Highlights:
- Oleg Usyk
knocks out Tony Bellew to retain his four cruiserweight titles and end Bellew’s
career.
- Mairis
Breidis and Krzys Glowacki win through to the WBSS cruiserweight semi-finals
with wins over Noel Gevor and Maksim Vlasov.
- Anthony
Crolla moves nearer to another title fight with a win over Daud Yordan in a WBA
eliminator.
- Yuriorkis
Gamboa and Juan Manuel Lopez score wins in Miami and seem headed to a March
meeting.
- Ricky Burns
keeps his hopes of a fight with Crolla alive with stoppage of Scott Cardle and
Josh Kelly again impresses with one round blow out of Argentinian Walter
Castillo.
- Brandon
Adams beats Shane Mosley Jr to win the latest The Contender series.
- Artur
Szpilka outpoints Mariusz Wach in clash of Poland’s top heavyweights
- Felix
Verdejo returns with a win.
WORLD TITLE
CARDS
November 10
Manchester,
England; Cruiser: Oleg Usyk (16-0) W KO 8 Tony Bellew (30-3-1). Light: Anthony
Crolla (34-6-3) W PTS 12 Daud Yordan (38-4,1ND). Light: Ricky Burns (43-7-1) W
TKO 3 Scott Cardle (23-3-1). Welter: Josh Kelly (8-0) W TKO 1 Walter Castillo
(13-3). Heavy: Dave Allen (16-4-2) W RTD 7 Ariel Bracamonte (8-2). Cruiser: Richard
Riakporhe (8-0) W TKO 8 Sam Hyde (13-1-1).
Usyk vs.
Bellew
Usyk sends Bellew into retirement with a dramatic knockout to
retain all four cruiserweight titles and put the world’s top heavyweights under
notice.
Round 1
Bellew took the lead here. He was poking out his jab finding some
gaps and testing Usyk with some straight rights. An overly cautious Usyk hardly
threw a punch in the round.
Score 10-9
Bellew
Round 2
Usyk was a bit more active in this round probing constantly with
his jab but not really following through with the punch. Bellew scored with his
jab and with a couple of rights and was almost taunting Usyk who seemed
reluctant to take any chances. A good right from Bellew gave him the round.
Score 10-9
Bellew Bellew 20-18
Round3
Usyk stepped up his pace in this one and finally scored with some
southpaw straight lefts. He had the better of the early action but late in the
round Bellew was getting through with rights to the body and just edged a close
round.
Score 10-9
Bellew Bellew 30-27
Round 4
Usyk now had his right jab working and was following that with
straight rights. Bellew had discarded his jab and was relying on lead rights,
most of which missed or were blocked. Usyk was on the front foot and keeping Bellew
on the defensive and buckled Bellew’s knees with a left and took the round.
Score 10-9
Usyk Bellew
39-37
Official
scores: 39-37, 39-37, 39-37 for Bellew
Round 5
This was a closer round; Bellew was able to land with his right
more than in the last round. Usyk was pressing through the whole three minutes.
He was slotting home jabs and landing straight lefts. He looked like a fighter
with a game plan whereas Bellew looked as though he was making it up as he went
along.
Score 10-9
Usyk Bellew
48-47
Round 6
A better round by Bellew. After Usyk started the round confidently
Bellew began to throw more punches. He was using his jab and letting go with
straight rights and was more accurate and finished the round with a strong
right to the head.
Score 10-9
Bellew Bellew
58-56
Round 7
Usyk outworked Bellew in this one. He kept his right in Bellew’s
face and scored with thumping lefts to the body. Bellew was dangerous in bursts
but Usyk was starting to hound Bellew and two right jabs brought blood from
Bellew’s nose.
Score 10-9
Usyk Bellew
67-66
Round 8
Usyk was working the jab again and then landed a heavy left to the
head. Bellew scored with a right and a left to the body but Usyk fired back
with two left hooks that had Bellew backing off. Usyk followed landing more
lefts and then one finally one sent Bellew down spread-eagled on the floor with
his head resting on the bottom rope. He turned looking out into the crowd
grabbing the ropes as he struggled to get to his feet but the referee waived
the fight over without completing the count.
Official
scores at the finish: 68-65 and 67-66 for Bellew and 67-67.
After a slow start Usyk just got better and better and the brutal
knockout was scary. It looks as though there are no immediate plans for the
fight with Anthony Joshua that Usyk so obviously wants and with the leading
cruisers all involved in the WBSS it may mean an outing at heavyweight for Usyk
against a rated fighter before a Joshua clash next year. Bellew won the
British, European Commonwealth and WBC cruiserweight titles and beat David Haye
twice inside the distance so leaves with his head high after an outstanding
career.
Crolla vs.
Yordan
Crolla wins a unanimous decision over Yordan in this WBA final
eliminator. Crolla made a confident
start. He was on target with his jab in the first and mixed in hooks to the
body and some sharp uppercuts. Yordan was slower off the mark and although
increasing his punch output in the second it was the hand speed and some hooks
inside that helped Crolla keep the momentum. Yordan had some success when he
was able to pin Crolla on the ropes but those were rare occasions. Yordan
finally had some significant success in the six. He hurt Crolla with a left to
the body and another series of punches had Crolla briefly in trouble. Yordan
attacked hard in the seventh which was a close round but Crolla was back in
control in the eighth with clever movement, changing angles and slotting home
punches. Yordan pressed hard over the closing rounds. He was the heavier
puncher and was always dangerous but Crolla matched Yordan’s work rate and with
his controlled boxing and greater accuracy he stayed in front to the final bell
for a decisive victory. Scores 116-112 from the three judges for Crolla. The
former WBA champion has rebounded in style after his back-to-back losses in
title fights against Jorge Linares. He scored a good win over Ricky Burns and
was No 4 with the WBA going into this fight and this victory over the WBA No 2
rightly gives him in pole position for a
fight with Lomachenko. The Ukrainian has a unification fight with WBO champion
Jose Pedraza on 8 December and if he gets through that then Crolla will be able
to press his case for a title shot. Former IBO champion and WBA title
challenger Yordan may have seen his last chance of another title challenge
disappear with this loss.
Burns vs.
Cardle
A very sharp looking Burns blasts out former British champion
Cardle. In a fast-paced first round Burns was using his extra reach to score
with his jab and following it in with hard rights one of which shook Cardle.
