most were blocked. Stevenson drilled home hooks and uppercuts as the round ended.
Score: 10-9 StevensonStevenson 60-55
Round 7
Padley fired a little burst of punches trying to keep Stevenson off but most were blocked. Stevenson had been short with the few punches he had thrown but he sprung to life twice with a series of body punches
Score: 10-9 StevensonStevenson 70 64
Round 8
Padley immediately jumped in throwing punches but Stevenson blocked them. Stevenson was just prowling after Padley but not throwing much. He suddenly let fly with a hail of punches that rocked Padley who tried to force Stevenson back but rights pierced Padley’s guard.
Score: 10-9 StevensonStevenson 80-73
Official Scores: Judge Predrag Aleksic 79-73 Stevenson, Judge Pavel Hynek 80-73 Stevenson, Kieran McCann 80-72 Stevenson
Round 9
Stevenson blasted Padley with a savage succession of hooks. Padley backed across the ring and Stevenson blasted him with a four-punch combination and Padley took a step back and went down on his hands and knees. He was up at five and when the eight count was completed Stevenson walked Padley around the ropes banging home body punches. Padley drove forward throwing punches but was forced back. Stevenson landed a right to the body and Padley went down Stevenson landed a right when Padley already had a knee on the floor. Stevenson was given a warning and Padley beat the count and tried to stand and trade with Stevenson but a left to the body saw him collapse to his hands and knees and the towel came in from his corner.
Second defence of the WBC title for Stevenson but he always had this fight under control. Padley deserves praise for taking the fight at four days’ notice. He had scored a good win over unbeaten Mark Chamberlain in September but was in way over his head. Stevenson was calling out Gervonta Davis
Adames vs. Sheeraz
Adames retains the WBC title with a split draw against Sheeraz
Round 1
Adames was immediately coming forward with Sheeraz on the back foot moving around the ring using his longer reach to score. Sheeraz landed a double jab and Adames was short with a jab to the body. A very cagey round with Sheeraz’s jabs just giving him a very small edge.
Score: 10-9 Sheeraz
Round 2
Adames a bit more active taking an extra step forward and throwing a burst of punches including a right over Sheeraz’s jab and a left hook to the head Sheeraz still relying on his jab. Adames connected with a right and ducked under Sheeraz’s jab and landed a left. Sheeraz scored with a jab and a right to the head. Close low scoring round.
Score: 10-9 AdamesTIED 19-19
Round 3
Sheeraz was permanently on the back foot firing accurate jabs with Adames having problems with the height and reach of Sheeraz. Adames was bobbing and weaving trying to get inside and Sheeraz was short with his jabs so neither doing any scoring in that exchange.
Score: 10-9 SheerazSheeraz 29-28
Round 4
Adames caught Sheeraz with a snappy right but Sheeraz came back with two left hooks. It was still a case of Sheeraz boxing on the retreat with Adames prowling after him. Sheeraz banged home two solid jabs as Adames tried to force Sheeraz to the ropes and both boxers were off target over the last 30 seconds
Score: 10-9 SheerazSheeraz 39-37
Official Scores: Judge Guido Cavalleri 39-37 Sheeraz, Judge Barry Lindenman 39-37 Adames, Judge Omar Minton 39-37 Sheeraz.
Round 5
Adames increased his pace he was walking forward quicker with less bobbing and weaving. He landed a right early and was really hounding Sheeraz. He was kept busy avoiding the punches from Adames and throwing less himself. Sheeraz stopped moving and Adames was able to score with a pair of body punches. Then he forced Sheeraz back landing lefts and rights and Sheeraz was off target when he unleashed a burst of punches.
Score: 10-9 AdamesSheeraz 48-47
Round 6
Adames was taking the fight to Sheeraz again with Sheeraz landing some jabs. Adames land a right and then a couple of hooks. Once again Sheeraz was not moving and giving away his edges in height and reach and standing in front of Adames who was able to score with uppercuts. Sheeraz scored with a good combination but Adames was coming forward landing hooks pumping out punches and Sheeraz was missing with some sweeping hooks.
Score: 10-9 Adames TIED 57-57
Round 7
Adames kept coming forward with Sheeraz on the retreat just hiding behind his guard poking out ineffectual jabs and hardly threw a right. Adames was forcing Sheeraz backs with hooks from both hands and Sheeraz’s jab seemed to have gone missing. Adames walked forward banging home body shots. Sheeraz
Score: 10-9 AdamesAdames 67-66
Round 8
Plenty of jabs from Sheeraz who also scored with a sharp right hook but that just served to highlight now few times Sheeraz was using his right. Adames was able to get inside and land to the body with Sheeraz too often static and not throwing any punches. When Sheeraz did fire back his sweeping shots were easily avoided by Adames. Sheeraz was using his left when a right was the obvious choice so he looked to have a problem with his right,
Score: 10-9 AdamesAdames 77-75
Official Scores: Judge Guido Cavalleri 76-76 Tied, Judge Barry Lindenman 79-73 Adames, Judge Omar Minton 77-75 Adames.
