SAN ANTONIO – What may well prove to be the most suspenseful moment of Saturday’s Chavez Jr.-Vera II card happened a day early when, framed by a clever prop, Mexico’s former middleweight titlist “Son of the Legend” Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. made the super middleweight limit by a half pound. In so doing, Chavez demonstrated an often-absent professionalism, and returned the need to prove one’s professional merits to Austinite Bryan Vera’s corner.

Saturday’s fight, a rematch of Chavez’s controversial decision win in September, may well turn out to be a savage thrashing of a Texan in Texas. Unless Vera’s approach to defending has improved more than Chavez’s approach to weightloss, in the last five months, Vera is likely to need his corner’s help both early and late.

Early Friday afternoon at a makeshift stage outside the host venue Alamodome’s south entrance, an apparently motivated Chavez (47-1-1, 32 KOs) made weight easily, weighing 167 1/2 pounds and confirming, officially, an easy-make of the weight he foreshadowed hours earlier in a photo on his own Instagram page. Austin’s Bryan Vera (23-7, 14 KOs), who made an identical 167 1/2 and enjoyed a considerably larger organic following than Chavez – as opposed to a less-authentic contingent of Chavez fans waving overhead wooden noisemakers and cheering at a volume that belied their collective scarcity – looked on amusedly at a large placard the Chavez camp unveiled as Chavez took the scale.

“Voided” read the red stamp across the fake check that represented what $250,000 fine Chavez was contractually obligated to pay Vera in the event of Chavez’s missing weight, a thing he managed to do a few times before their first fight. “168 LBS. MAX” read the Memo portion in the bottom left corner of the fake check, and Chavez alternately smiled and grimaced ferociously as he enjoyed more of the good-natured banter that has marked the promotion of this rematch. If “Son of the Legend” and Vera share any feelings of mutual animosity, none was displayed Friday.

Less enthusiastic about his visit to the scale was co-main-event Mexican Orlando “Siri” Salido (40-12-2, 28 KOs), the WBO featherweight titlist whose main role Saturday was to provide undefeated Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko (1-0, 1 KO) a world title in only his career’s second match. Salido will not be able to serve that role, exactly, as after marking 128 1/4 pounds, more than two pounds over the featherweight limit, and looking dry and gray as a result of his having tried, Salido did not make any effort to lose any further weight, losing his title officially about 30 hours before he could have it beaten out of him by Lomachenko.

Other notables making weight Friday were Houston’s former lightweight world champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz (38-4, 19 KOs), who will fight Mexican Gerardo Robles (18-12, 9 KOs), and Oklahoma’s Alex “El Cholo” Saucedo (12-0, 9 KOs), who will in all probability decimate Illinois welterweight Gilberto Venegas (12-12, 4 KOs).

Finally, though, Saturday’s most probable decimation will come in its main event. While Chavez and Vera looked nearly comparable in size Friday afternoon, Chavez’s long frame is expected to add 15 or so pounds to it before opening bell rings on his rematch with Vera. Boxing is ever an unpredictable entity, but one hopes if Chavez is able to body Vera with his left shoulder early, cornering the Austinite and lashing him with overhand rights, Vera’s corner will not be stubborn or proud as its charge – and will stop the fight too early, rather than too late.

First bell is scheduled to ring at Alamodome at 5:00 PM CT. 15rounds.com will have full undercard coverage from ringside.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the gloves that Muhammad Ali used for his fight with Sonny Liston sold for $873,000 at an auction.

“These are the very gloves that Ali wore when he claimed his first heavyweight championship 50 years ago and, given the attention these received from media and fans all over the world, and the spectacular price they achieved, it’s clear that Ali is just as loved and respected today as he’s ever been,” said Chris Ivy, director of sports collectibles at Heritage Auctions.

“Only Jackie Robinson could compete with Ali for the title of most influential figure in American sports history,” Ivy said. “But not even Robinson can compete with Ali in terms of being beloved internationally. Ali is a figure that transcends boxing or America. He belongs to the entire world.”

Former world title challenger Marvin Sonsona scored an explosive 3rd round stoppage over former title holder Akafumi Shimoda in a scheduled 12 round Featherweight bout.

Sonsona landed a perfect uppercut that crumpled Shimoda to the canvas and he was counted out at 1:17 of round three.

Sonsona, of the Philippines is now 18-1-1 with 15 knockouts. Shimoda of Japan is now 28-4-2.

2012 Olympic Gold Medal winner Ryota Murata scored 4th round stoppage over Carlos Nascimento in a scheduled 8 round Middleweight bout.

The the time was 43 seconds of round 4 for Murata, of Japan and is now 3-0 with 3 knockouts. Bascimento, of Brazil is now 29-4.

Rex Tso remained perfect as he registered an 8th round stoppage over Mako Matsuyama in a scheduled 10 round Super Flyweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 1:27 of round 8 for Tso, of China and is now 12-0 with 8 knockouts. Mastuyama, of Japan is now 7-8-1.

Miguel Vazquez defended his IBF Lightweight title with a 12 round unanimous decision over Denis Shafikov at the Cotai Arena at the Venetian in Macao, China.

Vazquez picked, pecked, got in, got out and held before Shafikov could mount any offense throughout the contest. Shaifov was cut on the forehead and over the right eye.

Vazquez of Mexico won by scores of 119-110, 116-112 and 115-113 and is now 34-3. Shafikov, of Russia is 34-2.

Zou Shiming scored his 1st professional stoppage when he took out Youthong Kokietgym in round 7 of their scheduled 8 round Flyweight bout.

Shiming dropped Kokietgym three times in the 7th round which was much to the delight of his hometown fans and the fight was stopped at 2:09 of round 7.

Shiming, 111.75 lbs of China is 4-0 with 1 knockout. Kokietgym, 110.5 lbs of Bangkok, THI is now 15-4.

Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank

Hank Lundy scored a 9th round knockdown en route to a 10 round unanimous decision over Angelo Santana in a Lightweight bout at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

Lundy and Santana fought on even terms through the 1st four rounds but Lundy then took over the middle frames as he fought mostly out of the southpaw stance. In round nine, Lundy landed a hard right hand that sent Santana to the canvas. He was able to make it to the final bell but Lundy was well ahead due to his effective aggressiveness.

Lundy, 135 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 98-91 on all cards and is now 24-3-1. Santana, 134 lbs of Cuba is 14-2.

Good looking Jr. Welterweight prospect Amir Imam scored a devastating 4th round stoppage over Jared Robinson in a bout scheduled for four rounds.

Imam was boxing very well and then landed two jabs that was foloowed up by a crushing right to the jaw that knocked Robinson out of the ring. Robinson got back in the ring at 11 but the fight was waved off at 1:59 of round four.

Imam, 140 lbs of Albany, NY is now 14-0 with 13 knockouts. Robinson, 139.5 lbs of Sumter, SC is n04

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the much anticipated showdown between three-division world champion Miguel Cotto and currant Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez is on for June 7th in Madison Square Garden.

