Check out Eric Armit’s comprehensive report in The Week In Boxing – October 25, 2017!

 

Highlights:

-Ryan Burnett unifies the IBF and WBA bantam titles with win over Zhanat Zhakiyanov

-Murat Gassiev crushes Krzys Wlodarczyk to retain IBF cruiser title and move into the semi-finals of the WSSB

-Alberto Machado kayos Jezreel Corrales to win the vacant WBA Super Feather title after Jezreel Corrales fails to make the weight and loses the title on the scales

-A three world title fight card in Tokyo sees three Japanese winners as Ryota Murata wins secondary WBA middle title and Daigo Higa and Ken Shiro retain their WBC titles

-Josh Warrington wins IBF final eliminator with stoppage of Denis Ceylan

-Demetrius Andrade outpoints Alantez Fox at middleweight and then relinquishes the secondary WBA super welter title to move up

-Jack Catterall wins British Super Light title with victory over Tyrone Nurse

-Andrew Moloney wins Commonwealth title and becomes the first Australian boxer to win both a Commonwealth Games gold medal and the Commonwealth title as a pro

-Bastie Samir stops Briamah Kamoko in huge fight for Ghana

 

October 20

 

London, England: Welter: Heavy: Joe Joyce (1-0) W TKO 8 Ian Lewison (12-4-1). Joyce win his first pro fight over more experienced Lewison but shows there is work to be done. After a fairly even first round the 6-6” (198cm) Olympic silver medal winner dominated the fight. He had height, reach and mobility over the 36-year-old Lewison and was able to score with his jab from distance and mix hook and uppercuts inside. A jab in the fourth started a swelling over the right eye of Lewison which soon had the eye almost closed, Joyce was constantly forcing Lewison to the ropes and unloading shots but he seemed to lack the power to finish the job. Lewison survived a doctors inspection of the cut at the start of the fifth .Joyce had Lewison under pressure in the sixth and seventh and with Lewison not throwing anything back the referee stopped the fight in the eighth. The 32-year-old Joyce did not take up boxing until he was 22 and has left it late to turn pro. He has the amateur credentials having won gold medals at the European Games where he beat Tony Yoka, and the Commonwealth Games. He was English and British champion and a star turn for the Dolce and Gabbana Italian Thunder team in the WSB. He took the silver medal in Rio losing a very controversial decision to Yoka in the final. He has other talents such as a Fine Art degree and modelling work. Lewison 36 lost on a tenth round retirement against Dillian Whyte for the vacant British title in October so it was an ambitious first fight for Joyce.

 

Quilmes, Argentina: Super Light: Jeremias Ponce (13-0) W TKO 1Brian Chaves (11-1). Ponce crushes former top amateur Chaves in battle of unbeaten prospects. Southpaw Chaves tried a couple of straight lefts early. After a few more jabs were exchanged Ponce started throwing right crosses. The pro-Chaves crowd were still cheering a straight left from their man when Ponce nailed him with a right to the head. Chaves went back a couple of steps and then went down heavily on his rump against the ropes. He struggled to rise and although he made it to his feet he was staggering badly and in no condition to continue and the referee waived the fight over. Ponce, 21, the Argentinian No 6 super light, makes it 8 wins by KO/TKO. Chaves, 25, represented Argentina at both the World Youth and Pan American Youth championships and was considered a real hope for the future.

 

Saint-Nazaire, France: Super Middle: David Papot (20-0) W PTS 10 Barthelemy Lefebvre (16-9-1). Light Heavy: Pierre Hubert Diobombe (14-0-1) W PTS 10 Gabriel Lecrosnier (19-44-4).

Papot vs. Lefebvre

Papot makes it 20 wins and collects the vacant French title as he easily outpoints Lefebvre. The fight was untidy early as Lefebvre tried to hustle southpaw Papot out of his stride. Papot had his right jab working and that plus superior skill and hand speed saw him in charge. Lefebvre kept rolling forward but was walking forward in a straight line and his attacks were too predictable. Papot was keeping him out most times with his jab but when Lefebvre did get inside it was the uppercuts and hooks from Papot that were piling up the points. Under instructions from his corner Lefebvre tried to stage a storming finish but Papot stayed cool and countered his way to victory. Scores 98-92 twice and 99-91 all for 26-year-old local fighter Papot. The former French amateur champion is No 13 with the WBA but a more realistic rating sees him No 22 with the EBU/European Union and with two Frenchmen Joffrey Jacob and Maxime Beaussire  fighting for the EU title on 10 November he is hoping to get a shot at the winner. Lefebvre, 29, the French No 2 was 8-1 in his last 9 fights.

Diobombe v. Lecrosnier

Diobombe wins the vacant French title with comfortable victory over Lecrosnier. It was Lecrosnier who tried to force the action to get inside the longer reach of Diobombe. He did not have much success as Diobombe used his jab to pick up points and showed good defensive moves to frustrate the attacks of Lecrosnier. Diobombe stayed in centre ring and refused to get involved in too much close work. Lecrosnier tried to force the fight over the closing rounds but all he did was to expose himself to accurate counters from Diobombe who ran out a clear winner. Scores 99-91 twice and 98-92 all for Diobombe a bronze medallist at the French championships in 2014 as Diobombe-Ekambi. The 25-year-old from Nantes was moving up to ten rounds for the first time. Now nine losses in a row for French No 7 Lecrosnier.

 

Mexico City, Mexico: Super Feather: Luis Montano (13-6) W PTS 10 Carlos Ruiz (15-4-1). Montano comes from behind to get majority decision over Ruiz.  In a fight with two distinct halves Ruiz had the better of the first four rounds. He let Montano come to him and scored with sharp, accurate counters opening cuts on both cheeks of Montano. Montano came on strong in taking four of the next five rounds to leave the result in the balance but Montano took charge in the last round and that was enough to get the verdict. Scores 96-93 and 96-94 for Montano and 95-95.”The Wolf” Montano wins the vacant WBO Latino trinket and gets revenge for a split decision loss to Ruiz in 2014. He has now won 6 of his last 7 fight. Ruiz seems to be headed in the other direction as after winning his first 13 fights he is 2-4-1 in his last 7 fights

 

Bacolod City, Philippines: Light Fly: Merlito Sabillo (27-4-1) W PTS 12 Crison Omayao (22-15-4). Fly: Jayr Raquinel (8-0-1 W PTS 12 Richard Rosales (12-5-2).

Sabillo vs. Omayao

Sabillo keeps his title hopes alive as he retains his Asian Boxing Federation crown with unanimous decision over fellow-Filipino Omayao. The former WBO minimum champion put on a patchy show. He started well outpunching Omayao over the first eight rounds but then faded before finding his form again to sweep the last two rounds. Scores118-108, 117-108 and an out of line 114-112 all for Sabillo. Since losing his WBO title to Francisco Rodriguez in 2014 the 33-year-old southpaw has has struggled and is 4-3 in his last 7 fights against very ordinary opposition. Former Philippines Minimum champion Omayao is now 4-6-1 in his last 11 fights and is down at No 11 in the national ratings.

Raquinel vs. Rosales

Young southpaw Raquinel wins the vacant interim OPBF title with unanimous decision over Rosales. The 20-year-old prospect was having his first twelve round fight. Rosales was knocked out in six round by Thai Kwanpichit in September. Some strange ratings sees Raquinel No 15 super fly in the latest published Philippines ratings but No  6 flyweight by the OPBF and Rosales No 13 flyweight in the Philippines ratings but No 7 with the OPBF.

 

Singapore, Singapore: Super Feather: Muhamad Ridhwan (9-0) W PTS 12 Nataneal Sebastian (9-1). Super Welter: Tommy Browne (35-6-2) W PTS 12 Sirimongkol (92-4).

Ridhwan vs. Sebastian

Local hero Ridhwan wins the vacant IBO International title with razor thin unanimous verdict over Namibian Sebastian. This was a fast-paced fight all the way. Ridhwan rocked Sebastian with a right in the first but was forced to spend time in the third and fourth fighting with his back to the ropes under attacks from Sebastian. Both were happy to stand and trade with Ridhwan always dangerous with his right but Sebastian fired back all the way before tiring late. There was never much between them and the decision could have gone either way but Ridhwan had home advantage and that was the differentiator. In Namibia it would have gone to Sebastian but you get no favours when you travel. Scores 115-113 twice and 115-114 for Ridhwan. The 26-year-old “The Chosen Wan” a three-time bronze medal winner at the South East Asia Games adds the IBO International title to the UBO world title he already holds but he rode his luck here. Sebastian came in as a late replacement for injured South African Koos Sibiya and had previously only fought over four and six rounds so did well .

Browne vs. Sirimongkol

Australian Browne continues his revival and gets his second title victory in two fights in Singapore. He took the unanimous decision to give the Thai oldie his second loss in his last three fights. Scores 99-91, 97-92 and 96-94 all for Browne. The 34-year-old Australian lost in world title fights to In-Jin Chi for the WBC feather title and Chris John for the WBA title. He retired in 2008 after a couple of domestic losses but returned to the ring five years later and is now 9-0-1 in ten fights. He won the vacant UBO title in May. Sirimongkol, 40, a former WBC super feather champ[ion lost his title in 2003 but then won 48 fights in a row before losing to Uzbek novice Azizbek Abdugofurov in February for the vacant IBO Asia Pacific title. I guess he might want to hang around to see if he can get to 100 wins.

 

October 21

 

Belfast, Northern Ireland: Bantam: Ryan Burnett (18-0) W PTS 12 Zhanat Zhakiyanov (27-2).  Light: Paul Hyland Jr (17-0) W PTS 12 Stephen Ormond (24-5). Super Light: Tyrone McKenna (15-0-1) W PTS 10 Renald Garrido (19-17-2). Super Feather: James Tennyson (20-2) W KO 3 Darren Traynor (14-2). Welter: Josh Kelly (4-0) W TKO 2 Jose Luis Zuniga (13-3-1). Super Welter: Anthony Fowler (4-0) W PTS 6 Laszlo Fazekas (31-28-1,1ND).