When he could Cardle was slipping Burns jab and scoring with hooks inside.
Cardle made a busy start to the second but Burns used his jab to take control
and twice connected with left jabs
followed by right hooks and landed two more rights to the head at the bell.
Burns was throwing rights in the third and a cut was opened under Cardle’s left
eye. As Cardle came forward a thunderous right to the head from Burns saw
Cardle’s legs go stiff and he toppled down to the canvas. It was a brutal
knockdown but somehow Cradle dragged himself to his feet but the referee having
counted eight sensibly waived the fight off. The 35-year-old Scot is hoping to
get a fight with Anthony Crolla but Crolla is looking towards another world
title shot so Burns may have to keep busy and see what transpires but this win
will have boosted his confidence. The wheels have really come off for Cardle.
He has gone from 21-0-1 and British champion to losing his title and three of last
five fights, with two of those losses crushing early stoppages.
Kelly vs.
Castillo
Kelly dismantles overmatched Castillo inside the first round. From
the opening bell Kelly was snapping out his jab and throwing sharp straight
rights. Kelly connected with a left hook to the body and Castillo got through
with an overhand right. Kelly then unleashed a series of hooks and uppercuts
that had Castillo floundering and a right cross put the Argentinian down. He beat the count but when the action
restarted Kelly was driving Castillo around the ring with hooks and uppercuts.
Castillo tried to fire back but was on the ropes and under yet another
bombardment and the referee stopped the fight despite protests from Castillo.
Just a mark-time fight for Commonwealth champion Kelly. His next date is set
for 8 December against former IBF title challenger David Avanesyan which will
be a much sterner test. Castillo, the Argentinian No 7,suffers his third loss
in his last four fights.
Allen vs.
Bracamonte
It was all bludgeons and no rapiers here as these two big men
tried to beat each other down with Allen coming out the winner. Bracamonte was
finding plenty of gaps for his punches in the first but did not seem to have
the power to halt Allen’s attacks. Allen landed a very low punch in the first
and got away with another in the second. Bracamonte kept landing and seemed on
the point of overwhelming Allen in the third but Allen saw out the storm kept
coming and just before the bell a thunderous right had Bracamonte seriously shaken.
The Argentinian looked exhausted and close to quitting but Allen was just as
tired and in a brutal fourth they both landed hefty head shots as the “pace”
slowed to less than walking and they both took and landed tired punches. It was
a battle of attrition. Bracamonte tried to box in the sixth but did not have
the energy to sustain the effort and it was Allen’s bombs that were having the
biggest effect. Bracamonte came out wildly throwing punches in the seventh but
a counter right from Allen open a gash on the bridge of Bracamonte’s nose. With
Allen walking Bracamonte around the ring and connecting with huge right swings
the fight needed to be stopped but it wasn’t . Bracamonte’s corner sensibly
retired their man at the end of the round. Allen gets the win but he can’t take
many more wins like this. His defence was non-existent but he walked through
the punishment which is fine against fighters such a Bracamonte but not against
quality fighters. Bracamonte is No 1 in the national ratings which tells you all
you need to know about the situation of the heavyweight division in Argentina.
Riakporhe vs.
Hyde
Unlucky night for Hyde as he is well on his way to victory until a
terrible swelling by his left eye sees the fight stopped. Hyde built a good
lead he was quicker and had no problem in getting his jabs off first and
getting past Riakporhe’s jab and connecting with sharp left hooks. In the sixth
Riakporhe finally started to connect with rights and land some heavy body
punches. He was pinning Hyde to the ropes and pounding the body. Hyde was still
getting through with jabs but it was a much more even fight. Riakporhe was
storming forward in the eight landing clubbing head shots and suddenly a
swelling formed by the left eye of Hyde which grew at an alarming rate and to a
dangerous size and the fight was over as Hyde’s corner threw in the towel. Big
win for the 6’5” Riakporhe, his seventh by KO/TKO, and it wins him the vacant
WBA Inter-Continental title. Hyde was unlucky to lose to such a freak injury.
He had won his last 11 fights and will be back when the injury heals.
Chicago, IL, USA:
Cruiser: Mairis Breidis (25-1) W PTS 12 Noel Gevor (23-2). Cruiser Krzys
Glowacki (31-1) W PTS 12 Maksim Vlasov (42-3). Cruiser: Artur Mann (15-0) W PTS
10 Alexey Zubov (17-2).
Breidis vs.
Gevor
Breidis moves into the WBSS semi-finals with a controversial
decision over Gevor in a poor fight where the styles and tactics did not gel
with too little scoring and too much wrestling and head clashes. Breidis made
the better start making good use of his jab and throwing rights. Gevor showed
plenty of movement but was coming up short with his jab. In the second Gevor
found the range with his jab and stopped Briedis in his tracks a couple of
times with that punch. He also used quick footwork and upper body movement to
frustrate the attacks from Briedis. The third was a better round for Breidis.
He scored with lead rights before finally getting his jab working whereas Gevor
was ignoring his jab and was given a stern warning for a deliberate punch to
the back of the head. Gevor had his jab working in the fourth. He rammed the
jab into the face of the advancing Breidis but then ruined his good work by
twice deliberately landing punches to the back of the head of Breidis and was
deducted a point. After four rounds and with the deducted point taken off the
scores from the judges was 40-35, 39-36
and 38-37 all for Breidis. The fifth was a poor round with both fighters
doing more missing than hitting and there were clinches and head clashes throughout
the round. Every time Gevor lunged in his head ended up under the arm of
Breidis. In the sixth. Breidis was having trouble with the strong jabbing from
Gevor in this round and he was having no more success in countering the jab in
the seventh and left hook from Gevor was
the best punch in the sixth and a right was the best in the seventh. The
pattern of throw a couple of punches and then lunge inside continued in this
round. Gevor did some good work on the outside with Breidis waiting too long to
let his punches go. After eight rounds the Judges still had Breidis in front with scores of 77-74,
77-74 and 78-73. Again there was very little clean scoring from either
fighter making it a close round but Gevor was working hard and just seemed to
do a little more than Breidis. A clash of heads resulted in a nasty vertical
gash over the right eye of Gevor. Punch and lunge continued to be the tactics
in the tenth. As usually Gevor’s head ended up under the left arm of Breidis
and this time the referee deducted a point from Breidis for holding Gevor’s
head there. The eleventh was another low scoring round. Neither fighter really
landed a substantial punch. Gevor twice complained about headwork by Breidis
but was guilty of punches to the back of the head. The twelfth was a
disappointing end to a disappointing fight. Breidis was the more composed in
his work with Gevor throwing wild swings so the Latvian took the last round.