The bout will be televised on HBO Pay Per View.

“It’s done. Ready to go,” Top Rank president Todd duBoef, Cotto’s promoter, told ESPN.com. “I think the energy and the passion associated with both these fighters and the passion that their countries have for them is going to make this an incredible event and an incredible fight, maybe unprecedented in my career, which is over 20 years.

“You’re talking about two icons in their countries, two guys who represent so much to their people, and now they are going to get in the ring and do it. You’re talking about two fighters who have electrified fans in the sport for many years, and now they will do it in the same ring together on the same night. It will be an incredible event.”

“I am very happy to be back in my second home, Madison Square Garden in New York, to once again make history in front of my fans,” Cotto said. “I will be ready and prepared to do whatever it takes to bring the WBC middleweight title of the world to my country of Puerto Rico.”

Said duBoef, “I’ve been with Miguel since 2000 and I have seen all of his accomplishments, and I believe this will be another landmark for him. He’s had a Hall of Fame career and will show it again with his ability to move from 140 pounds [where he started] to 160.”

“Cotto and Freddie are the ones who said that this is the fight they want,” duBoef said. “Freddie faced Martinez with [Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.]. He knows what they are facing.”

“It has been my dream to fight in the big room at Madison Square Garden, a place where many great fighters have showcased their talents.” Martinez said. “It is the biggest stage in the world and the world will be watching this fight.”

Said Lou DiBella, Martinez’s promoter, “Styles make fights, and both Sergio and Cotto will be looking for knockouts.”

“Sergio is a proud man, and he will use all of that stuff, all of the disrespect as motivation,” DiBella said. “He told me that when he knocks Cotto out, nobody is going to care what the fight was called.”

“There’s a lot of intrigue in the fight,” duBoef said. “There are a lot of what-ifs, what’s gonna happen? I think Miguel proved to all of us and, more importantly, he proved to himself that with Freddie Roach he is one of the top fighters in the world today and what he was lacking was his preparation. If it wasn’t for Freddie Roach, who changed his strategy and training, we may not have seen that Cotto against Delvin. I think we’ll see that same Miguel against Martinez.”

Manuel Avila scored a 10 round unanimous decision over Enrique Quevedo in Super Bantamweight bout at the Salinas Storm House in Salinas, California.

Avila dominated the action and scored a knockdown in the 10th round and won by scores of 97-92 on all cards.

Avila, 122 lbs of Fairfield, CA is now 14-0. Quevedo, 121.5 lbs of San Pedro, CA is now 15-7-1.

Paul Mendez scored a 3rd round knockout over Raul Casarez in a scheduled 10 round Middleweight bout.

Mendez landed a nice body shot that came back with a hard right hand that sent Casarez to the canvas and the fight was stopped 43 seconds into round 3.

Mendez, 160 lbs of Salinas, CA is now 15-2-2 with 7 knockouts. Casarez, 160 lbs of Edinburg, TX is 20-5.

Diego De La Hoya made it three for three in the knockout department as he stopped Sergio Najera in a scheduled four round Featherweight bout.

De La Hoya was in control from the start with an exception where Najera buckled De La Hoya with a left hook. De La Hoya dropped Najera with how own left hook. Najera got to his feet only to eat a barrage of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:14 of round one.

De La Hoya, 123 1/2 lbs of Mexicali, MX is now 3-0 with 3 knockouts. Najera, 123 1/2 lbs is now 6-13-2.

Andy Vences scored a stoppage after round three of his scheduled six round Lightweight bout with Dominic Coca when Coca could not continue with an injured left hand.

Vences dominated the bout and remained undefeated and is now 7-0 with 3 knockouts. Coca is now 8-7.

Former world title challenger Diego Magdaleno scored a 4th round stoppage over Jorge Pazos in a scheduled 10 round Lightweight fight at the C. Robert Lee Activity Center in Hawaiian Garden, California.

Magdaleno dropped Pazons in round three with a straight left. Magdaleno finished things in the next round by sending Pazos to the canvas for referee Jack Reiss’s ten count from a flurry of punches at 2:27 of round 4.

Magdaleno, 133 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is now 25-1 with 10 knockouts. Pazos, 132 1/2 lbs of Quamachil, MX is now 9-7.

2012 Olympic Silver Medal winner Esquiva Falcao won his professional debut as he stopped Joshua Robertson in round four of a scheduled six round Super Middelweight bout.

Robertson hung tough early but the southpaw Falcao started show his class in round three and in round four, Falcao bloodied Robertson’s nose and the biut was stopped after an accumulation of punches by referee Jerry Cantu at 2:36 of round four.

Falcao, 165 lbs of Vitoria, BRA is now 1-0 with 1 knockout. Robertson, 164 1/2 lbs of Lynchburg, VA is now 5-5.

Jesse Magdaleno scored a 5th round stoppage over Roberto Castaneda in a Featherweight bout scheduled for 8 rounds.

Magdaleno dropped Castaneda in round two from a hook to the side of the head. Moments later, the two had an exchange that saw Magdaleno get the better of and land another hook that sent Magdaleno down for a 2nd time in the round. In round five, the two went to war and Magdaleno landed a hard right hook that sent Castaneda down to a knee and the fight was stooped at 2:48 of round 5.

Magdaleno, 127 1/4 lbs is now 18-0 with 14 knockouts. Castaneda, 125 lbs is now 20-6-1.

Chris Algieri remained perfect and scored the biggest win of his career by scoring a 10 round unanimous decision over IBF number 6 ranked Jr. Welterweight Emanuel Taylor at the Paramount Theater in Huntington, New York.

Algieri was the busier man as he was urged on by his hometown fans. He was fighting just minuted from his Huntington home.

Algieri, 142 lbs of Huntington, NY won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice and is now 19-0. Taylor, 141 lbs of Edgewater, MD is now 17-2.

Former amateur standout Jeremy Bryant resurrected his career with an 8 round unanimous decision over Issouf Kinda in Welterweight bout.

The bout did not have much action with Kinda falling in after most of his shots. Kinda was cut in round four on his right cheek from a clash of heads.

Bryan, 141 lbs of Paterson, NJ won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 and is now 17-3. Kinda, 141 ls of Bronx, NY is now 16-2.

Wendy Toussiant remained perfect by scoring a 4 round unanimous decision over Anthony Gangemi in a Welterweight bout.

Toussiant of Huntington, NY won by scores of 39-37 twice and 38-38 and is now 4-0. Gangemi is now 4-2.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, IBF Super Middleweight champion Carl Froch will rematch George Groves after the two had a controversial fight on November 23rd that saw Froch score a 9th round stoppage. The fight was halted prematurely by most accounts.

“I’m pleased to finally get my next fight confirmed,” Froch said. “We had a number of options but ultimately I listened to the public and gave them what they wanted. I expect this to be one of the biggest fights the country [of England] has ever seen.

“It’s been a difficult period for me following the first fight. I’ve had to listen to his endless whining and appeals when ultimately the referee did him perhaps the biggest favor possible and saved him from a devastating knockout, whilst denying me the right of a clinical finish and a great comeback victory.”