Burnett vs. Zhakiyanov

Burnett unifies the WBA and IBF titles with win over Zhakiyanov.

Round 1

The first round was dire. Zhakiyanov as usual came forward strongly looking to get inside and nullify the physical advantages of Burnett. Burnett was determined not to let Zhakiyanov work inside and every time Zhakiyanov came inside Burnett grabbed him and stopped him working. The referee warned the fighters against holding in the first 30 seconds of the round but Burnett continued to hold and the referee warned them again later in the round. There was not much clear scoring but Zhakiyanov just edged it.

Score 10-9 Zhakiyanov

Round 2

There was more fighting in the second but also more clinching. Zhakiyanov managed to work inside but. Burnett was scoring on the WBA champion on the way in and just did enough to take a close round.

Score 10-9 Burnett                                                                                     19-19

Round 3

The early part of this round saw the fighters standing close and brawling both trying to score to the body. Burnett did better inside and again was able to score  when he could find room.  Zhakiyanov was able to land some hooks inside but Burnett again took the round

Score 10-9 Burnett                                                                                     29-28

Round 4

It was more of the same in this round. Most of the fight was fought on the inside where Burnett used his physical advantages to force Zhakiyanov onto the back foot and he was landing more when in there. The local fighter was boxing with both hands down when he found some space and scoring with jabs and straight rights. Zhakiyanov landed some hooks but not enough of them.

Score 10-09 Burnett                                                                                   39-37

Official scores: 40-36, 40-36 and 39-37 all for Burnett

Round 5

It was almost all close-quarters stuff in this one. Zhakiyanov was inside where he needed to be but Burnett was outworking him there and at one stage when Zhakiyanov stepped out of the inside Burnett beckoned him to come back. When there was some space Burnett was using quicker hands and a longer reach to score. With all of the inside work heads were clashing and Burnett was cut above his right eye.

Score 10-9 Burnett                                                                                     49-36

Round 6

Zhakiyanov took this one. Whilst they were working in close Burnett stepped away from the action indicating that their entangled arms had resulted in Burnett suffering some sort of injury to the left side of his neck. Spurred on by that Zhakiyanov stepped up his pace and had Burnett on the defensive. The Kazak fighter was finding space to score with hooks. Burnett was given a severe warning for use the head and Zhakiyanov kept pressing to take the round.

Score 10-9 Zhakiyanov                                                                               58-56

Round 7

It was a tough, gruelling fight now with lots of mauling as each fighter tried to get the upper hand inside. Burnett was again outworking Zhakiyanov and again doing the scoring with his quick jab and straight rights when he stepped out of the close work.

Score 10-9 Burnett                                                                                     68-65

Round 8

There was less holding and more working inside in this one. Zhakiyanov continued to land hooks inside but with that little bit more space it allowed Burnett to get home with uppercuts and hooks of his own to take the round.

Score 10-9 Burnett                                                                                     78-74 Official scores: 79-73, 79-73 and 77-75 all for Burnett

Round 9

Burnett took this one. He worked well on the outside with both hands at thigh level using upper body movement to dodge Zhakiyanov‘s punches and allowing him to spear Zhakiyanov with jabs and score with hooks and a couple of sharp uppercuts. Zhakiyanov continued to get inside and land some hooks but not enough.

Score 10-9 Burnett                                                                                     88-83

Round 10

Again Burnett used a mixture of sharp boxing on the outside and outworking Zhakiyanov on the inside to take this one. The little Kazak never stopped ploughing forward firing short hooks but Burnett was tying him up inside and smothering much of Zhakiyanov’s work

Score 10-9 Burnett                                                                                     98-92

Round 11

The referee warned both boxer at the start of the round to be careful with their heads as they had been banging together regularly. Over the first two minutes of the round Burnett again alternated between boxing on the back foot and finding a home for his jab and rights and then he outmuscled Zhakiyanov on the inside. Over the last minute Zhakiyanov came on strong forcing Burnett to the ropes and getting through with left and right hooks but the early work from Burnett gave him the round.

Score 10-9 Burnett                                                                                     108-101

Round 12

Zhakiyanov just took this one. Both fighters were tired but Zhakiyanov worked hard pumping out hooks with Burnett just being outworked to the bell.

Score 10-9 Zhakiyanov                                                                               117-111

Official scores: 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112 all for Burnett

This was never a pretty fight but then Zhakiyanov doesn’t do pretty fights. He is a tireless aggressive fighter who gets inside and works away wearing down his opponent on pressure and work rate. Burnett had the right tactics here. He was able to score with leads and counters at distance and smother and outwork Zhakiyanov on the inside. Now the 25-year-old from Belfast is in position to try to collect all four versions of the bantam title. He does not have a mandatory challenger as the first two positions in the IBF ratings are vacant. However WBO champion Zolani Tete may have to face his mandatory challenger Omar Narvaez first and there is a question over WBC champion Luis Nery after his positive test. Jamie McDonnell the holder of the secondary WBA title would be good choice but McDonnell has been ordered to give Liborio Solis a return so the picture is unlikely to become clear until early 2018. Zhakiyanov, 33, gave it everything here but never managed to dominate the inside work as he needed to do. He waited a long time for his title winning effort against Rau’shee Warren so it was a pity he was not able to enjoy the title for long. He deserves praise for tackling Burnett on his home turf and hopefully he will find a route back to another title shot.

Hyland vs. Ormond

Hyland gets very controversial split decision over Ormond to retain his IBF East/West Europe title. Ormond was looking to take charge of the action early. Hyland boxed well only for Ormond to come storming forward digging hooks to the body and giving Hyland a torrid time. Hyland stood and punched with Ormond in the second as they traded hooks. Hyland outboxed Ormond early in the third and then near the end of the round he floored Ormond with a right. Ormond was badly shaken but beat the count and made it to the bell. Ormond recommenced his forward march in the fourth and over the next few rounds was again working to the body and setting a frantic pace, Hyland tried to stick to his boxing and was still catching Ormond with counters but could not stop the forward march of the Dubliner. Ormond was warned for a butt in the seventh but had a good eighth. It emerged later that a clash in the eighth which saw Ormond’s head collide with the face of Hyland resulted in a broken jaw for Hyland. Despite that Hyland matched Ormond in the ninth and started the tenth well but Ormond staged a strong finish to take the round with a clash of heads at the end of the having Hyland grimacing in pain. Ormond looked the stronger over the last two rounds but Hyland fought hard all the way and Ormond lost his mouthguard twice as both fighters put everything into the finish. Scores 117-110 and 114-113 for Hyland and 115-112 for Ormond. The stronger finish seemed to have given Ormond the edge but the officials saw it differently. A return would be a big draw but Hyland will need time for his jaw to heal. The 27-yeart-old from Belfast was making the first defence of his IBF title and was going past eight rounds for the first time.”The Rock” Ormond, 34, gets his second loss in a row have been floored twice and outpointed by Craig Evans for the WBO European title in June. He deserves another shot at Hyland.

McKenna vs. Garrido

Garrido is a much better fighter than his record indicates and McKenna only just got past the Frenchman on a very close decision. Southpaw McKenna with edges in height and reach was landing some good body shots in the first but Garrido was ignoring them and piling in going after the body. It was a similar situation in the second with McKenna scoring on the outside but Garrido scoring with thumping shots inside. The third was close but better boxing gave McKenna the fourth and fifth although he face was showing a few facial bumps. The pace dropped in the sixth which was a close round. McKenna was being forced to fight on the inside due to the relentless pressure from Garrido but he was matching the Frenchman and had a lead. In the ninth McKenna lost his mouthguard-for the fourth time in the fight-and was docked a point with Garrido ending the round with some hard head shots. Garrido seemed to have unlimited stamina and he finished the tenth strongly to make the fight very close. Referee’s score 96-94 for McKenna. The draw on the record of the 27-year-old McKenna was a technical one and he has won six in a row now. “Le Lion” Garrido, 34, a former French champion is always capable of giving an opponent a tough fight  but too often his jobs have been as a late substitute and in the other guys backyard and in July he held unbeaten Faith Keles to a draw for the vacant WBO European title.

Tennyson vs. Traynor

Tennyson’s power wins in the end but these two put on three exciting rounds of quality action. Traynor boxed tidily at the start of the first but already Tennyson the bigger man was looking threatening with long rights to the head. Traynor continued to jab well and they both fired some sharp combinations later in the round. Early in the second a straight right from Tennyson put Traynor down. He was up immediately and did not look badly hurt but Tennyson was trying to finish the fight and firing hard punches with both hands. He drove Traynor back with a series of hooks but had dropped his guard and a left hook from Traynor wobbled him badly and now it was Traynor looking for the finish. Tennyson was clinging on desperately and Traynor threw him off and on the floor. Traynor was on top for a spell with Tennyson just covering up but then Tennyson began to land some rib bending left hooks and swung the fight back his way after a real humdinger of a round. A left to the body had Traynor backing off in pain early in the third but he fired back and they again traded some fierce punches until a left to the body and a right to the head floored Traynor heavily and he just failed to beat the count. Tennyson, the 24-year-old Belfast “Assassin” move to 16 victories by KO/TKO and he has won 11 of his last 12 fights with the loss coming in a challenge for the British feather title against Ryan Walsh. He retains his WBA International title. Traynor, from my old stamping grounds of Aberdeen, also lost inside the distance to Walsh for the British title but had won his last three fights.

