Check out Eric Armit’s comprehensive fight report in The Week in Boxing – December 5, 2018:
Highlights:
-Deontay Wilder retains the WBC heavyweight title with very controversial draw against Tyson Fury
-Olek Gvozdyk knocks out Adonis Stevenson to win the WBC light heavyweight title. Stevenson is hospitalised with a brain bleed and our thoughts are with him
-Jarrett Hurd knocks out Jason Welborn in defence of his IBF and WBA super welterweight titles
-Carlos Licona wins the vacant IBF minimumweight title with split decision over Mark Barriga
-Jeff Horn knocks out Anthony Mundine in one round to end the career of “The Man”
-Luis Ortiz keeps busy with a stoppage of Travis Kauffman
-Joe Hughes and Martin Ward make it a title winning double for England in Italy
-Former WBO champion Chris Algieri returns with a win
World Title Shows(IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO only)
November 29
Chonburi, Thailand: Minimumweight: Knockout CP Freshmart (19-0) W PTS 12 Byron Rojas (25-4-3). CP (Thammanoon Niyomtrong-I’ll stick with CP-retains the WBA title with unanimous decision over former champion Rojas in a rematch. The fight started at a lively pace with Rojas making use of his longer reach to score with his jab but also following his jab in and fighting inside. CP was a bit quicker to the punch and was getting the better of the exchanges of hooks and uppercuts as they traded body punches in close. Most of the action took place inside but disappointingly even over the early rounds there were too many clinches. CP just seemed to outwork Rojas inside but many of the rounds were close. As the fight progressed CP continued to focus his attacks on the body and Rojas tired. CP began to outwork Rojas with the challenger spending more time with his back to the ropes as CP continued to land hooks and uppercuts. Rojas fired back trying to create some room where he could make better use of his jab and he had some good spells but not enough of them. There were too many clinches for it to be entertaining but the locals were happy as CP retained the title with a unanimous decision. Scores 117-111,116-112 and 115-113 all for the 28-year-old champion. CP was making the sixth defence of the title he won on a very close decision over Rojas in 2016 when all three judges carded it 115-113. Nicaraguan Rojas, 28, had won the title in an upset victory over Hekkie Budler and looked unlucky to lose his title to CP in their 2016 fight.
December 1
Los Angeles, CA, USA: Heavy: Deontay Wilder (40-0-1) DREW 12Tyson Fury (27-0-1). Super Welter: Jarrett Hurd (23-0) W KO 4 Jason Welborn (24-7). Minimumweight: Carlos Licona (14-0) W PTS 12 Mark Barriga (9-1). Heavy: Luis Ortiz (30-1) W TKO 10 Travis Kauffman (32-3,1ND). Heavy: Joe Joyce (7-0) W KO 1 Joe Hanks (23-3). Super Feather: Isaac Lowe (16-0-3) W TKO 5 Lucas Baez (34-17-5). Heavy: Chris Arreola (37-5-1) W RTD 6 Maurenzo Smith (20-11-4). Welter: Robert Guerrero (34-6-1,2ND) W KO 2 Adam Mate (28-13). Middle: Julian Williams (26-1-1) W TKO 2 Francisco Castro (28-9).
Wilder vs. Fury
Wilder retains WBC title with highly controversial draw against Fury who climbs off the floor twice in a sparkling and extroverted display and looks unlucky not to get the decision
Round 1
Good opening round for Fury. He does some clowning but also some useful work. His constantly feinting freezes Wilder who is hesitating in pulling the trigger. Fury is the one who is connecting with the better punches with a left and a right unbalancing Wilder
Score 10-9 Fury.
Round 2
A close round. This time Wilder waits less and throws plenty of jabs. Fury is still presenting a difficult target and doing some of his usual antics such as putting both gloves behind his back and his arms over his head. Tyson scores with a couple of jabs but Wilder just does enough to edge this one.
Score 10-9 Wilder Tie 19-19
Round 3
Fury’s round. With his constant upper body movement and gloves shifting he is making Wilder a confused man. In addition his taunting is adding to Wilder’s frustration and it works for Fury as Wilder is either not throwing punches or throwing himself at his tormentor. Fury is punching in short bursts and is more accurate.
Score 10-9 Fury Fury 29-28
Round 4
Fury is very agile for a 6’9” man and is constantly changing position. He is slotting jabs through Wilder’s guard with Wilder coming up short with his jab. Fury is having no trouble anticipating and ducking under Wilder’s rights and Wilder is showing the hesitancy that was a feature of most of his rounds against Ortiz.
Score 10-9 Fury Fury 39-37
Official scores: 40-36 Wilder, 39-37 Fury, 39-37 Fury
Round 5
Fury’s round but a close one as neither fighter really threw that many punches in anger. Most of Fury’s punches are prodded jabs to keep Wilder off balance but over the last minute Fury scores with a couple of quick bursts of punches. Wilder is just not throwing enough and not pressing Fury hard enough.
Score 10-9 Fury Fury 49-46
Round 6
Fury out jabs Wilder in this one. Fury also scores in quick attacking bursts. Wilder spends most of the round on the back foot. It is difficult to understand his tactics as he will never beat Fury that way. Wilder finally gets through with some jabs just before the bell but it is Fury’s round
Score 10-9 Fury Fury 59-55
Round 7
Fury takes another round. Wilder makes a better start throwing jabs with some intent but Fury fires back scoring with jabs and again with bursts of three or four punches including a left jab right cross both of which are on target. Wilder is getting wilder. He is missing with huge swings and leaving himself open to counters.
Score 10-9 Fury Fury 69-64
Round 8
Clearly Fury’s round. He is again stabbing home his long jabs and confident enough to follow in after the jab with other punches. It seems that Wilder can’t make up his mind whether he should go forward or back and Fury is taunting Wilder . When the taunts rouse Wilder to action Fury easily ducks away from the punches.
Score 10-9 Fury Fury 79-73
Official scores: 77-75 Wilder, 78-74 Fury, 77-75 Fury
Round 9
This was the best round of the fight so far. Fury is confident enough to again be taunting Wilder. This time Wilder is more positive in his approach. He throws some jabs with more purpose and lands a heavy right to the head. Fury taunts him and Wilder responded with a chopping right that puts Fury down. He is up at nine and Wilder comes forward throwing punches. Fury uses a combination of ducking and weaving and holding and then drives Wilder back. Wilder lands a couple more head pinches but is again swinging and missing and a recovered Fury spends the last thirty seconds taunting Wilder.
Score 10-8 Wilder Fury 87-83
Round 10
Amazingly Fury had his best round in this one. Straight from the bell he throws jabs and long rights to have Wilder backing up. Fury continues to march forward connecting with jabs and rights with Wilder hardly throwing a punch. Wilder comes alive just before the bell throwing a series of punches-all of which Fury dodges and he again taunts Wilder at the bell.
Score 10-9 Fury Fury 97-92
Round 11
The action slows in this one but again it is Fury’s roujnd. He stays with his jab and long rights and Wilder just can’t get past the jab and is off target with the heavy punches he does throw as Tyson dominates the round
Score 10-9 Fury Fury 107-101
Round 12
It seemed Wilder needed a knockout and he thought he scored one. Just forty seconds into the round Wilder shakes Fury with a right forcing Fury back and then lands a huge right to the side of the head and a left hook to the chin that sends Fury down spread-eagled on the canvas unmoving. Wilder is convinced the fight was over and is already starting to climb the ropes to celebrate Its was only when the count reaches six that Fury stirs and then he climbs up at the count of nine. The referee gives him the usual question and move tests and then lets the fight continue. Wilder storms forward but again is just swinging wildly. He does manage to connect with a couple of punches but Fury begins to fight back and Wilder stops punching and goes onto the back foot with Fury ending the round strongly and it is noticeable that after the last bell it is Fury who is celebrating whilst a subdued Wilder looked on.