Final scores from the judges were 116-110,
115-111, and 114-112 all for Breidis. The former WBC champion will meet
Krzys Glowacki in the final but looked a lucky winner here. There was so little
sustained action in any round which made the fight difficult to score and the
three judges only agreed the scoring in three of the twelve rounds. Gevor, who
now wants to be called by his birth name of Norair Mikaeljan, was very much the
outsider here but he gave Breidis plenty of problems and looked worth at least
a draw.
Glowacki vs.
Vlasov
Glowacki scores emphatic win over Vlasov in this WBSS quarter-final.
In the first round Vlasov made good use of his longer reach and sneaked home a
couple of straight rights. The harder punches came from southpaw Glowacki who
seemed to shake Vlasov temporarily with two lefts. The second was a close
round. Vlasov worked hardest and threw more punches scoring with a neat burst
of hooks. Glowacki was picking his punches and scored with left counters and
just edged the round. Vlasov was doing good work in the third connecting with
his jab and getting through with straight rights but with just seconds to go in
the round after they both landed good punches Vlasov went over. It looked to
have been from a left from Glowacki but the video showed that their legs were
tangled and Vlasov overbalanced trying to avoid the punch. He was unhurt and
protested the count and the bell went when the eight count was complete. The
fourth saw both fighters scoring well. Vlasov was throwing more but Glowacki
was more accurate and his counter lefts were the power punches. After the
fourth scores were 39-36 twice and 40-36
all for Glowacki. Vlasov got back into the fight by out working Glowacki in
the fifth but the Pole took the sixth with stiff jabs and some solid hooks to
the body and although the seventh was a fairly balance round it was another one
to Glowacki on the basis of his harder punches. A tired looking Vlasov had
abandoned his jab in the eighth and at one point was wrestled to the floor.
Glowacki was the one doing the scoring and he landed some hard kooks to the
body. After eight rounds the Pole was
ahead on all cards at 79-73, 78-73 and 78-73. Both fought like tired man in
the ninth with Vlasov improving his accuracy to claw his way back into the
fight and he outlanded Glowacki in a tenth that saw some furious exchanges late
in the round with Vlasov outscoring Glowacki. The Pole’s strength gave him the
eleventh. Despite suffering a gash on his left cheek and a cut over his left
eye under his left eye Glowacki landed some powerful lefts to have Vlasov
holding on. The Russian came back in the twelfth. He had that bit more left in
the tank and kept pumping his arms with Glowacki only firing back with tired
punches. Scores 118-110, 117-110 and
115-112 all for Glowacki. This had been a gruelling entertaining fight and
Glowacki was a clear winner. He goes on to meet Breidis in the semi-finals and
wins the interim WBO title. After losing to future WBO champion Gilberto
Ramirez back in 2015 Vlasov had compiled a run of twelve wins and was No 2 with
both the WBC and WBA and can still play a part in the division once the mists
of the WBSS disperse.
Mann vs.
Zubov
Mann wins an open entertaining fight with wide unanimous decision
over southpaw Zubov. In a lively opener Zubov was moving well and scoring with
quick jabs but just before the bell a powerful right cross from Mann put Zubov
down. Zubov was badly shaken and when the eight count was over Mann scored with
more head shots and put Zubov down again with a right cross. Zubov did well to
make it to his feet and the bell went as the eight count was finished. Despite
the two knockdowns the fight was far from over and Zubov staggered Mann with a
right in the second. From there these two contested an entertaining contest
with Zubov the busier and more accurate but Mann the heavier puncher. Zubov
worked tirelessly with his jab and was more than happy to stand and trade. The
heavy rights from Mann were more eye-catching and were enough to get him the
decisions but the scores did not give enough credit to Zubov’s gutsy display
after that near disaster in the first round. Scores 98-89 twice and 96-91 for
Mann. The Kazak-born German Mann, 28, is ready to move up and take on tougher
tasks. Michigan-based Russian Zubov had won his last seven fights.
November 8
Indio, CA,
USA: Super Welter: Jesus Soto Karass (29-13-4,1ND) W PTS 10 Neeco Macias
(17-1). Feather: Emilio Sanchez (17-1) W TEC DEC 10 Enrique Bernache (24-12).
Feather: Manny Robles (17-0) W PTS 10 Jose Santos Gonzalez (23-7). Super
Middle: Demetrius Ballard (19-0,1ND) W Alan Campa (17-4,1ND).
Karass vs. Macias
Veteran Karass outlasts younger Macias to take the majority
decision. These two missed out on a commercial opportunity. They could have
rented out the centre of the ring because after they touched gloves at the
start of the contest neither ventured there again. Macias seemed to have
decided to simply overwhelm Karass and he went straight into the attack forcing
Karass to the ropes and the rest of the fight was a close-quarters scrap with
Karass hardly ever getting his back off the ropes. Even a cut caused by a clash
of heads in the second round did not get Macias to change his tactics. He kept
pouring on the punches with Karass finding it hard to move from defence to
attack but he was doing a better job of blocking punches and although outlanded
his shots were harder. The slow start from Karass was not unexpected as he was
having his first fight for a year but
over the second half of the fight he gradually stepped up his punch
output and although Macias kept throwing punches the power was with Karass.
Scores 97-93 and 96-94 for Karass and 95-95. Karass, 36, had walked away after
a run of five losses and a draw, all against top-notch opposition, but now
there will be fights there for him. Californian “Rooster” Macias, 27, was
fighting his first “name” opponent and came very close to victory. His
stock-in-trade is all-out aggression so he is unlikely to change his tactics
but some added experience will help him improve.
Sanchez vs.