“I feel blessed that I am getting this fantastic opportunity to participate in what could be Britain’s biggest-ever boxing match,” Groves said. “I am still shocked that Froch has agreed to take the fight. I respect him for his bravery. Now I am preparing to get in the greatest physical and mental shape possible to destroy Froch in what can only be a three-round fight. Britain will have its own Hagler-Hearns to talk about for years to come. I am counting down the days until I’m world super middleweight champion.”

“I was poor in the first fight,” Froch said. “I didn’t give him the respect as a fighter and lacked the drive that I had against Lucian Bute and Mikkel Kessler. Well, now he has my attention. But ultimately it’s not going to get any better for George from here. He threw the kitchen sink at me that night and I still found a way back in the fight to win. I love to fight and I can’t wait to get back in there and do a proper job in him.”

“Quite simply, I believe this is the biggest fight in British boxing history,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Taking away the controversy from their first encounter, it was one of the most epic and exhilarating fights I have ever witnessed and I’m delighted the public are going to get a chance to see it all again. The unanswered questions from the first fight may now be answered. Get ready for a whirlwind of a build-up and an event and fight for the ages.”

SAN ANTONIO – Albuquerque welterweight Fidel Maldonado has the bling – sparkly purple trunks, gold trimmed, matching tights and safety-green boots – and occasional flashes of power, but ultimately a Monday Night Boxing main event in a Cowboys Dancehall bullring will likely mark the peak of his televised accomplishments.

If that is the case, Maldonado’s (18-2, 15 KOs) corner stoppage of Puerto Rican John Nater (13-5, 10 KOs), effectively a replacement for the man who replaced Maldonado’s original opponent, Steve “Two Pound” Forbes, should lead the highlight reel of Maldonado’s career, with Monday’s conclusion – referee Jon Schorle stopping the match before the fifth round of a Leija-Battah Promotions main event – being the most of what Maldonado can ask for.

After some foul-filled opening moments Monday, Maldonado clinched Nater then brought savagery his way in round 3, whupping the Puerto Rican in clinches and catching him with a surprisingly effective left-cross counter, thrown from the New Mexican’s southpaw stance, in the round’s final minute. The fourth saw more of the same, including a second trip to the blue mat for Nater, whose corner sagaciously concluded matters before any more damage might be done.

Maldonado appears three parts glittery special effects for every one part fighting prowess, but with his promoter needing to fill Monday night slots, there’s no reason to think he’ll not get a few more moments on Fox Sports 1.

ERROL SPENCE VS. PETER OLOUCH
While the rest of his 2012 Olympic teammates seemingly have stagnated in the professional ranks, Texas welterweight Errol Spence (11-0, 9 KOs) has continued to improve, throwing his punches with greater leverage, bettering his footwork and hitting to hurt, not merely score points. African Peter Olouch (12-7-2, 6 KOs) found out all about Spence’s capacity to hurt, in Monday’s co-main event, getting knocked cold at 1:39 of round 4.

Spence attacked Olouch from the match’s opening round, using well-leveraged punches thrown from his southpaw stance to concuss the lanky African with most each blow that landed. After sending Olouch to his knees in the first minute of the fourth, Spence finished the job with a left hybrid cross-uppercut, surprising as it was concussing for being so concussing. Olouch dropped, and no 10-count was needed, though assistance was needed for Olouch, about three minutes’ worth, before the African regained his feet and left the ring of his own power.

TERRELL GAUSHA VS. GEORGE SOSA
Cleveland middleweight and former U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (13-2, 6 KOs) fought in Monday’s first televised match and looked decisively mediocre while winning a one-sided decision over Pennsylvania journeyman boxer George Sosa (13-6, 13 KOs).

After an opening few rounds in which Gausha did not succeed at imposing or defending himself, in the fourth, after being buckled by Sosa’s aggression more than his accurate punching, Gausha landed a number of stout punches, too, taking advantage of a suddenly squeamish Sosa. The Pennsylvanian,-though, was squeamish for a reason: His left glove had slipped off his fist and had to be refitted and retaped.

Once the men returned to even terms, Gausha was more sound than fury, yelping as he threw power punches that affected Sosa only slowly, and the fight devolved into an attritional affair with Gausha hurling inaccurate punches that occasionally landed, and Sosa looking forward exclusively to the final bell.

Official scores all went to Gausha: 80-72, 80-72 and 79-73.

Gausha appears to have increased his muscle mass and perhaps improved his conditioning, but the fact remains he does not appear to have improved as a prizefighter. He has eschewed the activity he employed effectively in the amateurs to load-up on power punches as a pro. It is not an effective tack for him to have taken, as he lacks the speed and accuracy to deploy such power.

Undefeated since turning professional or otherwise, Terrell Gausha fights more amateurishly today than he did as an amateur.

TRAVELL MAZION VS. JUSTO VALLECILLO
Before that, Austin junior welterweight Travell “Black Magic” Mazion (7-0, 6 KOs), a student of noted trainer Ann Wolfe’s and a man who, standing over six feet tall and weighing round 140 pounds, looks like a young, inexperienced, and perhaps anorexic Thomas Hearns, made decisive work of local opponent Justo Vallecillo (6-16, 3 KOs), stopping the wholly overmatched Texan with a trio of righthands at 1:37 of round 3.

Immediately following Mazion’s victory, he and trainer Wolfe danced a series of celebratory verses in the center of the ring, choosing to celebrate Monday evening before setting to work on Mazion’s habit of floating his chin in retreat, one hopes, on Tuesday morning.

JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ VS. JESUS GARZA
Monday’s fifth match saw local undefeated junior lightweight Joseph “Texas Mongoose” Rodriguez (5-0, 2 KOs) beat in rugged style fellow Texan Jesus Garza (2-4-1), of Dallas, by official scores of 40-36, 40-36 and 40-35. Rodriguez may not punch with particular ferocity, but he brings physicality and activity enough, along with a nifty tendency to throw a pivoted right uppercut when inside, to make fellow San Antonians cheer him without fear of disappointment.

Attendance was stellar in Cowboys Dancehall bullring for a Monday night.

Late replacement Roberto Garcia scored a 10 round split decision over Norberto Gonzalez in a Middleweight bout at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Each fighter took a scorecard 95-94 while Garcia won the deciding card at 96-93.

Garcia of Texas is now 34-3. Gonzalez of Mexico is now 20-3.

Kamil Laszczyk scored an eight round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Daniel Diaz in a Featherweight bout.

Laszczyk controlled most of the fight as he dropped Diaz at the end of the 1st round. Diaz had some brief moments with the 4th round being his best frame.

Laszczyk, 125 lbs of New Jersey via Poland won by scores of 79-72 twice and 78-73 and is now 16-0. Diaz, 125 lbs of Nicaragua is now 20-6-1.

18-year old prospect Erickson Lubin scored a stoppage after the 1st round when Roberto Acevedo did not come out for the 2nd round.