Score 10-8 Wilder Fury 115-111
Official scores: 115-111 Wilder, 114-112 Fury, 113-113
Wilder holds on to the WBC title but his whole demeanour at the end of the fight seemed to be one resignation to defeat. After the trials and tribulations Fury has gone through his climb back to the top has been a magnificent achievement. Wilder again showed his power. That pair of punches in the last round would have knocked out most heavyweights but he also showed a confused tactical approach to this fight and his corner did not seem to have much idea either. Obviously a return would be a huge attraction and both have expressed a willingness to fight again and a fight between Anthony Joshua and either Wilder or Fury would be an even bigger money spinner-Wilder was paid $4 million and Fury $3 million- with a lot more money coming from their percentage of the profits from the fight . Good money but the purse for a Joshua fight would probably put a zero on the end of those figures. However for now Wilder and Fury have given heavyweight boxing another great boost with an enthralling fight-pity about the result.
Hurd vs. Welborn
Hurd retains his IBF and WBA titles with kayo of challenger Welborn after the English boxer had made an impressive start.
Round 1
A confident, aggressive Welborn made a strong start forcing Hurd to the ropes and although Hurd blocked most of the punches Welborn was getting through with left hooks to the body and rights to the head. Hurd eventually moved off the ropes and was planting stiff jabs on the challenger and finished the round strongly but Welborn’s early work gave him the round.
Score 10-9 Welborn
Round 2
This one followed a similar pattern with Hurd starting in mid ring and doing some good work with his jab until Welborn forced him to the ropes. Welborn punched away with the lefts to the body and overarm rights to the head until for an extended period until Hurd broke away and again did some good work with his jab.
Score 10-9 Welborn Welborn 20-18
Round 3
Welborn was having problems getting past Hurd’s jab in this one. Hurd was forcing Welborn onto the back foot and looked to be taking over the fight. Welborn came back and with Hurd against the ropes he showered Hurd with the same pattern of lefts to the body and rights to the head until Hurd staged his usual strong finish to the round and with his work early and late Hurd took this one.
Score 10-9 Hurd Welborn 29-28
Round 4
Hurd showed more purpose in this round striding forward and landing heavily with his jab and some clubbing body punches. Welborn was forced onto the back foot and looked to be hurt by some powerful jabs. Welborn then went onto the offensive and had Hurd on the ropes showering Hurd with punches. Hurd forced his way off the ropes and unloaded on Welborn with some hard hooks. Welborn had just started to fire back when a right to the body dropped him on his haunches. He was in pain and did not really start to climb up until the count was at nine and he was counted out before he could reach the vertical.
The 28-year-old “Swift” from Maryland looks an animal at this weight and this is his eighth win by KO/TKO in his last nine fights. It would be interesting to see him up against Mexican strongman Jaime Munguia or WBC champion Jermell Charlo. Welborn, 32, gave this one his best and certainly hustled Hurd over the first two rounds. He looked to be going nowhere after losses to Liam Smith and Matthew Macklin and to have hit bottom when losing to journeyman William Warburton who had lost 96 of his 122 fights. He steadied his career with three wins against modest opposition and earned this title shots with two wins this year in wars with Tommy Langford. Another world title shot is unlikely but there are plenty of domestic or European fight for him.
Licona vs. Barriga
Mexican Licona wins the vacant IBF minimumweight title with split decision over Filipino Barriga
Round 1
Licona had slight edges in height and reach over southpaw Barriga and made a positive start taking the fight to Barriga getting his punches off first and scoring with some sharp lead rights. Barriga was short with his jabs and slow to counter.
Score 10-9 Licona
Round 2
A very good round for Barriga. This time it was Barriga getting his punches off quicker. He was able to pierce Licona’s guard with stinging rights and connected with some good combinations. When Licona did come forward Barriga was countering well and attacked strongly before the bell.
Score 10-9 Barriga Tie 19-19
Round 3
A closer round. Licona scored well with his left jab and strong rights to the body. Barriga took a little time to settle in the round but again had his right jab working well and did enough work late in the round to take the points.
Score 10-9 Barriga Barriga 29-28
Round 4
Licona’s round. He was bossing the fight with his jab and landing long rights to the body. Barriga connected with a sharp right to the head but Licona fired back with two good attacks. Barriga was swinging wildly at the end of the round.
Score 10-9 Licona Tie 38-38
Round 5
They both made a cautious start to this round with Barriga landing some lefts to the body. Licona then had a good spell in which he landed five rights in succession to Barriga’s head and took the round.
Score 10-9 Licona Licona 48-47
Round 6
A less dominant round for Licona but one which he took. He was on the front foot walking Barriga down and was again effective with rights to the head with Barriga short with his jabs and counters A right seemed to momentarily shake Barriga but he recovered quickly
Score 10-9 Licona Licona 58-56
Round 7
Another round for Licona. The Mexican was landing well with his jab and his hard rights were getting home with Barriga still too slow to block or counter. When Barriga came forward he had some success but was being caught by sharp punches from Licona.
Score 10-9 Licona Licona 68-65
Round 8
Barriga needed a good round and he produced one here. He was stabbing home his right jabs and banging to the head with straight lefts. Licona is a one-paced fighter and that pace is slow. Barriga was using smart movement to change angles and doing the scoring. Licona landed a low punch and Barriga turned away from the action but Licona continued punching until the referee stopped the action and gave Barriga a bit of time to recover.
Score 10-9 Barriga Licona 77-75
Round 9
This started as a slow round and then warmed up. Licona was trundling after Barriga and landed a couple of rights to the body. Barriga did some good work with his jab and then scored with a slashing four-punch combination. Licona fired back with a couple of rights but Barriga took the round with a quick burst of punches before the bell.
Score 10-9 Barriga Licona 86-85
Round 10
Licona won this one. He pressurised the Filipino for the whole three minutes. He was strong with his jab and again his straight rights found the target. Barriga was short with both his jab and his counters and Licona banged home more rights to finish the round strongly.
Score 10-9 Licona Licona 96-94
Round 11
Barriga outboxed Licona in this round. He was more positive with his jab sliding it past Licona’s guard and following it with quick lefts. He was also using his mobility to dodge Licona’s attacks. Licona landed a couple of rights but Barriga banged straight back and had a good round.
Score 10-9 Barriga Licona 105-104
Round 12
Barriga won this round clearly. He just could not miss Licona with his lefts scoring with a sequence of them. He was also on target with his right jab and was too mobile for the slower Licona to be able to land anything of consequence
Score 10-9 Barriga tie 114-114
Official scores 115-113 and 115-113 for Licona, 115-113 for Barriga.
The margin was so narrow that this one could have gone either way and hopefully Barriga will get either a return or another shot next year. Licona, 23, was No 3 with the IBF-the No 2 spot was vacant-despite only having one eight round fight and one ten round fight on his record but he is now the champion. He looked very limited in this fight but the division is not strong at this time apart from the WBC champion Wanheng. Barriga, 25, had more depth in his experience having gone ten rounds four times and also fought a twelve round bout. In addition he had competed at the World Championships where he beat Paddy Barnes and the 2012 Olympics.
Ortiz vs. Kauffman
Ortiz stays on course for another title shot with late stoppage of Kauffman. From the opening bell it was clear that Kauffman was more interested in surviving than winning. Ortiz was almost too patient in his approach stalking Kauffman and unloading heavy lefts. He rattled Kauffman with a right late in the round and continued to walk Kauffman down in the second. A low punch from Ortiz gave Kauffman some recovery time in the third. With Kauffman not looking to engage in the fourth a frustrated Ortiz did a King Kong act as he beat his chest in frustration inviting Kauffman to stand and fight. Kauffman declined the invitation in what was not by any means an entertaining fight. Ortiz caught up with Kauffman in the sixth flooring him with a left but Kauffman beat the count and stayed out of trouble for the rest of the round. The crowds was starting to show disapproval in the seventh and Ortiz silenced them for a while in the eighth by flooring Kauffman with a left. Once again Kauffman made it to his feet and for a short while it looked as though he might go the distance. He was again given some respite when Ortiz went low again in the ninth but a left put Kauffman down again in the tenth. He again made it to his feet but another heavy left from Ortiz had him in trouble on the ropes and the fight was stopped, The draw between Wilder and Fury was not a good outcome for Ortiz. The 39-year-old Cuban was hoping to get a title fight against the winner-but there wasn’t one. Ortiz will have a long wait before the position comes clear. Kauffman was never in this fight but showed guts to get up three times.