Bernache
Sanchez gets a technical decision over Bernache as the fight is
stopped in the last round when Sanchez already had the win in his pocket. In an
assured performance Sanchez always had control of the fight. He was able to use
his longer reach to outscore Bernache snapping out his jab and connecting with
right crosses. When Bernache did get past the jab he was outworked on the
inside. Early in the final round it was decided that a cut over Bernache’s left
eye was too serious for the fight to continue so with that round also being
scored the cards read 100-91, 99-92 and 97-94 for Sanchez. This win constitutes
the second brick in the rebuilding of Sanchez after he suffered a shock second
round kayo loss against modest Eugene Lagos in March. The 24-year-old
Californian is a former US Junior champion who competed at the Olympic Trials
for the 2012 US Team. Seasoned pro Bernache is now 4-5 in his last 9 fights.
Robles vs.
Gonzalez
Robles keeps his 100% record but in a flat performance as he gets
a split decision over Gonzalez. It was Gonzalez who showed most fire early in
the fight and Robles had problems settling as Gonzalez constantly switched
guards and found gaps for his jabs. Robles just did not work hard enough over
those early rounds but after stunning Gonzalez in the sixth he finally started
to roll and was able to eat into Gonzalez’s early lead. It is questionable as
to whether he did enough but two of the judges thought so and that was enough.
Scores 97-93 and 96-94 for Robles and 96-94 for Gonzalez. The 24-year-old
“Chato” retains the WBC NABF title. Boxing is very much in the blood for Robles
as his father until recently trained Oscar Valdez and his grandfather was also
a well respected trainer. Gonzalez is 1-4 in his last 5 fights but the
opposition has been strong with Zolani Tete and Duke Micah both getting wins
over him.
Ballard vs.
Campa
Ballard returns with a win as he decisions Campa. In his first
fight for just over a year Ballard had some rust to shed and Campa was very
much in the fight over the first two rounds. Ballard began to find the range in
the third only for Campa to land a heavy right in the fourth. Ballard shook
that off and his heavier punching gave him control of the action. As Ballard
got into gear Campa slipped out of the fight and his work rate dropped. Ballard
finished strongly and won a clear-cut decision although Campa gave him a
tougher fight than the scores indicate. Ballard took the verdict on scores of
80-72, 79-73 and 78-74. The 25-year-old “Big Meech” from Maryland was an
outstanding amateur winning gold medal at the 2012 National Golden Gloves and 2009,
2010 and 2012 Ringside World Championships and at the 2010, 2011 and 2012
National Police Athletic League Championships but he failed to get through the
US Olympic Trials for the London Games and turned pro in 2013. Campa has only
lost twice inside the distance and those losses were against Sergiy
Derevyanchenko and Jesse Hart
November 9
Inglewood,
CA, USA: Brandon Adams (21-2) W PTS 10 Shane Mosley Jr (11-3). Middle: Eric
Walker (18-2) W PTS 8 Michael Moore (16-2). Middle: Tyrone Brunson (27-7-2) W
PTS 6 Devaun Lee (10-5-1). Middle: Gerald Sherrell (10-0) W PTS 6 Morgan Fitch
(18-3-1). Middle: Ivan Khytrov (18-2) W KO 4 Malcolm McAllister (9-3).
Adams vs.
Mosley
Adams outclasses Mosley to win the The Contender series. After a
close first round it was all Adams. He increased his work rate from the second
and Mosley was never in the fight in any meaningful way. Adams had a
disappointing Mosley under constant pressure and shook Mosley in the sixth in a
big round for the winner. Adams was outboxing and out landing Mosley who was
cut over his left eye in a clash of heads in the seventh when it looked as
though a stoppage might be on the cards. Mosley hung on and made it the final
bell but was well beaten. Scores 100-90 twice and 99-91. “Cannon” Adams, 29,
lost to Willie Monroe in the final of the ESPN Boxcino Tournament in 2014 and
to John Thompson in the final of 2015 Boxcino but will now pick up a $250,000
prize and get a top 10 rating from the WBA. Adams made his way to the final by
beating Tyrone Brunson, Ievgen Khytrov and Eric Walker. After losing a split
decision to unbeaten Australian David Toussaint on the Jeff Horn vs. Manny
Pacquiao undercard Mosley was inactive until knocking out Devaun Lee, the only
fight he had in the Tournament prior to this final.
Walker vs.
Moore
This was expected to be a close one but Walker simply outboxed
Moore. Walker had big advantages in height and reach and was too quick and
slick for Moore who never threw enough punches to be competitive. The clever
movement and body punching from Walker saw him collecting the rounds. Moore had
a good spell in the sixth but even then Walker banged back and won the round.
Moore tried to stage a strong finish which resulted in some of the best action
of the fight with Walker a winner by a large margin on all cards. Scores 80-72
twice and 80-73. Louisiana’s Walker, 35, only lost to Adams on a majority
decision in the semi-final. His other loss is to Patrick Day, again on a close
decision. Moore is just not active
enough. He was inactive in 2014, had one fight each in years 2015, 2016 and
2017 so was a very strange choice for the Tournament.
Brunson vs.
Lee
Brunson beats Lee in a contest between two “Contender” competitors
who did not make the final. Brunson took the verdict by scores of 59-55 from
all three judges. Now 33 Brunson still has that record of 19 consecutive first
round wins at the start of his career and knocked out Kermit Cintron last year
but was knocked out by Adams in May in the Tournament. Lee went out of the
Tournament by a fifth round kayo against Mosley and has now lost his last three
fights.
Sherrell vs.
Fitch
This was the most competitive contest of the night. Both fighters
were eliminated early in the Tournament but fought hard to make this a close
fight with Sherrell getting a split verdict on scores of 58-56 twice for
Sherrell and 58-56 for Fitch. Sherrell won his only Tournament fight but was
unable to go further. Fitch had lost a wide unanimous decision to Yamaguchi
Falcao before the Tournament and was knocked out in four rounds by Ievgen
Khytrov in his first Tournament fight.
Khytrov vs.
McAllister
Brooklyn-based Ukrainian Khytrov overcame the early scare of a cut
over his left eye from a punch in the second round before showing his power
with a fourth round kayo of McAllister. Khytrov was one of the favourites for
the Tournament but after knocking out Fitch he lost to Adams in their
semi-final. McAllister lost on points to Moore in his Tournament fight.
Cahors, France:
Middle: Diego Natchoo (17-1-4,1ND) W PTS 10 Peter Kramer (10-2-1). Super
Feather: Florian Montels (13-2-2,1ND) ND 3 Rachid Sali (6-7-2,1ND). Super
Light: Bastien Ballesta (17-0-1,1ND) W KO 4 Giorgi Bliadze (8-9)
Natchoo vs.