Kelly vs. Zuniga

Sunderland “Pretty Boy” way above Zuniga’s pay grade and terrorises the Mexican for two rounds. Kelly made a quick start. Holding his hands low in the first 30 seconds he landed a right uppercut that sent Zuniga staggering back to the ropes. Kelly unloaded with both hands but Zuniga fought his way off the ropes. Kelly kept up the assault staggering Zuniga with a left and then knocking his mouthguard out and he sent Zuniga stumbling into the ropes as the bell went. Kelly continued to stalk Zuniga in the second hurting the Mexican with every punch he landed and after a couple more hard shots landed the referee just stopped the fight. Kelly, 23, is a prodigious talent with a style all of his own. He rarely lifts his hands above waist level using upper body movement and quick reflexes and he has real power but the jury has to be out until he faces much better opposition. Zuniga is the Mexican champion and had not previously lost by KO/TKO.

Fowler vs. Fazekas

Olympian Fowler is much too good for import Fazekas. The Liverpool fighter was able to use a considerable edge in reach to score on the outside and dug in hurtful body shots in close. The downside for Fowler was a clash of heads in the first round that had blood dripping from a cut high on the left side of his forehead, Despite that he controlled the bout. He had Fazekas hurt with left hooks to the body in every round but the Hungarian “bulldog” is an experienced survivor and he used his whole bag of tricks to be there at the bell. Referee’s score 60-54 for Fowler. The 26-year-old Fowler competed for Britain in Rio and won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the World Championships. He also competed in the WSB. He is a cousin of former Liverpool star striker Robbie Fowler.

Fazekas has only lost three times by KO/TKO.

 

Verona, NY, USA: Super Feather: Alberto Machado (19-0) KO 8 Jezreel Corrales (22-2,2ND) W. Middle: Demetrius Andrade (25-0) W PTS 12 Alantez Fox (23-1-1). Super Feather: Lamont Roach (15-0) W TKO 1 Luis Hinojosa (30-13,2ND). Super Middle: D’Mitrius Ballard (18-0,1ND) W PTS 10 Jaime Solorio (11-3-2).

Machado vs. Corrales

Machado gets off the floor to kayo Corrales in an all-southpaw contest. The WBA title became vacant when Corrales was a disgusting 4lbs over the limit so only Machado could win the title

Round 1

Both were letting their hands go early. Machado had the edge in reach but Corrales looked quicker. Machado scored with some good left counters but Corrales found enough gaps to just take the round.

Score 10-9 Corrales

Round 2

Corrales landed a cracking southpaw left early in the round that had Machado holding on. Corrales followed that with another left and a straight right to keep Machado under pressure. Corrales continued to score well cracking Machado with a right and after landing another left he moved inside and drove Machado back with a succession of short punches.

Score 10-9 Corrales                                                                                   20-18

Round 3

Machado did better in this one. He was anticipating the lunges from Corrales and stepping back and countering with his left. Corrales continued to lunge in but was having less success and Machado scored with some sharp left counters as the round closed.

Score 10-9 Machado                                                                                  29-28

Round 4

This was a close round. Corrales was not jumping in as much and Machado was finding the quick movement and excessive upper body movement from Corrales was making it difficult for him to land with any power. A very strange incident saw Corrales lose his mouthguard as he came forward and it spun in the air and Machado caught it in his glove-never seen that before. Corrales launched a furious attack at the end of the round showering Machado with punches and having the Puerto Rican ducking and diving under pressure. Corrales’s round.

Score 10-9 Corrales                                                                                   39-37

Round 5

Machado was looking confident and trying to close Corrales down and as Machado moved in Corrales threw an overhand left that crashed into the side of Machado’s head.  A stunned Machado tried to hold on but Corrales wrested himself loose and Machado dropped to the floor. Machado made it to his feet but looked shaken. When the eight count was over Corrales was too inaccurate with his punching and Machado was able to make it to the bell without further trouble.

Score 10-8 Corrales                                                                                   49-45

Round 6

The best round of the fight so far. Over most of the round Corrales was using lots of side to side movement and jumping in with his jab. With just over 40 seconds left in the round as Corrales jumped in and landed a left Machado landed a right and suddenly Corrales was in trouble. He grabbed Machado and wrestled them both to the ground and when they got up Corrales stood in front of Machado trading punches and Machado nailed him with another big right and luckily for Corrales the bell went.

Score 10-9 Machado                                                                                  58-55

Round 7

Both were throwing heavy stuff and this time it was a right from Corrales that had Machado holding on. In what could have been a controversial moment as Corrales moved in a short right jab from Machado knocked him off balance and his right glove touched the canvas. Since it was due to a punch it should have counted as a knockdown but the referee ruled it a slip. The round was untidy with neither really dominating but Corrales just edged it.

Score 10-9 Corrales                                                                                   68-64

Round 8

From the early rounds Freddie Roach had been telling Machado to use the double jab. For the first time Machado did just that and Corrales was stuck on the end of the jab not able to get inside. Finally he jumped in and threw a right which missed and then landed a good left but Machado stepped inside it and landed a hammer-like left to the chin of Corrales who fell forward grasping the legs of Machado as he slid to the floor with Machado having to shake his right leg loose. Corrales just made it to his feet at nine but was unsteady and the referee counted him out.

The 27-year-old Machado lived up to his “El Explosive” nickname as he wins the WBA title and gets victory No 16 by KO/TKO. At 5’10” (178cm) he is tall for his division and one of those curious fighters who is right handed but boxes southpaw. The 16 wins by KO/TKO shows it works for him. Corrales displayed a lack of discipline coming in 4lbs over the limit and he also failed to show enough respect for the power of Machado. His quick and quirky style will give opponents plenty of problems and he will be a threat at lightweight.

Andrade vs. Fox

Andrade moves up to middleweight with comfortable win over Fox. It was anticipated that the height and reach of Fox(6’4” 193cm) might give Andrade problems but that did not happen. Andrade made this fight his immediately rocking Fox with a left in the first round. He was a bit too anxious to get the fight over and although he landed some more hard punches Fox managed to hold and spoil his way to the bell. Andrade took the second slipping past Fox’s jab and scoring well with body punches. With the speed and accuracy of his work Andrade never really let Fox get any sort of toehold in the fight. He was quicker to the punch and the first round shock seemed to make Fox overcautious and he was not willing to take chances and was outboxed in round after round. In the seventh Fox was credited with a very questionable knockdown which looked more like a slip. It made no difference to the pattern of the fight. Andrade continued to outbox and outscore  Fox who was throwing too little and landing too little to be competitive and Andrade ran out an easy winner. Scores 118-109, 118-110 and 116-111 all for Andrade who announced that he was relinquishing his secondary WBA title and moving up to middleweight permanently. The 29-year-old Rhode Island southpaw never defended the title he won with a split decision over Jack Culcay in March. There are certainly big fights to be had at middle so he makes an intriguing addition to the mix. Fox, 25, had won 7 of his last 9 fights by KO/TKO but there were no top flight names in the list of his victims. He will continue to give opponents problems with his height and reach but Andrade exposed his limitations.

Roach vs. Hinojosa

Roach gets a quick win but it is due to injury. Roach had the better of the first couple of minutes of the fight until Hinojosa slipped on the canvas and went down awkwardly. He had injured his left foot and was unable to continue so the fight was stopped with Roach declared the winner. The 22-year-old from Maryland is rated WBO 9/IBF 10(9) but will be looking to get another fight soon to make up for the ring time lost here. Former Dominican champion Hinojosa was facing his third unbeaten fight in a row.

Ballard vs. Solorio

Ballard makes heavy work of decisioning Mexican Solorio. Ballard had much the better skill set and should have been able to handle Solorio with ease. However the portly Mexican just kept rolling forward throwing punches, many being inaccurate, but Ballard was not able to keep him out and  although winning the rounds he had to take some bumps and bruises. Scores 99-91 twice and 98-92, for Ballard but not one of his best efforts. Solorio, really just a prelim fighter proved tougher than he looked.

 

Newark, NJ, USA: Cruiser: Murat Gassiev (25-0,1ND) W KO 3 Krzys Wlodarczyk (53-4-1). Super Welter: Maciej Sulecki (26-0) W PTS 10 Jack Culcay (22-3). Cruiser: Mateusz Masternak (40-4) W RTD 7 Stivens Bujaj (16-2-1).

Gassiev vs. Wlodarczyk

Gassiev retains the IBF title and moves to semi-finals of the WSSB with kayo of Pole Wlodarczyk.

Round 1

Gassiev was on the front foot with Wlodarczyk retreating and trying some jabs. Gassiev got home two right crosses and did enough to take the round.

Score 10-9 Gassiev

Round 2

Gassiev continued to stalk Wlodarczyk in the second. The challenger threw more jabs and a couple of body punches but a left hook to the chin and another to the ribs had Wlodarczyk looking worried.

Score 10-9 Gassiev                                                                                    20-18

Round 3

Wlodarczyk was a bit more adventurous early in the third but Gassiev was soon coming forward and he shook Wlodarczyk with a left uppercut. He continued to put on pressure and took Wlodarczyk to the ropes and landed two left hooks one to the chin and one to the body and Wlodarczyk collapsed forward and face down on the canvas. Wlodarczyk writhed in agony and tried to get up but got no further than to his hands and knees as the referee complete the count

Impressive job by the 24-year-old Russian “Iron” who was making the first defence of his IBF title. He now has18 wins by KO/TKO and his semi-final match with Yunier Dorticos should be explosive. Not sure where the 36-year-old Wlodarczyk goes from here. The former IBF and WBC champion suffered his first loss by KO/TKO. He said his plan was to take Gassiev past six rounds and expected his greater experience to count then. He has said he does not plan to retire.

