With a ruthless attack to the head and body of Nicaraguan Julio Laguna, Puerto Rican Jean Carlos “Lobo” Torres scored a TKO victory in the third round in the main bout of “A Puño Limpio”, which took out before full house at the Ruben Zayas Montañez Coliseum in Trujillo Alto in a presentation of PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) in association with Spartan Boxing.
Torres (16-0, 12 kos) defended his WBO Latino title at 140 pounds for the second time and scored his fifth straight knockout in his town of Trujillo Alto.
“I promised this victory to my Barrio La Gloria and I complied, the rival came well prepared and to fight, but as soon as I put good hands on the body I realized it was a matter of time to defeat him,” said Torres after his victory.
The fight began with Torres putting his hands to the face and body of Laguna (15-2, 10 kos), who responded successfully putting good punches to the Puerto Rican. In the second round both fighters were connected at times, but in the middle of third Torres shook Laguna with good combinations putting him in bad conditions and causing referee Luis Pabón to stop the action at 1:45 of the round.
In one of the co-feature of the night, Patrick Cora (8-0, 6 kos) won over Carlos García (15-21-1, 12 kos) by unanimous decision by cards of 78-74, 77 -75 and 77-75. This fight was one in which Cora began slow in offensive, but then started to loosen his hands to take the best part and the win over the veteran Garcia.
In another match Carlos “The Chosen One” Arrieta (10-0, 7 kos) improved his mark by defeating the Nicaraguan Martin Diaz (15-10, 6 kos) with cards of 80-72, 80-72 and 80- 72
While, Jean Rivera (5-1, 1 kos) beat Luis Joel Gonzalez (11-7, 6 kos) by unanimous decision in a close contest. The three judges scored 58-56 for Rivera. Angel Aponte (4-0, 1 kos) took an unanimous decision over Francisco Rodríguez (4-7-1, 3 kos) with votes of 39-36, 39-36 and 39-36. Rodriguez visited the canvas in the second round.
In addition Alfredo “Salsero” Cruz (5-0, 2 kos) won by unanimous decision over the American Jerrod Miner (1-6-2, 1 kos) when the officials voted 60-54, 60-54 and 60-54. And Jorge Santiago (2-2, 1 kos) won by unanimous decision over Nick Steven (0-2-1) by cards of 40-36, 40-36 and 39-37.
MARK DELUCA SCORES UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER PREVIOUSLY UNBEATEN, BRANDON BREWER
Murphys Boxing’s Mark DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs) won a unanimous decision over Brandon Brewer (23-1-1, 11 KOs) on the undercard of Andrade vs. Sulecki which was broadcast live on DAZN from Providence, Rhode Island.
In what was considered ‘Fight of the Night’, the Boston based, former Marine won wide on the cards with scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93.
Brewer, who went into the fight undefeated, proved to be a game opponent and made for some exciting exchanges between the two fighters but ultimately the Canadian couldn’t find an answer for DeLuca’s wide array of skills.
“It was a physical fight. I wanted to box. I felt like I could out box Brandon but I got caught up in the excitement. I said going into the fight that we were gonna steal the show and that’s what I had in mind. He was bleeding. That turned me on. I saw that I was bleeding a little and that turned the crowd on. Made for an exciting fight.”, said DeLuca who is the current NABA Super Welterweight Champion and ranked #9 in the world by the WBA.
“This is my second time fighting on a DAZN card and I’m here to call out one of the biggest names in boxing and that’s Eddie Hearn. He’s got a lot of the top super welterweights over in England and I’m more than game if he would consider me to fight them.”
As for the massive turnout from his fans who traveled down to Providence to pack the Dunkin’ Donuts Center early in the night, the Whitman, Massachusetts native, who has become arguably the biggest draw in New England, was all thanks.
“I took this fight on two weeks notice cause it was a great opportunity and you saw the crowd that came out. I’d be teaching tae-bo if it wasn’t for everyone showing up here tonight and I appreciate it very much.”
Ken Casey, Murphys Boxing founder and Dropkick Murphys frontman, watched the fight while on tour in Germany and was naturally excited about his fighter’s dominant performance.