Joyce vs. Hanks
Joyce obliterates Hanks inside a round. They both landed some jabs early. Joyce was walking Hanks down and looking to unload with his right but Hanks was quicker and was getting through Joyce’s guard with some accurate but light punches. Joyce was very slow but when he did connect with a right to Hank’s head Hank was in deep trouble. He lurched into the ropes on unsteady legs and hung his hands on the ropes obviously hurt. For some reason Joyce backed off to the centre of the ring. Hanks walked forward onto a left to the head that sent him down heavily. He struggled around trying to rise but toppled over and the referee stopped the count at six and waived the fight over. The 33-year-old 6’6” Londoner, the Commonwealth champion, has taken less than 19 rounds for his seven wins but is already No 10 with the WBA after victories over L:enroy Thomas And Iago Kiladze. He showed his strengths and his weaker points here. His power was impressive but his defence was not very sound and he is not very quick on his feet. Hanks, 35, was his toughest test to date-on paper. Hanks had suffered consecutive losses against Andy Ruiz (L TKO 4) in 2013 and Derric Rossy (majority decision) in May 2014until returning with a low level win in December last year. He had no answer to the power of Joyce in this one.
Lowe vs. Baez
Lowe, a member of Britain’s traveller community, gets a win in his first fight in America as he stops Argentinian Baez in the fifth round. Lowe was always in control here. He opened a cut over Baez’s left eye in the second and then floored Baez twice in the fifth. After the second knockdown the referee stopped the fight without bothering to count. The 24-yeatr-old former undefeated Commonwealth champion is in line for a return fight with Ryan Walsh after their British title fight in February ended in a split draw with Walsh retaining the title. In addition to winning this fight he also won a £1,000 bet with Tyson Fury over who would shave their beard off first. Florida-based Baez was 4-0-1 in his last 5 fights.
Arreola vs. Smith
Not a difficult fight for Arreola. The former title challenger beat up Smith steadily for six rounds after which Smith decided he had done enough to earn his pay and did not come out for the seventh. First fight for the 37-year-old Arreola since his loss to Deontay Wilder for the WBC title in July last year. There is plenty of action to be had for beatable heavyweights these days so he will be in action again in 2019. Smith, 41, drops to seven losses by KO/TKO.
Guerrero vs. Mate
Just a pre-Christmas payday for Guerrero as he stops Hungarian in two rounds. This really was a very poor match. Guerrero floored Mate in the first and twice in the second with a right to the temple dropping Mate to his hands and knees. He managed to struggle to his feet but the referee had already waived the fight off. The 35-year-old former IBF feather and super feather champion had lost his last three fights and this was his first contest for almost 17 months. It is difficult to see where he hopes to go on this comeback. Now nine losses by KO/TKO for Mate who was knocked out inside a round by Sandor Martin in December.
Williams vs. Castro
This was a late addition to the show but was over early. Williams dominated the first round and floored Castro late in the second. Castro beat the count but the referee stopped the fight. The Philadelphia lost to Jermall Charlo for the IBF super welter title in 2016 but is now No 1 with both the WBC and IBF after wins over Ishe Smith and Nat Gallimore. Another poor match with the 34-year-old Mexican Castro losing four in a row before retiring in December 2014. He did not fight again until scoring a win over 8-22 Carlos Urea making this only his second fight in four years
Quebec City, Canada: Light Heavy: Olek Gvozdyk (16-0) W KO 11 Adonis Stevenson (29-2-1). Welter Mikael Zewski (32-1) W PTS 10 Aaron Herrera (35-9-1). Super Middle: Shakeel Phinn (19-2-1) DREW 10 Dario Bredicean (17-1). Heavy: Oscar Rivas (25-0) W PTS 10 Fabio Maldonado (26-1). Welter: Sebastien Bouchard (18-1) W TKO 3 Vitor Jones (15-3,1ND). Heavy: Olek Teslenko (15-0) W TKO 3 Edson Antonio (40-8-1).
Stevenson vs. Gvozdyk
Gvozdyk comes from behind to stop Stevenson and win the WBC title but his victory is overshadowed by concerns over Stevenson who was stretched from the ring and rushed to hospital.
Round 1
Stevenson was on the front foot straight away with the taller Gvozdyk circling the perimeter of the ring sticking out his long jab but not looking to take any chances. Stevenson landed a left late in the round.
Score 10-9 Stevenson
Round 2
Gvozdyk was a bit more adventuresome in this round again shooting his jab and landing some rights. Stevenson connected with a couple of hard southpaw lefts and again did enough to edge the round.
Score 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 20-18
Round 3
A much better round for Gvozdyk. He looked to have scored a knockdown when Stevenson went down after Gvozdyk threw a right. The referee ruled it a slip but it fired up Gvozdyk who pressed his attack with Stevenson forced onto the back foot.
Score 10-9 Gvozdyk Stevenson 29-28
Round 4
Stevenson’s round. He was connecting with some good lefts and most of Gvozdyk’s jabs were falling short and Stevenson was successfully dodging or blocking the Ukrainian’s rights. Stevenson complained about a punch from Gvozdyk which the Canadian thought had landed after the bell.
Score 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 39-36
Round 5
Gvozdyk took this one. He was more aggressive following in behind his jab with some rights and landing some body punches. Stevenson had a few successes but Gvozdyk finished the round strongly.
Score 10-9 Gvozdyk Stevenson 48-46
Round 6
A close round. Stevenson continued to stalk Gvozdyk who was a bit more defensive in this round. Stevenson both scoring with his left and also pushing the punch out to stall any attacks from Gvozdyk. The challenger tried to finish the round with a strong attack but Stevenson landed the better punches
Score 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 58-55
Round 7
Gvozdyk took this one. He was more positive coming in behind his jab and landing long rights and uppercuts. Stevenson was focusing on the body but the better punches were coming from Gvozdyk.
Score 10-9 Gvozdyk Stevenson 67-65
Round 8
Gvozdyk also took this one. He landed some good rights early and was fighting more aggressively. He was taking the fight to Stevenson and forcing the champion back. Stevenson was pawing rather firing his jabs and it was a good round for Gvozdyk
Score 10-9 Gvozdyk Stevenson 76-75
Round 9
Stevenson had a better round as he shook Gvozdyk early with a left which seemed to take some of the fire out of the Ukrainian. Stevenson continued to control the round and although Gvozdyk put in a big effort late in the round it was Stevenson’s.
Score 10-9 Stevenson Stevenson 86-84
Round 10
Gvozdyk really opened up in this one. He was letting his hands go and connecting with rights. A hook from Stevenson shook Gvozdyk and sent him to the ropes but he fired back with a series of head punches that had Stevenson backing off and hurt.
Score 10-9 Gvozdyk Stevenson 95-94
Round 11.
No sign of the drama to come as this round started. Stevenson was coming forward behind his jab trying some long lefts. A clash of heads saw Gvozdyk momentarily walk away from the action. When it resumed Gvozdyk marched forward landing punches to Stevenson’s head and forcing him back to the ropes. He landed another series of punches before Stevenson escaped from the ropes. Stevenson looked to be boxing his way out of trouble and threw a couple of jabs. Gvozdyk again stormed forward driving Stevenson to the ropes with straight lefts and rights and again Stevenson worked his way into the ring centre and the danger seemed to have passed until Gvozdyk launched a furious attack driving Stevenson back along the ropes. Stevenson held on and after the referee broke them apart Gvozdyk drilled Stevenson with a succession of lefts and rights to the head as Stevenson went back into a corner and dropped under the fire storm with the referee quickly jumping in the stop the fight. It was obvious that Stevenson was badly injured and he was stretchered out of the ring and taken to hospital where he was put into a medically-induced coma to lessen the pressure caused by brain swelling. His condition was initially described as critical and then later as stable. No further news available at this time. Obviously a great victory for Gvozdyk. Going in he had just 15 fights behind whereas the much more experienced Stevenson was making the 9th defence of the WBC title.