Sulecki vs. Culcay

Sulecki gets huge win as he takes unanimous verdict over Culcay. Sulecki had height and reach over the much smaller Culcay and boxed well on the outside jabbing accurately and scoring with chopping rights. Sulecki was able to keep Culcay on the back foot for much of the early action. Culcay was quick and was able to get past the jab often and score with some hard rights to the head but was not always accurate as he was leaping in and needed to get those punches off and get out.  Sulecki handed out a good bit of punishment in the sixth as Culcay tried to work his way inside. Despite a cut over his left eye Culcay had a big seventh. He immediately launches a ferocious attack banging home a series of rights to the head to have Sulecki retreating in confusion. Sulecki tried running and holding but neither helped much as Culcay pursued and punched.  At one point Sulecki bent double with his hands hanging down and almost touching the canvas as Culcay continued to bombard the Pole with punches. For a few moments it looked as though Culcay was one punch away from victory. That furious spell of action lasted for a minute and then Culcay looked to have punched himself out and Sulecki dominated the rest of the round. Culcay could not repeat that fierce attacking approach and Sulecki was able to box his way through the last three rounds to win the decision. Scores 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 all for Sulecki. He looked a clear winner although there were shouts of robbery from Germany but they were not justified. The 28-year-old Sulecki is No 5 with the WBC and this obviously puts him in the picture for a title shot next year. He had won his previous seven fight by KO/TKO including a stoppage of 24-0 Hugo Centeno so deserves consideration. Culcay, 32, was having his first fight since losing his secondary WBA title to Demetrius Andrade in March and was rated WBA 3/IBF 6(5)/WBC 8/WBO11 but all of those ratings have to be in danger and it remains to be seen whether he can regroup and get back into title contention.

Masternak vs. Bujaj

Polish “Master” Masternak outclasses Bujaj and halts him in seven rounds. The experienced Pole bossed this one with his jab and Bujaj never really found an answer to it. Masternak landed some good left hooks to the body to take the first and shook Bujaj with a right just before the bell in the second. A series of rights in the fourth had Bujaj hurt and he was strangely passive rarely throwing much. Masternak was landing big rights in the fifth and sixth and dropped Bujaj with a right in the seventh. Bujaj got up but was unsteady on his feet but managed to survive to the bell and then retired in his corner. The 30-year-old Masternak lost a split decision to Johnny Muller in South Africa and was beaten on a close decision by Youri Kayembre Kalenga for interim WBA title. In 2015 he again lost a close decision this time to Tony Bellew for the vacant European title. This is his fourth win since then and as he is rated WBA 2/WBO 5/IBF 8 and WBC 9 somewhere in there he might land a title shot next year. Two losses in a row for New York-based Bujaj, 27, who just did not turn up here and put in a lethargic showing.

 

Leeds, England: Feather: Josh Warrington (26-0) W TKO 10 Dennis Ceylan (18-1-2). Super Light: Jack Catterall (19-0) W PTS 12 Tyrone Nurse (35-3-2). Super Feather: Leon Woodstock (10-0) W PTS 10 Craig Poxton (13-5). Super Welter: James Metcalf (17-0) W TKO 6 Damon Jones (15-2,1ND). Super Feather: Zelfa Barrett (19-0) W KO 4 Chris Conwell (9-3). Middle: Tommy Langford (19-1) W PTS 6 Miguel Aguilar (11-37-1).

Warrington vs. Ceylan

Warrington gets important win over Ceylan in IBF final eliminator which makes him the mandatory challenger to Lee Selby. There was plenty of action in the first three rounds. Ceylan was using his slight advantage in reach coming in behind a stiff jab and throwing punches from both hands. Warrington did some good work when he moved inside and scored with a good right cross over Ceylan’s low left in the first. Ceylan was on the front foot for most of the second but Warrington was scoring well with his right. Neither really took control although Ceylan probably built a small lead getting his punches off first in those two rounds. Ceylan was still on the front foot in the third but Warrington scored with a hurtful right and ended the round strongly. Warrington was finding the range in the fourth scoring with a pair of left hooks and again a right cross. Ceylan did some good work in close but Warrington again landed a couple of rights at the end of the round. Ceylan started the fifth on the front foot but Warrington came on hard as the round closed rocking Ceylan with a right. All of the rounds had been close but Warrington looked to be getting stronger. Warrington began to take the fight over in the sixth. His right found the target regularly and Ceylan was having trouble keeping his game together under the pressure. The pace dropped early in the seventh as Ceylon boxed nicely scoring with a sharp uppercut and keeping Warrington on the outside and the Dane took the round. Warrington shook Ceylan with a right half way through the eighth and then fired left hooks to the body with Ceylan under real pressure at the bell. Ceylan fought back hard in the ninth but his punches had lost their snap. The harder punches were coming from Warrington and Ceylan was not able to keep Warrington out and was fading rapidly. In the tenth after Ceylan complained about a punch to the back of the neck Warrington landed two left hooks and then drove Ceylan back to the ropes with a series of head punches and the Dane went down on his back.  He was badly hurt but made it his feet at the count of eight.  He moved to Warrington but was again forced back and down by punches from Warrington and although he climbed to his feet at nine he was counted out. Warrington will now be waiting for a date for a fight with Selby in what will be a huge fight for Cardiff or Leeds in an Wales vs. England clash. If Warrington wins he will be the first world champion from Leeds but it will certainly be yet another big all-British clash.  Ceylan. 28 relinquished the European title to take this opportunity and although he boxed well and showed plenty of skill he could not match the power or the pace of Warrington.

Catterall vs. Nurse

Catterall wins the British title with unanimous verdict over champion Nurse. Although the first round was close southpaw Catterall seemed to just take it with a sustained attack before the bell and he continued that impetus into the second round which was also close. Nurse was not working his jab on the outside in his normal manner but was choosing to take the fight to Catterall instead of using his superior height and reach and that helped Catterall build a good lead over the third and fourth. Catterall was getting careless with his head and was warned by the referee in the fourth and Nurse was shown to be cut under his left eye. Their styles did not mix well and the fight was untidy at times but Catterall was picking his punches well and continued to outscore the champion. The greater experience of Nurse came into play in the eighth and ninth as Catterall was suddenly tiring and there had been suggestions that he had struggled to make the weight which might have drained him. It was a crucial time in the fight but Catterall found another gear in the tenth landing some crisp lefts to the head. The eleventh was a close round but Catterall finished the last stronger to take the decision. Scores 118-111, 116-113 and 115-114 all for Catterall. The 24-year-old “El Gato” is No 3 with the WBO so when Terrence Crawford moves up he could find himself in line for a shot at the vacant title or as the mandatory challenger to whoever lifts the vacant WBO title. Nurse was one win away from winning the Lonsdale Belt outright so that adds to the pain of losing his British title and he will have to rebuild on the domestic scene.

Woodstock vs. Poxton

Woodstock decisions Poxton to win the vacant WBO European title. This was an excellent scrap with action all the way. Both fighters were determined to command this one from the start so stood and traded with neither willing to back down. Poxton was cut on his right eyebrow in the second round but it never became a factor. Woodstock started to pull away over the middle rounds with his hard counters and more accurate punching. Poxton kept coming forward ensuring that Woodstock had to fight hard to hold on to his advantage and the action continued for all three minutes of each round with Poxton never completely out of the fight but Woodstock continually doing the cleaner and more impressive work. Scores 98-93, 97-93 and 97-95 all for Woodstock. The 24-year-old from Leicester was going past six rounds for the first time and he paced the fight well and finished strongly. Southern Area champion Poxton had recovered from a 2-2 start to his career by winning 12 of his next 14 fights including a good win over unbeaten Boy Jones.

Metcalf vs. Jones

Metcalf made an aggressive start against Jones. He needed to get past the much longer reach of the Leeds southpaw and was walking Jones down in the first. He had Jones stumbling with a right but although Jones was down in the round it was from a push. The fight was untidy for much of the second with Metcalf wrestling Jones to the canvas but Jones was having trouble containing the fierce attacks of Metcalf. Just seconds after the bell to start the third Metcalf took Jones to the ropes and landed a right to the head that dropped Jones to his knees and started blood dripping from his nose. After the eight count Jones tried to punch his way out of trouble but was put down again by a combination. Jones survived the round helped in part by a time out after a low punch from Metcalf and he was fighting back at the bell. Metcalf continued to march forward in the fourth but Jones was landing some hefty left counters. Metcalf scored with some good uppercuts in the fifth but was warned for another very low punch and deducted a point. Metcalf ended in the sixth putting Jones down twice. Jones beat the count both times but after the eight count for the second knockdown the referee stopped the fight. Metcalf, 29, gets his ninth win by KO/TKO. Jones lost in six round to Nick Blackwell for the British title in 2015. He had only one fight in 2016 before scoring a win in March.

Barrett vs. Conwell

Barrett again shows impressive skills and power as he survives some considerable pressure from Conwell before ending the fight with a body punch. Conwell tried to pressure Barrett early and had some success when he could take Barrett to the ropes but Barrett was comfortable on the back foot slotting quick jabs through the guard of Conwell and firing quick left hooks to the body. Conwell continued to come forward in the second but good footwork and upper body movement from Barrett was making him an elusive target. Despite that Conwell continued to take the fight to Barrett and had a good spell shaking Barrett with a straight right and scoring with good punches before Barrett fired back with a series of powerful left hooks to the ribs and uppercuts to the chin. Conwell was willing to take punches to get inside in the fourth and Barrett was landing more left hooks and sneaky uppercuts but also having to take straight rights and hooks to the body from Conwell. Barrett was firing rapid combinations of five and six punches and the punches were all landing but Conwell still marched in until a clubbing right to the head put him down on one knee. He was up at seven and after the eight count walked forward punching but a vicious left to the body sent him to his hands and knees in pain and he was counted out. Barrett, the 24-year-old “Black Flash” wins the vacant English title. He has now won 9 of his last 10 fights by KO/TKO and continues to impress and is ready for tougher tests. Conwell gave Barrett plenty of trouble but in the end Barrett’s power was too much for him. He has now challenged twice for the English title and in his last fight in November he was stopped in two rounds for the title by Andy Townend.

Langford vs. Aguilar

Langford eases back with six rounds of work against Spanish-based Nicaraguan Aguilar. Referee’s score 60-54 for Langford who was having his first fight since losing in five rounds to Avtandil Khurtsidze in April for the interim WBO title. Late choice Aguilar is now 0-24-1 in his last 25 fights but losing is what he engaged to do and a win might make it harder for him to get fights.