“I was very proud of Mark DeLuca tonight. I thought he looked extremely sharp in what was a big win against a 23-0 opponent.”
As for his next fight, Casey is on board with DeLuca’s desire to face another Top 10 ranked fighter on either side of the Atlantic.
“Murphys Boxing is working on securing a major fight for Mark this year against another Top 10 contender. The goal is for Mark DeLuca to become Boston’s first world champion in over 15 years.”
KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES
Two members of the Split-T Management stable registered big wins on Saturday night as super featherweight Otha Jones III remained undefeated and cruiserweight, “Mighty” Joe Jones notched his 11th victory.
Otha Jones III notched his 2nd win in seven days over two continents as he won a six-round unanimous decision over Matias Arriagada in a super featherweight bout at The Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.
Last Saturday, Jones took out Michael Horabin in the 1st round at York Hall in London.
It was a good action fight that saw Jones land the harder punches against a game Arriagada. Jones, who showed fast hands and good combination work, used a variety of punches that landed which included some solid uppercuts.
Jones, 131.4 lbs of Toledo, Ohio won by shutout tallies of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 3-0, Arriagada, 128.4 lbs of Argentina is 6-5.
“This fight taught me to be composed and adjust,” said Jones III. “I give myself a B. I will learn to sit down more on my punches, and placing my shots.
Otha Jones III is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.
Cruiserweight, “Mighty” Joe Jones won a six-round unanimous decision over Twon Smith at The Gardens Ice House in Laurel, Maryland.
Joe Jones used his fast hands, and wore down Smith with body shots over the six-rounds. Jones won by scores of 59-55 twice and 59-54 to raise his mark to an impressive 11-1.
“POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA defeats BRIAN “MVP” HOWARD
Star Boxing’s Catskills Clash had something for every boxing fan; history, thrilling action, knockouts, upsets and championship worthy fights. While this was the first professional boxing card at newest and closest integrated casino resort to Manhattan (Resorts World Catskills) and the return of boxing to the storied Catskills, it certainly will not be the last. The Catskills long awaited boxing return took over Resorts World Catskills on Friday night, and delivered in every aspect leaving captivated fans electrified.
The Star Boxing Triple Header featured thrilling ABO America Championship bouts that lived up to their hype and Star Boxing’s reputation for putting on thrilling fights. RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (Hartford, CT now 12-0 10KO’s) brawled with BRIAN “MVP” HOWARD (Philadelphia, PA now 14-3 11KO’s) for the Cruiserweight strap. Fighting behind an enthusiastic crowd cheering his name, the entertaining Rivera was hurt in the first by a thunderous right hand by Howard. However, Rivera would steady himself, wisely fall inside and cut the power of the strong Philadelphian. Rivera systematically chopped down the big and powerful Howard by attacking the body. Rivera turned in a gutsy performance, avoiding the power of Howard for the remainder of the 8-round bout, while scoring mostly to the body. Earning the unanimous decision victory, Rivera becomes a regional champion (ABO America’s Cruiserweight Champion) The scores by the judges were all 79-73.
DYLAN “THE REAL DEAL” MORAN (Waterford, Ireland now 10-1 5KO’s) and DENNIS “BILLABONG” OKOTH (Silver Springs MD, now 3-2-1 2KO) were in the surprise fight of the evening. After starting strong, the previously undefeated and well-regarded Irishmen, Moran, was boxing well, using combinations and avoiding the offense of Okoth. In the third round, Moran was loosening up, gaining more confidence and controlling the action, but one minute into the round, Okoth landed a surprising blast on the temple of Moran, sending him to the canvas for the first time in his boxing career. Rising to his feet, on unsteady legs, Okoth dropped Moran for the second time in the round just seconds later. Moran just couldn’t recuperate from that first shot to the temple and at 2:15 in the third round, another flush right hand sent Moran to canvas in brutal fashion, ending the fight. Okoth earned the ABO America’s Welterweight Title.