Kramer
Natchoo wins the vacant IBO Continental title with unanimous
decision over Kramer. No real problems here for the strong, aggressive French
champion who took the decision by 98-92 on all three cards. The 26-year-old
L’Indien” is now 7-0-1 in his last eight fights
and it is only four weeks ago that he stopped Michel Mothmora to win the
French title. This is Hungarian Kramer’s eighth fight this year. He put up a
good performance in getting a draw with Peter McDonagh in May but was halted in
four rounds by Sam Eggington in June,
Montels vs.
Sali
Disappointing end to this French title fight as a clash of heads
results in a cut that forces an early end. Montels retains the title he won in
May. He had won 5 of his last 6 fights with the loss being to Yvon Mendy in
May. Sali was 1-6-2 in his previous 9 fights but was No 1 in the French ratings
Ballesta vs.
Bliadze
Only the second win inside the distance for Beziers southpaw
Ballesta. After a draw in his first pro fight he is now 17-0 1ND in his last 18
and is No 1 in the French ratings. Georgian Bliadze, 20, is 1-4 in his last 5
fights including three losses by KO/TKO.
Accra, Ghana:
Feather: Ray Commey (19-7) W PTS 12 Isaac Netty (28-12-1). Light: Felix Ajom
(10-1-1) W Ben Ankrah (17-21).
Commey wins the vacant Ghanaian title with points victory over
Netty. Scores 118-111, 117-111 and 117-113 for Commey. Much needed win for
Commey as in his previous two fighters this year he had lost to Isaac Sackey
for the WBO African title and to Wasiru Mohammed for the Ghanaian super bantam
title. Netty a former Ghanaian bantam champion and Commonwealth title
challenger had won his last four fights.
Prato, Italy:
Super Middle: Dragan Lepei (16-1-2) W TKO 2 Alex Marongiu (7-11-1).
Lepei wins the Italian title with stoppage of Marongiu. “Fury” Lepei
was pressing hard and throwing bombs in the first but “Speed” Marongiu showed
some neat defence moves to stay out of trouble. The second round was following
the same pattern until a right hook sent Marongiu down heavily. He struggled to
his feet but the referee decided he was in no condition to continue and waived
the fight over. Ninth win by KO/TKO for Lepei who extends his unbeaten run to
eight bouts. Marongiu falls to 1-4-1 in his last 6.
Konin, Poland:
Cruiser: Nikodem Jezewski (16-0-1,1ND) W PTS 8 Lance Bryant (12-5). Middle:
Kamil Gardzielik (9-0) W PTS 8 Marcos Cornejo (19-5). Cruiser: Igor Jakubowski
(1-0) W PTS 6 Oleksil Zhuk (2-1).
Jezewski vs.
Bryant
Jezewski gets the win as he outpoints New Zealander Bryant.
Jezewski boxed cleverly over the first four rounds. He scored well with strong,
powerful counters constantly finding gaps in Bryant’s defence. A couple of times
it looked as though Jezewski would break down Bryant for a stoppage but Bryant
stayed in the fight. Jezewski fell away in the second half of the fight and Bryant
was able to pinch a round here and there and was never really in any trouble
after that as Jezewski ran out a clear winner. Scores 79=72, 78-73 and 76-75
but the last score looked too generous to Bryant. Jezewski’s next fight will be
for the Polish title. Bryant, who was
stopped in three rounds by Blake Caparello in August, was having his first
fight in Poland.
Gardzielik
vs. Cornejo
Gardzielik easily gets past Cornejo but in the end disappoints.
The local fighter looked on his way to an early night when he floored the
visitor with a right late in the opening round. Cornejo survived but took a
pasting again in the second. Cornejo was down but the referee decided it was a
slip but it looked a genuine knockdown. Gardzielik then dropped the pace and
his work rate and that allowed Cornejo to go the distance without further
scares. Scores 80-71 for Gardzielik on all three cards. The 26-year-old from Konin
is still seeking his first inside the distance win. Four losses on the bounce
for Cornejo.
Jakubowski
vs. Zuka
Yet another former high level amateur turns pro as Jakubowski outpoints
Ukrainian novice Zuka. There was never any doubt that the Konin fighter would
win but he struggled at times as he adjusts to the pro ranks. He took too many
punches and seemed to tire early but had a strong last round. Scores 59-55 twice
and 58-56 for Jakubowski. He was Polish
champion at Cadet, Junior, Under-23 and Senior level, won a gold medal at the European
Union Championships, competed at the World Championships and at the 2016
Olympic where he lost to Briton Lawrence Okolie.
November 10
Miami, FL, USA:
Light: Yuriorkis Gamboa (29-2) W PTS 10 Miguel Beltran (33-7,1ND). Light: Juan
Manuel Lopez (36-6) W PTS 10 Cristian Mino (19-3). Welter: Harold Calderon (18-0)
W KO 7 Emiliano Martin (16-3).
Gamboa vs.
Beltran
Cuban Gamboa returns to action with a win as he outpoints fading
Mexican Beltran. Gamboa looked sharp from the start. Although it was his first
fight for almost a year Gamboa was on target early with his jab and late in the
first he put Beltran down with a right hook. A promising beginning but it
flattered to deceive. Beltran survived and was never really in any further
danger in the fight. Gamboa continued to showcase his excellent skills
outboxing the aggressive Mexican in every round but not really upping his work
rate or pressing his attacks hard. It was a case of Gamboa needing the ring
time and not wanting to take any risks against an opponent who posed no real
danger. Gamboa was content to just work to the bell and take the win. Scores
100-89, 99-90 and 98-91 for Gamboa. At 36 time is not on Gamboa’s side. It
seems unfair to say that in winning the WBA and IBF featherweight titles and
WBA interim super feather and lightweight titles he has under achieved but his
outstanding amateur career and early pro performances seemed to promise so much
more. Inside the distance losses to Terrence Crawford and particularly Robinson
Castellanos put question marks over his dedication so he will have to win
something big and this his last chance to do so. Beltran set off with a 27-1
1ND start to his career before losing a split decision to Roman Martinez for
the WBO super feather title in 2012. Since that set-back he has gone 6-5 and
lost to some very ordinary opposition.