 

Melbourne, Australia: Super Fly: Andrew Moloney (15-0) W TKO 4 Hashimu Zuberi (13-2). Bantam: Jason Moloney (15-0) W KO 1 Julias Kisarawe (27-5-1). Cruiser: Jai Opetaia (13-0) W KO 1 Frankie Lopez (9-1). Feather: Ibrahim Balla (13-1) W PTS 10Salimu Jengo (9-1).

Moloney vs. Zuberi

Moloney wins the vacant Commonwealth title as he floors and halts Tanzanian champion Zuberi. Moloney had too much speed and power for Zuberi. The Tanzanian was way out of his depth. Moloney floored Zuberi with a right in the second round but Zuberi survived. Not for long as he was shipping heavy punishment in the fourth and the referee stopped the fight. The 26-year-old “Monster” gets his tenth win by KO/TKO. He also retained his WBA Oceania title and is rated WBA 6/IBF 12. As an amateur he won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and competed at the 2009, 2011 and 2013 World Championships. He defeated the current WBC No 1 flyweight Muhammad Waseem in the gold medal fight at the Commonwealth Games. With this win he becomes the first Australian boxer to with both the Commonwealth gold medal and the Commonwealth title. The only other loss for the 21-year-old Zuberi was on points to unbeaten Thai Nirundon Thata.

Moloney vs. Kisarawe

Double celebration for the Moloney twins as Jason flattens Kisarawa inside a round to win the vacant WBA Oceania bantam title. One big right hand put Kisarawa down and out with just two seconds remaining in the round. Moloney had already won this WBA title at super bantam and made three defences. He has 11 wins by KO/TKO. Jason was Australian champion at Under-17 and Under 19 and also competed at the Commonwealth Games. First loss by KO/TKO for Kisarawe who was 6-1-1in his last 8 fights.

Opetaia vs. Lopez

Opetaia continues to look a can’t miss prospect as he blows away unbeaten California Lopez inside three minutes. The young southpaw put Lopez down early with a left and although Lopez made it to his feet he was in dire trouble from the follow-up attack and the referee saved him. The 22-year-old wins the vacant IBF Youth title to add to the Australian and OPBF titles he already holds. He took gold medals at the World Cadet and World Youth Championships. Was Australian champion at 17 and also became the youngest ever boxer to represent Australia at the Olympics when he competed in London when still 17. He moves to 10 wins by KO/TKO but we need to see him in tougher matches to judge how far he can go. Lopez. 21 had built his record on low grade opposition.

Balla vs. Jengo

Balla, yet another member of the Australian team at London in 2012 wins the WBA Oceania title with victory over inexperienced Tanzanian Jengo. This one was bloody and tougher than expected. Both fighters were cut in head clashes but Balla had the superior skill set and was a clear winner. Scores 99-91, 98-92 and 96-94. Balla is getting back on track after a shock TKO loss to Neil John Tabanao in June last year. Balla comes from a boxing family both his father and his uncle were pros and his brothers Qamil and Nasuf are pros too. The 21-year-old has good antecedents having won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games and taken gold at both the Arafura Games and Australian Championships, beating Jason Moloney in both tournaments. He also competed at the 2012 Olympics. Jengo did well as he is really just a 4 and 6 round prelim fighter.

 

Kempton Park, South Africa: Feather: Azinga Fuzile (9-0) W TKO 3 Tshifihiwa Munyai (28-5-1). Feather: Lerato Dlamini (10-1) W PTS 10 Simpiwe Vetyeka (29-4). Super Middle: Ryno Liebenberg (18-5) W PTS 10 Patrick Mukala (9-1). Minimum: Dee Jay Kriel (13-1-1) W PTS 8 Thembelani Okolo (6-3-1).

Fuzile vs. Munyai

Fuzile announced his emergence as a real prospect with an upset stoppage of the much more experienced Munyai. If you are going to hold a tournament featuring four boxers you need to match them well and then hope that the “underdogs” prove competitive. Well Fuzile was the underdog here and he proved too competitive for Munyai. After a cautious first round southpaw Fuzile floored Munyai in the second with a left to the head. Munyai beat the count and did not seem badly hurt but that did not last long.  Fuzile showed finishing power as he overwhelmed Munyai in the third with two more knockdowns with the referee saving Munyai from further humiliation. The 21-year-old South African champion was a revelation and must now be the favourite to win the tournament but with two upset in the semi-finals who can say what will happen in the final. This is only the second loss by KO/TKO for the 32-year-old former undefeated IBO and Commonwealth champion Munyai and the only other fighter to stop him is Scott Quigg in a fight for the WBA super bantam title.

Dlamini vs. Vetyeka

This may not have been as one-sided as the other semi-final but arguably it was an even bigger upset. Age and ring rust played a part but it was the busy, aggressive style of Dlamini which enabled him to take advantage of that. He pressured Vetyeka from the start and was up on two cards after the fourth round. Vetyeka’s skills helped keep him in the fight and win a round here and there but he was made to look slow by the younger Dlamini. It was Dlamini still in front on two cards and level on the third who was in the driving seat and he finish strongly to take the majority decision. Scores 97-93 and 95-94 for Dlamini and 95-95. The 23-year-old Dlamini had never been past eight rounds before but paced the fight well. He lost his first pro fight so now has ten wins in a row but beating Fuzile will be a hard ask but so was beating Vetyeka. The 36-year-old Vetyeka, a former IBO and WBA champion who snapped the 51 bout unbeaten streak of Chris John has paid the price for inactivity as this was his first fight since April last year.

Liebenberg vs. Mukala

Despite 5 losses in his last 6 fights Liebenberg showed he is not ready to be anybody’s stepping-stone .Fighting at super middle for the fight time since 2012 he emerged with a unanimous decision over unbeaten Mukala. The skill and experience of Liebenberg gave him the edge here in an exciting scrap. Mukala was always competitive but Liebenberg continually found gaps in the defence of the less experienced fighter from the DCR. The accuracy and good body work from Liebenberg kept him in front but Mukala was dangerous all the way and they gave the crowd an exciting competitive scrap. Scores 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 for Liebenberg. The 33-year-old former WBC Silver champion has come through a series of tough matches against Eleider Alvarez, Thomas Oosthuizen. Erik Skoglund and Enrico Koelling twice with the Oosthuizen fight being a split decision and the two Koelling fights being very close. Those were all at light heavy so it will be interesting to see how he progresses if he stays at super middle.  Mukala had won eight of his fights by KO/TKO but both the skills and the experience against hard punchers were factors in Liebenberg’s win.

Kriel vs. Okolo

Kriel extends his unbeaten run with a majority verdict over former South African title challenger Okolo. It was another entertaining fight with the styles meshing well. Kriel used intelligent jabbing and accurate right hands to accumulate the points. Okolo kept applying pressure working to the body and was never out of the picture but the superior skills of Kriel gave him the edge. Scores 79-73 and 77-75 for Kriel and 76-76. The 22-year-old WBC International champion lost his first pro fight but subsequently reversed that defeat and is now 13-0-1 in his last 14 fights. Okolo’s other losses were also on points and in South African title challenges

 

Sydney, Australia: Super Middle: Bilal Akkawy (15-0-1) W RTD 3 Carlos Jerez (45-21-3,1ND). Akkawy retains the WBA Oceania title. A focused body attack from Akkawy proved too much for the seasoned Argentinian Jerez. Those body shots slowly broke Jerez down and with just one second left in the third the Argentinian’s corner threw in the towel. The 24-year-old local fighter Akkawy was having his first fight since last October a fight in which he broke the jaw of Kerry Hope and forced a seventh round retirement. This is win No 13 by KO/TKO for Akkawy. Jerez, 38 is no stranger to Australia having fought Anthony Mundine and Zac Dunn there previously-and lost.

 

Andenne, Belgium: Super Feather: Juan Ocura (14-12-1) W PTS 8 Alex Miskirtchian (28-6-1). Heavy: Herve Hubeaux (28-2) W KO 2 Davit Gogishvili (19-8).

Miskirtchian vs. Ocura

Big set-back for former undefeated European champion and IBF title challenger Miskirtchian. The Georgian-born Belgian was having his first fight in Belgium for over two years. Miskirtchian was the aggressor early but Ocura boxed well countering sharply. A cut did not deter Ocura and in fact he upped his work rate and got his nose in front. Miskirtchian launched furious attacks in the sixth but Ocura punched with him and looked to have the better of the exchanges. They exchanged punches in the last in action that had the crowd on their feet and Ocura had just done enough to deserve the verdict. Scores 77-75 and 78-77 for Ocura and 76-76. Ocura was as safe an opponent as you could wish for on paper. The paper that counted was the score cards. Miskirtchian lost on points to Evgeny Gradovich for the IBF feather title in 2014 and further losses to Cornelius Lock and Viorel Simion had seen him drop out of the ratings. He had eased his way back into the winning column with a couple of victories over inferior opposition and was No 9 with the EBU. Not sure where he goes from here. Mexican Ocura was 2-8-1 in his last 11 fights but this should get him more work as long as he does not make a habit of winning.

Hubeaux vs. Gogishvili

Easy night for Hubeaux as he continues to rebuild. He puts Georgian down with a body punch and Gogishvili is counted out. After a run of 15 wins he lost on points to Agit Kabayel for the vacant European title in February but had returned with a win in May. The 25-year-old Belgian, the EBU No 10, makes it 14 wins by KO/TKO. Seventh loss by KO/TKO for Georgian Gogishvili. He is 3-5 in his last 8 fights and all five losses have come by way of KO/TKO and all inside three rounds.

 

Kauhava, Finland: Cruiser: Alexandru Jur (16-1) W PTS 12 Juho Haapoja (28-8-2,1ND). Super Middle: Henri Kekalainen (10-4) W PTS 10 Timo Laine (20-9,1ND).

