Underground Operation 6

30 July 2010

From the Auckland Boxing Association

By Craig Bailey @ NZFighters.com

On the heels of the highly successful ‘Last Man Standing’ back in May came ‘Underground Operation 6’, from Lurkers Entertainment and D.C. Entertainment. Tonight we would be provided with 8 corporate fights. The DJ spun tunes and the A.B.A, which provided a more intimate setting compare with the ASB Stadium, slowly filled to capacity. Ring announcer “Lieutenant” Daniel Hennessey kicked off the event introducing us to the three lovely ring card girls. From there we were right into the action….

FIGHT ONE

Sammy Anae v. Sam Davis

Round One

Both fighters start fast and Southpaw Anae lands a left hand early. In close, Davis rips two uppercuts and Anae goes to the body. Davis continues to go up stairs including a great parry followed by a right hand. Anae connects with a lead left and the crowd reacts. Davis, the larger fighter, is using his size advantage well where he lands from the outside. Anae rips a couple to the body before landing a pair of 1-2’s.

Round Two

Action is wild at the beginning of the second stanza where Davis gets home a right. Anae is coming forward, in an attempt to close the distance and go to the body, but is getting tagged on the way in. Another Davis right hand prompts a left hook from Anae that gets his attention. Anae applies pressure where connects with a lead hook. Davis catches Anae coming in with a right before the round is out.

Round Three

Anae ducks a right hand before eating another before they both start winging punches. After a hard exchange Davis implores Anae on, who obliges to shoot it out in the middle of the ring. Davis is buckled during the exchange that prompts the referee to issue a standing 8 count. Once action resumes Anae seems intent on making the most of the opportunity. A pair of stiff Anae rights forces Davis to clinch. Anae seems intent on leaving it all on the field and unleashes his arsenal on a covering Davis who survives to the end of the round.

By bringing late pressure and a southpaw style Sammy Anae comes away with a unanimous decision.

FIGHT TWO

Gerardo Aguilera v. Raoul Whitford

Round One

Whitford tries to establish that long jab early. Aguilera is throwing but most is caught by the gloves of Whitford who continues to stick out his stiff jab. Aguilera jabs to the body but is having trouble getting inside. Whitford’s jab is dictating the action at the moment but some late pressure sees Aguilera land a right hook and a two-punch combination upstairs.

Round Two

Aguilera switches strategy early in the second where he looks to counter but Whitford is still in control of this fight. Whitford is getting home with the 1-2 and Aguilera connects with a left hook. Both are trading jabs where Whitford’s reach advantage really shows.

Round Three

A Whitford right hand opens the round and he follows it up with a stiff jab. Aguilera is trying to be proactive, throwing a lot of leather and closing the distance well. Whitford covers from the aggression and his own shots are being caught by Aguilera. Aguilera lands three big right hands that changes the pace of the round before ripping to the body. Whitford attempts to regain control by boxing lands a right hand before the bout closes.

By utilizing his reach and boxing skills, Raoul Whitford earns a decision.

FIGHT THREE

Stefan Paladin v. Kara Gordan

Round One

Paladin brings a lot of early aggression to the much larger Gordan. It’s all on as both swing for the fences. Gordan attempts to jab but can’t keep the tenacious Paladin off him, who is closing the distance well and landing big hooks. A Paladin uppercut rocks Gordan and the follow up pressure sees the referee step in with a standing 8 count. A bloodied Gordan is able to continue but Paladin ducks his attempts.

Round Two

Gordan seems to have settled as the second round resumes but Paladin is back trying to bring the heat. Gordan is attempting to control the distance however Paladin is closing easily and landing powerful hooks. The round is all Paladin who has aggression for days and is landing on the inside at will, including a big right hand at the bell.

Round Three

Paladin continues to come forward to begin the third and Gordan is doing a better job of picking him off. This does not last however and Paladin’s relentless attack sees him landing big shots. A huge Paladin right hand knocks Gordan’s mouthpiece out. There is just no stopping Paladin at this point and he continues to batter Gordan with hooks and right hands.

In a relentless display of aggression and power punching, Stefan Paladin wins a unanimous decision.

FIGHT FOUR

Marcus Maxximus v. Flowy the Plumber

Round One

Maxximus lands the first meaningful punch with an overhand right. They trade jabs before Maxximus begins to up the pace of the fight and lands a big right hand. Flowy returns the favour with a right and Maxximus responds with a flurry. Two overhand rights from Maxximus force Flowy to the ropes but he lands an uppercut before the end of the round.

Round Two

Flowy shoots an uppercut and Maxximus begins winging the overhand right. It is landing consistently and he puts his back to the ropes in order to lure Flowy in. Another overhand shot forces some sloppy action and both tumble through the ropes. Flowy lands a left hook and the crowd applauds the end of the round.

Round Three

A stiff jab for Maxximus lands and Flowy seems to be a lot more wise about the overhand right. Maxximus lands with both hands while Flowy’s back is to the ropes. Exchanges from both are well blocked at this point until Maxximus gets home with an overhand. Flowy is looking to load up the right hand but the bout ends.

On the strength of his connections, particularly the overhand right, Marcus Maxximus gets the unanimous decision.

FIGHT FIVE

Glenn Altman v. Glenn Barrett

Round One

Altman comes out wild and is pressing the action. Barrett begins to land the right hand and Altman gives it respect. Barrett connects with a right hand followed by a lead hook and just appears to be landing the harder and cleaner punches. Altman attempts to use his feet but eats numerous right hands and a shot to the body.

Round Two

Hard exchanges mark the start of the second. Barrett connects with a straight right, an overhand and a right hand lead. He lands a stiff jab and a 1-2 and Altman just can’t adjust his strategy. Barrett gets home with a left hook before the round is out.

Round Three

Altman comes out with some purpose for the third but Barrett ducks a shot before shooting a right hook. Barrett is simply the busier fighter as he peppers Altman with straight punches and overhand rights. Barrett begins to land combinations and Altman, although aggressive, seems ineffective.

In controlling the fight from start to finish, Glenn Barrett wins a unanimous decision.