Lopez vs.
Mino
“Jaunma” Lopez also gets back into the action. He scores four
knockdowns but has to settle for a points victory over Argentinian Mino. In
between the knockdowns Mino was actually quite competitive but Lopez’s power
was just too much for him to overcome. Punches from southpaw Lopez put Mino
down twice in the third. The first knockdown came from a southpaw right hook
and the second from a left. Another left hook put Mino down in the fourth but
the Argentinian shook Lopez with a right in the fifth. Lopez 36-6 (32) scored
his fourth knockdown with a body punch in the sixth. From there Mino managed to
stay on his feet and forced Lopez to work hard to the end. Scores 96-89 twice
and 97-88 for Lopez. The former WBO super bantam and featherweight champion
walked away after inside the distance losses to Mikey Garcia, Francisco Vargas
and Jesus Cuellar before returning to the ring in March when he was stopped by
Jayson Velez. He has now challenged Gamboa to a fight and that may happen in
March. Mino’s domestic victims had been very low standard and this his third consecutive bout outside Argentina sees
him gets his third loss.
Calderon vs.
Martin
Honduran hope Calderon moves to 18 wins with seventh round kayo of
Argentinian Martin. Calderon scored three knockdowns on the way to victory.
Southpaw Calderon was Honduran amateur champion and turned pro after winning a
silver medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2013. Martin’s
record has been built on abysmal opposition but he has also been thrown to the
wolves a couple of times being put in with Denys Berinchyk and Kye MacKenzie
and losing both fights on fourth round stoppages
Tokyo, Japan:
Super Fly: Ryuichi Funai (31-7) W TKO 2 Victor Olivo (15-3-1).
Funai wrecks poor Olivo inside two rounds. Funai took the first
with some strong jabs and then floored Olivo with a right cross in the second.
Olivo somehow made it to his feet and was allowed to continue but was dropped
immediately by a right hook and the fight was stopped. The 33-year-old from
Tokyo has won his last seven fights. Olivo suffers his first loss by KO/TKO.
With the help of the magic IBF ratings elevator Funai went from No 7 to No 3
without fighting. With positions 1 and 2 vacant that made Funai the top rated
fighter but he could not be put into the mandatory spot because he had not
beaten someone in the IBF top 10. No problem-Olivo steps on the elevator in the
basement i.e. not even in the IBF top 15 and the magic elevator takes him to No
7 even though he had not fought since beating the 4-2 Irving Fierro in June. By
beating “No 7” Olivo Funai qualifies to challenge Jerwin Ancajas. Wonderful how
efficiently an elevator works when there is a sanction in fee looming.
Corregidora,
Mexico: Super Feather: Andres Gutierrez (37-2-1) W PTS 12 Ramiro Blanco (18-4-3).
Light: Isaac Cruz (16-1-1) W TKO 3 Jose Felix (36-4-1).
Gutierrez vs.
Blanco
Gutierrez wins the vacant interim WBC International title as he
takes every round against a game but outclassed Blanco. Gutierrez was able to
find gaps in the Nicaraguan’s defence in every round slotting home jabs and
connecting with powerful uppercuts. Despite his total dominance Gutierrez was unable
to add to his impressive total of inside the distance wins. Blanco showed a
good chin and was always willing to trade but took a beating. Exhaustion saw
him spitting out his mouthguard three times for which he lost a point as well
as losing every round. All three cards read 120-107 for Gutierrez. The
25-year-old Gutierrez was unbeaten in his first 35 fights before losing a
majority decision to Cristian Mijares in 2016 for the WBC Silver title. He
challenged Abner Mares for the WBA feather title in October 2017 but lost a
wide technical decision. This is his second win this year and he is No 13 at
feather with the WBC. Three of Blanc’s losses have been on his travels in
China, Switzerland and now Mexico.
Cruz vs.
Felix
Surprisingly easy win for Cruz against former WBA title challenger
Felix. He put the more experienced Felix down three times before the referee
called a halt in the third to save Felix from further punishment. “Pitbull”
Cruz, 21, was taking a big step up in quality of opposition but gets win No 13
by KO/TKO. He is 10-0-1 in his last 11 fights. Felix, who lost to Bryan Vazquez
for the secondary WBA super feather title in 2014, then put together a run of
eight wins but has fallen back now with 3 losses in his last 4 fights.
Gliwice, Poland: Heavy: Artur Szpilka (22-3) W PTS 10 Mariusz Wach
(33-4). Light Heavy: Pawel Stepien (12-0) W KO 9 Dmitry Sukhotsky (23-7).
Middle: Maciej Sulecki (27-1) W TKO 2 Jean Hamilcaro (26-10-3).
Szpilka vs.
Wach
Szpilka survives last round crisis to win on a split decision over
fellow Pole Wach. Southpaw Szpilka just edged the first with his superior speed
overcoming the height and reach advantages of Wach but the bigger man got
through with a heavy right late in the second. Szpilka again used his speed and
skills to outwork Wach in the third but was trapped on the ropes and had to
absorb a couple of hard punches in the fourth. Szpilka was in control for much
of the fifth but again Wach connected with some power shots late in the round.
The fast pace he was setting seemed to catch up with Szpilka in the sixth and
he allowed his hands to drop resulting in some success for Wach. It was Wach
whose work rate dropped in the seventh. He landed a hard right to the body but
a left hook from Szpilka was the best punch of the round. The eighth and ninth
were close with Szpilka in control early in the rounds and Wach dangerous late
with rights. After nine Szpilka seemed to have the fight won and all he had to
do was see out the final three minutes. Easier said than done as Wach was
launching fierce attacks. Late in the round a right from Wach put an exhausted
Szpilka down. He beat the count but was in a bad way. There were just forty
seconds left in the fight with Szpilka out on his feet but he managed to make
it to the bell. Scores 97-93 and 95-94 for Szpilka and 96-93 for Wach. After a
knockout loss to Deontay Wilder for the WBC title and a stoppage by Adam
Kownacki Szpilka had rebounded modestly with a win over Dominic Guinn in May
this year but a loss here would have been a huge blow. With so much heavyweight
action going on Szpilka has put himself back in the mix. Naturally Wach is
looking for a return as he tries to rebuild after inside the distance losses to
Alex Povetkin and Jarrell Miller.
Stepien vs.