Jur vs. Haapoja

Italian-based Romanian Jur spoils the party as he takes deserved split decision over local hero Haapoja. It wasn’t just that he took away Haapoja’s European Union title but also that he did it one day before Haapoja’s 37^th birthday. Despite some good sparring in England Haapoja made a slow start against the younger and quicker Jur. After four rounds Jur was in front 40-36 and 39-37 on two cards with the third having it even at 38-38. Haapoja started to roll from the fifth and had a better period over the middle rounds being able to score with his left hooks to get into the fight and did a little better but was still being outscored and after eight the cards read 79-73, 77-75 for Jur and a much different third had it 78-74 for Haapoja. Jur made good use of his jab to control the later rounds. Haapoja kept pressing and throwing lots of leather. Haapoja was landing the harder shots but Jur was landing more and cleaner and emerged a valid winner although it should have been a unanimous decision. . Scores 118-110 and 117-111 for Jur and 117-111 for Haapoja. Jur won his first 15 fights before losing in June to Taylor Mabika for the WBA Mediterranean title in Gabon and was No 24 in the EU ratings. Haapoja was in his second reign as EU champion and was making the first defence of the title he had won in March. Retirement must now be an option for the popular “Harman Hajy”.

Laine vs. Kekalainen

Youth wins through here as Kekalainen gets wide unanimous decision over the much more experienced Laine to collect the vacant Finnish title. Kekalainen dominated the early action with a stiff jab and some choice hooks to the body. At one stage it even looked as though a stoppage might be possible but Laine has only lost inside the distance twice and he rallied to finish the fight on his feet but a clear loser. Scores 99-91, 99-91 and 99-92 all for Kekalainen. Three of the losses suffered by 25-year-old Kekalainen have been against unbeaten fighters on the road and he will be hoping to build on this result. Laine, 33, won the Finnish middleweight title in 2011 and the light heavy title in April this year but had his hopes of becoming a three division champion dashed.

 

Blagnac, France: Light Heavy: Doudou Ngumbu (37-7) W RTD 8 Jonathan Profichet (18-10). Light: Samir Ziani (26-3-1) W PTS 6 Sylvain Chapelle (15-24-2).

Ngumbu vs. Profichet

Ngumbu holds on to his WBC Francophone title with win over Frenchman Profichet. Ngumbu had height and reach over Profichet and generally outboxed his aggressive challenger. Profichet gave Ngumbu plenty of problems but too often walked on to clever counters and eventually the weight of left hooks to the body and right crosses broke down Profichet’s resistance leading to his retirement. The DRC-born Ngumbu, 35, has lost the big fights but has useful wins over Vyacheslav Uzelkov, Johnny Muller and his Francophone title winning effort in February over 20-0-2 Bilal Laggoune. Profichet 32 had won 8 of his last 9 fights and always gives value for money.

Ziani vs.  Chapelle

Just a light exercise for French super feather champion Ziani as he takes unanimous decision over durable Chapelle. The 27-year-old southpaw, the European No 2, is hoping for an early return with Guillame Frenois who beat him on a very close majority verdict for the European title in May. Now 8 losses in his last 9 fights for former French title challenger Chapelle who keeps his record of not losing by KO/TKO.

 

Blois, France: Middle: Karim Achour (25-4-3) W PTS 10 Michel Mothmora (29-26). Achour retains national title as he beats Mothmora-again. Achour has now beaten Mothmora four times but the last two have been very close. This one saw Mothmora boxing well and forcing Achour to fight harder than in any of their previous fights. In the end the work rate and accuracy of Achour just gave him the edge. Scores 98-92 and 97-93 for Achour and 97-93 for Mothmora. The 30-year-old “Amazigh” Achour, the European No 3, is now 9-0-1 in ten French title fights. Against Mothmora he now has three points wins and a stoppage but their title fight in 2014, a majority win for Achour, was even closer with two judges going for Achour 96-94 and the other scoring it 95-95. It seems fight No 5 would be justified. Mothmora, 37, is a former WBFederation champion

 

Accra, Ghana: Cruiser: Bastie Samir (16-0-1) W TKO 7 Briamah Kamoko (29-1). Super Bantam: Isaac Sackey (19-0-1) W TKO 3 Kamarudeen Boyefio (11-7). Light: George Ashie (27-4-1) W TKO 2 Max Moshi (10-1). Bantam: Prince Danzie (18-0) W TKO 5 Isaac Sackey (31-14-1).

Samir vs. Kamoko

This fight may not have meant much in the context of world boxing but when the tickets first went on sale there was literally a stampede to buy them. Hostilities broke out early in the first with Samir staggering Kamoko and then Kamoko coming on strong a shaking Samir just before the bell. Kamoko had his jab working well in the second but a right from Samir put Kamoko down in the third. Kamoko edged in front over the next three rounds and started the seventh confidently behind his jab. As he came forward Samir nailed him with a big right to the chin. Kamoko hit back but Samir landed two left hooks forcing Kamoko to the ropes. Kamoko tried to punch his way out of trouble but a right and a left to the head saw Kamoko drop his hands and Samir landed a couple more head shots and Kamoko was defenceless. The referee stepped in and stopped the fight but only because of an injury by the right eye of Kamoko. As he walked to the ropes where the doctor examined him Kamoko was swaying on his feet not really aware of what was happening.  The doctor said the fight could continue but Samir walked forward landing a couple of rights and then a left hook that sent Kamoko down to the floor. He made it to his feet but after the eight count he staggered and the referee immediately waived the fight over. The 31-year-old Samir had his first 11 fights in the USA before fighting in Ghana in 2013. He was then inactive in 2014 and 2015 and had his only fight in 2016 in September so this was his first fight for 13 months. This win gives him 15 victories by KO/TKO. Kamoko, 37, has been a very controversial figure. At one time he was No 1 with the WBO but unresolved eye problems meant he never fought outside Ghana and this was his first fight since December 2015. He wants a return but that’s in Samir’s hands.

Sackey vs. Boyefio

Sackey wins the  the Ghanaian title with stoppage of Boyefio. Sackey has won 17 of his fights by KO/TKO but the opposition has been of a low standard with only three opponents having a positive record and nine either not previously having had a pro fight or won only one fight. He may be a very good fighter but with opposition like this it is impossible to assess him. Boyefio had won his last four fights but his victims had total records of 9-44!

Ashie vs. Moshi

Former undefeated Commonwealth champion “Red Tiger” Ashie had no trouble stopping Tanzanian novice Moshi. Ashie was having his first fight for 15 months. He hardly counts as active having had one fight in 2013, one in 2014, none in 2015 and one in 2016. He now has 20 wins by KO/TKO but southpaw Moshi had only fought four and six rounds fights and was out of his depth.

Danzie vs. Quaye

Dzanie wins the vacant WBO Africa bantamweight belt by stopping Sackey in five rounds. The 32-year-old “Octopus” represented Ghana at the Olympics way back in 2008. He has 16 wins by KO/TKO including nine in a row but again the opposition has been sub-standard until this victory over the experienced former Commonwealth title challenger Quaye. Now five losses by KO/TKO for the 37-year-old Quaye.

 

Pordenone, Italy: Fly: Cristofer Rosales (25-3) W TKO 7 Mohammed Obbadi (13-1). Light Heavy: Nicola Pietro Ciriani (15-1-1) W TEC DEC 7 Stefano Abatangelo (20-6-1). Light: Pasquale Di Silvio (21-9-2) W PTS 10 Francesco Invernizio (9-6-1). Light: Domenico Valentino (3-0) W PTS 6 Francesco Acatullo (9-8-1).

Rosales vs. Obbadi

Obbadi comes up short in ambitious attempt to crash the world ratings. The young Moroccan-born former EU champion was always going to be up against it facing a puncher such as Rosales. The first two rounds were close with Obbadi showing fine skills, quick movement and Rosales tracking the home fighter. Obbadi was an elusive target but Rosales was finding the range by the end of the second round. Rosales was closing the distance in the third landing left hooks to the body and shook Obbadi with a right to the head. Obbadi was still flitting around the ring at high speed but the difference in power was noticeable. and physically it was man against boy and ominously Rosales landed a series of punches just before the bell. In the fourth Obbadi was boxing with skill but Rosales was walking him down and landing hard head shots from both hands. After four rounds the Nicaraguan was up by 4, 3 and 2 points on the cards. Rosales continued the relentless pressure in the fifth and sixth. Obbadi started the seventh brightly but bit by bit Rosales broke him down and some hooks and uppercuts at the end of the round convinced the Italian’s corner it was a lost cause and Obbadi retired. Rosales, 23, wins the vacant WBC International title and gets win No 16 by KO/TKO. He has lost only one of his last fifteen fights and that loss was in May when he had Andrew Selby on the floor in the first but the brilliant Welsh fighter outclassed him. Obbadi, 24, relinquished the EU title to go after the WBC International title but the gamble did not work. He is a very quick, very clever boxer but was overpowered here.

Ciriani vs. Abatangelo

Ciriani wins the vacant Italian title with technical decision over Abatangelo. Their two styles did not mix well and the fight was marred by too much clinching. Ciriani used his jab well and he was busier than Abatangelo who was looking to load up on every punch. After all of the clinching in the seventh a not unexpected clash of heads occurred which saw Ciriani suffer a cut on his left eyebrow. The cut was too bad for Ciriani to continue so the cards decided the outcome. Score 78-75, 78-75 and 77-76 all for Ciriani. Ciriani, a former Italian cruiser champion suffered his only defeat when being beaten by Mirco Riccci for this same vacant title in 2014 and he was 5-0-1 in his last 6 fights. Former champion Abatangelo has lost tough fights to Juergen Braehmer and Erik Skoglund and will be hoping to get another shot at Ciriani.

Di Silvio vs. Invernizio

No real problems for former national champion Di Silvio as he regains his title with wide unanimous decision over less experienced Invernizio. Scores 100-89, 98-92 and 98-91 for Di Silvio. The 38-year-old from Rome has almost made a career out fights for the Italian light title and after this win is 4-5-1 in national title fights. Invernizio a very sub-standard challenger who was going past six rounds for the first time and is now 2-4 in his last six fights.