FIGHT SIX

Big Mo v. Kapital J

Round One

The much larger Mo goes right to work utilising his size and lands a couple of right hands. He seems confident and is dictating the fight early. Another Mo right hand spurs J on and action becomes a little wild. Mo is the far more effective puncher as he lands a 1-2 and is generally getting the better of the exchanges.

Round Two

They exchange furiously and Mo is coming out better. J is still coming forward but is getting tagged by straight punches. Mo lands an uppercut and J responds with a rip to the body. J seems gassed at this point and Mo connects with an overhand right, uppercut and left hook.

Round Three

J comes out with renewed resolve and connects with a 1-2. Mo attempts to get back into his groove but J won’t let him settle. They trade rights and J seems to have found his second wind. A Mo right hand, followed by hooks, seems to bring some order but J is still coming forward. Mo is going a great job of slipping and blocking and is relieved to hear the final bell.

Even though the crowd’s reaction was mixed, by having the all round better skills Big Mo goes home with a unanimous decision.

FIGHT SEVEN

Mike the Muss v. Paul Davis

Round One

Muss comes out, connects with a 1-2 and seems to have the better hands and movement at this early stage. Davis straight shots are thrown right down the pipe where he lands a stiff jab. A Muss lead hook sparks a hard exchange where the Muss lands another hook.

Round Two

The Muss goes to work with a three punch combination. Both land hard, winging shots however the Muss seems to be landing the more meaningful punches and is pushing the action. Davis is trying to come forward and they trade right hands.

Round Three

The final round begins with fire and they exchange hard punches. The Muss fires off a 1-2 followed by a lead hook. He connects with a couple of right hands with the second buckling Davis. The Muss doesn’t attempt to close the show at this point and Davis survives to see the final bell.

Mike the Muss wins a unanimous decision.

FIGHT EIGHT

Ricky Hita v. Dizzle

Round One

After trading jabs, the action turns wild and not much lands. Dizzle gets home with a right hand to the body. He continues his attention to the body and the rest of the round is relatively uneventful.

Round Two

Wild action continues in the second. Hita connects with a body rip and both steal shots during the hard exchanges. Hita lands a left hook and a right hand counter later in the round that hurts Dizzle.

Round Three

The action doesn’t let up in the third. Hita lands a heavy jab and both load up wild punches. Although there haven’t been many clean lands, the crowd is heavily entertained. Hita fires an uppercut and follows up with a couple of lead hooks. Both are pawing their shots as the bout ends.

Dizzle wins a majority decision.

Another quality night of boxing from the Lurkers and D.C. crew. Although there were no stoppages bouts were highly contested affairs that didn’t skimp on the action. Stefan Paladin was particularly impressive with his aggressive, non-stop action style. I last saw him drop a decision at ‘Fists of Steel’ and he seems to have responded positively since then. Marcus Maxximus also performed very well and that overhand right of his is a grenade when it lands.

ICNZ11

*Note: The original can be found at http://www.nzfighters.com/homenews.php?id=1

June 27, 2010

From The Auckland Boxing Association

The A.B.A was packed full of MMA enthusiasts for ICNZ11. The first ICNZ card was held at the Auckland Boxing Association in November 2007 and, due to the surging popularity of mixed martial arts, they have always been a rousing success. The latest instalment would prove no different as the A.B.A was bursting at the seams!

The patrons would be delivered 12 high class mixed martial arts bouts which included 7 ‘B Class’ bouts, 4 ‘A Class’ bouts (all 3*3 minute rounds) and then the ICNZ Featherweight title contest between Doug “Dynamite” Higgins and Adam “Soldier” Calver which would be contested over 5*3 minute rounds.

B CLASS FIGHTS SPONSORED BY MMAGEAR

Lightweight:

Daman Saini (Carnage MMA) v. Tristan Watson (Maai Hyoshi)

Round 1

Saini comes out pawing with the jab but looks jittery. Watson fires a leg kick and shoots for the clinch. They both wrestle but Watson manages to take him down. From there he shows great jiu-jitsu as he manages to transition into the mount. Saini tries to tie up Watson’s arms but his grappling is proving to be ineffective. Saini rolls over, to his detriment, as Watson now has back control. A couple of softening blows later and Watson has a rear naked choke. Saini taps out with 1:47 left in the opening round.

Lightweight:

Daniel Pritchard (Integrated Fighting) v. Richard Wong (Fury MMA)

Round 1

The match starts furiously and Wong manages a take down, he works himself into a mount. He escapes Pritchard’s guillotine but finds himself back in guard. He works back into the mount but Pritchard bucks and they end up in the ropes where the referee has to stand them up, narrowly escaping a rear naked choke. Wong immediately goes for the clinch and lands a right hand as they break. Pritchard rallies with strikes as Wong appears to tire. Wong attempts another takedown and gets into his opponents half-guard before the round ends.

Round 2

Wong lands a right hand and takes Pritchard down right off the bat. He is, by far, the superior grappler and he works back into half-guard. The referee stands them back up as they move into the ropes and a huge Pritchard right hand buckles Wong. They clinch and Wong attempts to deliver some knees. Pritchard shows the power in his hands and is hurting Wong, who responds by shooting for the legs and eventually takes Pritchard down. The referee gets them back on their feet where Pritchard drops another right hand. Wong achieves a take down but Pritchard sweeps from the guard and the bell saves Wong from Pritchard, who has mounted him and winging shots.

Round 3

Round 3 starts and Pritchard’s hands are on fire. A one-two makes Wong aware of the striking disparity. Pritchard drops Wong with strikes and Wong’s resolve is starting to look thin. Wong gets another takedown but is lacking in energy to do anything offensive. He tries for the back and Pritchard is slippery in escape. The bout ends and Wong wins a majority decision with his superior grappling and successful takedowns.

Middleweight:

Geoff Speedy (Journey MMA) v. Danny Wairasi (Faith MMA)

Round 1

Wairasi comes out with fire in his belly and loads up a right hand. Wairasi’s hands are wrecking balls and another right has Speedy dazed. Even though Speedy is responding, Wairasi is just throwing everything with bad intentions. Another dynamite right hand drops Speedy and the referee has seen enough. An impressive Wairasi wins by big KO in 33 seconds of the opening stanza.