Lubin won the 1st round but he did not seem to be in any real danger. He complained of a hand injury and the fight was stopped.

Lubin, 147 lbs of Orlando, FL is 3-0 with 3 knockouts. Acevedo of Puerto Rico is now 13-13-3.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Former two-division world champion Ricardo Mayorga has been pulled off a February 21st card in Rhode Island due to a promotional dispute with Don King.

“Your actions constitute a knowing, intentional and unjustified tortious interference with the agreement,” King attorney Cornelius “Carl” Lewis wrote to Burchfield in the letter, which was obtained by ESPN.com. “As such and contracts Mayorga has entered into with or for you are void. My client has not and does not give you permission to negotiate on behalf of Mayorga or engage him, directly or indirectly, in any professional fights. You are hearby noticed to immediately cease and desist your actions and to have no further communication and/or business dealings of any kind on behalf of Mayorga.”

“Don’s got some answering to do in court,” said Mayorga’s manager Ivaylo Gotzev told ESPN.com. “The contract is over, according to the contracts I’ve seen. Now it’s up to the courts to see who is right or wrong. You can’t prey on expired contracts. Ricardo Mayorga never retired. The contract ran out. But everything happens for a reason. It’s time for Don to deal with the repercussions of his actions. Mayorga will continue with his career but Don has caused monetary damages and is stopping this man from working and from making a living to support his family.

“Don doesn’t even promote shows anymore. All he does is kill careers. He signs guys and doesn’t promote fights or fighters anymore. He doesn’t live up to his part of the bargain. He has had many breaches of the contract and yet he still claims Mayorga has a deal with him, even though it expired.”

Oswaldo Novoa scored a 5th round stoppage to win the WBA Stawweight title in China.

Featherweight Oacar Gonzalez (23-3, 14 KO’s) has died just two days after being stopped by Jesus Galica in a fight in Mexico according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“These things happen in boxing and nobody expects them to happen in the ring,” Jose “Chepo” Reynoso of Canelo Promotions, which put on the card, told ESPN.com in a statement translated into English. “Even though we weren’t there at the fight we know Oscar did receive the best treatment at the hospital before and after his death. Our lawyer, Anuar Alvarado, took care of the situation and we know we did our best on his behalf.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will fight Alex Leapai on April 26th in in Oberhausen, Germany.

“It impressed me how Alex Leapai dominated Boytsov,” Klitschko said in announcing the fight. “He has shown strong punching power and a lot of heart. But, moreover, that he can take a punch and feels confident in the role of the underdog. I will be very focused and prepare myself 100 percent as always and will look forward to this next challenge.”

“People talk about how great Wladimir is and the 61 victories he has had in his career. I, on the other hand, think of the fact that he has been comprehensively KO’d three times by people who cannot punch nearly as hard as me,” Leapai said. “I will break Wladimir and it will not be my hardest fight.”

“Wladimir has proven to be the most dominant heavyweight champion in recent memory and we are looking forward to another great performance and victory on April 26,” K2 Promotions managing director Tom Loeffler said.

Gilberto Ramirez scored an explosive 1st round stoppage over Don Mouton in a scheduled 10 round bout at the Laredo Energy Center in Laredo, Texas.

Ramirez dropped Mouton with a right hook that had Mouton fall through the ropes. Seconds later, Ramirez landed a left and right that sent Mouton to the canvas for a 2nd time and the fight was stopped at 1:31

Ramirez, 166 lbs of Mazalton, MX is now 27-0 with 21 knockouts. Mouton, 162 3/4 lbs of Houston, TX is now 12-8-1.

2012 U.S. Olympian Jose Ramirez scored a 1st round stoppage over Javier Perez in the 1st round of their scheduled si round Welterweight bout.

Ramirez landed a vicious left hook that set up four more vicious shots that dropped Perez and referee Jon Schorle stopped the fight at 2:32 of round one.

Ramirez, 141 1/2 lbs of Avenel, CA is now 8-0 with 6 knockouts. Perez, 143 lbs of Miami, FL is now 8-7.

Angel Hernandez scored a 3rd round stoppage over Eddie Ramirez in a scheduled six round Jr. Welterweight bout.

It was a good back and forth brawl until Hernandez landed a barrage of punches on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:42 of round three.

Hernandez, 135 1/2 lbs of McAllen, TX is now 8-1 with 4 knockouts. Ramirez, 137 3/3 lbs of Laredo, TX is now 6-15-1.

Alan Patrick scored a 3 round unanimous decision over John Makdessi in a Lightweight bout.

Patrick, 156 lbs of Rio de Janiaro, BRA won by scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28 and is now 12-0. Makdessi, 155 lbs of Montreal is now 12-3.

Chris Cariaso scored a 3 round unanimous decision over Danny Martinez in a Flyweight bout.

Scores were 29-28 on all cards for Cariaso, 125 lbs of Tucson, AZ and is mow 16-5. Martinez, 126 lbs of San Diego, CA is now 17-5.

Nick Catone scored a 3 round split decision over Tom Watson in a Middleweight bout.

Scores were 30-27 and 29-28 for Catone and 29-28 for Watson.

Catone. 186 lbs of Brick, NJ is now 10-4. Watson, 186 lbs of Southampton, UK is now 16-7.

Al Iaquinta scored a 3 round unanimous decision over Kevin Lee in a Lightweight bout.

Scores were 29-28 twice and 28-27 for Iaquinta, 155 lbs of Garden City, NY and is now 8-2-1. Lee, 156 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI is now 7-1.

Lee Selby

2012 Olympic Gold Medal winner Anthony Joshua scored a 3rd round stoppage over Dorian Darch in a scheduled 6 round Heavyweight bout.

Joshua ripped Darch with a hard combination on the ropes at the end of the 1st frame. Joshua landed several hard shots in round two and then landed a ripping left hook that sent Darch into the ropes and the fight was stopped at 51 seconds of round 2.

Joshua, 241 1/2 lbs is now 4-0 with 4 knockouts. Darch, 241 lbs, is 7-3.

Gary Buckland registered a 12 round split decision over former world champion Gavin Rees in a spirited battle in a British lighteight elimination bout.

The action started off quick with Rees landing the to the body with the right hand. The stood in the “phone booth” for much of the fight with Rees continuing to work the body and Buckland countering with shirt uppercuts on the inside. In round five, Buckland started to up his activity level but in the next round, Rees got back to landing some thudding body shots as well as mixing right;s to the head.

Buckland’s activity level picked it up again in round eight as he started to back Rees up on the ropes. As the round’s went on, Buckland’s activity rate was very consistent. Both guys continued to dig deep but Buckland probably got the 10th frame when he naded a right hand that drove Rees back to the ropes. Rees’right eye started to shot from all the contact in this intense battle. Both guys wanted it in the 12th in this fight that could have gone either way. In the last last 30 seconds alone, Rees rocked Buckland with a hard right but Buckland came right back with furious combination.