Round 9
Better round for Sheeraz. He was jabbing with more conviction and using his right until Adames forced him back and even then Sheeraz kept jabbing and landed two good uppercuts. Adames was finding it hard to pin Sheeraz down and Adames was given an overdue warning for low punches. Adames was cut over his right eye
Score: 10-9 SheerazAdames 86-85
Round 10
Adames was chasing down Sheeraz with Sheeraz circling the ring. Adames could not cut off Sheeraz’s retreat and Sheeraz was just prodding with his jab and for the first half of the round neither was able to land. Adames connected with a right and Sheeraz stabbed home two jabs but really neither fighter landed a meaningful punch .
Score: 10-10 TIEDAdames 96-95
Round 11
Sheeraz stood his ground more so both were able to land punches. Sheeraz was still relying heavily on his
jab but Adames scored with a hook and a straight right. Adames was ducking under Sheeraz’s punches and landing hooks. Sheeraz kept pecking away with light jabs and both landed lefts. Close round
Score: 10-9 AdamesAdames 106-104
Round 12
Sheeraz was jabbing with conviction again but Adames was getting past the jab and firing hooks inside. Adames landed a right and then he ducked under a left from Sheeraz and came up with a right to the head and an uppercut that jerked back Sheeraz’s head. Adames was throwing hooks in two’s and three’s .
Score: 10-9 AdamesAdames 116-113
Official Scores: Judge Guido Cavalleri 115-114 Sheeraz, Judge Barry Lindenman 118-110 Adames, Judge Omar Minton 114-114 TIED .
Two of the scores reflected a hard-fought close contest but the third was way off. Hopefully there will be a return fight. It was confirmed that Sheeraz had injured his hand.
Ortiz vs. Madrimov
Ortiz successfully defends the WBC interim title with a unanimous verdict over a tricky Madrimov.
Round 1
Ortiz was shadowing the retreating Madrimov looking to cut off the ring. Ortiz stepped in with a left and a right but Madrimov slipped away and pushed out jabs then landed a long right to the body. Madrimov was constantly changing direction and holding his guard at hip level and he sent two rights through Ortiz’s guard. Ortiz couldn’t pin Madrimov down and Madrimov landed a sneaky right. Ortiz landed a left to the body but Madrimov again sent a right through Ortiz’s guard.
Score: 10-9 Madrimov
Round 2
Once again plenty of movement from Madrimov and he found a gap for a jab. Ortiz landed a right but Madrimov responded with a couple of hooks. Ortiz doing a better job of closing down Madrimov and connected with a right to the head then another. Better round for Ortiz but Madrimov still elusive.
Score: 10-9 OrtizTIED 19-19
Round 3
Ortiz coming forward behind a high guard and Madrimov picking him off with straight shots through his guard. Ortiz landed a left hook to the body but Madrimov was still moving and then darting in with jabs. He was leaving Ortiz no real target and Ortiz was throwing very few punches.
Score: 10-9 MadrimovMadrimov 29-28
Round 4
Excessive amounts of movement from Madrimov and Ortiz was not quick enough to cut him off but then landed a left hook and a right to the head. Ortiz was taking an additional stride forward and scored with a couple of hooks. Madrimov was cornered but broke out and landed a couple of shots but Ortiz scored with a right.
Score: 10-9 OrtizTIED 38-38
Official Scores: Judge Guido Cavalleri 38-38 TIED, Judge Barry Lindenman 38-38 TIED, Judge Kevin Parker 39-37 Ortiz.
Round 5
Madrimov was staying in the centre of the ring throwing punches and not circling or changing direction. Ortiz was much happier with Madrimov standing in front of him and they both managed to land punches. Over the second half of the round Madrimov reverted to lots of movement. Ortiz landed a right but Madrimov was throwing a lot more and finding gaps.
Score: 10-9 MadrimovMadrimov 48-47
Round 6
Ortiz was using his jab to cut off the space for Madrimov and landed a right. Ortiz scored with a couple of left hooks to the body. Madrimov went back to circling the ring and repeatedly changing direction then stood and exchanged punches with Ortiz landing to the body with hooks. Madrimov was given a warning for leading with his shoulder. Ortiz was scoring with hooks to the head. Best round so far for Ortiz.
Score: 10-9 OrtizTIED 57-57
Ortiz was not advancing behind a high guard but instead throwing punches as he came forward and scoring with jabs and short hooks. Madrimov scored with a pair of hooks to the body but was under more pressure as Ortiz was finding the target with jabs.
Score: 10-9 OrtizORTIZ 67-66
Round 8
Madrimov had slowed and Ortiz was reaching him with jabs and straight rights. Ortiz was back to his high guard but was successfully blocking Madrimov’s punches and Madrimov was moving lots but throwing little. Ortiz connected with two rights to the head.
Score: 10-9 OrtizOrtiz 77-75
Official Scores: Judge Guido Cavalleri 77-75 Ortiz, Judge Barry Lindenman 77-75 Madrimov, Judge Kevin Parker 78-74 Ortiz.