Zewski vs. Herrera
Zewski continues on his winning way as he outpoints Herrera. Zewski dominated the fight in every round and won on scores of 100-90 from all three judges. The 29-year-old Canadian was making the first defence of the WBC International title. This title and a run of five wins has seen him climb to No 14 in the WBC ratings. His only defeat was on points against Konstantin Ponomarev in 2015. Mexican Herrera was 24-0 at the start of his career but a number of fights with ranked boxer such as Regis Prograis, Brandon Rios and Jessie Vargas has seen him fall away.
Phinn vs. Bredicean
The IBF Inter-Continental title remains vacant after Phinn and Bredicean ended all even. Scores 95-95 twice and 98-92 for Phinn. “The Jamaican Juggernaut” Phinn, the Canadian No 1, is now 3-0-1 in his last 4 fights and has lost only one of his last twenty. Tall Miami southpaw Bredicean, 25, has been carefully matched and this was both his first real test and his first ten round fight.
Rivas vs. Maldonado
Rivas retains the NABF title with points win over Brazilian Maldonado. Just a useful ten rounds of work for Rivas as he prepares for a big fight against Bryant Jennings in January. Scores 99-90 twice and 100-89 for Rivas. Despite his 25 wins the Colombian is down at No 14 with the WBA and WBC but a win over Bryant would certainly give him a boost. As an amateur he scored wins over Andy Ruiz and Kubrat Pulev but it has taken him a long time to make an impact as a heavyweight in the pros. Maldonado, 38, was having his first fight outside Brazil and his record is heavily padded with his first twenty victims only amassing seven wins between them.
Bouchard vs. Jones
Bouchard makes it ten wins in a row with stoppage of Brazilian Jones. After handily winning the first round a body punch from Bouchard put Jones down in the second. He survived the round but in the third another series of body punches were too much for Jones and the fight was halted. Eighth win by KO/TKO for the local boxer. His only loss was on points against Frank Galarza in 2014. Former Brazilian champion Jones suffers his third inside the distance defeat including a 64 seconds crushing by Teo Lopez in May.
Teslenko vs. Antonio
Teslenko gets his twelfth win by KO/TKO as he halts Brazilian oldie Antonio. Teslenko’s body punches were too much for Antonio. Teslenko, who towered over the Brazilian, floored Antonio in the second and again in the third with the towel being thrown it after the knockdown. The 6’4”, 26-year-old Ukrainian has now won eleven of his last twelve fights inside the distance. Antonio, 41, was having only his second fight in the last three years.
November 30
Brisbane, Australia: Middle: Jeff Horn (18-1-1) W Anthony Mundine (48-8). Welter: Cameron Hammond (18-1) W PTS 10 Frank Rojas (23-2). Super Feather: Liam Wilson (3-0) W PTS 10 Brent Rice (8-1). Light: Francis Chua (6-0-1) W PTS 6 Kye MacKenzie (20-2).
Horn vs. Mundine
Horn blasts out Mundine in just 96 seconds. A fired-up Horn came out looking for Mundine and in the first few seconds landed a right to the body and then shook Mundine with a right to the head. Mundine came forward with a couple of punches of his own. Horn tried a couple more rights but came up short. There was some back and forth action and then Horn stepped in and threw a right that landed on Mundine’s hip as Mundine turned away from the punch. Horn followed that with two left hooks. The first was just short of the target but the second crashed through Mundine’s guard and sent him down on his back. He managed to get to his knees but the referee could see he was finished and waived the fight over without completing the count. Huge domestic win for the former WBO champion who confirmed his class as a person when despite the enmity before the fight he immediately showed concern for Mundine instead of jumping on the ropes to celebrate. This was Horn’s first fight since losing his WBO title to Terrence Crawford and he certainly came back with a bang and can look forward to some big paydays. At 43 hopefully Mundine will now call it a day. Although some will say he underachieved he is a former IBO and interim WBA middleweight champion and had two spells as holder of the secondary WBA super middle title. He has recorded wins over Lester Ellis, Danny Green, Daniel Geale, Bronco McKart, and Shane Mosley and beaten Sam Soliman three times. Almost every fight he has had in Australia has been Pay Per View and he has been a strong spokesman for his fellow indigenous Australians so he can walk away with his head held high.
Hammond vs. Rojas
Hammond wins the vacant WBA Oceania title with unanimous decision over Venezuelan. Hammond was too quick and outboxed the limited Venezuelan although the fight never really caught fire. Scores 100-90, 99-92 and 98-92. Hammond was out of the ring for 19 months after losing to Kris George for the vacant Commonwealth title in November 2016 and this is his second win this year. Rojas has impressive looking figures but don’t be fooled. Twelve of his victims had never won a fight and the other eleven could only muster 29 wins between. The only decent fighter he has faced is Jose Benavidez who knocked Rojas out in 84 seconds.
Wilson vs. Rice
Wilson wins the Auistralian title in only his third fight and with less than two rounds of action behind him going into the title fight. Wilson built an early lead but a point deduction for repeatedly hitting on the break and a strong finish by Rice reduced the gap but with Wilson the clear winner. Scores 97-92 twice and 96-93. Wilson’s record is also deceiving but in a very different way from that of Rojas. Wilson was an outstanding amateur. He was Queensland State champion nine times, won a variety of Australian titles and competed at this year’s Commonwealth Games. Hand injuries prevented him from qualifying for the Rio Olympics and the 2017 Australian championships and he had around 140 amateur fights. Rice, also from Queensland, was making the second defence of the Australian title.
Chua vs. Mackenzie
Major upset as novice Chua takes split decision over WBO No 2 lightweight Kye MacKenzie. Both fighters threw plenty of leather early and both faded late which has to leave a question over MacKenzie’s conditioning for this one as he has been past six rounds quite a few times. Chua took the decision on scores of 59-56 and 58-56 with the third judge seeing Mackenzie in front 58-56. A dilemma for the WBO as to what they do with MacKenzie’s No 2 rating and what do they do about rating a seven fight novice who has only been past six rounds once, and drew that fight, but beat their No 2 lightweight.
Florence, Italy; Super Light: Joe Hughes (17-3-1) W PTS 12 Andrea Scarpa (23-5). Super Feather: Martin Ward (21-1-2) W PTS 12 Devis Boschiero (46-6-2). Cruiser: Fabio Turchi (16-0) W KO 7 Tony Conquest (18-3). Super Welter: Orlando Fiordigiglio (30-2) W PTS 6 Igor Faniyan (16-18-3). Feather: Carmine Tommasone (19-0) W PTS 6 Giovanny Martinez (8-9-1). Super Middle: John Docherty (2-0) W TKO 2 Angel Castillo (1-4)
Hughes vs. Scarpa
In a mixed night for British boxers they came out on top in the more important fights. Hughes was viewed as a very beatable opponent by Scarpa but Hughes came out with the split decision that should have been unanimous and lifted the vacant European title. Hughes forced the fight from the start. Despite Scarpa having edges in height and reach a feature of the fight was the way that Hughes was the one with the quickest and most accurate jab a punch that had Scarpa’s head rocking throughout the fight. Hughes was also getting the better of the exchanges inside where he did some serious work with his left hooks. Scarpa had some success when he did manage to get on the front foot and score with combinations to the head but for the most part it was Hughes coming forward and outscoring and outworking a hesitant Scarpa who seemed to lack the fire he had shown in beating John Wayne Hibbert in England. With his corner and the crowd screaming at him Scarpa tried to turn things his way over the late rounds but Hughes never looked troubled and was a clear winner. Scores 118-111 and 116-112 for Hughes and 116-112 for Scarpa. Hughes, 28, wins his first international title at the second attempt having lost on points to Anthony Yigit for this same title in December last year. It also gives him some consolation for a loss to Jack Catterall and a split draw against Tyron Nurse in domestic fights. Big setback for Scarpa. He is a former Italian super feather and super lightweight champion and won the WBC Silver title with a stoppage of John Wayne Hibbert during a run of 19 wins. The wheels rather came off after that as he lost his WBC Silver title to Ohara Davies in 2016 and was defeated by Franck Petitjean in a challenge for the EU tile in January this year. This could be Scarpa’s last chance at this level.