Buckland, 134 3/4 lbs of Cardiff, Wales won by scores of 116-113 and 115-114 while Rees got a card 116-113.

Buckland is now 28-3. Rees, 135 lbs is now 37-4-1.

In a terrific back and forth battle Dale Evans scored a 8 round decision win over Erick Ochieng in a Welterweight bout.

It was a back and forth slugfest with both guys being rocked throughout the bout.

Evans, 148 1/4 lbs won by a 77-76 tally in the referee’s scorecard and is now 8-1-1. Ochieng, 148 3/4 lbs is 14-3.

Luis Collazo scored a stunning 2nd round stoppage over Victor Ortiz in a battle of former Welterweight title holders at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Not much happened over the 1st rounds with Ortiz looking for the big shot and Collazo got in a few counters. The end came suddenly and with a big thud as Ortiz landed a straight left but Collazo landed a perfect right hook to the jaw that spun Ortiz to the ropes and on the canvas and was counted out by referee Benji Esteves at 2:59 of round 2.

Collazo, 146 1/2 lbs of Brooklyn is now 35-5 with 18 knockouts. Ortiz, 146 1/2 lbs of Ventura, CA is now 29-5-2.

“I had no doubt in my mind that I was going to win,” said Collazo. “I went through hard times and maybe I wasn’t ready before, but I was ready today.

“When I was in the locker room, the joy, happiness and excitement hit me that I have the opportunity to perform in Brooklyn in front of my fans and the people I grew up with here,” he continued.

“I knew Ortiz was going to come out and be aggressive and I had to stay focused and stick to the game plan. People say that I can’t punch, but I guess they’re wrong.”

“I’m good,” said Ortiz. “I got caught. No big deal. It happens. I put my heart out there.”

Eddie Gomez scored a 7th round knockdown en route to a 10 round unanimous decision over DeQuann Arnett in a battle of previously undefeated Welterweights.

Gomez controlled most of the first six rounds with solid power punching and using some good body work. Arnett would sneak in the occasional right hand that kept Gomez honest. In round seven, Gomez landed a thunderous body punch that sent Arnett to the canvas. Arnett got to his feet but Gomez opened up with a barrage of punches that had Arnett staggered. Arnett recovered enough to attempt to time Gomez’wide power shots and even got through with a few of his own shots.

Gomez, 147 1/4 lbs of Bronx, NY won by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice and is now 16-0. Arnett, 148 1/2 lbs of Orlando, FL is now 11-1.

Gomez continued to be the leader down the stretch and he cruised home with the victory.

“I just took my time in there and did what I had to do,” said Gomez. “Now I’m just happy.”

Gomez continued, “I should have gone to the body earlier and I think I could have gotten him in four or five rounds. I’m just thankful for the opportunity to get this fight. I took full advantage and worked hard.”

“This is the beginning for me not the end,” said Arnett. “I am going to come back stronger and will take this and learn from it.”

Super prospect Gary Russell Jr. scored a tremendous 4th round stoppage over Miguel Tamayo in scheduled eight round Featherweight bout.

Russell controlled the 1st three round with fast hands as featured a rights to the body. In round four, he landed a huge right that hurt Tamayo and a follow up right dropped Tamayo for the ten count at 1:04 of round four.

Russell, 126 3/4 lbs of Capitol Heights. MD is now 24-0 with 14 knockouts. Tamayo, 126 1/2 lbs of Obregan, MX is now 14-8-2.

“I felt good in the ring tonight,” said Russell Jr. “I paced myself and worked towards what I wanted. I felt prepared. I went through six weeks of training and I rose to the occasion.

Russell Jr. continued, “I am looking toward the future and getting a shot at a world title.”

In non-televised undercard action, some of New York’s most exciting young prospects showcased their skills with impressive wins.

Barclays Center regular “Sir” Marcus Browne (9-0, 7 KO’s) of Staten Island made the most of his seventh appearance at the arena as he went the distance against Shreveport, LA’s Kentrell Claiborne (4-9, 3 KO’s) in a six-round cruiserweight bout. The 2012 U.S. Olympian was happy that his opponent had a “head made of stone” so that he could get more experience in the ring.

“I got some good rounds in,” said Browne. “I’m learning how to be a distance fighter and to prove I could keep my composure.”

Local Bronx up and comer Emmanuel “Manny” Gonzalez (14-0, 7 KO’s) went the distance against Victor Sanchez of Houston, TX (5-8-2, 2 KO’s) in an eight-round featherweight matchup that saw Gonzalez winning nearly ever round on all three judges’ scorecards despite a point deduction for holding in the seventh round. Gonzalez also looked at his eight-round bout as a learning experience.

“This is the first eight-rounder that I’ve fought [that has gone the distance] in about a year and a half,” said Gonzalez. “I definitely got a little winded, but I will work even harder next time and continue to be undefeated.”

Newly-signed Golden Boy Promotions prospect Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn put on a strong performance in a four-round super lightweight fight against Jose Valderrama (3-7, 3 KO’s) of Manati, Puerto Rico in Ochoa’s inaugural performance as a member of the Golden Boy Promotions stable.

In the first fight of the evening, Rafael Vasquez of Brooklyn, NY (10-1, 8 KO’s) scored a first-round technical knockout over Bradley Patraw (10-7, 5 KO’s) of St. Paul, Minn. in featherweight action that was scheduled for eight rounds.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the complete televised undercard for the April 12th rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley has been set.

In a WBA Super Lightweight title bout Khabin Allekhverdiev will defend against Jesse Vargas. Ray Beltran will take on Roman Martinez in a Lightweight bout and Bryan Vazquez will defend an interim 130 lb title against Jose Felix Jr.

“All three of them are competitive fights,” said promoter Bob Arum said. “So I guess whichever fight the press and the fans seem like most is the one we’ll make the semifinal. I think they’re all good fights. Beltran-Martinez is the one I want to see more than the others, so we’ll see if the press and the fans agree with me. But overall, I think we’re looking at some good, entertaining fights on the card.”

“This (Beltran – Martinez) is a really interesting crossroads fight,” said Top Rank’s Moretti said. “Both guys have had wars with Burns. Neither guy has ever been in a bad fight. Beltran is a strong puncher who makes good fights. Rocky has been in a lot of good fights. I expect fireworks. I wouldn’t be shocked if both guys hit the canvas.”

On Allekhverdiev – Vargas:

“This is the first chance we’ve had to expose Khabib in the United States since we signed him because of the injury and the mandatory, and he’s in with Jessie, who is dropping back down to 140 pounds,” Moretti said. “It’s an interesting matchup. The winner is probably going to get a big payday after this fight.

“I’ve seen Khabib on tape. He’s a very competent fighter and [Top Rank matchmaker] Brad [Goodman] has watched Vargas train in the gym and thinks he is doing marvelously,” Arum said. “We could see an upset.”

“We believe Jose Felix’s stock is on the rise,” Moretti said. “Hopefully, the card on April 12 will provide him a platform to show what he has against a more experienced, action fighter in Bryan Vasquez.”