Round 9
Ortiz was staying on top of Madrimov stabbing with jabs and firing straight rights. Still plenty of movement from Madrimov but he was not as quick allowing Ortiz to land rights the head. Madrimov’s punch output had dropped. It was all Ortiz as a he drilled Madrimov with lefts and rights with nothing coming back from Madrimov. Ortiz was walking Madrimov down and finding openings for hooks and jabs to the body. Ortiz landed a hook and an uppercut as the bell sounded. Another dominant round for Ortiz
Score: 10-9 OrtizOrtiz 87-84
Round 10
Change of tactics from Madrimov as he walked forward behind a high guard taking Ortiz to the ropes and letting fly with hooks. Both scored as they traded hooks. Madrimov was boring in with his heads down and was warned. Ortz landed a couple of hurtful hooks to the body. It was all inside work now with Madrimov again careless with his head and warned. They went toe-to-toe which suited Oritz and he was scoring more and better punches with Madrimov trying wild overhand rights and lefts without success and he was rocked by a right to the head.
Score: 10-9 OrtizOrtiz 97-93
Round 11
Madrimov continued to go inside and was firing more than in the last two rounds. It was punch for punch but they both looked arm weary. Madrimov was getting through with wide rights and was more accurate than Ortiz.
Score: 10-9 MadrimovOrtiz 106-103
Round 12
It is now a brawl with both hooking to the body inside until Ortiz took a step back and landed a little burst of shots. Ortiz hammered home a body punch. Both connected with hooks. Madrimov drove forward with his head down and the referee stopped the action to give him another warning. Blood is leaking from a cut over Ortiz’s left eye. It was head down and swing from Madrimov but Ortiz was cooler and placing his punches better and was working with his jab at the end.
Score: 10-9 Ortiz Ortiz 116-112
Official Scores: Judge Guido Cavalleri 115-113 Ortiz, Judge Barry Lindenman 115-113 Ortiz, Judge Kevin Parker 117-111 Ortiz.
A tough defence against a very clever and frustrating opponent.
Kabayel vs. Zhang
Kabayel comes off the floor in the fifth to finish Zhang in the sixth. Zhang made a good start both jabbing strongly and landing some hefty right hooks. Zhang’s defence is not too good and Kabayel manged to land some useful counters but Zhang did most of the scoring. Zhang was 46 lbs heavier and a lot slower and Kabayel was able to use his superior mobility to outscore Zhang in the second. Kabayel had a good third as he was taking the fight to Zhang getting his punches off first and using some fast accurate jabbing to force Zhan onto the back foot and landing hooks from both hands. He was making Zhang work at quicker pace which was making the extra weight Zhang was carrying more of a handicap than a benefit for the Chinese giant. Kabayel had a dominant fourth walking forward targeting Zhang’s body and rocking Zhang with an uppercuts. Zhang’s output fell considerably as Kabayel pumped out punches. Zhang looked exhausted in the fifth but he remained dangerous and as they exchanged punches he dropped Kabayel with a left hook to the head. Kabayel made it to his feet and to the bell. It was all Kabayel in the sixth as he battered away at an exhausted Zhang driving him back with Zhang hardly able to lift his hands. A series of body punches had Zhang folding in half and nearly going down. The referee thought Zhang was going down and pushed Kabayel toward a corner but Zhang stayed up and the fight continued. Another series of body punches had Zhang dropping to put one knee on the canvas and being counted out in that position. Kabayel lifts Zhang’s interim/temporary WBC title. He had largely flown under the radar for most of his career until back to back inside the distance wins over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez in Saudi elevated him considerably and this win will further enhance his standing. There is only one real heavyweight champion so the division will just have to see what happens next with Oleksandr Usyk, who incidentally presented Kabayel with the WBC interim belt. What a farce boxing makes of itself when a real champion presents an interim title belt for his division to another fighter. How long is it since the late Jose Sulaiman said the WBC were dropping interim titles because they were just confusing?
Smith vs. Buatsi
Best fight of the night as Smith and Buatsi fought twelve gruelling, punishing rounds with Smith taking the unanimous decision to win the interim WBO title.
Round 1
No study time here. Buatsi quickly moved inside roughing up Smith and landing some body punches. He continued to wrestle Smith inside not giving Smith the chance to use his jab. When the action opened out Smith was jabbing well then both landed hooks. Buatsi again took the fight inside and arm wrestled Smith to the floor. Smith was jabbing again until Buatsi closed in and landed some hooks to the body. Both had success with Buatsi’s body work the difference
Score: 10-9 Buatsi
Round 2
Smith landed a double jab and then a right to the head. Buatsi got inside but neither landed anything heavy. Smith landed a couple of hooks at distance and two more as Buatsi tried to get inside. Buatsi landed a left hook but Smith connected with two jabs and an uppercut Buatsi was moving behind a cross-armed guard but Smith landed a clubbing right to the head then a left to the body
Score: 10-9 SmithTIED 19-19
Round 3
Both were jabbing strongly. Buatsi forced Smith to the ropes and scored with hooks. Smith landed a pair of body punches. Buatsi pinned Smith against the ropes but Smith got through with a hook to the body before Buatsi landed some hooks. Buatsi landed a low punch that had Smith backing upon and almost doubling up and Buatsi took the chance to score with a couple of punches. Smith found the range with his jab and connected with a right.