Ward vs. Boschiero
Ward made it a British double with a split decision over experienced Boschiero to collect the vacant WBC International Silver title. This is a fight where the styles gelled to make for an interesting and entertaining contest. Ward had lots of height and reach over Boschiero but the Italian battler kept driving forward and scoring inside with hooks from both hands. Ward made great use of his jab and landed stinging counters but also took the fight to Boschiero leading plenty of feisty exchanges. Boschiero was forcing the fight from the start but Ward used his jab and some quick movement to blunt many of the Italian’s attacks. Boschiero just kept coming. He had a good second round as he hustled Ward back but Ward started to land some crisp left hooks to the body in the fourth only for Boschiero to put in a big effort in the sixth. A great left uppercut almost dislodged Boschiero’s mouthguard in the seventh and again Ward scored strongly to the body. Ward continued to outscore Boschiero to build a lead but Boschiero stormed back over the last three rounds and Ward needed that cushion he had established as he was deducted a point in the eleventh for pushing Boschiero’s to the canvas with his elbow. Scores 117-111 and 115-113 for Ward and 115-113 for Boschiero. Ward, 27, a former Commonwealth, British and European champion suffered his only loss when he was stopped in five rounds by James Tennyson in May. This win was an important one for Ward as it reduces the Tennyson loss to a bump in the road. With winning this WBC title and with Boschiero No 11 in the IBF ratings it will get him ranked again. At 37 the end must be near for Boschiero. He came close to a world title when losing a split decision to Takahiro Ao for the WBC super feather title in Japan back in 2011. More recently a 5-4 run including a sixth round stoppage by Stephen Smith had seemed to indicate his career was nearly over but he was 7-0-1 going into this one although it may prove to be his final fling.
Turchi vs. Conquest
Fighting in his home city Turchi gets his twelfth win by KO/TKO as he beats Conquest. After two fairly even rounds southpaw Turchi began to take the fight over with his heavier power. A left hook almost put Conquest down in the fourth and Turchi continued to pile on the pressure in the fifth and sixth. Conquest showed no sign of fading out of the fight but the end came in the seventh. Conquest had just landed a hard right to Turchi’s head but the Italian countered with an even harder left hook of his own. That punch had Conquest backing away and going down on one knee. It seemed that the punch had caused Conquest a problem with his left eye and as he dropped it was borderline whether another left from Turchi landed just before or just after Conquest’s left knee touched the floor. The referee started the count but just as he was about to waive the fight over the towel came in from Conquests corner. The 25-year-old Turchi is rated No 10 by the EBU. He was an outstanding amateur being the Italian champion in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013, winning a silver Medal in 2014 Military World Championships, a bronze medal at the World Youth Championships and a gold medal in the Mediterranean Games with a reported 106-9 record. Conquest was talking retirement after this loss. The 34-year-old former Commonwealth and British champion was inactive for two years before returning with a win last December.
Fiordigiglio vs. Faniyan
Fiordigiglio just keeps thing turning over with a routine win over Fanyan. Fiordigiglio controlled this one from start to finish with some slick work with his jab and occasional combinations which was more than enough to see off Fanyan. Third win this year for Fiordigiglio who lost a split decision to Frenchman Zakaria Attou for the vacant European title in December. Armenian Fanyan is no 1-9 in his last 10 contests.
Tommasone vs. Martinez
Mexican Martinez can’t keep the wolf from his door as “Mr Wolf” Tommasone easily outboxes the import winning every round. This was the unbeaten Italian’s first fight for nine months but he looked sharp. He is No 10 with the EBU but hopes with more activity to get a shot at the EU or EBU title. At 32 he has no time to waste. He has the distinction of being the first pro boxer to compete at the Olympics as he was first into the ring in Rio after the AIBA decided to allow pro boxers to compete. He beat Mexican Lindolfo Delgado in his first fight but then lost to Cuban Lazaro Alvarez. Martinez has won only two of his last eight fights.
Docherty vs. Castillo
Scottish prospect Docherty gets his second pro win and his second inside the distance win as he floors Argentinian novice Castillo in the first and again in the second which sees the towel coming flying in from Castillo’s corner. The 21-year-old from Montrose was Scottish Junior champion in 2012 and 2013 and Senior champion in 2017. He won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games, silver at the European Youth Championships and a bronze medal at this year’s Commonwealth Games. One to watch. Castillo in way over his head.
Glasgow, Scotland: Bantam: Ukashir Farooq (11-0) W PTS 12 Iain Butcher (18-4). Super Light: Tyrone McKenna (17-1-1) W PTS 10 Lewis Benson (10-2). Super Welter: Kieran Smith (13-0) W PTS 10 Evaldas Korsakas (9-6-2). Light Heavy: David Brophy (21-2-1) W PTS 6 Charles Adamu (32-13).
Farooq vs. Butcher
Farooq retains the British title with comprehensive victory over fellow Scot Butcher. Scores 120-108, 120-109 and 118-110 for “The Untouchable” Farooq who was making the first defence of the title he won with an impressive first round kayo of Jamie Wilson in September. Born in Pakistan the 22-year-old Farooq moved to Scotland with his family in 2002. He is a former Scottish and British Youth champion and Scottish Senior champion. Three of Butcher’s four losses have come in British title fights
McKenna vs. Benson
McKenna gets the nod in a hard fought and entertaining contest against Benson. It was a war with McKenna walking forward throwing punches and Benson countering and seeming to outscore the Ulster southpaw. It really came down to Benson landing more but McKenna landing the heavier punches. The referee gave the decision to McKenna 96-95 but the decision could have gone either way. McKenna was in his second war in a row having lost narrowly in an exciting battle against Jack Catterall in June. “Kid Caramel” Benson, 26, said after the fight that he was retiring but hopefully will re-think that. As an amateur he was Scottish and British Youth champion and competed at both the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games and has lots of talent.
Smith vs. Korsakas
Smith, another former elite level amateur, had to climb off the floor to win this one. The Scottish southpaw found Korsakas a tough opponent and was floored in the third. He rebounded to put Korsakas down in the ninth which just gave him the edge in a very close contest. Scores 96-92, 96-93 and 95-93 for Smith. The 6’2” Scot wins the vacant WBC International Silver title in his move up to ten rounds. As with Benson he was Scottish and British Youth champion and fought at the Commonwealth Games, World, European and World Youth Championships. UK-based Lithuanian Korsakas was 6-0-1 in his run up to this fight and is the BBB of C Central Area champion.
Brophy vs. Adamu
Former Commonwealth champion Brophy keeps his hand in with a points win over Ghanaian veteran Adamu. Referee’s score 60-54 for Brophy who is working his way back after being stopped inside a round by Rocky Fielding for the British and Commonwealth titles in September last year. The 41-year-old Adamu, also a former Commonwealth champion has only lost once by KO/TKO
Hollywood, FL, USA: Bantam: Ricardo Espinoza (22-2) W TKO 2 Yeison Vargas (17-1). Welter: Derrieck Cuevas (19-0-1) W PTS 10 Breidis Prescott (31-15). Feather: Hairon Socarras (20-0-3) W KO 1 Mike Oliver (26-10-1,1ND).