Unified 140 pound champion Danny Garcia will defend his crown against Mauricio Herrera on March 15th in Puerto Rico according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Danny has talked to me for the last year and a half, saying, ‘We have to look at doing one of my fights in Puerto Rico.’ This is something he really wanted so, finally, I felt that this was a great opportunity for Danny to go to Puerto Rico and defend his title,” said Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “I am sure Puerto Rico will welcome him with open arms. He wants to represent the U.S. and Puerto Rico, given the heritage that he has. I am very happy to be able to fulfill his dream to bring him to the island and have him fight there.”

“Herrera is a good fighter and he beat Provodnikov,” said Schaefer, adding that Golden Boy signed him about 10 days ago. “Herrera is very excited about this fight. He sees it as a tremendous opportunity and is not worried at all about fighting Danny in Puerto Rico.”

“Danny has fought everybody the past few years,” Schaefer said. “He is clearly the man at 140 pounds and when you are the man you have a big target on your back. Whether Mauricio Herrera will be able to do something about it I don’t know. But I do know Mauricio Herrera comes to fight and will be ready.

“He knows what it means for him, his career and his family. He’s totally fired up for this opportunity. Herrera doesn’t have the same name recognition or the same credentials like Matthysse or Judah, but it is those kinds of fights that are sometimes most dangerous if Danny is looking past him.”

Schaefer said he also finalized two other bouts for the card:

• Top American heavyweight prospect Deontay Wilder (30-0, 30 KOs), 28, a 2008 Olympic bronze medalist from Tuscaloosa, Ala., will take a major step up in opposition against Malik Scott (36-1-1, 13 KOs), 33, of Philadelphia in the opening Showtime bout.

• In a fight that will be part of the Showtime Extreme coverage of preliminary fights, Juan Manuel Lopez (33-3, 30 KOs), 30, of Puerto Rico, and Mexico’s Daniel Ponce De Leon (45-5, 35 KOs), 33, both former junior featherweight and featherweight titleholders, will meet in a rematch at junior lightweight. Lopez knocked out Ponce De Leon in the first round in 2008 in Atlantic City, N.J., to win a junior featherweight title.

Floyd Mayweather and the Timothy Bradley – Ruslan Provodnikov war highlighted the 2013 BWAA Awards which were announced Tuesday according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

It is the second time Mayweather has won the award. He also won in 2007, the last time he fought at least two times in a calendar year.

The pound-for-pound king was dominant as ever last year and Tuesday won Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year honors.
“It is a great honor to be voted by the BWAA as fighter of the year. To be recognized by this organization is special and I truly appreciate it,” Mayweather said in a statement given to ESPN.com. “I also want to congratulate the other winners and also recognize my fellow nominees, whose achievements in the ring this past year afforded them nominations too.”

“I have dedicated my whole career to being the best and because of that I have been on top for 17 years,” Mayweather said. “Hard work and dedication got me there and awards like these help keep me there too. On behalf of myself and the entire Money Team, I thank you so very much.”

“It’s unbelievable. I can’t even imagine, Timothy Bradley in a fight of the year,” Bradley said after ESPN.com had informed him that he had won. “It takes two people willing to engage in that type of action so I gotta give major props to Ruslan Provodnikov for bringing the best out of me. We put it all on the line. We put our lives on the line. I hope that all the fans really appreciated that night.

“I have talked to so many different people who say it was the best fight they have seen in a long time or that it is the best fight they have ever seen, and I’m a part of it. Who would think Timothy Bradley would be in a fight of the year and win the fight of the year? It’s a huge accomplishment.”

Freddie Roach won his sixth Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year award, a BWAA record, thanks in large part to his work with Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto and Provodnikov.

“It’s nice to be back in the mix. We had a bad year (in 2012) and we had a much better year (in 2013),” Roach told ESPN.com. “No. 6? I love being recognized for what we do but without the fighters I wouldn’t be here.”

The Cus D’Amato Manager of the Year went to Al Haymon, whose list of clients is long and impressive, including Mayweather, junior welterweight champion Danny Garcia, welterweight titleholders Marcos Maidana and Shawn Porter, former welterweight titlists Adrien Broner and Devon Alexander, interim welterweight titlist Keith Thurman, junior welterweight contender Lucas Matthysse, junior featherweight titlist Leo Santa Cruz and top heavyweight prospect Deontay Wilder. All of them have earned career-high purses under the powerful Haymon’s guidance.

Other awards:

The Barney Nagler Long and Meritorious Service award to boxing was a tie between Top Rank publicist Lee Samuels and famed broadcaster Colonel Bob Sheridan.

The Sam Taub award for excellence in broadcast journalism went to former two-division titleholder Paulie Malignaggi, who is still an active fighter but has blossomed in his role as a color analyst on Showtime and Fox Sports 1 boxing telecasts.

The Marvin Kohn Good Guy award will be collected by ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, who was also inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June.

Former welterweight titleholder Paul Williams, whose career end abruptly when he was paralyzed from the waist down in a motorcycle crash in 2012, has kept an inspiring upbeat attitude and was voted winner of the Bill Crawford award for courage in overcoming adversity.

In previously announced awards, this writer was voted winner of the 2013 Nat Fleischer award for excellence in boxing journalism, a career achievement award that can only won once and is voted on by past winners, and Sandy Grady was selected as the A.J. Liebling award winner for outstanding boxing writing.

Winners will be honored at the BWAA annual awards banquet, which will take place in May or June at a site to be determined.

A pair of former world title challengers will square off on February 15th when Dereck Chisora will meet Kevin Johnson in London according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Johnson comes in with a great record and is name that fans know,” Chisora said at a news conference on Monday in London. “This is by no means an easy fight. He’s taken Tyson (Fury) and Vitali (Klitschko) the distance and he stopped (mandatory world title challenger Alex) Leapai. I’m excited and looking forward to it.”

“Dereck faces the well-respected American Johnson, who Tyson beat on points just over a year ago,” said promoter Frank Warren. “He’s got a win over the current WBO No. 1 Alex Leapai, plus he took Vitali Klitschko the distance in their world title fight. It’s unfortunate that Rudenko pulled out injured. It’s not ideal, but things happen and Dereck’s a pro. But he knows he can’t afford to slip up.

“The name of the game is for Dereck and Tyson to look good and come through winners at the Copper Box Arena and then in the summer I’ll look to get an all-British final eliminator sanctioned by the WBO for the world title in a big grudge match, with the winner going on to challenge for the world title. I’m very excited to be working with Tyson, (uncle and trainer) Peter (Fury) and (promoter) Mick (Hennessy) and making the fights that the fans want to see.”

Said Chisora, “I have to beat Johnson and then Tyson is waiting for me in a world title eliminator, which is a great incentive to really do a demolition job on Johnson.”

“The heavyweight division has been wide open for a long time but not many people have been there to go and smash the titles off the Klitschkos,” he said. “Wladimir promised to fight the winner out of me and Chisora in the first fight and I never got the fight against him. Good riddance to Vitali, Grandpa robot, he wouldn’t fight any real opposition and he retired because he knew I was coming for him. I just can’t wait to get the rematch in the summer against Chisora and then get to take Wladimir’s head off.