Lightweight:

Brayden Goldring (Team Submission) v. Gareth Carter (AMMA)

Round 1

Goldring lands kicks to the legs and mid and eludes a takedown attempt. They clinch and Carter pushes them to the ropes where he works for a takedown, Goldring’s resistance is strong but eventually succumbs to the attempts. Carter transitions from side control to north-south and works for an arm bar. This is stifled, and Goldring gets back onto his feet. Carter clinches and is going for another take down. From his back, Golding attempts an arm bar but Carter escapes and finishes the round in his half guard.

Round 2

Golding gets home with a jab but Carter responds with a right hand lead. They clinch and both look for a takedown. Goldring rolls onto his stomach with Carter on top. Carter works back into Goldring’s guard, postures and starts raining down blows as the round ends, he is clearly the dominant fighter on the ground at this point.

Round 3

Carter starts the third by going for the takedown but can’t get it. They clinch and Carter takes him off his feet and slams him to the mat where he is in side control. He transitions into north-south and attempts another arm bar. Golding escapes and goes after an arm bar of his own with everything. He extends Carters arm but is lifted and slammed. Now in Golding’s guard, Carter works his ground’n’pound game but can’t seem to progress into anything more dominant. He postures and is throwing the kitchen sink as the round ends.

The judges’ scorecards read a majority draw, meaning a deciding round will be fought much to the delight of the appreciative audience.

Round 4

Carter shoots but is caught in a standing guillotine. A huge Carter slams and the crowd erupts. Carter goes back to his ground’n’pound then transitions, first into half guard and then north-south where he tries for another arm bar. Golding escapes and returns the attempt before the round ends.

In a hugely crowd pleasing performance, Carter wins a majority decision.

Super Middleweight:

Paora Smith (Integrated Fighting) v. Dean Gray (Fightclub Taranaki)

Round 1

Gray shoots early but is caught in a guillotine figure-four. Smith must be a mechanic as he is just wrenching Gray’s neck. Gray drops Smith on his back but can’t escape the python like grip. The referee steps in and Gray is completely out. Paora Smith wins as the referee stops the fight with 2:13 left in the first round.

Super Welterweight:

Bash Tahu (Independent) v. Toby Fitzpatrick (Ground Control, Hamilton Hawks)

Round 1

Wasting no time, Fitzpatrick shoots and lands a takedown. Tahu has no answer for Fitzpatrick’s grappling and, in blink, he is subjected to side-control, north-south and then is tapped out with an arm bar. Fitzpatrick shows his awesome jiu-jitsu skills in making Tahu tap out in 36 seconds.

Lightweight:

Eddie Davis (East Coast BJJ) v. Ev Ting (AMMA)

Round 1

Ting immediately takes Davis down and mounts. He hurriedly attempts an arm bar but Davis gets back to his feet. Davis shows good hands as they both exchange. They clinch where Ting lands a couple of knees, he has Davis in the corner and Davis is attempting a guillotine. Ting lands a kick to the leg but is missing the fancier kicks in his arsenal. Ting slips a punch and lands punches to the body and head. Davis takes him to the deck and is working for his back but Ting sweeps into side-control.

Round 2

Both land punches at the beginning of the second and they clinch in close. Ting takes Davis down, is in his half-guard and working his ground and pound. Davis escapes and rolls into side control. The referee stands them up but they immediately clinch. The both fall onto the matt where Davis ends up in Ting’s guard. Ting attempts a triangle choke but Davis works free and they both stand up. Ting whips another leg kick and gets a take down.

Round 3

They both clinch straight away and Ting bulls him against the ropes and lands in side control as it goes to ground. Ting gets caught in Davis half-guard but transitions to side-control and postures up. Davis escapes, they both stand up where Ting lands another stinging leg kick. They again go to ground after a clinch where Davis attempts an armbar. He is still trying to free Ting’s arm as the bout comes to an end.

The referee’s cards all read a draw and a fourth round is called.

Round 4

They exchange hands immediately and Ting lands a right of note. From a clinch, they tumble to the deck where Davis mounts Ting. Ting is very aware of Davis attempts to get his back and manages to sweep into guard. Davis attempts a triangle choke, where he is lifted and slammed. Ting just can’t loosen Davis’ grip and pushes Ting’s head onto the matt. The referee deducts a point which may prove to be vital in such a close contests. Ting tries to make up for it by landing a right hand and taking Davis down from a clinch but it is simply not enough as Davis comes away with a unanimous decision.

A CLASS FIGHTS SPONSORED BY SUPPLEMENTS.CO.NZ

Welterweight:

Simon Mence (Huntly Kickboxing) v. Andrew Craven (GroundControl)

Round 1

Mence comes out furiously winging shots and looks like he is simply trying to overpower Craven. It goes to the deck, with Mence in Craven’s guard but the latter, a purple belt, seems comfortable on his back. Mence is attempting to posture and drop punches but not much is landing. Craven gets back to his feet but Mence, the far better striker, catches him and sits him back down. On the deck, Craven gets in Mence’s guard and then transitions to mount where he starts dropping punches. Unfortunately, there is not much heat in Craven’s hands. Mence gives up his back and Craven attempts a rear naked choke. Mence escapes, and manages to get to his feet where he takes Craven down. He backs off Craven and implores him to stand and trade with him as the round ends.

Round 2

Mence starts the second showing all the fire he has in his fists. Craven ties him up, tosses him to the mat and attains mount but Mense is hanging onto his neck which prevents him posturing up. Mense uses his hips to sweep and ends up in Craven’s guard, who himself sweeps and ends up in side-control. Mense rolls over exposing his back whilst Craven has worked himself onto his back and is trying to soften Mense up with punches so that he can apply a rear naked choke. He just can’t extend Mense enough. They both get to their feet however Craven knows that he is outgunned. Mense is back to winging heavy shots but nothing of note lands as Craven covers up and sneaks in a lazy right counter. Mense responds with a leg kick and left hand upstairs. Craven connects with another right hand but, due to his obvious lack of power, it is of little effect. Mense shoots and Craven takes him to ground, who ends the round in side-control.

Round 3

Mense begins the third by landing a right hand after missing a jab. He lands some more wild punches which has Craven covering. Craven does the wise thing and takes Mense to the ground where he is in his opponents guard and can drop punches. Mense’s defence means that Craven can attain mount however his follow up barrage of punches have little on them.