Score: 10-9 SmithSmith 29-28
Round 4
Smith was sharp with his Jab and a right cross. The two-way action was really heating up and they both landed hooks. Smith kept banging home left hooks to the body but Buatsi responded with uppercuts a jab and a right. Smith had a swelling under his right eye. Smith was firing some vicious hooks to the body and they traded punches in a brawl against the ropes. Smith was bleeding from a cut over his right eye. And both landed hard hooks at the end of the round.
Score: 10-9 SmithSmith 39-37
Official Scores: Judge Steve Gray 39-37 Smith, Judge Richard Blouin 39-37 Smith, Judge Antonio Marogna 38-38 TIED.
Round 5
Smith got off first with jabs and a right. Buatsi landed some solid jabs and a right but Smith responded with a left hook to the body. Buatsi drove forward tuning side-on to reduce the target for Smith but Smith continued to target the body with hooks and landed a thumping right to the head and a left hook dislodged Buatsi’s mouthguard. When the action restarted Smith landed four body punches but was now bleeding from a cut under his right eye.
Score: 10-9 SmithSmith 49-46
Round 6
Buatsi works his way inside and pinned Smith against the ropes firing hooks and uppercuts. Smith landed an uppercut and worked his way off the ropes. They then trade punches in what was becoming a gruelling, brutal battle. Smith dug in hooks to the body and clipped Buatsi on the chin with a right. Smith unloaded lefts and rights with Buatsi looking to hold. Smith drove Buatsi back with sweeping hooks. Buatsi signalled for Smith to bring it on which is usually a bad sign. Smith had Buatsi reeling under an array of punches but then Buatsi exploded with a burst of punches forcing Smith to the ropes and bombarding him with punches. Two real warriors giving everything.
Score: 10-9 Smith Smith 59-55
Round 7
Buatsi looked to have recovered and he was jabbing strongly. Smith attacked with hooks but Buatsi thumped home jabs and continued to find the target with his Jab. Buatsi connected with a clubbing right. Smith landed a long right. Buatsi was now boxing on the outside not looking to get into a brawl and looked the freshest.
Score: 10-9 BuatsiSmith 68-65
Round 8
This one start as a battle of the jabs with Buatsi just the more active. Both connect with rights then three left hooks from Smith sent Buatsi back and Smith came forward landing hooks and straight shots. Buatsi fired three jabs and then connected with a right before landing a burst of punches before the bell.
Score: 10-9 BuatsiSmith 77-75
Official Scores: Judge Steve Gray 79-74 Smith, Judge Richard Blouin 77-75 Smith, Judge Antonio Marogna 78-74 Smith.
Round 9
Smith bounced a couple of rights off Buatsi’s head and was outworking Buatsi on the inside. Smith jabbed then put together some searing combinations and poured on the hooks inside. Smith landed a series of punches and then ducked away from a response from Buatsi. Smith landed a hard right to the head. Two tired fighters battering away at each other. Buatsi staged a strong finish.
Score: 10-9 SmithSmith 87-84
Round 10
Buatsi was boxing on the back foot and stabbing out accurate jabs and clubbing rights. Smith fired back with jabs and uppercuts. Buatsi marched forward behind his jab landing hooks. He pinned Smith against the ropes and pounded him with punches. Buatsi’s jabs were jolting Smith’s head back but Smith clobbered Buatsi with two rights. Blood was dripping from the cut over Smith’s right eye but he landed a tired right.
Score: 10-9 BuatsiSmith 96-94
Round 11
This really is a case of survival of the fittest as they have both taken and given some serious punishment, Buatsi again jabbing strongly and Smith landed a clubbing right. Buatsi was forcing Smith back with jabs and Smith countered with a right. A burst of head punches from Buatsi had Smith’s heads being shaken left and right and area around his left eye was a mess and was affecting his vision. Buatsi kept firing punches and Smith was forced to hold. Smith landed some clubbing head shots.
Score: 10-9 BuatsiSmith 105-104
Round 12
This time Smith was the one firing right jabs and looking sharper. He landed a right then Buatsi scored with a left and Smith clouted Buatsi with four head punches. Smith rocked Buatsi with a right to the head. Smith connected with some swinging punches from distance and landed a great left counter that again sent Buatsi mouthguard to the canvas. Buatsi dug in two hooks to the body and a hard overhand right. Smith landed two left hooks then jabs and lands a straight right
Score: 10-9 SmithSmith 115-113
Official Scores: Judge Steve Gray 119-110 Smith, Judge Richard Blouin 115-113 Smith, Judge Antonio Marogna 116-112 Smith.