“I’m glad that me and Chisora will be a final eliminator. Wladimir can either vacate the WBO title or fight me. I see a 100 percent improvement in Chisora. He’s a lot fitter and stronger, he’s better conditioned and a real athlete now. I’m focused on beating Basile first, then it’s Chisora. The first fight was a good one, but I hope that this fight is one of the best ever all-British heavyweight fights.”

NEW YORK–Mikey Garcia remained perfect as he scored a 12 round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Burgos to retian the WBO Jr. Lightweight title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

It was a lackluster part for the most part. Burgos one shining moment came in round two when he landed a hard right hand that buckled Garcia badly. But Garcia rocked Burgos in round three and that shot seemed to make Burgos more hesitant to make anything happen. Garcia was able to settle down and box Burgos at his own pace and basically won every round there on after.

Garcia, 129.2 lbs of Oxnard, CA won by scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 118-110 and is now 34-0. Burgos, 129 lbs of Tijuana, MX is now 30-2-2.

Bryant Jennings scored a 10th round stoppage over Artuz Sziplka in a battle of undefeated Heavyweights.

The fight started off with both guys showing good movement for heavyweight.s In round twom Jennings started to get through with shots. He started to work the body throughout and landed a right hand to the body that sent Szpilka to a knee. Jennings kept up the dominance and dropped Szpilka with a short right and left. Sziplka got to his feet but it wasn’t long bfore a barrage of punches forced referee Michael Ortega stopped the bout at 2:20 of round 10.

Jennings, 225 lbs of Philadelphia is now 18-0 with 10 knockouts. Szipilka 223.6 lbs of Warsaw, POL is now 16-1.

“I came out here to put on a show and I think I accomplished that goal,” said Jennings. “Szplika is a very tough fighter and I give him credit for lasting as long as he did. After the first knockdown I didn’t think he would last much longer but he showed great heart and almost went the distance.”

“I’m ready to step up and challenge for a world title,” Jennings continued. “I’m going to take it one day at a time and see what my team presents me. I want to thank Gary Shaw, Antonio Leonard, James Prince and HBO for giving me this opportunity.”

“Jennings showed he’s a very talented fighter,” said Gary Shaw. “Boxing needs heavyweights that can close the show and Jennings proved that tonight on his HBO debut. I will talk with James Prince and Antonio Leonard to see what is next for Jennings. He’s the first American heavyweight in many years that has a legitimate shot to be the World Champion. The Polish Prince put up a great fight, but tonight it was all about the USA. Right now I’m very happy with Jennings performance.”

“Bryant Jennings is no joke,” stated co-promoter Antonio Leonard. “He’s going to take the heavyweight division by storm and I see him becoming a world champion very soon.”

“I know Jennings has the talent to take over the heavyweight division,” manager James Prince said. “Tonight he took a giant step toward a world title shot. Boxing fans here in the U.S have a heavyweight in Jennings they can rally behind. We are gunning for the best out there.”

Felix Verdejo scored an explosive just 21 seconds into his bout with Lauro Alcantar in a battle of undefeated Lightweights.

Verdejo landed the “6 inch left hook” right on the chin of Alcantar and he was splattered on the canvas and the fight was stopped.

Verdejo, 1346 lbs San Juan, PR is now 10-0 with 7 knockouts. Alcantar, 135.2 lbs of Agua Prieta, MEX is now 8-1.

Jesse Hart scored a six round unanimous decision over Derrick Frinley in a Super Middleweight bout.

Scores were 60-54 om all cards for Hart, 169 lbs pf Philadelphia and is now 12-0. Findley, 168.2 lbs of Gary, IN is now 20-12-1-1.

Alberto Marchado scored a spectacular 2nd round stoppage ove Nuwan Jayakody in a scheduled 6 round Featherweight bout.

Machado blasted Jayakody with a left hook that sent him to the canvas. Jayakody tried to get his feet but stumbled down and the fight was stopped at 1:34 of round two.

Machado, 126 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 6-0 with 4 knockouts. Jayakody, 125.8 lbs of Nittabuwa, Sri Lanka is now 2-4-1.

Francisco Vargas scored a 1st round stoppage over four round Lopez in a scheduled four round Weltereight bout.

Vargas drilled Lopez with hard right hook that him flat on his back and the fight was stopped at 1:59.

Vargas, 149 lbs of San Juan PR is now 2-0 with 2 knockouts. Lopez, 146.4 lbs of Denver, CO is now 1-1.

Seanie Monaghan scored a 1st round stoppage over Matt Vanda when Vanda had to retire with a bicep injury. The time of stoppage was 2:51 for Monaghan, 175 lbs of Long Beach, NY who is 20-0 with 13 knockouts. Vanda, 173.2 lbs of St. Paul. MN 45-16.

Julian Rodriguez scored a 1st round stoppage over Neyeine Muang in a scheduled four round Super Lightweight bout.

The time was 1:51 for Rodriguez, 141.4 lbs of Hasbrouck Heights, Nj is now 3-0 with 2 knockouts. Muang, 141.2 lbs of Utica, NY is now 1-1-2.

Lamont Peterson dazzled in front of his hometown crowd on Saturday night scoring a unanimous decision victory over Dierry Jean to retain his IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C., live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

Peterson (32-2-1, 16 KO’s) and Jean (25-1, 17 KO’s) kicked off the 2014 boxing calendar with an action-packed aggressive showdown. Jean began with a patient approach, looking to test the chin of Peterson after his devastating knockout loss last May against Lucas Matthysse. By midway through the fight Peterson made it clear that loss had no affect on him as he became the aggressor, putting on a show for his hometown crowd. As the fight progressed Peterson outworked and outlanded his opponent using combinations, speed and agility. At the end of the fight SHOWTIME Sports analyst and former World Champion Paulie Malignaggi emphatically stated, “Lamont clearly proved that he is still a force to be reckoned with at 140 pounds.” The judges scored the bout 115-113, 116-112 and 118-111.
In the co-main event, 23-year-old top junior middleweight prospect Jermell Charlo remained undefeated in a unanimous decision victory over gutsy veteran Gabriel Rosado.

After the fight Peterson said, “I knew that this was his [Jean’s] first title fight and this is a big stage. I knew regardless of what he said he would have some type of nerves. At the end of the day I was in shape and I was able to hold the rounds. I would like to be considered the best 140-pound fighter in the world before I leave [the division]. If it means Danny Garcia is next then that’s what it is.”

When asked how long it took to get over his loss against Matthysse, Peterson said, “At the end of that night I sat and thought all night and I came to an understanding of why I lost. Then I moved on. I was over it in 24 hours.”
Speaking to the crowd of 5,668, Peterson said, “I love my city. My city loves me.”