All three judges scorecard read a draw, so a fourth and deciding round will be contested.

Round 4

Craven shoots for a takedown but is met with knees. The fight goes to the ground with Mense on top. Mense gets back to his feet and Craven has a hold of one leg, looking to take it back to the deck whilst Mense punishes him with punches. Craven finally brings Mense down where he gets on his back and starts throwing punches. You really wish Craven’s punches had a little more heat, he would have surely have ended the fight as he was always in great position. Mense is trying to work out of the mount but is eating shots for his efforts. Craven wins unanimous decision on the back of his dominant grappling position in the fourth round.

Super Middleweight:

Nassah Steed (East Coast BJJ) v. Phillip Lindsay (Gracie Oceania Dunedin)

Round 1

Steed wastes no time in dishing out a huge right hand which has Lindsay in trouble. Lindsay shoots for the takedown and is caught in a guillotine but he breaks free and ends up on his back in the guard position. They both make it to their feet briefly before the fight returns to the mat. Steed is in Linday’s half-guard until Lindsay sweeps himself into his opponents guard. Steed positions himself for an arm bar and Lindsay postures out of it. Lindsay now has side-control which he transitions into mount, then back-control and attempts a rear naked choke. Steed manages to turn himself around but he is mounted and takes a couple of shots. Steed can’t escape the mount and gives up his back as the round ends.

Round 2

Both go to the ground where Lindsay goes from side-control to north-south. Steed gives up his back where Lindsay attempts sink in a choke. He spends some time on Steeds back finding openings to land punches. Lindsay is able to isolate an arm, applies an arm bar and Steed taps out with 46 seconds left in the round.

Super Lightweight:

Simo Postings (Team Submission) v. Mark Andrew (Fightclub Takanini)

Round 1

Both trade hands early and Andrew has the straighter shots that utilize his advantage in height and reach. “Slammin’ Simo” shoots for a takedown, picks Andrew up and slams him to the mat. Postings is in Andrew’s half guard where Andrew unsuccessfully tries to sweep. Postings is back on his feet and drops a big right on Andrew before getting back in his guard. He wings looping shots from on top to end the round.

Round 2

The both clinch early and Postings throws wild punches on the break before shooting, picking Andrew up and slamming him. Postings is attempting to posture up for much of the round however the defensively minded Andrew is hanging onto his neck. He manages to posture briefly but Andrew is covering and hangs onto Postings when he gets near.

Round 3

Andrew gets home with straight shots before then clinch and he is on top when it goes to the ground. Postings attempts to stand up but Andrew is hanging on and clinching. They bounce off the ropes and when they land on the mat Postings is in Andrew’s half-guard where they remain. It’s difficult for Postings to progress with any offense as Andrew is only playing defence. So defensive, in fact, that it’s difficult to score any of the rounds for him as he is just not being proactive in engaging. Postings lands some knees to the body on the ground before ending up back in Andrew’s half-guard. Postings postures up and gets home a big right hand at the bell. Even with Andrew’s defence stifling most of the action, Postings gets a unanimous decision due to his takedowns and proactivity.

Note: Postings did not make weight and was deducted a point as a result

Super Middleweight:

Kingi Williams (East Coast BJJ) v. Nick Daly (Southern Tribes)

Round 1

Daly loads a right hand to say hello and he is the stronger fighter in the early exchanges. He uses his extensive wrestling (as a former New Zealand rep) to control Williams early. Williams wriggles free and is back on his feet but brought back down to the deck courtesy of a great double-arm overhead suplex. Daly ends up in Williams’ guard and lands right hands to the body and head however this is caught by his opponent and Williams attempts an arm bar. Daly has some novel escapes and uses his knees from side-control.

Round 2

The both clinch at the start of the second and Daly tags him with a right when they break. Daly’s wrestling is really keeping him dominant and he transitions from half-guard to north-south. From any position Daly looks comfortable and dangerous and he attempts to mount Williams who catches him in a Kimura. Daly resists and wriggles free however now Williams has mounted him and raining shots down. For the first time in the bout, Daly looks without an answer.

Round 3

The both clinch and Daly attempts a hip toss. He wrestles Williams to the ground and is on his back. Williams’ jiu-jitsu comes through as he rolls out of it but takes punches in the process and is now in Daly’s half-guard. Daly attempts to roll but Williams gets his back. Daly sweeps himself into his opponents guard then, in a flash, Williams swings his leg over Daly’s shoulder isolating an arm and applies an arm bar. He extends himself, and Daly’s arm, which is too much pressure and Daly taps out with only 8 seconds left in the bout.

PRO CLASS TITLE FIGHT SPONSORED BY NZMMA.TV

Featherweight:

Adam Calver (Fightshop) v. Doug Higgins (SMAC)

Round 1

Former New Zealand kickboxing champ Higgins tries to assert his pedigree early with stinging kicks to Calver’s legs and mid. They exchange punches and Higgins looks the far sharper striker. They clinch however Higgins hip tosses Calver and ends up in his guard. Calver tries for a triangle choke but can’t sink it in as Higgins lifts him clear off the matt and slams him until he lets go. On their feet, Higgins showcases the power in his hands before taking down Carver hard. Higgins is back on his feet and lands a big right hand on a downed Higgins. Both stand where Higgins, once again, lets the dynamite in his knuckles do the talking. The disparity in class is more than apparent at the end of the round.

Round 2

Carver starts the second by whipping a pair of leg kicks. He eats a right hand for his trouble. Higgins replies with his own leg kick before returning to his fists. Why Carver continues to strike with this man is beyond me, if anything, you can’t say that he is not game. Higgins gets home with a left that staggers Carver back to the ropes, Higgins leaps in with a flying knee which hurts Carver and has him buckling against the ropes. The follow up assault politely relieves Carver of his senses and the referee steps in. With a powerful performance, “Dynamite” Doug Higgins wins the ICNZ Featherweight title with a second round knockout. Official time was 52 seconds.

Another quality event at the A.B.A! All fights provided the patrons with excitement and there wasn’t a dull moment. Danny Wairasi was particularly impressive on debut and has the kind of hand power to be very successful. One can only feel sorry for the future opponents that face him when he has had some experience in the ring. Phillip Lindsay hung tough against some heavy fire and managed to submit his opponent in showcasing some great jiu-jitsu and Doug Higgins looked near unstoppable in destroying Adam Calver. Higgins looked the most rounded fighter of the night and will undoubtedly be savouring his time as champion. Congratulations.

