Jesus “Junior” Saracho won the vacant WBO Latin Super Lightweight Title with a unanimous decision victory over Cesar “Rainman” Francis in the main event on Wednesday’s ProBox TV fight card.
In the co-feature, undefeated Oscar Alvarez Jr., owner of a stellar amateur 665-12 record, stands 6’ 3”, won a unaimous decision against former WBA Fedalatin Featherweight Champion Nicolas Polanco when the contest went to the scorecards following an unintentional clash of heads in the 7th round of a scheled eight.
The event can now be viewed on ProBoxTV.com and the ProBox app for members and free at the ProBoxTV YouTube channel.
10 Rounds Vacant WBO Super
Cesar Francis, 138.6 lbs. 12-1, 7 KOs, Brooklyn, NY Former WBO NABO Champion
Jesus Saracho, 140 lbs 13-1, 11 KOs, Guanajuato, Mexico
Saracho W UD 96-94, 96-94, 98-92
The 21-year-old Saracho had 250 amateur fights in Mexico. He got hurt at the end of round two with an uppercut. Francis again landed a huge uppercut in the final round which Algieri and Malignaggi noted that Francis hadn’t thrown the punch in a while and Saracho may have forgotten about it. All in all, there was a lot of back and forth in the fight. Both Malignaggi and Algieri had the fight one round apart and agreed it could have gone either way.
Saracho post-fight: “It feels really good to get this win. I recently had my first loss as a professional, so it was good to get this win and this title and to get back in the rankings. I knew that this fight would be mine the moment we began training camp. I have to thank my dad and my coach and my corner for all of the support – because of them I am back in the world rankings. We work on strength and conditioning to prepare me for anything that happens in the ring (regarding upper cut end of round 2). We knew coming in that Francis is a dangerous fighter and I knew I’d be able to handle it.”
8 Rounds Super Featherweights
Oscar Alvarez Jr. 132.2 lbs. 8-0, 7 KOs Cuidad Obergon, Sonora
Nicolas Polanco, 131.6 lbs. 20-4, 11 KOs, Santo Domingo, DR
Alvarez W UD 68-65, 68-65, 70-63
Fight is stopped in the 7th due to accidental head butt and a huge gash over Alvarez’ left eye. Fighters were at close range with Alvarez’ head slightly lower than Polanco’s and as Alvarez lifted, they clashed. The eye was ‘bleeding profusely. It then went to the scorecards. Chris Algieri and Paulie Malignaggi both had the fight at 2-2 after 4, Algieri noting that the fight is a huge step up for Alvarez. They noted during the 5th that the good body work by Alvarez seemed to be taking the steam out of Polanco.
8 Rounds Lightweights Future
Jonhatan Cardoso, 133.8 lbs. 15-1, 14 KOs, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Jose Arellano, 133.2 lbs. 10-1, 6 KOs, Chihuahua, Mexico
Cardoso W UD 78-74 all 3 judges in agreement.
Quotes coming in to the fight . . .
Cesar Francis (12-0, 7 KOs) from Brooklyn, NY via San Miguelito, Panama is coming off consecutive wins against former world champion Reymundo Beltran, winning the WBO NABO super lightweight title, and followed that with a big knockout win against once-beaten Francisco Armenta. Francis is currently ranked No. 8 in the world and will be soon “targeting the elite in the division such as Arnold Barboza Jr and Teofimo Lopez which could be a battle of Brooklyn.”
“I overcame my nutritional issues from my last fight (when he fought at 147). I am naturally a 140 – I feel my body is telling me I’m a 140-pounder,” said Francis. “I wasn’t surprised my last fight went fast (KO2). I kill myself in the gym, so if I get an easy night I’ll take it, but I also like the rounds. The fight before that, against Beltran, Juan Manuel Marquez told me that I was able to adjust and navigate his tricks and those rounds made me a more seasoned fighter. Growing up in old school Brooklyn and having Chico Guzman Sr as my trainer has really made me the fighter I am today. I know Saracho is coming to fight, and I know he’s got some good knockouts but I don’t think he has the best resume.”
“We’ve worked on making Cesar the most well-rounded fighter as possible’” said Chief Second Chico Guzman.
Jesus Saracho (12-1, 11 KOs) from Guadalajara, Mexico, won the WBO Youth lightweight title in only his seventh professional fight and defended that belt once. Saracho has since won the WBO Latino lightweight title, and the NABO lightweight title. He is coming off two consecutive knockout wins. Jesus had over 250 amateur fights in Mexico and made his pro debut in 2019 at eighteen. On March 12, 2022, he suffered a fractured orbital bone in his sole loss, which he has completely recovered from.
“I’ve had 8 weeks to prepare for this fight and I’ve trained hard,” said Saracha. “We started camp in Mexico City then in Las Vegas. I’ve been sparring with middleweights to prepare for this guy. I know Francis is a world class fighter and has world level experience, but he hasn’t fought anybody like Jesus Saracho. I’vI’ve boxed fighters taller than Francis, so body work will be very important. I am honored to be here at e been world rated at lightweight and after this fight I will be world rated at super lightweight. ProBox and boxing on ProBox TV.”
Upcoming ProBox TV Shows
Wednesday, February 8, México City
Wednesday, February 22, from Plant City, FL
Wednesday, March 8, from México City
Wednesday, March 22, from Plant City, FL
Wednesday, April 5, from México City
Wednesday, May 17, from Plant City, FL
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