Smith lost on a seventh round stoppage against Artur Beterbiev for the IBF, WBC, and WBO titles in January last year. He had returned with a win in November but was not rated in the WBC top 40 before this fight. Buatsi was defending the WBC interim belt and a title fight later this year looked a distinct possibility and it could still happen.
FEBRUARY 19
Jamestown, CA, USA: Light: Gabriel Flores (26-2) W PTS 10 Jose Arellano (11-3). Welter: Emiliano Moreno (12-0,1ND) W TKO 7 Cesar Francis (13-3). Heavy: Antonio Mireles (9-0-1) W PTS 8 Josue Vargas (5-10-2).
Flores vs. Arellano
Flores scores two knockdowns but still seems very lucky to get the unanimous decision over Arellano by ridiculous margins. Just ten seconds into the fight a short left hook from Flores sent Arellano tumbling into the ropes and only his left arm being tucked over the middle rope helped him stay upright and the referee gave him a standing count. There were a couple of torrid exchanges in the remainder of round with both landing well. Arellano was on top in the second and third. Flores was just circling the ring rarely throwing a punch whereas Arellano was hunting Flores down getting through with jabs and quick combinations. A clash of heads saw Floors cut over his right eye in the fourth. He was throwing lots of jabs over the middle rounds but most were coming up short and Arellano continued to chase Flores down landing jabs and body shots. By the end of the seventh Flores was also bleeding from the nose and apart from some snappy jabs was just being outworked. Arellano continued to outscore Flores in the eighth and ninth with Flores just circling the ring and stopping to try with a jab and a straight right. Once again Arellano was throwing more and landing more and heavier punches. In the first five seconds of the tenth Arellano drove forward and Flores landed a right hook that sent Arellano down on his rump. It was a good, solid, shot and after the count Flores connected with a series of power punches and it looked as though Arellano might crumble but Flores went on the back foot and Arellano was attacking at the bell. Flores won on scores of 99-89, 98-90 and 95-93. Scoring is purely subjective but for me the two 10-8 rounds were the only ones Flores won and I had it 96-92 for Arellano. After losses to Luis Alberto Lopez and Giovani Cabrera Flores gets his fifth consecutive victory over decent level opposition and retains the WBA Continental Americas belt. Third loss in his last four fights for Arellano.
Moreno vs. Francis
Moreno gets a controversial stoppage win over Francis. The story was one of Francis boxing comfortable on the back foot spearing the oncoming Moreno with counters in the shape of overhand rights or right hooks. Moreno was basically just following Francis around the ring not doing much work waiting too long to let his hands go and not cutting off the ring. Moreno finally came to life in the fifth he was closing the distance pinning Francis against the ropes and rocking Francis with some heavy rights. Moreno increased his pace in the sixth. Francis was still scoring with jabs and quick counters but Moreno was driving Francis around the ring firing more and landing more than in the early rounds. Moreno continued to pressure Francios in the seventh with Francis countering until a huge right cross shook Francis and a left saw him sag at the knees and stumble into a corner with the referee suddenly jumping in and stopping the fight before Moreno threw another punch. It was ridiculously premature and a bemused Francis, and pretty well everyone else in the arena, could not understand the stoppage but the fight was over. Tenth win in a row for Moreno. Panamanian-born Francis in his first fight for 14 months, suffers his second inside the distance defeat.
Mireles vs. Vargas
Mireles wins every round against Vargas, Mireles was 9” taller and 30 lbs heavier and Vargas was never a danger. The 9” height difference was not much of an advantage for Mireles. Vargas kept chugging forward throwing crude punches with Mireles having to almost stoop to land his shots. He was able to find the target with jabs when Vargas trundled forward but could not keep Vargas out and most of the action consisted of crude brawls inside with Mireles doing what little clean scoring there was. Mireles won every round on three scores of 80-72 but short of an early knockout was never going to impress against a so much smaller an opponent.
FEBRUARY 20
Seraing, Belgium: Super Light: Antoine Vanackere (24-1) W PTS 10 Akihiro Kondo (37-13-3). Super Feather: Miko Khatchatryan (19-1) W TKO 4 Flecher Silva (16-4).
Vanackere vs. Kondo
Vanackere retains the IBF International title as he outpoints tough Japanese challenger Kondo. The 6’0” tall local southpaw won on scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 but the fight looked closer than that. After a tight first round the aggressive Kondo marched forward getting inside and he forced Vanackere into a brawl in the second and third. Vanackere moved more and created some space so he could use his longer reach over the fourth and fifth but Kondo just kept chugging forward and the sixth and seventh were close with Vanackere landing the clearer punches but again being forced to stand and trade. The 39-year-old Kondo slowed over the last two rounds which allowed Vanackere to get the deserved decision on scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92. Although Vanackere was a good winner the scores were very hard on Kondo. Now sixteen wins in a row for Vanackere but he is not rated in the top 15 by any of the sanctioning bodies. First fight in Europe for former IBO title challenger Kondo.
