Magdaleno Puts Away Davis as Expected

Super featherweight prospect Diego Magdaleno continued his run through the lower rungs of the division with a fourth-round stoppage over faded trial horse Antonio Larel Davis in defense of his NABF title at the Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night.

Magdaleno (23-0, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas, who once had a streak of nine consecutive decision wins, scored his second consecutive stoppage, but over an opponent in Davis (29-8, 13 KOs) of Atlanta, Georgia that had been stopped in each of his last four defeats.

Magdaleno, 130, made sure to put in his work to the 40-year-old Davis’ body in the early going. At first, Davis, 130, seemed to take the shots well, but quickly it became apparent the damage was accumulating. By the fourth round the writing was on the wall. Magdaleno fell back on his jab and pried an opening for a right uppercut that badly rocked the weary Davis. Magdaleno ran in for the finish, pummeling Davis around the ring.

With their guy taking punishment, Davis’ corner began to inch up the ring steps, but it would be referee Joe Cortez that ultimately ended the onslaught as Magdaleno swung away. Official time of the stoppage was 2:59 of round four.

A member of Top Rank informed 15rounds.com that Magdaleno is in the running for a shot at the WBO 130-pound title recently vacated by Adrien Broner. Apparently former champ Roman Martinez will meet Miguel Beltran Jr. in an eliminator in September, with the winner a possible match for Magdaleno.

Already 16 fights into his career and mega prospect Jose Benavidez Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) of Phoenix, Arizona has yet to fight a live body as a professional. On Saturday, Benavidez took care of business over novice styled Javier Loya (7-1, 6 KOs) of Phoenix via fourth-round stoppage.

Loya, 143, was unorthodox and routinely came rushing in with his head up and defense relaxed – a terrible plan of attack against any fighter, especially a schooled former amateur star. Bendavidez, 143 ½, took and early opening to score a knockdown with a left hook in the first round.

Somewhat surprisingly that would be the only knockdown for Bendavidez, but the end would come in the fourth with a series of unanswered blows that forced the hand of referee Tony Weeks. Official time of the stoppage was 1:41 for Bendavidez, who is definitely ready for a fairer fight.

Another Top Rank prospect was fed well, as Notre Dame alum Mike Lee (10-0, 6 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois pasted journeyman Tyler Seever (13-12-1, 11 KOs) of Saint Joseph, Missouri inside of two rounds.

After a nondescript opening round, Lee, 177 ½, let his hands go and landed a combination punctuated with a chopping right that dropped Seever, 175, down hard. When action resumed, Lee rushed in and landed a thunderous one-two combination that sent Seever backwards. With the Missouri native in trouble, referee Russell Mora opted to end the mismatch at 1:36 of the second round.

Lee is slated to return to the ring on September 15th on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.-Sergio Martinez bill at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Photos by Stephanie Trapp

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortega15rds@lycos.com.