Espinoza vs. Vargas
Espinoza destroys Vargas in two rounds with an impressive show of power. Espinoza was throwing the harder punches in the first before exploding in the second. A left hook to the head had Vargas stumbling along the ropes and down. He made it to his feet but Espinoza was on to him again quickly and the first punch he landed on the resumption, a left hook to the head sent Vargas flying back and onto the canvas against the ropes. Vargas was up quickly but then rocked with left hooks to the head. He tried to hold but Espinoza broke free and then landed a four-punch combination of hooks to the head that floored Vargas for the third time and the referee waived the fight off. The 21-year-old “Hindu” is on a hot streak with twelve wins in a row eleven of those by KO/TKO and now has a total of 19 wins by KO/TKO. The Tijuana fighter was making the first defence of his WBO Latino title. He is No 2 with the WBO although there are no names on his record apart from useful Daniel Lozano. Colombian champion Vargas was having his first outside of Colombia and his is a heavily padded record with wins over substandard opposition.
Cuevas vs. Prescott
Cuevas moves to thirteen wins on the trot with wide unanimous verdict over a very much on the slide Prescott. Cuevas almost ended it in the first and in fact the fight should not have been allowed to continue. It was “timber” as a huge left hook felled Prescott like a falling tree. He managed to make onto one knee but almost fell over. He then pushed himself up but staggered badly when the referee asked him to take steps forward. Despite that the referee went over the same routine again and decided to let the fight continue and the bell went before another punch could be thrown. Prescott recovered well and used all of his experience to remain competitive. He took the fight to Cuevas who showed he could box as well as punch. Prescott is just too slow these days to really threaten Cuevas who was a clear winner. This victory makes it thirteen wins in a row for the 24-year-old Puerto Rican Cuevas with eleven of those wins by KO/TKO. At 35 Miami-based Colombian Prescott is moving into the “fodder for up-coming fighters” category with seven losses in his last eight fights.
Socarras vs. Oliver
An easy night for Socarras as he disposes of the shell of what was once Mike Oliver in just 50 seconds. After the second knockdown Oliver indicated he was finished hopefully not just with this fight but with his career. Cuban Socarras, 25, gets his twelfth win by KO/TKO. He had just one fight in 2015 and was inactive in 2016 but he has been more active recently and was coming off a win over reasonable level opposition in Jose Nieves. Oliver, 38, went 21-0 at the start of his career and won the IBO super bantamweight title but with a couple of spells of inactivity thrown in he is now 1-8-1in his last 10 fights.
La Banda, Argentina: Middle: Bill Godoy (37-5) W TKO 4 Diego Diaz Gallardo (22-6-1). Godoy halts Gallardo in four rounds. After 14 months of inactivity a rusty Gallardo was no match for Godoy and he was on the floor in the first round. He recovered but was never really in the fight after the knockdown. Godoy continued to score with heavy shots in the second and third and ended the fight in the fourth. A salvo of punches from Gallardo rounded off by a left hook had Gallardo falling into the ropes and unable to defend himself with the fight being stopped at that point. The 32-year-old Godoy wins the vacant WBC Latino title and moves to 18 wins by KO/TKO. He was high in the world ratings after winning his first 26 fights and scoring victories over Carlos Baldomir and Jorge Heiland but life has gotten tougher as he moved to a higher level and he was down at No 5 in the Argentinian ratings before this fight. Gallardo had his big night in March last year when he stopped Michel Mothmora to win the WBFederation world title.
San Luis, Argentina: Cruiser: Marcos Aumada (20-6) W TKO 1 Nahuel Martinez (9-3). Super Bantam: Claudio Echegaray (22-2-1) W TKO 4 Maximiliano Alegre (4-3).
Ahumada vs. Martinez
Ahumada obliterates poor Martinez inside a round. Southpaw Ahumada came out flinging punches and quickly had the much taller Martinez in trouble. A couple of heavy punches staggered Martinez and he retreated to the ropes with Ahumada connecting with some fierce head shots. The referee stepped in and gave Martinez a standing count. When the action resumed a wide left again put Martinez against the ropes. He managed to get out to the centre of the ring but Ahumada landed a series of head punches driving Martinez to the ropes again and a big neck-jerking left was enough to see the referee step in and stop the fight. Ahumada retains the WBC Latino title with his fifteenth win by KO/TKO. After going 14-1 in his first 15 fights and reversing the lone loss he then slipped badly and went 3-5 in his following eight fights. This is his third win by KO/TKO as he rebuilds. He is No 2 in the Argentinian ratings. Martinez had won 6 of his last 7 fights and was No 4 in the national ratings.
Echegaray vs. Alegre
In a wild slugging match Echegaray breaks through in the fourth of a close fight to halt Alegre. Echegaray took the first round but Alegre had the better of the fierce exchanges in the second and third. In the fourth. Both fighters were ignoring defence and just throwing wild swings and Echegaray connected with a series of head punches with the referee stopping the action to give Alegre a standing count. After the count Echegaray drove Alegre back and connected with a series of hard shots that saw Alegre falling back and down with the referee immediately stopping the fight. Eleventh win by KO/TKO for Argentinian No 7 Echegaray who was badly in need of a victory after two consecutive losses this year. Second loss by KO/TKO for Alegre.
Windhoek, Namibia: Welter: Mikka Shonena (13-0) W PTS 12 Mfaume Mfaume (14-5-2,1ND). Shonena retains the WBO African title with points victory over Tanzanian Mfaume but is made to work hard. Shonena focus his attacks on the body over the early rounds with Mfaume willing to stand and trade. From the sixth Shonena switched his tactics and boxed more before staggering Mfaume with a series of hooks in the tenth. Mfaume fought back hard over the last two rounds but was never able to trouble Shonena. Scores 120-108, 119-109 and 117-111 for Shonena. The home boxer made this a bit harder than it needed to be until he switched tactics in the sixth The Namibian, a former Commonwealth Games competitor, has never fought anyone even remotely close to being rated but for winning the WBO African title is a ludicrous No 9 which makes him eligible to fight Terrence Crawford! Mfaume is now 5-4. 1ND in his last 10 fights.
Singapore: Super Feather: Hamza Farouk (7-0) W KO 1 Isack Junior (25-10-3)
Farouk collects the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council title with first round win over Indonesian Junior. After just 22 seconds a body punch put Junior on the floor and he remained there for the full count. Fifth win by KO/TKO for 30-year-old Farooq who has taken less than 19 rounds for his seven victories.. Poor Junior falls to 1-6-1 in his last 8 fights.
Glasgow, Scotland: Super Welter: Jay Byrne (8-6) W PTS 10 Marc Kerr (12-2)
Big disappointment for popular local fighter Kerr as Irishman Byrne collects the BBB of C Celtic title with unanimous decision. Scores 99-91, 98-92 and 97-94. Byrne a good winner but the scores unkind to the effort put in by Kerr. Most of Byrne’s losses have against unbeaten fighters. Scottish champion Kerr had won his last seven fights and can come again.
Huntington, NY, USA: Super Light: Chris Algieri (22-3) W PTS 10 Angel Hernandez (14-12-2). Algieri returns to his home town with a win and looks sharp. He had too much skill and speed for a willing but limited Hernandez. Algieri’s movement and hand speed put him in control from the start and outworked Hernandez all the way. Algieri has never been a hard puncher and Hernandez has a good chin so Hernandez was never in any trouble and was able to roll forward throwing punches but not landing enough to ever threaten Algieri who won by a wide margin. Scores 100-90 twice and 99-91for Algieri who was having his first fight since a fifth round stoppage loss to Errol Spencer in April last year. There are plenty of good fights out there for the 34-year-old former WBO champion. Texan Hernandez is 1-5-1 in his last 7 fights.
Harare, Zimbabwe: Middle: Lukas Ndafoluma (14-1,1ND) W PTS 8 Jimmy Mabundji (9-4). Lightweight: Peter Pambeni (13-3-3) W KO 5 Alex Gambinda (7-1).