Khatchatryan vs. Silva
Khatchatryan makes it a home double as he stops Silva in the fourth. Khatchatryan had Silva under heavy pressure over the first three rounds and blew him away in the fourth. Khatchatryan came flying out of his corner throwing punches and Silva buckled under the onslaught and fell to the canvas. He got up but went down twice more and the referee waived the fight over. Khatchatryan lost to Joe Cordina in 2021 and this is his sixth win since then. Venezuelan Silva suffers his third loss by KO/TKO
New York, NY, USA: Welter: Avious Griffin (17-0) W PTS 8 Jose Sanchez (14-5-1).
Griffin halts a gutsy Sanchez in eight to win the vacant WBC USA title. That the fight lasted that long was a testament to the bravery of Sanchez. Griffin had edges in reach, height and power. He dropped Sanchez in the opening round and twice in the second but Sancez survived. Griffin continued to dominate the action with unrelenting pressure and Sanchez shipping punishment but fighting back. He had his best round in the sixth but was still getting hurt and he was examined by the Doctor before the start of the seventh. Griffin raked Sanchez with punches through the seventh and eighth and although Sanchez refused to go down the referee stopped the fight. Now sixteen inside the distance wins for Griffin. He has come through quite a bit on his way to here. His father, who had trained and guided him as an amateur, died suddenly just before Griffin had his first professional fight. Griffin went through with the fight and won on a first round kayo. When he was 3-0 he was arrested for murder on the basis of some false testimony. Eventually he was totally cleared but it cost him almost four years out of his career. First fight for eleven months for Sanchez and second defeat by KO/TKO.
FEBRUARY 21
Cutral Co, Argentina: Super Light: Axel Isla (12-3-1) W PTS 10 Nestor Abdullah (9-8).Super Light: Karen Carabajal (24-2) W PTS 8 Claudia Lopez (26-18).
Isla vs. Abdullah
Former Argentinian champion Isla outthrew and outlanded Abdallah throughout the fight. Abdallah competed hard but could not reverse the flow of the contest. Abdallah had some success over the middle rounds but the high punch rate and accuracy of Isla’s work saw him put in a strong finish to emerge the winner by 98-92 on all three cards. Isla wins the vacant WBC FECONSUR title and is 4-0-1 in his last 5 outings. Abdullah is 1-4 in his last 5
Carabajal vs. Lopez
Argentinian champion Carabajal wins this clash of experienced female fighters as she outscores Lopez in all eight rounds with the three cards reading 80-72 for Carbajal. Carabajal’ s two losses have come against Katie Taylor and Rhiannon Dixon in title fights. Lopez 46 and a professional for 19 years ,is a former IBF super feather champion.
Istanbul, Turkey: Heavy: Umut Camkiran (23-0) W KO 2 Taryel Jafarov (34-8).
Camkiran brutalises Jafarov. Although only 6’0” tall German-born Turk Camkiran usually weighs in at about 280 lbs. No weights given here but Camkiran is an intimidating figure. Jafarov survived the first round but after being nailed with a punch by Camkiran in the second Jafarov literally ran away with Camkiran in pursuit. Camkiran trapped Jafarov in a corner and Jafarov dropped to the canvas with Camkiran landing a couple of punches when Jafarov was down. Jafarov got up but then fell down twice more and was counted out. Only two of Camkiran’s fights have lasted the distance. This fight was for the WBC Asian title and was a farce. Azeri Jafarov had won the vacant World Boxing Society heavyweight title ( now that’s a new one) on 8 February! He cried on the corner post after his loss-not something you see very often.
Santa Ynez, CA, USA: Super Light: Cain Sandoval (15-0) W KO 4 Mark Bernaldez (25-7). Welter: Gor Yeritsyan 20-1) W TKO 2 Luis Hernandez (23-7).
Sandoval vs. Bernaldez
Sandoval destroys Bernaldez in four rounds. Sandoval had the better of the action in the first constantly firing jabs and coming in behind them to put Bernaldez on the back foot and applying constant pressure. The fight caught fire in a high-action second. They traded savage shots which suited the heavy-handed Sandoval and with that power edge a higher work rate and plenty of body punches he was outscoring the wilder Bernaldez. The fast pace and the body punching had Bernaldez flagging and he spent much of the third pinned against the ropes under fire barely fighting back. In the fourth a body shot saw Bernaldez dip at the knees and as he straightened up Sandoval nailed him with a devastating right hook and he was counted out. Sandoval, 22, makes it 13 inside the distance wins. No name victims so far but some useful opponents. Bernaldez’s losses have all come in tough fights including an eighth round kayo by Oscar Duarte.
Yeritsyan vs. Hernandez
Yeritsyan crushes Hernandez. Yeritsyan bossed the first and then put Hernandez down with an array of punches in the second. Hernandez made it to his feet but a barrage from Yeritsyan dropped him again and the fight was stopped. Armenian Yeritsyan has 16 wins by KO/TKO. Fourth defeat in a row for Hernandez.