Scorecard: Mayweather – Marquez

From the MGM Grand, Las Vegas

I really touched on this the morning before the fight in my previous post. If you don’t know, then you better ‘aks’ somebody. This ppv card looks fairly strong with three titles being contested and the other bout having serious effect on the pound for pound debate.

Featherweights: Cornelius Lock (18-4-1, 11 KOs) vs. Orlando Cruz (16-0-1, 7 KOs), 10 rounds

In a battle of southpaws, undefeated Cruz locked horns with Cornelius Lock for the vacant WBO NABO featherweight title. Cruz’s last contest was a stoppage victory over the undefeated Leonilo Miranda whilst Lock had dropped a decision to Antonio Escalante. I don’t know quite what to say about the WBO, for they seem to rank hyped up fighters beating up nobodies rather than on any legit criteria.

As soon as the fight starts the three-inch height disparity (in favour of Lock) is all the more apparent. Lock smartly looks to jab with Cruz looking to go inside. Lock hurts Cruz with a right then has him down with a left, and in trouble when he rises, but somehow he escapes the opening stanza. In the third Lock starts to bang the body and Cruz looks like his punch resistance is back. This round is hard fought with both rallying hard in the final 30 seconds. Lock begins to look tired and Cruz is able to come forward until the fifth when he is just stretched out by lead right hook.

Lock’s career seems to be very inconsistent and thus the fight played out the same way. After a massive opening round, and a fairly strong second, he seemed to become weary and let off the pressure. Thank god he landed that hook…

Lightweights: Vicente Escobedo (21-1, 13 KOs) vs. Michael Katsidis (25-2, 21 KOs), 12 rounds, for vacant interim WBO lightweight title;

This fight was for the interim WBO lightweight title. Aussie banger Katsidis has a high knockout ratio, but seems to stumble in every big test as he dropped decisions to Juan Diaz and Joel Casamayor. In comparison, Escobedo’s, a 2004 US Olympian, biggest wins were over aging Kevin Kelley and Carlos Hernandez. As the fighters enter, yours truly is made to look like an idiot. For I had just ranted to an MMA loving friend (I also like MMA) about how MMA fighters walking into the ring in ‘bogan couture’ t-shirts and hats showed a severe lack of class. Enter Katsidis, in a Spartan helmet. Ugh….

The fight begins with Escobedo jabbing and Katsidis darting in and out and landing power punches. Katsidis is exterting a massive amount of pressure and you almost hope that he had more on the end of the punches. Katsidis is cut in the from an accidental headbutt. Katsidis seems to be slowing in the second and third as Escobedo’s countering stifles any attack. Katsidis needs to give him more angles as he just bores in. He starts to land hard shots at the end of the third, fourth and is just bulling him around the ring by the fifth. Every time Katsidis gets in the clinch he makes Escobedo pay, who now is looking sheepish and like he is being overwhelmed by Katsidis pressure. Escobedo has no jab (to establish) in the sixth and is starting to look weary. He manages to steal the seventh however and starts to counter effectively. This is shortlived as Katisidis pressure is simply too much for Escobedo, who just can’t keep him off. The rest of the fight plays out exactly the same with Katsidis coming forward and landing and Escobedo looking to simply survive.

Katsidis was in control for almost the entire distance of the fight. He just comes forward and applies pressure – hard. Which is entertaining however his punches have no where quite the sting that his record suggests. Hopefully more serious foes are his reward but anyone who can box is simply gonna be too much.

Featherweights: Chris John (42-0-2, 22 KOs) vs. Rocky Juarez (28-4-1, 20 KOs), 12 rounds

The generally accepted best featherweight in the world, John, last fought Juarez in February and was completely screwed in getting a draw. This rematch was for John’s WBA featherweight strap and, hopefully, to correct a wrong.

The bout starts slowly with Juarez coming forward and John putting on a textbook boxing display. It’s a shame that John, in his second fight in the US, has so little power (despite 22 stoppages on his ledger) as he boxes beautifully and is soaking up everything Juarez can throw. Rocky is starting to catch John a little more by the fourth but John’s boxing is simply too strong. Juarez kicks up the pace in the fifth and is clearly frustrated with John’s class. As the fight progresses John looks to be willing to trade with Juarez who just can’t make him pay. Middle and latter rounds are more of the same however John starts cracking Juarez with right hands in the 11th. Juarez is still moving well but he is clearly being outclassed as John is beating Juarez to the punch every time he tries to mount an offense. The final round sees John starting to tire and Juarez still coming forward, he manages to rock John but can’t close the show as John stifles the momentum with return fire. Another round would have seen John down.

John wins a unanimous decision to right the awful draw Juarez was gifted in their last bout. With this, John has now made 12 defenses of his featherweight crown and is clearly the best in the division.

Welterweights: Floyd Mayweather Jr. (39-0, 25 KOs) vs. Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs), 12 rounds

Former pound for pound king Mayweather returns to warm up against present p4p #2 and lightweight titlist Marquez, who owns a draw and a split decision loss to Pacquiao. Although both great fighters, and with Mayweather returning from a long layoff, no matter how much they promote this fight (which was a bunch) will make me think that Marquez is big enough to compete at 147.

Money is moving surprisingly well in the first round and staying well out of reach of Marquez. He is clearly stronger and looks unfazed when Marquez lands a three punch combo. Marquez wants to brawl in the 2nd stanza and lands a great right hand, Mayweather responds by sitting him down with a left hook. Marquez is up, and looks ok but Mayweather is already in total control and Marquez is already winging ineffectual punches. Mayweather looks fast, sharp and like the layoff hasn’t affected his movement at all as he avoids Marquez’s flurries with ease. Marquez is still chasing but can’t catch Floyd, even when he corners him. The middle rounds see Floyd boxing superbly, countering the daylights out of Marquez – who is being straight dismantled. Although game, there is no way Marquez can hang with this. Rounds eight and nine sees Floyd further exert his will, potshotting, countering and generally showcasing his skills with great efficiency. He buckles Marquez in the ninth with a one-two. Money has no respect for Marquez’s offense by the 10th and is been able to come forward with ease for the last three rounds. Marquez seems desperate and knows that he is not of this class (or size). The final round sees Floyd land at will but not with the intent of finishing this. Marquez is simply too proud to go down.