Sukhotsky
Stepien climbs off the canvas to get his best win so far. The
first three rounds were close as Stepien countered the aggressive early attacks
by Sukhotsky. The Russian had a big fourth round as he connected with some good
body punches and then floored Stepien late in the round with a left hook.
Stepien was up quickly and made it to the bell with no further scares. The
impetus was now with Sukhotsky and he attacked strongly in the fifth and sixth
but by the seventh Stepien had clawed his way back into the fight. In the ninth
a left hook staggered Sukhotsky and a series of punches put him down. Sukhotsky
was hurt but he seemed really to be able to get up in time only to misjudge the
count and despite his protests the fight was over. The Pole makes it eleven
wins by KO/TKO and his seventh in a row. Kazak-born Russian Sukhotsky was
knocked out in five rounds by Adonis Stevenson in a fight for the WBC title in
2014 but at 37 he is a long way from world class now and this is his third loss
on the bounce.
Sulecki vs.
Hamilcaro
Frenchman Hamilcaro was expected to provide a reasonable but not
too difficult task for Sulecki but was blown away in two rounds. Sulecki was
already finding the target with some hurtful shots in the first and a body
punch dropped Hamilcaro in the second. The Frenchman beat the count but from
there it was a massacre with Hamilcaro down three more times before the fight
was stopped. Sulecki easing his way back after his loss to Daniel Jacobs in
April. He will be looking to get into more big fights after his New York
showing. Fifth loss inside the distance for Hamilcaro who was stopped in six
rounds by Josh Kelly in December.
Guaynabo,
Puerto Rico; Light: Felix Verdejo (24-1) W KO 2 Yardley Armenta (24-12,1ND).
Verdejo signals his return as he obliterates Mexican Armenta
inside two rounds. Verdejo was hunting Armenta down in the first with Armenta
under a constant barrage and rarely getting off the ropes. Early in the second
a left hook to the chin dumped Armenta on the canvas and the fight was over.
The 25-year-old Puerto Rican was tipped as a future world champion as he
rattled off 23 straight wins. He was rated No 1 by the WBO so the mandatory
challenger to Terry Flanagan. The fight was all set for 16 September last year
but had to be postponed due to an injury suffered by Flanagan. Verdejo was then
injured and when he recovered he was put in a keep busy fight against Mexican
Antonio Lozada in March this year only for Lozada to do the unthinkable and
stop Verdejo in the last round. After a couple more fight it is expected that
Verdejo will finally get a title shot. Ninth loss by KO/TKO for Armenta who was
halted in two rounds by Richard Commey in August.
Ekaterinburg,
Russia: Middle: Artem Chebotarev (6-0) W PTS 10 Javier Maciel (33-8). Super Light:
Georgi Chelokhsaev (16-1-1) W PTS 10 Gaybatulla Gadzhialiev (6-1).
Chebotarev
vs. Maciel
Russian Chebotarev hands out a solid beating to seasoned
Argentinian Maciel to win the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title. Scores 99-91
twice and 98-92. The 30-year-old Chebotarev was Russian champion four times,
won a bronze medal at the World Championships and gold at the European
Championships. He also won an AIBA Pro
Boxing title and competed at the 2106 Olympics so some good grounding. Former Argentinian champion Maciel is now 2-2
this year with the other loss coming against Willie Monroe Jr in August.
Chelokhsaev
vs. Gadzhialiev
Chelokhsaev wins the strange vacant Eurasian Boxing Parliament
title with close verdict over fellow Russian Gadzhialiev. Although he floored
Gadzhialiev in the first round Chelokhsaev had a battle on his hands and only
just took the verdict on scores of 96-93 twice and 95-94.The Russian champion
Chelokhsaev put together a run of seven wins in a row by KO/TKO but has now had
to go the distance twice in his most recent fights. Gadzhialiev has already fought in Azerbaijan,
Argentina, Puerto Rico and the USA as well as Russia and he had won his last
seven fights.
Marcos Paz,
Argentina: Super Welter: Rodrigo Maizares (7-3) W PTS 10 Henrri Polanco
(13-4-1).
Minor upset as Maizares easily
outscores Polanco to win the vacant WBC Latino title. Southpaw Maizares led
from the start finding the target throughout the fight with his jab and
following lefts. Polanco just never got into the fight and in his frustration
landed a very low punch in the fifth and was deducted a point. A static Polanco
never posed a threat as Maizares closed the fight strongly for an emphatic
victory. Scores 97-92 twice and 100-89 for Maizares on the three cards.
Maizares is building a small run as this was the fourth win in a row.
Argentinian-based Dominican Polanco was 3-0-1 in his last four fights.
Rio Cuarto,
Argentina: Light: Javier Clavero (25-4) W PTS12 Carlos Cordoba (10-4,1ND)
Argentinian champion Clavero adds the South American title to his
collection with victory over Cordoba. Clavero won this one on the back of a
knockdown and a standing count in what was mostly a close fight. Cordoba used
some skilled work to build a slight lead but in the sixth he was put down by a
body punch. In the seventh Clavero had Cordoba in serious trouble and a
stoppage looked likely but the referee gave Cordoba a chance to regroup by
applying a standing count. The remaining rounds were close but both fighters
dropped a point in the last Clavero for a low punch and Cordoba for spitting
out his mouthguard. Scores 113-111 ½ twice and 114-110 for Clavero. The new
champion is 3-1 in fights this year. Cordoba was on a good run being 7-0,1ND in
his last eight fights.
Sydney,
Australia: Light Heavy: Reagan Dessaix (16-1) W TKO 2 Steve Lovett (17-3,1ND).
Important domestic victory for Dessaix as he halts Lovett in two
rounds. The tall 22-year-old “President” Dessaix moves to eleven wins by KO/TKO
and this is tenth win in a row as he retains the WBA Oceania title. He is No 15
with the WBA. Dessaix was a good level amateur winning six Queensland State
titles, two Australian Youth titles and competed at the World Youth
Championships. Lovett tried his luck in the USA but after back-to-back losses
to Craig Baker and Lionell Thompson returned home and had won his last two
fights.
Sydney,
Australia: Super Feather: Joel Brunker 34-3) W TKO 3 Rivo Rengkung (37-28-6).