When asked about the loss, Jean chalked it up to the inexperience of this being his first title fight saying, “I think it is just a matter of experience. Life goes on you know. I am definitely leaving with my head held high. I have all of my fans with me and I fought a hard fight.”

Jermell Charlo scored the biggest win of his career when he scored a 10 round unanimous decision over former two-time world title challenger Gabriel Rosado in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Charlo was effective early by sharp shooting with the left hook when Rosado would come in. Rosadi’s left eye began to swell in round four and was cut in round five from what was ruled a punch. Rosado fought well through the fight but Charlo was more active and was pinpoint with his punches.

Charlo, 153 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 97-93, 99-91 and 100-90 and is now 23-0. Rosado, 154 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is now 21-8-1.

After the fight, Charlo acknowledged his opponent saying, “Rosado is a tough fighter. He came to fight. He did exactly what we trained for. He’s my strongest fight to date. He did what he had to do. It’s about being in shape. It’s about being in shape to do what we do.”

Speaking about the cut, Charlo said, “Once I saw the eye leaking, I told myself let’s finish this eye up and see what the doctors do. I told you if his eye holds up, we are going to get some work in.”

Rosado also addressed the cut saying, “It’s kind of like my Achilles heel. It’s really tender so it just gets cut early. It is what it is. I am kind of… it’s disappointed. I am forced to fight this way, aggressive. Charlo boxed a good fight but it’s a little frustrating that I have to fight a different style. I have to fight aggressively [because of the judges]. It’s crazy because I didn’t get a round.”

three-rime U.S. Olympian, Rau’she Warren scored an easy 8 round unanimous decision over German Meraz in a Bantamweight bout.

Warren dominated the fight with his superior boxing skills. In the final round, he dropped Meraz with a straight left hand.

Warren, 118 1/2 lbs of Cincinnati, OH won by scores of 80-72 and 80-71 twice and is now 18-0. Meraz, 119 lbs of Sonora, MX is now 33-28-1.

Good looking lightweight prospect Robert Easter Jr. went the distance for the first time and scored a 8 round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Daniel Attah.

Eatser dominated the bout and scored knockdowns in round’s three and eight from right hands and he cruised home by scores of 80-70 on all cards.

Easter, 134 lbs of Toledo, OH is now 9-0. Attah, 134 1/2 lbs of Washington, DC is now 28-18-1-1.

Former world title challenger Curtis Stevens showed no ill effects of his title losing effort to Gennady Golovkin, needed just 46 seconds to obliterate Patrick Majewski at the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City.

It was ominous from the first punch for Majewski as he was dropped by a non-descript jab. Clearly hurt, Stevens dropped Majewski for a 2nd time after a barrage of punches that was finished off by a left hook. The fight was finished when another flurry of punches landed that sent Majewski down for a 3rd and final time.

Stevens, 161 1/2 lbs is now 26-4 with 19 knockouts. Najewski, 160 1/2 lbs of Atlantic City is now 21-3.

Hasan Young scored four knockdowns en route to a six round unanimous decision over Justin Johnson in a Welterweight bout.

Young scored two knockdowns in round two, one in round’s five and six and cruised to the victor by scores of 60-50 twice and 60-51.

Young, 141 lbs is 5-1-1. Johnson, 141 1/2 lbs is now 6-6-4.

In an eventful 1st round, Thomas Williams Jr. scored a 1st round knockout over Cornelius White in a round that saw Williams register two knockdowns while White scored one of his own at the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Washington.

Williams dropped White just thirty seconds into the fight with a hard overhand left. Williams looked like he was going for the finish, White dropped Williams with a hard left hand. Just seconds later, Williams came back to sent White to the canvas for a 2nd time. White was clearly hurt and on wobbly legs as he ate a barrage of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:49.

Williams, 174.8 lbs is now 16-0 with 11 knockouts. White, 174.4 lbs is now 21-3.

Former world champion Rico Ramos scored a 10 round unanimous decision over Jonathan Arellano in a Featherweight bout.

Ramos dropped Arellano twice in round four and once again in round five from left hooks. Arellano fought back and wont round’s six and seven but he was too far from behind on the cards and Ramos won by scores of 98-88 twice and 98-89.

Ramos is now 23-3. Arellano is 14-3-2.

Despite being dropped in the 1st round, Juan Funez scored a 4 round unanimous decision over Marcelo Gallardo in a Featherweight bout.

Gallardo dropped Funez in round one from a combination. Funez came back to win the rest of the rounds on the judges score cards 38-37.

Funez, 125.6 lbs of Van Nuys, CA is 4-0. Funez, 126.2 lbs of Auburn, WA is 3-1.

Antonio Orozco survived a brief scare before scoring a 2nd round stoppage over Miguel Angel Huerta in a scheduled 10 round bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

In round one, Huerta rocked and hurt Orozco with several hard left hands that landed hard. In the openeing seconds of the 2nd round, the tables were turned as Orozco landed a huge right that sent Huerta to the canvas. Huerta never fully recovered as he continued to eat a big flurry of punches until the fight was stopped at 1:00 of round two.

Orozco, 141 1/2 lbs of San Diego, CA is now 19-0 with 15 knockouts. Huerta, 142 lbs of Mexico City is now 27-12-1.

Julian Ramirez pounded out an eight round unanimous decision over Derrick Wilson in a Featherweight bout.

Ramirez scored a knockdown in round one from a straight left. Ramirez continued to win the rounds but Wilson fought well in spots. Ramirez landed a combination that was set up by a straight left in round seven that sent Wilson down to the canvas. Ramirez went in for the stoppage but Wilson went down do to slips on two occasions.

Ramirez, 123 3/4 lbs of East Los Angeles, California won by scores of 79-71, 78-72 and 78-72 and is now 10-0. Wilson, 123 1/2 lbs of Fort Myers, FL is now 10-6-2.

Dominic Breazeale scored a stoppage at the end of round three of a scheduled 8 round Heavyweight bout over Homer Fonseca

Breazeale used his 10 inch height advantage to pound away at the portly Fonseca and his corner stopped the bout in between round three and four.

David Sanchez scored a 4th round stoppage over Marco Demecillo in a scheduled 12 round Super Flyweight bout in a Hermosillo, Mexico.

Sanchez dropped Demcillo with a hard body shot and the fight was stopped at 2:56 of round four.

Sanchez, 115 lbs is now 24-2-2 with 19 knockouts. Demecillo, 115 lbs is 19-2-1.

Francisco Rodriguez stopped Ernesto Guerrero in round five of a scheduled eight round Flyweight bout.

The fight was stopped when Guerrero suffered an apparent rib injury and the fight was stopped at 2:11 of round five.

Rodriguez, 112 1/4 lbs is now 13-2 with 10 knockouts. Guerrero. 113 lbs is 17-9.

Luis Castro and Gilbert Gutierrez battled to a four round majority draw in a Flyweight bout.

Scores were 39-37 for Castro, 38-38 and 38-38.

Castro, 112 lbs of Hermosillo, Mexico is now 3-0-2. Gutierrez, 114 1/2 lbs is now 1-0-1