Easy decision for Floyd – who about won every round (120-107 by my card). Mayweather looked absolutely spectacular as he took Marquez to school. If Money could please use these skills on someone his own size (although Pacquiao is smaller I would totally take it). The best part of this was watching Mosley confront Mayweather at the post fight interview and then seeing Floyd drop his nuts live on ppv. You know you won’t fight Sugar Shane till he is older than 40 Floyd – so please don’t act like you will.

Scorecard: Cotto - Clottey

From Madison Square Garden, New York

Leading up to this bout, I got the feeling that this fight was going to be severely underestimated. Since Cotto’s brutal (and highly controversial) beating at the hands of Margarito last July (in a fight that would have to be considered one of the best in welterweight history), Cotto had taken some time away from boxing to recover came back to look impressive (although never really tested) in despatching Michael Jennings for the vacant and lightly regarded WBO crown. In his first real test since his stoppage loss he comes up against the tough-as-all-get-out Clottey. Clottey, whose only previous losses were a DQ loss to Carlos Manuel Baldomir and a unanimous decision loss to Margarito, is practically undentable and generally avoided for being on the wrong end of the payoff/effort ratio. His last bout was a nine round techinical decision win over Zab Judah however this bout against Cotto would be his first “big fight”.


Middleweights: Matvey Korobov (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Loren Myers (7-4, 2 KOs), 4 rounds

I can’t seem to turn on the tv now without seeing Korobov in action. Seriously – it’s like something out of The Truman Show. This has always been a good thing as the former Russian Olympian’s aggressive style and heavy hands make him a joy to watch. I didn’t know a thing about Loren Myers but, with a 7-4 record, I thought it was probably more likely that he had heard of me.

Korobov quickly establishes control of the centre of the ring. Myers is looking to throw but Korobov moves and counters well first with a straight left and then he wobbles Myers with a two piece. Korobov brings his usual aggression and high punch output and Myers looks overmatched as he is being hit and hurt almost at will. Myers seems game though and, although he is sloppy, is looking at Korobov’s body. The second round sees more of the same with Korobov hunting down Myers and landing crisp combinations. A great uppercut lands yet Myers doesn’t seem fazed. Korobov’s head movement and defence look fantastic in this round as he dodges well leaving Myers seem ineffectual. This only serves to motivate Myers and he starts to bring, albeit wild, pressure in the third. Korobov seems bigger and a lot stronger and he is able to manhandle Myers in the clinches. Korobov’s work rate has slowed down considerably and you begin to question whether he is just fighting too often. I mean his punches are landing but not with the same impact they had in his previous bouts, which I guess could in part be attributed to the gameness of Myers who just won’t quit. Korobov lands a couple of good hooks and Myers offence just seems to be about throwing without trying to establish any kind of calculated assault. As the fourth and final round starts you know that this fight is in the bag. Korobov is too far ahead and, with the uneducated handbags being thrown by Myers, you know that he is not going to be stopped. Korobov lands a great three punch combo and spends the entire round throwing single shots, all of which land. Myers still believes like the way a kid thinks he could fly if he just believes enough (which is cute) and is looking for one big shot. He is just trying anything including drawing Korobov into a brawl, a ploy which is only going to work against his cause. He finishes the fight trying to bull Korobov around the ring. The result is never in doubt – 40-36 to Korobov.

Myers gains the distinction of the first person to finish standing against Korobov as a pro. You expected a lot more of Korobov in this fight who almost looked too relaxed in dominating from start to finish. Only being four rounds, and against a 7-4 opponent, this was a backward step for Korobov who seemed to be just getting the rounds in. The Russian’s future looks bright however he either needs to be stepping up in opposition or stretching out lesser opponents in exactly these types of fights. The consolation is that, with still half a year left, he could and will probably have another 4 or 5 fights before 2009 is out.


Welterweights: Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) vs. Joshua Clottey (35-3, 21 KOs), 12 rounds for Cotto’s WBO Welterweight title

Listening to the commentary before this fight would make you think that the result is a foregone conclusion. It’s all pro Cotto who is a regular fixture on the eve of the National Puerto Rican Day parade. Close to every one of the 18,000 at the MSG are chanting his name and you are almost shocked to see Clottey supporters and the Ghanaian flag. You just can’t stop Clottey however and I reason that this fight is going to be fairly close with Cotto still dominating. If Margarito (and the possibility of loaded gloves) can’t stop him then I doubt Cotto will do likewise. Clottey gives up his IBF welterweight title in order to facilitate this bout between two of the top fighters in the sports premier division.

Both come out trying to find their range and establish the jab. Cotto seems to be doing much of the coming forward and lands a nice counter right. Clottey lands a hard jab and Cotto comes back with a great combination to the body. Clotteys jab looks sharp and he manages to land a couple of counter rights. Clottey is off balance as Cotto lands a jab that puts the Ghanaian on the seat of his pants near the end of the round. Clottey is up and doesn’t look hurt. The second sees both fighters go to the body with Cotto landing a good combo and Clottey looking to rip. Cotto seems to be doing the majority of the work and pushing the pace of the fight. The round ends with both fighters looking to be aggressive. The next round sees Clottey’s defence tighten up, he looks strong when he is throwing but it is not doing so nearly enough. When he does finally come forward he does well but is picked off by the sharper Cotto. Cotto is cut above his eye by an accidental clash of heads.