Brunker starts his rebuilding with stoppage of experienced
Indonesian loser Rengkung. Two of Brunker’s losses have been against world
class opposition in Lee Selby and Josh Warrington but a defeat in July to New
Zealander Nort Beauchamp was a surprise. Twelfth loss by KO/TKO for Rengkung.
Santo Domingo,
DR: Light: Jackson Marinez (15-0) W TKO 10 Jesus Arevalo (27-4-1). Feather:
Hector Garcia (10-0,1ND) W KO 2 Robin Zamora (13-5,1ND). Super Light: Alberto
Puello (16-0) W RTD 3 David Bency (14-10-1,1ND). Light Heavy: Felix Varela (17-2)
W PTS 10 Bryan Perez (11-1).
Marinez vs.
Arevalo
Marinez much too good for Mexican Arevalo and after controlling
the fight all the way he turns on the power in the tenth for a stoppage. Arvelo
kept taking the fight to local boxer Marinez but he was leaning too far in with
his jabs making himself an easy target for counters from Marinez. By the fifth
Marinez was the one coming forward and landing left hooks to the body of Arevalo
.and he had Arevalo in trouble on the ropes at the bell. Marines continued the
beat down in the sixth with Arevalo reduced to wild swipes and Marinez
dominated the seventh eighth and again had Arevalo in trouble on the ropes at
the end of the ninth. Arevalo rallied in the tenth but then body punches from
Marinez had him backing off. After a spell of showmanship Marinez then drove Arevalo
back to the ropes and the referee had seen enough and stopped the fight. Local
boxer Marinez was making the first defence of the WBA Fedelatin title. Arevalo was overmatched last year in losing
to Cristian Mijares and Yvon Mendy and was never really in with a chance in
this fight.
Garcia vs.
Zamora
Garcia blasts out Zamora in two rounds. Both fighters are
southpaws but there the resemblance ends. Former amateur star Garcia had some
problems with Zamora in the first round but was unloading heavy punches in the
second. Zamora poked out a weal right jab and Garcia came over the top with a
stunning left which put Zamora on his rump and he sat out the count . Garcia,
27, won a silver medal at the PanAmerican Games and competed for the Republic
at the 2016 Olympics. This is his eighth win by KO/TKO and he takes Zamora’s
WBA Fedelatin title. Zamora had won his last five fights.
Puello vs.
Bency
Southpaw Puello is very tall for a super lightweight and
Nicaraguan Bency was giving away a ridiculous amount in height and reach. When
Bency tried to get inside Puello was landing left counters and when Bency
stayed outside he was getting nailed by long jabs and straight lefts. Bency did
a bit better in the second. He was willing to take punches to get inside and he
scored with some hooks. Puello was still using his jab to score at range and
punishing Bency with lefts as the Nicaraguan marched forward. Puello started to
look for Bency in the third and was coming forward scoring with left hooks and
straight rights. The fight was halted due to a cut over the right eye of Bency.
After a long examination by the doctor the fight was allowed to continue
amazingly Bency’s corner man had climbed onto the ring apron and was about to
daub Vaseline onto the cut when the referee pulled Bency away so that the fight
could continue. Worried the fight might be stopped Bency threw himself forward
slinging punches and paid for it as counters from Puello twice sent him staggering.
Bency did not come out for the fourth due to the cut. Puello, the Dominican
“Wasp” is rated No 5 by the WBA and No 15 by the WBC and is not being rushed.
Bency had won 3 of his last 4 fights.
Varela vs.
Perez
Varela gets the win but has to come from behind. The former
interim WBA champion found novice Perez a much tougher foe than expected. He was
heading for an upset loss after eight rounds but he staged a strong finish as
Perez tired and escaped with a very close unanimous decision. Scores 96-94 for
Varela from all three judges. After losing his interim WBA title to Dmitry
Bivol Varela was then pushed further down the ratings after losing to Sullivan
Barrera. This is second win this year but fellow-Dominican Perez, who had never
been past the sixth round before this fight ,looked worth a draw and will be
hoping for a return.
Nuremberg, Germany:
Middle: Wanik Awdijan (24-1) W PTS 10 Maono Ally (8-3-1).
Awdijan wins the vacant IBF Youth title with decision over
Tanzanian Ally. Awdijan used a sharp jab to keep the aggressive Ally out over
the early rounds. It was the fourth before Ally really made any impression and
he was wild with his punches. Awdijan stuck mainly to the jab as his right hand
had been in plaster until a few weeks before the show so he used it sparingly.
He was a comfortable winner on scores of 97-93 twice and 99-91. The
Armenian-born Awdijan had also suffered
a shoulder injury earlier in the year so is now hoping to be injury free and
more active. Ally had won 5 of his last 6 fights and did his job here of giving
Awdijan ten rounds of work.
Cave, Italy:
Super Feather: Michael Magnesi (13-0) W PTS 10 Giuseppe Carafa (10-3-1).
Fighting in his home neighbourhood Magnesi retains the Italian title
as and outpoints Carafa. The aggressive start from Magnesi almost overwhelmed
Carafa. In the first round he made Carafa stumble with a right hook and then
floored him late in the round with another right. Carafa made it to the bell and used some good
skills to stay in the fight. Magnesi continued his storming tactics and Carafa
was warned in the sixth for holding and rocked late in the seventh by a
combination. Carafa was being forced to stand and trade punches and the eighth
and ninth were filled with torrid exchanges but Magnesi’s harder punch saw him
on top to the bell. Scores 99-90, 99-91 and 98-91 for Magnesi. The 23-year-old
local was making the first defence of the national title and will now look for
an opportunity to fight for the EU title. Carafa falls to 1-3 in his last 4
fights.
Fight of the
week (Entertainment): Anthony Crolla vs. Daud Yordan and Glowacki and
Vlasov also provided plenty of entertainment.
Fight of the
week (Significance): Oleg Usyk in ending Tony Bellew’s career and
putting the heavyweight division under notice.
Fighter of
the week: Usyk.
Punch of the
week: The left hook from Usyk
that ended his fight with Bellew and on the same show the straight right from
Ricky Burns that ended his fight with Scott Cardle was a bit special.
Upset of the
week: No biggies although Jesus Soto Karass was not expected to beat
Neeco Macias and Isaac Cruz did well to beat favourite Jose Felix.
Prospect watch: No one I have not already named in previous reports really stood
out.
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