Valentino vs. Acatullo

Valentino wins every round but is forced to work hard against the aggressive if limited Acatullo. The former Olympian show cased his skills but his power was not impressive which allowed Acatullo to keep rolling forward trying to turn the fight into a brawl. Valentino a clear winner. The 33-year-old Valentino sat right up there alongside Roberto Cammarelle and Clemente Russo as the stars in the Italian amateur team. He was World Amateur Champion in 2009 but lost to Vasyl Lomachenko in the semi-finals in 2011. He competed at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics and won numerous tournaments but has left it late to turn pro. Acatullo has lost in shots at both the national super light and light titles.

 

Windhoek, Namibia: Middle: Walter Kautondokwa (16-0) W KO 3 Meshack Mwankemwa (17-4-2). Welter: Mikka Shonena (11-0) W PTS 12 Juma Waiswa (10-1-1). Welter: Emmanuel Mungandjela (10-3-1) W TEC DEC 5 Ebenestis Kaangundue (6-2). Feather: Kennedy Imalwa (1-0) W DISQ 7 Onesmus Nekundi (8-4-2).

Kautondokwa vs. Mwankemwa

Kautondokwa continues his run of wins by KO/TKO as he destroys Mwankemwa. The Namibian was landing vicious body punches from the start which slowed Mwankemwa. The visitor only just survived the first two rounds but in the third a left hook sent him backwards into the ropes and down and he was counted out. After winning his first pro fight on points the 32-year-old Kautondokwa has now won 15 on the bounce by KO/TKO and he showed his power is real in beating Ghanaian Obodai in seven rounds. He retains his WBO African title and is No 7 with the WBO. Tanzanian champion Mwankemwa had won 8 of his last 9 fights. This is his second loss by KO/TKO.

Shonena vs. Waiswa

Shonena wins the vacant WBO African title with wide unanimous decision over Ugandan Waiswa. It was the local man’s fight all the way. He powered home stiff jabs and hurtful left hooks in round after round but could not shift or shake Waiswa who lost every round but never stopped coming forward. Scores 120-107 for Shonena from all three judges. The 29-yerar-old Namibian was moving up past six rounds for the first time so good experience for him. Waiswa was also going twelve for the first time and he showed he can take punishment and stay in a fight.

Mungandjela vs. Kaangundue

Mungandjela wins the Namibian title with technical decision over Kaangundue. Mungandjela was trying to force the fight but Kaangundue was doing more spoiling than scoring. A clash of heads in the fifth opened a cut above the left eye of Kaangundue so it went to the cards. Scores 49-45 and 48-46 for Mungandjela and 47-47. Now seven wins in a row for the 29-year-old “Lion”. Kaangundue had won his last three fights.

Imalwa vs. Nekundi

Imalwa wins the national feather title in his first pro fight as Nekundi is disqualified. Nekundi looked to be on his way to victory as he had built a useful lead after six rounds. In the seventh their heads banged together and Imalwa was cut over his left eye. The doctor examined the cut and decided it was too severe for Imalwa to continue so the fight was stopped. It was ruled that the cut was caused by a deliberate butt so Nekundi was disqualified. Nekundi was 7-1-2 in his last 10 fights but no information in Imalwa.

 

Wieliczka, Poland: light Heavy: Dariusz Sek (27-3-3) W TKO 3 Francis Cheka (33-12-2). Light: Marek Jedrzejewski (12-0) W TKO 6 Giorgi Abuladze (10-3-1). Heavy: Michal Cieslak (15-0) W PTS 8 Ivica Bacurin (28-13-1).

Sek vs. Cheka

Sek stops Check but some controversy over the ending. Cheka started out aggressively but was rocked early by a left to the chin and had to hold and duck and dive to last to the bell. Cheka continued to try to advance in the second but was caught repeatedly by strong jabs from Sek and again resorted to clinching. In the third the Tanzanian ducked low and clutched Sek. Sek then landed two blatant punches to the back of Cheka’s head. Cheka backed off complaining about the punches then leant over the ropes clutching the back of his head. He did not answer when the referee tried to get him to continue so the fight was stopped. Sek was going to win this one inside the distance anyway but those last two punches were fouls. A win but an unsatisfactory one for 31-year-old southpaw Sek. He was undefeated in his first 20 fights but has never lived up to that early promise and was 0-1-2 in his last 3 fights. Cheka, 35, a former WBFederation champion drops to seven losses by KO/TKO but got no justice here.

Jedrzejewski vs. Abuladze

Jedrzejewski has his first fight on his home turf and easily halts the outclassed Abuladze. Jedrzejewski towered over the little Georgian and had him under pressure immediately. A right late in the first saw Abuladze dip forward and touch the floor with both gloves and he was given an eight count. Jedrzejewski continued to hunt the Georgian in the second and a left hook to the body put Abuladze down in the third. Ridiculously the referee counted to eight then stopped and indicated for Abuladze to get up which he reluctantly did. He should have been counted out. Jedrzejewski continued to hunt Abuladze in the fourth and had the Georgian trapped in a corner in the fifth and Abuladze dropped to his rump. Again the referee counted to eight and then told Abuladze “come on get up” which he did. A series of punches in the sixth dropped Abuladze again and again the referee counted to eight then lifted the Georgian’s head and asked him if he wanted to continue and then waived the fight off. Now 11 wins by KO/TKO for Pole Jedrzejewski, 28 who until this one has done his fighting in Germany. Poor Abuladze is just 20 has only the most basic of techniques and is much too small for this division. It is now three fights outside Georgia and three losses by KO/TKO.

Cieslak vs. Bacurin

Cieslak moves up to heavyweight and is given eight rounds of work by a willing Bacurin. Cieslak dominated the fight with his quicker hands and a strong jab. Bacurin fought mainly on the back foot but was always looking to counter and was competitive all the way. Cieslak shook Bacurin with a right in the second. A series of rights to the head dropped Bacurin to his knees in the fourth but he fought back to the bell and then had a good fifth landing some heavy punches of his own. The seventh was a great round as they just stood and traded punch after punch. Cieslak rocked Bacurin with a left hook but Bacurin scored with some heavy rights and they exchanged shots again in a rousing finish to the fight. Scores 80-72, 79-72 and 78-74 all for Cieslak  The 6’3” (190cm) Pole had a run of seven wins in a row by KO/TKO including a victory over two-time WBC cruiser title challenger Francisco Palacios but a clash of heads in his last fight in December resulted in a No Decision which broke the streak. Croatian Bacurin, 35, was 3-3 in his previous six fight but the losses were against Dillian Whyte, Tom Schwarz and Carlos Takam.

 

Tokyo, Japan: Light: Shuichiro Yoshino (6-0) W TKO 7 Spicy Matsushita (17-10-1). Yoshino wins the vacant Japanese title with stoppage of Matsushita. Yoshino built an early lead with quicker and more accurate punching and was up after four rounds on all cards at 48-47 twice and 49-46. Matsushita put in a big effort in the fifth and sixth but to no avail and Yoshino floored him twice in the seventh to force the stoppage, The 26-year-old Yoshino, a graduate of the Japanese National Agricultural University, was 104-20 as an amateur with 55 wins by KO/TKO. Matsushita, real first name Akihiro but Spicy is much more colourful, was No 2 in the Japanese ratings and this is his third loss by KO/TKO.

 

Cuernavaca, Mexico: Light: Carlos Jimenez (12-8-1) W TKO 7 Pedro Campa (27-1). This looked a cert to be another win for Campa on paper but he paid the price for underestimating Jimenez. Campa took the first round coming in behind his jab and landing hard right crosses. Jimenez was warned twice for low punches but landed some booming rights late in the round. Jimenez began finding the target with hooks and uppercuts and he outworked Campa over the second and third rounds. Campa used his jab to open Jimenez up for straight rights in the fourth but Jimenez was countering with left hooks. They both worked inside in the fifth and now Jimenez looked to be taking over the fight and rocked Campa with a big right. Campa was showing swelling around both eyes but he rallied in the sixth marching forward and trading with Jimenez and seemed to edge it with a strong finish. Campa also looked on his way to winning the seventh. He was marching forward scoring with hooks and uppercuts with Jimenez swinging wildly. With just five seconds remaining in the round they both threw a punch. Both landed but the right from Campa had little power and the one from Jimenez exploded like a grenade on Campa’s chin and sent him flying back and flat on his back on the canvas. The referee immediately stopped the fight and Campa need quite some time to recover. Huge win for 25-year-old Jimenez. He was 3-6 in his last 9 fights going into this one and Campa had beaten many better fighters but Jimenez earned his reward as he had to absorb a whole range of hard punches from Campa and his durability paid off in the end. Big set-back for 25-year-old Campa. He had beaten good level fighters such as Aaron Herrera, Jose Alfaro, Marvin Quintero and Juan Antonio Rodriguez now he has a reconstruction job ahead of him.

 

Malaga, Spain: Super Light: Petros Ananyan (12-0-2) W TEC DEC 6 Luca Giacon (30-, 2ND1). Super Middle: Ronny Landaeta (13-0) W PTS 12 Mirzet Bajrektarevic (18-5).

Ananyan vs. Giacon

Ananyan gets upset win as he floors and takes technical decision over Giacon. From the start Giacon was ploughing forward trying to overwhelm the Armenian and walking into some horrific counters. He failed to learn the lesson and was floored twice when attacking and leaving himself open. Giacon still tried to take the fight to Ananyan and was still being caught with right hand counters. At one point Ananyan was unloading some heavy punches with Giacon trapped on the ropes. The referee stopped the action and made Ananyan step back to allow Giacon to get off the ropes. Very Strange. Ananyan angered the local crowd with some punches to the back of Giacon’s neck but the real damage was from Giacon walking onto counters. By the sixth Giacon had a cut under his left eye and he was staggered by rights and under heavy pressure. After examining Giacon’s injuries the doctor advised the fight be stopped and the decision was made by the cards. Scores 59-54, 58-55 and 57-56 for Ananyan.  Russian-based Ananyan, 29, collects the IBF International title and makes it eight wins in a row. Giacon was defending the IBF International for the second time. His only other loss was against Emiliano Marsili for the vacant European title in 2013 and had won nine in a row since then seven by KO/TKO so this was a big shock.