At the beginnging of the fourth Cotto is bleeding profusely which must be affecting his vision. I reason that Clottey must be at least half vampire as seeing all this blood spurs him into action (no one finds me amusing). Both fighters wing punches and Cotto manages to land with some jabs and uppercuts. The cut above his eye just looks nasty and there is blood everywhere. Clottey catches Cotto and backs him into a corner but doesn’t follow up and Cotto unloads a good combination before the round is out. Clottey begins to turn it on over the middle rounds as he tags Cotto and paws at the cut over his eye. The drop in vision means that Clottey’s right hand is starting to find it’s range, especially if it is on the back of one of those hard jabs. During a clinch in the fifth, Clottey takes a tumble to the ground where he writhes in a pain that could only be experienced by an actress or a professional soccer player. The referee obviously isn’t into either drama or comedy and he gives Clottey a short breather then urges the bout back on. Clottey initially seems to be favouring his knee, however that seems to come right when he lands punches. Clottey is bringing more leather but never seems to be capitalizing. Cotto lands which backs Clottey up and the rest of the sixth round is Cotto teeing off on Clottey in the corner. Clottey’s workrate takes a dive and you just don’t understand the reasoning. There are not many fighters out there who can win by throwing less punches. A Cotto uppercut gets Clottey’s attention but he is making no effort to get out of the corner. Cotto looks sharp and strong during the sixth and is able to land punches that would down a lesser opponent.

Clottey snaps Cotto’s head back with an uppercut during the seventh and takes control by backing up Cotto with hard, straight shots. Cotto seems a little out of gas and you know the cut is bothering him as he uses his feet to escape the oncoming Clottey. This is by far Clottey’s best round thus far (after his worse round in the sixth). The fight swings back and forth during the eighth with both fighters having offensive periods. Clottey is getting the better of these exchanges and he bangs Cotto with two uppercuts. Cotto is starting to look a little weary, like the ghost of Margarito is putting the wind up him, and for brief periods he seems to doubt himself. He starts to move a lot more and is avoiding any heavy exchanges. At the end of the round Cotto backs him into a corner and unloads however Clottey shakes his head in defiance as nothing seems to have had an affect.

Clottey looks much stronger as the fight progresses and is now coming forward the majority of the time. The fight has indeed swung his way but Clottey needs to have more output if he wants to take control. Cotto starts to box cleverly during the tenth and never really lets Clottey set himself and snaps Clottey’s head back at the end of the round. The championship rounds see Cotto stick and move well, when Clottey is actually able to set himself and throw he is picked off. Cotto is really trying to win these final rounds and is landing fantastic straight shots both upstairs and down.

Going into this final round you had the feeling that both fighters needed it but only one really wanted it. Clottey, who had taken control from the seventh, is coming forward but without any real desire. It’s almost like he thinks he can sleepwalk his way to a decision. Clottey once again gains my ire when he turns his back to Cotto then complains when is hit in the back of the head. He is at it again after a Cotto shot lands slightly south of the border. You get the feeling that his theatrics are part of his frustration as Cotto’s middle round hiatus is well over and he effectively transitioned from puncher to boxer. The last ten seconds of the fight sees Clottey throw caution to the wind but it not enough.

Cotto gains a split decision win in his most gruelling test since the Margarito bout. Clottey is complaining about the decision but, although it was a close fight, he seemed both unable and unwilling to take definitive control when he had the chance. His flopping and excessive complaining have no place in the ring and probably only made it easier to score the fight for Cotto. For the record, I scored it 117-114 for Cotto and can appreciate the argument that it could have gone either way. To say that it was a clearly a Clottey win suggests foolishness, excessive drug use or both.

Although a loss, this bout was good for Clottey who proved himself on the big stage. It’s unfortunate that he is so tough as he is clearly avoided by the biggest names but he could probably campaign for bouts against Mosley and Paul Williams, both of whom will fight anyone (and hopefully each other soon). Cotto managed to shake off the demons of his sole loss and once again established himself as one of the top fighters in the division. A bout with Pacquiao, who was in attendance, looks to be more nigh than ever and is one of the top bouts the sport can make.

Scorecard: Pacquiao - Hatton

From the MGM Grand, Las Vegas.

The boxing fraternity, nay the world, had been buzzing for weeks about the prospect of a Hatton-Pacquiao stoush. After massive problems in negotiating the fight, the date was set and I spent everyday since hoping that nothing could derail it. The day finally came and I was prepared to simply be entertained.


Junior Middleweight: Erislandy Lara (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Chris Gray (11-7, 1 KOs), 4 rounds

Cuban prospect Lara comes to the ring and looks ripped up and tight whilst Gray looks the journeyman and every bit his 11-7 record. Lara is aggressive from the bell, establishing the jab and moving well. He drives Grey to the ropes with straights to the body and seems intent on exploiting the soft body of Gray. Grey is staggered by a left in the second and reverts to survival mode without any real intent on establishing an attack. Lara seems to be landing straight shots at will whilst Grey paws. Grey comes to fight in the third going to the body and head, although not many of his shots are penetrating Lara’s guard. The fourth is much like the third, the gulf in class is apparent as Lara works the one-two and looks for the uppercut. Gray ends the round, and the fight, winging wild shots to no effect.

You have a feeling that this would have been more of a contest if Gray had came in shape – but the reality of it is that he didn’t. All three judges gave Lara the nod and every round – 40-36. I also gave it by this margin. Lara is ready for the next step.


Super Middleweights: Matt Korobov (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Anthony Bartinelli (20-12, 13 KOs), 8 rounds

The last time we saw Korobov he looked impressive in toying with, then dispatching, Cory Jones in four rounds on the Pavlik-Rubio undercard. He is aggressive and strong – a real crowd pleaser. Replacement Bartinelli comes to fight and, although he has twelve losses, only has 3 losses by stoppage. He will be tested by Korobov.

Korobov starts the fight with a big right that gets Bartinelli’s attention and spends the rest of the round jabbing and going to the body. Korobov looks relaxed and shows a remarkable amount of poise considering this is only his fourth pro bout. He connects with a big left then, later, a big right and Bartinelli responds. Bartinelli doesn’t look like he will be with us for long. He starts the second aggressively and Korobov matches it. Korobov dishes out a four-punch combo that has Bartinelli on the deck and he makes it up by 8. He revisits said deck after a powerful flurry but is up again. Korobov completely disregards Bartinelli’s power and is serving up fast, powerful combos. Bartinelli is trapped in the corner and taking shots as the referee takes mercy.

You gotta love Korobov, for he is a great finisher. After only five pro fights, where he is stepping up the opposition every time, he looks like a fighter who is going to catapulted into the world rankings. Fights well, finishes spectacularly, exciting to watch. ‘Nuff said.