Detroit, MI, USA: Light Heavy: Antwan Jones (18-0) W PTS Kenmon Evans (10-3-1).
Jones marches on as he takes a unanimous decision over Kenmon. Jones pressed hard for the whole fight. Kenmon showed some useful skills but lacked the power to match Jones and the constant pressure had him holding on to make it to the final bell. Scores 78-74 for Jones on all three cards. This was reported as being for the NBA title.
FEBRUARY 22
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Super Light: Jose Rosa (28-1) W KO 1 Andres Perez (18-2). Light Heavy: Braian Suarez (20-3) W TKO 1 Walter: Sequeira (28-13-2).
Rosa vs. Perez
Rosa rebounds from his first loss as he finishes Colombian Pere inside the first round. A right cross sent Perez down the first time and a left to the body had Perez taking the count whilst kneeling on the canvas. Now 21 wins by KO/TKO for Rosa who wins the vacant WBC Latino title. Rosa had lost on points in Russia against unbeaten Khariton Agrba in November. Colombian Peredz had built his record against low level opposition
Suarez vs. Sequeira
When these two met in 2020 Suarez knocked out Sequeira in the first round. This one was also over in the first. A left hook tom the body from Suarez, almost the first punch thrown in anger, dropped Sequeira down in agony and although he managed to rise the fight was stopped. Suarez had been 17-0 then went 2-3 including a tenth round knockout by Lyndon Arthur for the vacant IBO title. Ninth loss by KO/TKO for Sequeira who was stopped in six rounds by Arthur in 2022.
Stuttgart, Germany: Light Heavy Altin Zogaj (16-0) W PTS 10 Alexander Rigas (20-3). Super Middle: Simon Zachenhuber (26-0) W TKO 3 Robert Talarek (29-27-3). Super Middle: Emre Cukur (24-3-1) W TKO 1 Ajemi Amani (16-5-2). Super Middle: Ali Hetemi (10-0) W TKO 2 Joe Owuso (9-2)
Zogaj vs. Rigas
Kosovan Zogaj boxes his way to victory over German Rigas.
The 6’2” Zogaj made full use of his longer reach to control the fight. He was jabbing strongly at distance and following through with rights crosses then tying Rigas up inside. The stocky Rigas kept lunging forward but had very little success. Rigas had some success early but at times as he stood static in front of Zogaj not throwing punches it was target practice for Zogaj. Rigas kept trying but was cut over his right eye and bleeding from the nose and never really threatened and Zogaj was a big winner despite they scores which came out at 96-94 twice and 97-93 for Stuttgart-based Zogaj who wins the WBA Continental title. Rigas, the WBF super middle champion had won his last 7 fights.
Zachenhuber vs. Talarek
Zachenhuber feeds on a badly overmatched Talarek. Southpaw Zachenhuber was just too quick and too mobile for the very shopworn Talarek. In the first Zachenhuber was circling Talarek piercing his guard with jabs and quick combinations. Zachenhuber banged home body punches throughout the second with Talarek too slow to respond. Talarek showed some aggression in the third but as he rushed forward Zachenhuber connected with a right to the head that sent Talarek down. Talarek struggled to his feet but then staggered into a corner held up by then ropes . Despite that when the eight count was finished the referee let then fight continue. A left put Talarek down again and thins time when he got up he stumbled all the way across the ring to a corner on the other side of the ring. After the count Ther referee again let Talarek continue and again he was knocked down. One more eighth count but as Talarek struggled to his feet the referee finally waived the fight over. Now 16 wins for Zachenhuber including a sixth round stoppage of Emre Cukur. Talarek mis 2-13 in his last 15 fights.
Cukur vs. Amani
Cukur wipes out poor Amani in 94 seconds. Cukur was just tracking the nervous Amani around the ring and then banged home a left hook and a right and Amani went face down on the canvas with the referee not even bothering with a count. Fourth win for Cukur since being stopped in six round by Zachenhuber in 2023. Tanzanian Amani is 0-2 in consecutive fights in Turkey.
Hetemi vs. Owuso
Hetemi was prowling after the ever retreating Owuso who was just pushing out jabs with no powered behind them. Hetemi ducking under the jabs and firing hooks to Owuso’s head. The Ghanaian had no idea how to get leverage on his punches and had absorb some punishment. Hetemi drove Owuso around the ring in the second and then connected with a series of head punches that saw Owuso drop to one knee. He was up at eight and tried to avoid any more trouble but was cornered and went down again. He climbed up only to be knocked down again and counted out. Fifth inside the distance win in a row for Hetemi. The 6’4 ½” Owuso was knocked out in one round by Fatih Altunkaya in November.
Tijuana, Mexico: Feather: Luis Nery (36-2) W TKO 7 Kyonosuke Kameda (15-4-2). Super Feathyer: Angel Garcia (18-1) W PTS 10 Martin Morales (17-5). Heavy: Frank Sanchez (25-1) W TKO 3 Ramon Olivas (18-25,1 ND). Middle: Carlos Ocampo (37-3) W TKO 2 Luis Montelongo (17-10).