Landaeta vs. Bajrektarevic

Spanish-based Venezuelan Landaeta wins the vacant IBF International title with victory over Bajrektarevic. Landaeta pressed the fight from the outset and scored well with body punches. Southpaw Bajrektarevic was dangerous with the occasional right and managed to pick up a couple of rounds but other than that he was on the receiving end in the exchanges. Scores 120-107, 117-108 and 117-110 all for the 34-year-old Spanish champion. Bajrektarevic, 37, had won 7 of his last 8 fights with the loss being to Martin Murray in 2015.

 

Las Vegas, NV, USA: Light: Sharif Bogere (30-1,1ND) W PTS 10 Jose Luis Rodriguez (22-10). Bogere returns with a win after 13 months of inactivity. The Ugandan was in charge from the first but a bit off with his timing and accuracy as he shed some rust. Once he was in his stride he never allowed Rodriguez a sniff of a chance keeping him on the end of his jab and under too much pressure to really sustain any attacks of his own. Scores 100-90 for Bogere from all three judges. Bogere lost to Richar Abril for the WBA title in 2013 and is now 7-0-!ND in his last 8 fights. The Las Vegas-based “Lion” will be looking for some big fights next year. Rodriguez had won 4 of his last 5 fights.

 

October 22

 

Tokyo, Japan: Middle: Ryota Murata (12-1) W RTD 7 Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam (36-3). Fly: Daigo Higa (14-0) W TKO 7 Thomas Masson (17-4-1). Light Fly: Ken Shiro (11-0) W PTS 12 Pedro Guevara (30-3-1).

Murata vs. N’Jikam

Murata wins the secondary WBA title as N’Jikam retires after seven round. When they fought in May Murata gave away most of the early rounds by not throwing enough punches. He did not make the same mistake this time. From the first round he was digging in hooks to the body of N’Jikam who was hiding behind a high guard and emerging to throw quick bursts of hooks and uppercuts. Murata broke through with some hard rights to the head as the first round closed. Murata was still scoring those clubbing rights in the second and going to the body with left hooks. N’Jikam was just not throwing enough or with enough power to keep Murata out. N’Jikam did a bit better in the third and fourth moving and jabbing and firing quick but light punches but Murata was still forcing the fight. He was having success with his jab and banging to the body. N’Jikam was throwing more punches but Murata was picking his punches and was much more accurate. An overhand right rocked N’Jikam in the fifth and had him holding on. The champion was looking tired and there was no real power in his punches. N’Jikam moved and boxed in the sixth but late in the round a straight right from Murata sent him stumbling back and Murata landed a couple of body shots just before the bell. Murata was fully in charge in the seventh forcing N’Jikam back landing rights to the head and sent him staggering with a series of jabs. Murata continued to land those rights and all of the fight had gone out of N’Jikam and it was no surprise that he retired at the end of the round. If Murata had fought like this in the first fight it would have had a different outcome. This time he showed his power and it was too much for N’Jikam to handle. The fight was a huge event in Japan and drawing big TV ratings but whether Murata can break into the Gennady Golovkin vs. Saul Alvarez “series” remains to be seen. Both Golovkin and Alvarez would start favourite against Murata if they cannot agree to a second fight. But Murata plans to make a voluntary defence next. N’Jikam looked slower and fought at a much lower intensity than in their first fight and in the end just surrendered his title. Incidentally both fighters are former Olympians with Murata winning gold in London and N’Jikam fighting  at the 2004 Olympics and then taking advantage of the AIBA change of rules to compete in Rio twelve years later.

Higa vs. Masson

Higa overwhelms Frenchman Masson and retains his WBC title with a seventh round stoppage. Although Masson had height and reach over Higa he just could not match the furious work rate if the champion. Higa piled forward in every round relentlessly pounding away at the Frenchman. He was not always getting through to the target but the sheer force of his attacks meant that Masson had very little chance to mount any attacks of his own and was unable to use his physical advantages. Higa was working the body with hooks and Masson spent much of the fourth round on the ropes. After four rounds Higa was in front 40-36 on two cards and 39-37 on the other. Higa stepped up his work rate in the fifth and sixth and floored Masson with a left hook in the seventh. Masson had a swelling by his right eye which was hampering his vision and the referee asked the doctor to examine the injury and it was ruled too bad for the fight to continue. The little 24-year-old Higa was defending his WBC title for the first time. With his nonstop attacks and seemingly limitless stamina he will be very hard to beat. Masson,27, the former undefeated European champion had won his last nine fights but his opposition had been decent but not world level.

Shiro vs. Guevara

Shiro retains the WBC title with majority decision over brave Guevara. The Mexican challenger made the better start coming out aggressively and taking the fight to Shiro. He was getting through with jabs, starlight rights and hooks to the body and despite a cut on his left eyebrow caused by a punch in the fourth round he was deservedly up on all three cards at 39-37 twice and 40-36. Shiro attacked the body over the middle round firing hooks from both hands and although Guevara fought back hard he was hampered by another cut, this one over his right eye and caused by a punch in the sixth. Shiro’s body work paid dividends and he had close the pints gap. He was still behind 78-74 on one card but was in front 77-75 on another with the third having them even at 76-76. It was all up for grabs over the last four rounds and Shiro seemed to be well on top at times only for Guevara to fire back and it was close with Shiro taking the last round to just edge out the challenger. Scores 116-112 and 115-113 for Shiro and 114-114. The 25-year-old Shiro was also making his defence of the title. By beating Guevara he has met his mandatory requirements and has said he is aiming to fight Ganigan Lopez who he beat for the title on a majority decision in May. Guevara has no luck at all. In three world title fights he has lost split decisions to Jhon Riel Casimero and Yu Kimra and when you add this majority verdict he certainly need to find a rabbit’s foot.

 

Pyrmont, Australia: Welter: Kris George (13-1).W TKO 6 Jack Brubaker (13-2-1). Super Middle: Sakio Bika (34-7-3) W PTS 12 Geard Ajetovic (31-17-1). Super Light: Darragh Foley (13-2) W TEC DEC 8 Ryuji Hachimitsu Ikeda (12-4-2). Super Bantam: Luke Boyd (4-0) W TKO 6 Robert Trigg (2-1-1). Super Welter: Tim Tszyu (7-0) W PTS 10 Wade Ryan (14-6).

George vs. Brubaker

George retains the Commonwealth title as Brubaker is forced out of the fight in the sixth round due to a bad cut over his left eye. Despite injuring his left hand in the fourth George was in front on two cards after five rounds. He switched to southpaw in the sixth which gave Brubaker some encouragement but a punch busted open a cut over the left eye of the challenger and he was unable to continue. George, 28, was making the first defence of the Commonwealth title and he has now won his last six fights. Brubaker’s OPBF title was not on the line and he was on a run of eight wins going into this one. At 25 he will get over this setback and be ready to rebuild when the injury heals.

Bika vs. Ajetovic

Former WBC champion Bika has not given up hopes of another shot at the world title. The experienced Cameroon-born fighter took the unanimous decision here despite being deducted two points for low blows. Bika, 38, was out of the ring for over two year after losing to Adonis Stevenson for the WBC light heavy title before returning with a win in July. He collects the vacant WBC International Silver title. Serbian Ajetovic had won 4 of his last 5 fights.

Foley vs. Ikeda

Foley beats Japanese visitor Ikeda on a cut but was well on his way to victory. The Kent-born fighter had won every round against the game Ikeda but a clash of heads had seen Ikeda suffer a cut in the fourth round and by the eighth the cut was too bad for Ikeda to continue and Foley took the unanimous technical decision. There were three different tiles on the line in this one. Southpaw Foley made the fourth defence of his WBA Oceania title and retained the interim WBC ABC title whilst winning the vacant WBO Orient belt. He is rated No 13 by the WBA. Ikeda, 22, just a prelim fighter and was No 10 in the Japanese ratings.

Boyd vs. Trigg

Former top amateur Boyd wins the vacant Australian title with stoppage of Trigg. Boyd won his first Australian amateur title back in 2006, represented Australia at the 2008 Olympics and at the 2007 and 2009 and 2011 World championships. Trigg had won the Australian bantam title in August last year in only his third fight.

Tszyu vs. Ryan

Tszyu moves up to ten rounds for the first time and wins his first title but has to climb off the canvas for the win. He was put on the floor in the first round but recovered to outbox southpaw Ryan and take the unanimous decision. Scores 97-92, 97-93 and 95-94 for Tszyu. The 22-year-old son of Kostya was going past six round for the first time and facing a much more experienced opponent but lifted the WBC ABC title. Ryan, 27,  a former WBC ABC middleweight champion and Australian title challenger had won 6 of his last 7 fights so a real test for Tszyu.

 

Fight of the week:  Alberto Machado’s upset win over Jezreel Corrales with honourable mentions to Lee Woodstock and Craig Poxton and Paul Hyland and Stephen Ormond

Fighter of the week: Murat Gassiev for creaming Krzys Wlodarczyk with honourable mention to Ryan Burnett for unifying the IBF and WBA bantam titles

Punch of the week: .Plenty to chose from but I go for the punch from Carlos Jimenez down and out with honourable mention Gassiev’s body punch that finished Wlodarczyk, Jeremias Ponce right that put away Brian Chaves

Upset of the week: Dlamini Lerato’s victory over former world champion Simpiwe Vetyeka with honourable mention to Petros Ananyan’s win over Luca Giacon and Azinga Fuzile’s destruction of Tshifihiwa Munyai

One to watch:   Only four fights but Sunderland’s Josh Kelly looks special

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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