Ndafoluma vs. Mabundji
Namibian Ndafoluma gets unanimous decision over Mabundji but the scores do not reflect how close this fight was. Ndafoluma is a tall thin fighter and Mabundji is small and stocky so it was a case of Ndafoluma dominating the fight at distance and scoring with counters as Mabundji moved forward. That sounds easy on paper but Mabundji just walked through Ndafoluma’s punches. He never stopped coming forward finding gaps for his counters and he used his strength to outfight Ndafoluma on the inside. A big left hook rocked Ndafoluma in the fifth and he was hurt again in the sixth but he was picking Mabundji off with his jabs and finding gaps for his counters and just did enough to take the decision. Scores 79-73 twice and 78-77 for Ndafoluma who gets his eighth win in a row. South-African based Congolese Mabundji is a tough customer who had won his last three fights by KO/TKO.
Pambeni vs. Gambinda
Pambeni wins the vacant national title with fifth round kayo of Gambinda. Pambeni had too much skill for the much smaller and limited Gambinda. Constantly switching guards Pambeni outboxed Gambinda in the first. In the second Gambinda choose to do some showboating and made the mistake of standing in front of Pambeni with his hands down and was put down heavily by a hard right. He made it to his feet but he was very unsteady and the fight should have been stopped. Instead of going in to finish the fight Pambeni decided to do some showboating of his own. Gambinda tried to take the fight to Pambeni in the third and fourth but was too slow to catch the quicker Pambeni. In the fifth a left hook and a vicious right put Gambinda down and he was counted out. After ten years of inactivity Pambeni is now 4-0-2 since his return. Gambinda had done all of his fighting in South Africa. In his only fight scheduled for more than four or six rounds he was knocked out inside three minutes by unbeaten Ronald Mankind.
December 1
Saltillo, Mexico: Bantam: Luis Nery (27-0) W Renson Robles (13-6).
An aggressive Nery batters Robles to defeat with vicious body attacks. Nery was stalking Robles in the first two rounds and already getting through with strong southpaw lefts to the body. Robles just could not get on the front foot but he fired back although lacking the power to discourage Nery. Robles had some success with rights in the third but Nery just continued to walk him down and was connecting with heavy lefts. In the fifth Nery went all out for the finish bombarding Robles with punch after punch. The Venezuelan got a breather when he lost his mouthguard but he had taken a whole load of punishment. Nery was a bit more studied with his attacks in the sixth with Robles still countering when he could. Nery went wild again in the seventh. He was pumping out punch after punch mostly to the body. Robles was being driven around the ring until the referee had seen enough and stopped the fight. The former WBC bantamweight champion is hoping to get a chance to regain the title that he lost by default when he failed to make the weight for a defence against Shinsuke Yamanaka in March. Robles was a late substitute and fought hard before being ground down and suffering his first loss by KO/TKO.
Gummersbach, Germany: Middle: Denis Radovan (11-0-1) DREW 10 Ronny Mittag (30-3-3). Super Welter Abass Baraou (4-0) W PTS 10 Sasha Yengoyan (41-6-1). Welter: Deniz Ilbay (21-1) W PTS 10 Denis Krieger (14-7-2). Super Welter: Nick Klappert (26-3) W PTS 8 Sergej Wotschel (11-4-1). Light Heavy: Leon Bunn (12-0) W PTS 8 Yannick N’Galeu (5-5).
Radovan vs. Mittag
Radovan and Mittag end up all square after ten entertaining rounds. Local fighter Radovan used his superior skill set to build an early lead. He boxed well, behind his jab and found plenty of gaps in the defence of Mittag. Slowly Mittag worked his way into the fight which was fought at a ferocious pace and slowly he began to eat into Radovan’s lead and force him onto the back foot. Radovan was still landing some hurtful punches and after the fight it was revealed that Mittag had suffered damage to both ear drums. Despite that he battled hard and a draw looked about right. Scores 96-94 for Radovan, 96-94 for Mittag and 95-95. Former elite level amateur Radovan was moving up to ten rounds for the first time. Mittag, 30, was 7-0-1 going into this one with the loss coming in his last fight in May when he was outpointed by unbeaten Patrick Wojcicki for the vacant German title. Hopefully Radovan and Mittag will meet again soon as this was a rousing battle.
Baraou vs. Yengoyan
German champion Baraou takes every round against experienced Yengoyan. Baraou won this one from distance as Yengoyan did his best work when he was able to get past Baraou’s jab and walk through his counters to work inside. Baraou controlled the fight and handed out some heavy punishment but never totally subdued Yengoyan and seemed to lack the power to capitalise on his superiority. The three scorecards all read 100-90 at the finish. Baraou, 24,was German amateur champion in 2014,2015 and 2016 won a gold medal at the European Championships and bronze at the World Championships and is one of the big hopes for German boxing. Armenian Yengoyan is starting to look like a toothless “Beast from the East” now being 1-4 in his most recent fights.
Ilbay vs. Krieger
Another entertaining fight but with a bit less skill on show. What there was was shown by Ilbay. He was streets ahead of Krieger in technique but had to weather some wild attacks from Krieger using good movement to frustrate his opponent. Gradually Krieger became wilder with his attacks and in an attempt to lure Ilbay in was dropping his hands and challenging Ilbay to do his worst. Krieger had some success and there was plenty of action but Ilbay stuck to his boxing and won the unanimous decision. Scores 99-90, 98-91 and 96-91 for Ilbay. The 23-year-old from Cologne wins the vacant German title in his sixth fight since losing on points to world rated Egidijus Kavaliauskas in 2016. German-based Moldovan Krieger was 2-5 in his last 7 fights. One of the two wins was a kayo over 21-0 Robert Maess for the German title but in his last fight he lost that title to Abass Baraou.
Klappert vs. Wotschel
This fight also had its moments as Klappert won on points over Wotschel. It was fiercely contested with both having good spells but the cleaner work and more accurate punching saw Klappert through to the decision. Scores 79-73 for Klappert on all three cards. German Klappert, 36, has collected a few minor titles and is 6-1 in his last 7 fights but the loss was one that established his level as he was knocked out in one round by unbeaten Russian Khuseyn Baysangurov in December. German-based Russian Wotschel had won his last five fights.
Bunn vs. N’Galeu
Bunn decisions late substitute N’Galeu. The Frankfurt prospect got the win but it was a very flat performance by Bunn. He had more trouble than expected against the French novice and although outboxing N’Galeu he never looked likely to end it early and suffered a cut late in the fight. The judges were unanimous in scoring the fight 79-73 for Bunn who keeps his 100% record. N’Galeu had won his last four fights.
Tokyo, Japan: Super Light: Valentine Hosokawa (23-6-3) W Takashi Inagaki (20-17-2). Small and getting on in years he may be but Hosokawa is enjoying something of an Indian Summer. In this one he blew away challenger Inagaki in the first round in defence of his Japanese title. Inagaki started well using his jab against Hosokawa but late in the round was badly shaken by a right uppercut and put down by a right hook. He made it to his feet but was being bombarded by punches and the referee stopped the fight. Hosokawa, 37, who has Nigerian father, won the national title at the third attempt and in his eleventh year as a professional. He claimed the impetus to win the title was that his grandmother, who had raised him, was 86 and he wanted to win the title before she died. This is his eleventh win by KO/TKO. Inagaki, 33, the Japanese No 10 has now lost his last three fights and failed in challenges for the Japanese title at super feather, lightweight and now super lightweight.
Osaka, Japan: Super Feather: Masao Nakamura (25-3) W TKO 10 Carlo Magali (23-11-3). Light Fly: Reiya Konishi (17-1) W TKO 8 Richard Rosales (13-7-2).