Nery vs. Kameda
Nery stops Kameda. This is Nery’s first fight since losing on a sixth round stoppage against Naoya Inoue for the IBF/ WBA/ WBC/ WBO super bantam titles. The Japanese fighter boxed well over the first two round and forced Nery onto the back foot with some fierce attacks in the third. A mocking gesture from Kameda infuriated Nery in the fourth and he handed out some vicious punishment. The pace slowed in the fifth and Kameda actually looked to have done enough to take the round. By the sixth Kameda was faltering and the action was stopped for the doctor to examine a bad cut over Kameda’s right eye. In the seventh Nery drove Kameda into a corner and landed a short series of punches that sent Kameda down. Kameda claimed he had slipped After the count Nery chased Kameda to another corner and was unloading punches and Kameda dropped to a knee. The referee pulled Nery away and sent him to a corner then started a count. Nery was already climbing the ropes in celebration but Kameda got up. At the end of the eight count the referee was about to let the fight continue but Kameda’s corner signalled their surrender. Nery will be looking to work his way to another title fight. Kameda was a decent 8-0-1 going in.
Garcia vs. Morales
Garcia took a majority decision over Morales. Garcia had lost his unbeaten tag on a seventh round stoppage against Miguel Esparza in January last year but took the decision here on scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95. Second consecutive loss for southpaw Morales but against strong opposition.
Sanchez vs. Olivas
Whilst the world’s top heavyweights were earning millions in Saudi Cuban Sanchez was fighting in a six round preliminary fight in Mexico. He bounced Olivas around for a while then thumped home a left hook to the body and a right to the head that floored Olivas and the referee waived the fight over. First fight for Sanchez since losing on a seventh round kayo against Agit Kabayel in May last year. A very costly loss for Sanchez. Now 23 losses by KO/TKO for Olivas
Ocampo vs. Montelongo
Ocampo stops Montelongo in two rounds. When these two met in 2012 Ocampo had to settle for a unanimous decision but this time he finished Montelongo in just over three minutes. Not too many of Ocampo’s fights go the distance. Of his losses he went the full twelve rounds in losing to Sebastian Fundora for the interim WBC title but was knocked out in one round by both Errol Spence for the IBF welter title and Tim Tszyu for the interim WBC super welter title.
Mashantucket, CT, USA: Middle: Francis Hogan (18-0) W PTS 10 Khiary Gray (19-8). Super Welter: Anthony Velazquez (16-0-1) W TKO 3 Brian Chaves (14-7).
Hogan vs. Gray
Southpaw Hogan retains the WBC Silver USA belt with a unanimous decision over Gray but the fight was harder than expected. Hogan had huge edges in height and reach and dropped Gray with a right in the second. He also found openings for his lefts but Gray had periods of success despite losing. Scores 96-93 twice and 98-91 for Hogan. Gray had been matched tough including losses to Bakhram Murtazaliev and Charles Conwell.
Velazquez vs. Chaves
Local favourite Velazquez much to good for rapidly sliding Chaves. Velazquez boxed patiently in the first then went to work in the second landing hard shots to head and body. Velazquez ended it in the third blasting Chaves with a right that sent the Argentinian down hard. Chaves struggled to his feet but the fight was waved off. That makes it 14 wins by KO/TKO for Velazquez and six inside the defeats in a row for Chaves.
Hollywood, FL, USA: Light: Armando Martinez (14-0) W TKO 8 Yoandris Salinas( 23-3-2). Heavy: Yoandy Toirac (2-0) W TKO 3 Mario Aguilar (23-10).
Martinez vs. Salinas
Cuban Martinez stops fellow-Cuban Salinas in the eighth round in defence of his WBA Continental title. Martinez showed plenty of classy moves as he outboxed Salinas over the early rounds and slowly wound up the pressure. He dished out some serious punishment in the seventh and Salinas was pulled out by his team in the eighth. Martinez has won 13 of his 14 fights by KO/TKO. He is a former Cuban champion and the son of Armando Martinez Snr a gold medal winner at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Salinas drew with Scott Quigg in a challenge for the secondary WBA super bantam title in 2013 but was out of action for seven years before returning in 2022.
Toirac vs. Aguilar
Toirac has it easy against Aguilar. The 6’3” Cuban used his reach to keep the smaller and lighter Aguilar on nthe back foot. He was moving in and connecting with uppercuts inside then dropping in overhand rights. He easily moved away from Aguilar’s crude punches then staggered Aguilar with a right. Aguliar soaked up plenty of punishment in the second but fired back. A right and a left hook dropped Aguilar but the referee decided bit was a slip and Aguliar saw out the round. I nthe third a barrage of punches sent Agular down to his knees and during the count Aguilar got up and walked back to his corner. Toirac had over 100 amateur fights and scored wins over Jose Larduet, Mihai Nistor, Mourad Aliev, Tony Yoka, Zhilei Zhang and Erislandy Savon but there is no way to judge how far he might go as Aguilar was too poor to be a useful guide.
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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