MARTIROSYAN UPPENDS OUMA; BENAVIDEZ MAKES IMPRESSIVE PRO DEBUT
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 17 Jan 2010
Undefeated super welterweight contender Vanes Martirosyan won a close ten round decision in an action-packed bout against former champion Kassim Ouma at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sunday morning, Manila Time.
Martirosyan figured in the main event in the inaugural telecast of a new series “Top Rank Live” on the Fox Sports Network and the fight was worth its billing.
Ouma was the aggressor in the middle rounds in particular, coming forward and throwing solid right hands but Martirosyan who is trained by the celebrated Freddie Roach with Alex Ariza serving as conditioning expert connected with some telling counter punches.
The young Armenian clearly faced the toughest fight of his career and suffered a flash knockdown in the 9th round after Ouma picked up the pace of the fight following the sixth round.
However, a big tenth round by Martirosyan sealed the deal with all three judges scoring the fight and helping Martirosyan maintain his unbeaten streak and retain his North American Boxing Federation and North American Boxing Organization belts.
Two of the judges had Martirosyan winning 97-93 while the third judge had the Armenian who fights out of the Wild Card Gym ahead 97-92 which raised quite a few questions considering the fight that the Ugandan Ouma gave Martirosyan including the knockdown.
BENAVIDEZ WINS
Top photo: Vanes 'Nightmare' Martirosyan wins a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Kassim Ouma to remain undefeated and retain his NABF/NABO belts on the premiere of "Top Rank Live" on Fox Sports Net from The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.
Standout amateur fighter Jose Benavidez(L) knocks out Steven Cox in the first round to win his pro debut on the premiere of "Top Rank Live" on Fox Sports Net from The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.
Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank.
Outstanding amateur Jose Benavidez made an impressive pro debut with a 1st round knockout over Stephen Cox (1-1-, 1 KO) in a scheduled four round super lightweight bout at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Benavidez who is the reigning National Golden Gloves champion had no problem adjusting to the pro ranks and used his jab effectively to set Cox up before catching him with his power shots.
Benavidez’ first knockdown of his career came less than a minute into the opening round as he caught Cox with a left hook on the temple.
Although Cox beat the eight count he continued to absorbed more punishment before a vicious a body shot and left hook trapped Cox in a corner prompting referee Kenny Bayless to stop the contest at 1:21 of the first round.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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