In one of the most exciting fights of the year, “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (Hartford, CT now 11-0 4KO’s) and DIEUMERCI NZAU (Silver Springs, MD now 11-9 8KO’s) were in an all-out brawl that had the crowd on their feet for the entire bout. Known for his all action style, and disciplined body attack, Laureano did not deviate from what he does best. At times, Laureano landed at will, but Nzau miraculously remained on his feet. In the fifth, Laureano trapped Nzau in the corner for what seemed like an eternity, landing an onslaught of punches, but Nzau would survive the round, amazingly firing back. Finally, in the seventh round, Laureano turned it up even more and the relentless punching and suffocating pressure by Laureano stopped the tough Nzau. Laureano earns the ABO America’s Super Lightweight Title.
In a 4-round bout, ROBERT DURAN JR. (Vero Beach, FL now 3-1 2KO’s) and JERMAINE CORLEY (Concord, NC now 2-6 1KO) were both out for blood, sitting on almost every punch from the opening bell. Both men left every ounce of heart, sweat and determination in the ring. At the end of the fourth round, the entire crowd within the Resorts World Epicenter were on their feet and applauding. The judges’ saw the bout in favor of Jermaine Corley by unanimous decision. (39-37 (2x), 40-36).
In the opening 4-round action, Monroe County Sherriff, LAWRENCE KING (Rochester, NY now 2-0 2KO’s) defeated PEREZ AUGHTRY (Buffalo, NY now 0-2) in an all-out brawl, that lasted only three rounds, after King landed two flush right hands, unsteadying the legs of Aughtry. Moments later, the ref stepped in to stop the action, as King improved to 2-0.
Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about boxing’s return to the Catskills, “We knew that we had a great card for boxing’s much needed return to the Catskills at beautiful Resorts World Catskills and Friday night went beyond expectations. Three fantastic ABO Championship bouts, two phenomenal undercard bouts, and a night of boxing that had fans on their feet from the opening bout. Congratulations to Richie Rivera, Anthony Laureano, and Dennis Okoth on their title wins. We hope that this is the first of many thrilling cards in the Catskills, and we cannot wait to be back here.”
Hanshaw WBF World Champion In Impressive Fashion
Travis “Rattlesnake” Hanshaw won the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Super Middleweight title in impressive fashion on Saturday night, June 29, impressively defeating game co-challenger Aaron Quattrocchi.
In the main event of a show promoted by East Coast Promotions at the Boyd County Community Center in Catlettsburg, Kentucky, Hanshaw boxed brilliantly, showcasing dazzling hand-speed and great movement, dominating the fight with plenty of effective combinations.
“Quiet Storm” Quattrocchi, strong and willing, did well to never stop trying his best to turn the tide, but Hanshaw, spurred on by his many home-town fans from nearby Ashland, was just a level above and out-boxed him for much of the way.
After twelve rounds of action there was no question who the winner was, and judges Tony Hopper, Carlo Kellem and Ray Powers all scored it widely for Hanshaw: 119-109, 119-109 and 120-107 respectively. Referee in charge of the action was Marvin Whittamore.
The new World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Super Middleweight Champion, coming down from Light Heavyweight where he held the WBF Intercontinental title, improved his professional record to 15-1-1 (7). Quattrocchi drops to 11-3-1 (5).
Pedro Moreno Cruises to a Points Win Saturday Night from Hometown of Sacramento
Junior welterweight Pedro Moreno (12-0, 7 KOs) outclassed Gilberto Espinoza (11-2, 6 KOs) through eight entertaining rounds Saturday night from Moreno’s hometown of Sacramento, Calif.
Moreno, 22, largely boxed from the outside using a lead left hook to set up his power attack. He consistently rocked Espinoza with heavy rights and lefts. Espinoza had his best round in the fifth, when he went all in to try to rattle Moreno.
“The better fighter won tonight,” said Moreno, who won with scores 80-72 and 79-73 twice. “I landed some big shots in almost every round.”
Indeed, Moreno proved the bigger, stronger boxer. TB Presents livestream commentator Rich Marotta likened it to a welterweight fighting a middleweight. It was apparent to anyone watching that Espinoza’s punches had very little effect on Moreno.