Nakamura vs. Magali
Nakamura gets off the floor to stop Magali and win the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. Nakamura used a stiff jab to control much of the early action but a competitive Magali had a big fifth round flooring Nakamura with a right hook although it looked as though Nakamura partially tripped over his own feet. Nakamura was back in charge in the sixth and took the next three rounds as well as cutting Magali. By the tenth the cut had worsened and the fight was stopped. A former OPBF champion in Nakamura fights either you go or he does and only 2 of his 28 fights have lasted the distance. Filipino Magali, also a former OPBF champion, now has four losses by KO/TKO.
Konishi vs. Rosales
Konishi retains the WBO Asian Pacific title with stoppage of Filipino Rosales. Konishi had a hard time subduing Rosales. The Japanese fighter was deducted a point in the sixth for low blows but kept battering away at Rosales and Rosales was twice deducted a point for holding. Finally in the eighth a left hook from Konishi had Rosales badly hurt and the Filipino’s corner threw in the towel to save their man. Konishi was having his second fight since losing to Carlos Canizales in March for the vacant secondary WBA title. Four losses by KO/TKO for Rosales.
Mexico City, Mexico: Welter: Juan Pablo Romero (9-0). W TKO 1 Jose Luis P:rieto (26-7) Mexican Olympian Romero overwhelms Colombian Prieto. The unbeaten prospect attacked strongly from the start. He pressured Prieto constantly with Prieto trying unsuccessfully to counter. Late in the round Romero trapped Prieto on the ropes and was unloading with blistering punches from both hands and with Prieto just covering up the referee stopped the fight. Sixth win by KO/TKO for Romero. Who is a former Mexican amateur champion and represented Mexico at the 2016 Olympics and the World Championships. Prieto was 13-2 in his last 15 fights and this is his fifth loss by KO/TKO..
Catano, Puerto Rico: Light: Alfredo Santiago (10-0) W Jonathan Barros (41-6-1). Super Bantam: Abimael Ortiz (7-0-1 W PTS 10 Alexis Santiago (21-7-1).
Santiago vs. Barros
Santiago outboxes experience Barros in defence of his WBC Fecarbox title. The tall Santiago had a 5” edge in height and a much longer reach and he used those advantages plus some quick footwork to win this one easily. Barros kept barrelling forward but Santiago was popping him with jabs and connecting with long rights. He was not looking to get into trading punches and was happy to just stick with the jab/straight right and only occasionally fire a combination of more than two punches. Barros just could not get close enough often enough to hustle Santiago out of his stride. With his stick-thin long legs a quick step was all Santiago needed to be out of range but still in position to counter. He also tied up Barros inside or pushed him off for which Santiago was warned. Santiago also switched guards constantly and over the closing round did some show-boating with a frustrated Barros unable to really be a threat. Scores 99-91 for Santiago from all three judges. The 24-year-old Puerto Rica-based Dominican has scored good wins over Jayson Velez, Arturo Santos and Cristian Mino but a lack of punching power could be a big handicap against better opposition. Barros, 34, a former holder of the secondary WBA title had recently lost in two title fights against IBF champion Lee Selby and WBC champion Miguel Berchelt and this is the first time he has lost three fights in a row.
Ortiz vs. Santiago
Ortiz outpoints more experienced Santiago. This was a slow-paced fight with Ortiz simply walking down Santiago for the whole ten rounds. The Puerto Rican mixed short stiff jabs, hooks and uppercuts to keep Santiago on the back foot for round after round. He unloaded heavily on Santiago in the fifth but Santiago soaked up the punishment and kept firing counters. The fighters were rarely more than a couple of paces apart over the first six rounds as they traded punches with Ortiz throwing more, landing more and having more power but the pace of the fight was too slow to generate much excitement. Ortiz wins on scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91. The young “Hands of Stone” was moved up to ten rounds for the first time after having scored an upset win over unbeaten prospect Jantony Ortiz in August. Phoenix’s Santiago has lost four in a row but all against very good level opposition.
Estosadok, Russia: Light Heavy: Umar Salamov (23-1) W PTS 10 Emmanuel Anim (13-2-1). Salamov continues to rebuild with points win over Ghanaian Anim. Salamov was always going to be the winner here and the only question was whether Anim would go the distance. He did that and a bit more making Salamov work hard. Scores 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 for Salamov. He retains the WBO International title and another organisations title but they are just so ridiculous I am not even going to mention them. The 24-year-old Nevada-based Russian registers his fourth win since a loss to Damien Hooper in July derailed his train. He is ranked IBF 7(5)/WBC 10/WBO 10/WBA. Anim had lost a majority decision to unbeaten Emmanuel Martey for the national title and drew with Patrick Mukala for the WBA Pan African title in his other fights this year.
London, England: Light Heavy: Miles Shinkwin (15-4) W PTS 10 Joel McIntyre (18-4). Cruiser: Deion Jumah (11-0) W TKO 5 Ossie Jervier (6-6).
Shinkwin vs. McIntyre
Shinkwin lifts the vacant English title with unanimous decision over McIntyre. Shinkwin had failed in two previous shots at this title and one at the British title but he was a good winner here. Scores 99-91, 97-92 and 96-94. The 30-year-old Shinkwin will now be looking to get another crack at the British title. McIntyre, a former English champion, is now 2-3 in his last 5 fights.
Jumah vs. Jervier
Good to see Jumah back and fighting regularly. He stops Jervier and wins the vacant BBB of C Southern Area title. The 31-year–old southpaw was twice English amateur champion but has had spells of inactivity. Hopefully new management will change that as he gathers his sixth win by KO/TKO. Jervier has been matched tough but he had won his last two fights.
December 2
East London, South Africa: Minimumweight: Simphiwe Khonco (19-5, 1ND) NO DECISON 4 Joel Canoy (14-3-1,1ND). Bantam: Ronald Malindi (15-0) W PTS 12 Makazole Tete (17-4-2).
Khonco vs. Canoy
Khonco retains the IBO title when his fight with Filipino Canoy is halted in the fourth due to a cut. Khonco came out firing punches in the first. Late in the round he landed a couple of good combinations. Unfortunately he forgot his defence and was caught with a counter right hook to the chin which dropped him on his hands and knees. He looked unsteady when he got up and Canoy staggered him with a left but Khonco made it the bell. He had recovered in the second and in the third a Khonco right sent Canoy into the ropes and he almost went down. In the fourth a clash of heads opened a gash on the forehead of Khonco. The referee called a time out to let the doctor examine the cut. It looked bad and the blood was streaming down Khonco’s face and into his left eye. The doctor allowed the fight to continue. A punch to the back of head sent Khonco sprawling and with the blood still streaming the referee again summoned the doctor and this time the fight was stopped and since the fourth round had not been completed it was ruled a No Decision. A great pity as the signs were there that it was going to be an exciting contest. Khonco had overcome the early shock and clawed back the points for the knockdown and both fighters were looking to trade punches. Hopefully there will be a return fight. The little South African was making the fourth defence of his IBO title and has lost only one of his last fourteen fights and that was a close decision to Hekkie Budler for the WBA and IBO titles in 2015. He is No 1 with the WBC. Southpaw Canoy, 25, lost to Budler for this same IBO title in 2017 and had won his last two fights and he looked sharp and dangerous here.
Malindi vs. Tete
South African champion Malindi has little trouble in keeping his 100% record intact as he outclasses Tete. Scores 119-109 from all three judges. Malindi retains the ABU title and will be looking to move up to some international fights now. Tete, the brother of Zolani, is 2-3 in his last 5 fights. Before this one his manager was warning Tete that he needed to focus on his boxing. Tete has a choir and is studying music at a University
Fight of the week (Entertainment): Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury
Fight of the week (Significance): Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury
Fighter of the week: Tyson Fury a remarkable recovery
Punch of the week: Jeff Horn’s left hook that felled Mundine and the left hook from Derrieck Cuevas that put Breidis Prescott down in the first round were special but the Wilder punches that put Tyson on his back were the brutal
Upset of the week: Francis Chua 5-0-1 beating WBO No 2 Kye Mackenzie
Prospect watch: Twenty-one-year-old Mexican Ricardo Espinoza 22-2 with 19 wins by KO/TKO.