Welterweight prospect Luis Lopez (7-0, 3 KOs) stayed unbeaten with a unanimous decision win over Dwain Victorian (5-5-1, 3 KOs). Lopez landed the heavier shots throughout the six round fight.
Junior lightweight Manuel Jaimes (6-0, 6 KOs) continued his knockout winning streak by eliminating the game Alex Solorio (4-6, 1 KO) at the 1:03 mark of the sixth round. Jaimes roughed up Solorio throughout the fight, which was scheduled fox six. Finally, in the final round, the referee had seen enough and put a stop to it.
Featherweight Arnold Dinong (5-0, 1 KO) out boxed Francisco Camacho (7-11-1, 3 KOs) on his way to a unanimous decision win (40-35, 40-36 twice). Dinong simply outworked Camacho right from the jump. Throughout the fight, Dinong fought behind a compact, quick left hook and steady jab.
Junior lightweight Will Villa (3-0) scored a unanimous decision sweep of George Carranza (1-5) in the second fight of the night. Willa was simply the more technically sound fighter and used that ability to score points in every round.
Junior lightweight Sebastian Salinas (1-0, 1 KO) walked right through the overmatched Tyler Marshall (1-7) in his professional debut. Salinas scored the knockout win at the 1:30 mark of the opening round after he essentially mauled Marshall. The referee intervened and put the official stop to a contest that was set for four rounds.
Keith Hunter Looking for Big Fights After Krael Win
After defeating Cameron Krael and Sanjarbek Rakhmanov in his last two fights, unbeaten super lightweight prospect, Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (11-0, 6 KOs), is ready to face all the top contenders in 140-pound division.
“I feel I’m the next rising star in the super lightweight division,” said Hunter, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “I showed I can win tough fights with the odds stacked against me. In my last two fights I took out two TMT fighters on their home turf. I feel I’m ready to face any of the top contenders in the super lightweight division.”
This past Friday, Hunter soundly defeated Cameron Krael (16-14-3, 4 KO’s) over ten rounds, winning a unanimous decision. Scorecards read 93-97, 92-98. Before his fight with Krael, Hunter won a split decision over Sanjarbek Rakhmanov. Both fights took place at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, in Las Vegas, where Mayweather Promotions showcases their fighters.
“I knew if I came out victorious against Krael, who all the insiders know is a tough fight for anyone, I would be knocking on the door of a big fight,” continued Hunter, who is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions. “In addition, I beat Rakhmanov, who is by no means an easy fight. With these two victories behind me, I feel I’m ready for anyone.”
“Hunter is in his prime right now and we know he has all the talent to become a world champion,’ said manager Greg Hannley. “We are going to work closely with Greg Cohen, Hunters promoter, to see what type of step up fights are out there for Keith. Hunter’s fan friendly style is perfect for TV.”
Eros Correa Remains Undefeated with Unanimous Decision Victory
This past Saturday, Cali Boxing Management’s super bantamweight prospect, Eros Correa (8-0, 6 KOs), remained undefeated with a unanimous decision victory over Javier Miranda. The 6-round bout took place at the Big Punch Arena in Tijuana, Mexico and was promoted by GM3 Boxing and Gonzalez Boxing Promotions.
“This was my first six round bout and I got some good rounds in,” said Eros Correa, who was an alternate on the 2012 Olympic team. “I went the distance with ease and now I’m ready to step up to bigger fights. I want my next fight to be eight rounds our more. I’m in the prime of my career and now it’s time to step it up. I’ll be back in the ring next month.”
“Eros showed he can go past four rounds and now we will see about putting him in an eight rounder in his next bout,” said Andrew Bocanegra, Correa’s co-manager. “He’s starting to build a nice fan base in Mexico and soon enough it will be that way in the States. We’re going to keep him fighting frequently with the hopes of landing a big fight.”
“Eros is looking better and better with each fight,” said Correa’s co-manager Jessie Sanchez. “Fighting in Mexico has been a big help for his career since it’s very difficult getting him fights in the United States. He’s starting to make a name for himself and sooner then later he’ll be in a big fight with a title on the line.”