Middleweight: Daniel Jacobs (15-0, 14 KOs) vs. Michael Walker (19-1-2, 12 KOs), 8 rounds

Undefeated prospect Jacobs took on the once defeated Walker over 8 rounds at 160. Jacobs starts the fight throwing good combinations that are picked off well by Walker. Jacobs continues to throw leather but unfortunately not much lands. The second sees Walker throw more but he looks sloppy compared to the crisp punching of Jacobs. Jacobs combos are effective and end on Walker’s body. Walker begins to come forward a lot more as the round progresses. This continues in the third and Jacobs spins him into a corner and starts going to work but his punches are coming one at a time. Jacobs is using his height and movement well until Walker clinches and throws him to the ground. He is warned by the referee and threatened by disqualification. Walker is particularly more aggressive now however he can not take the round from Jacobs. The fourth sees Walker trap Jacobs on the ropes but his offense is almost completely picked off. Jacobs strikes low in the fifth and Walker has reverted to winging wild shots. The next couple of rounds are sloppy and you wish that Jacobs had more power to end it but he just can’t dent Walker’s jaw. The eighth and final shows Walker coming fired whilst Jacobs looks uninspired and closes the fight avoiding the action.

Jacobs comes away with a unanimous decision (80-72 twice and 79-73) in a tough match which tested both Jacobs skill and will. Jacobs would need a far stronger performance against a guy the same level as Walker in order to be considered anywhere near the top of the middleweight division. Walker’s 0 will fall sooner rather than later.


Super Featherweight: Humberto Soto (47-7-2, 30 KOs) vs. Benoit Gaudet (20-1, 7 KOs), 12 rounds

Soto, the WBC Super Feather titlist, took on light punching Canadian contender Gaudet over 12 rounds. Soto comes to swing and has had an impressive run of stoppages over the past four years. Gaudet, by comparison, hadn’t faced anyone really of note and this was to be only his second fight outside of Canada.

Soto starts hard dropping Gaudet with a three-punch combo that ended with a lead hook in the opening stanza. He continues to look strong and seems intent on hurting Gaudet who is doing a lot of moving. Gaudet continues to run well into the second when he finally starts throwing. Soto is aggressive as hell and their exchanges intensify until into the third. Soto seems so much stronger than Gaudet and stalks him around the ring. Gaudet is moving and mounting useful attacks to the body until he is staggered by an overhand right. He continues to go to the body whilst Soto is looking to lay a hurting down. During the seventh a low Gaudet blow drops Soto, who is given a minute to recover whilst Gaudet is warned. Soto is immediately back on the offensive and, although Gaudet is slowing down, he has been most durable considering what has been thrown at him. His chin can only hold so long as he is dropped by an upper cut in the ninth during an exchange. Gaudet is back on his feet but is dropped again by a straight shot and the referee has seen enough.


Junior Welterweight: Manny Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) vs. Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs)

Does this fight really need any kind of intro? After collecting the heads of JM Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar De La Hoya in his last three bouts Pacquiao has staked a claim to being the best pound for pound fighter in the world today. With a win today he will tie the record (held of De La Hoya) of winning titles in six divisions and set the record with his fourth lineal title. Hatton, the champion, had recently stopped Paul Malignaggi. Both fighters bring a lot of power to the ring but the question was whether Pacquiao’s speed would be too much for Hatton’s intensity.

Round one couldn’t come soon enough and both fighters are looking to let their hands go. Pacquiao gets in a couple of good lead hooks and Hatton is looking to push the much smaller man around the ring. Both men let a hook go but Pacquiao’s gets home first and Hatton is down. He makes it back to his feet but is forced back into the ropes by the crisp, straight punching of Pacquiao who looks sharp as hell. Hatton tries to hold but Pacquiao breaks free and pops a pair of two-punch combos that have Hatton on his back again. Hatton is lucky to survive the round. He looks a lot better at the start of the second however Pacquiao is coming on strong and winning all the exchanges. Hatton is backed up by a straight left when suddenly Pacquiao lets a left hook go that turns out the lights. And I mean really out. The referee takes a momentary look at Hatton stretched out and unresponsive on the floor and decides not to kid anyone with the count.

Well, what can I say? From a fight that promised fireworks it delivered, however nobody expected it to be this one sided. Pacquiao was mercurial in easily dispatching the best fighter at 140 and the sky looks to be the limit. Already recognized as the pound for pound king, Pacquiao must now be recognized as the best fighter in the world - bar none. The final note I made on this fight reads simply, “Pacquiao is awesome”.

Scorecard: Cameron - Davis

From Gisborne, New Zealand

Heavyweight: Shane Cameron (22-1, 19 ko)vs. Robert Davis (32-9, 20ko)

Coming live from Gisborne, we are presented with world ranked heavyweight Shane Cameron’s homecoming bout against Robert Davis. Cameron seemed set to be an upper tier heavyweight until he was stopped by iron chinned Friday Ahunanya in November 2007. Since then he had won three in a row against very average opposition. Against Davis, who’s nine losses have included 7 by ko, Cameron has a chance to put on a show in front his loyal hometown.

Cameron, always in shape, looks exceptionally so and Davis looks…well… “soft” in the middle. Cameron looks to start the fight quickly but is caught by Davis which slows him down. The first couple of rounds are defined by Davis coming forward and looking to throw the one-two whilst Cameron pounds his soft midsection. There is a clash of heads in the second, which opens a cut between Cameron’s eyes. Davis is caught by a shot in the third but holds firm and throws in return. Cameron is just ripping the body and manages to tag Davis with another right hand. Davis looks strong, and is clearly bigger, but is getting caught with right hands that may not have an effect now but could be damaging if he doesn’t find an answer. Davis is wobbled at the end of the round but manages to survive. Round four continues along the same vein with Cameron punishing the body and occasionally catching Davis upstairs. Davis is once again hurt at the end of the round. The fifth is all Cameron who is stringing together combos and mixing it up well. Davis looks sluggish and the pounding his body has taken looks to be in effect. He no longer looks like he wants to be in the fight and clinches at every possibly moment which makes it hard for Cameron to get off. He is tough though as Cameron’s best are having limited effect. By the eighth Davis looks finished, not in a sense that he is going to be stopped but just due to the poor condition he came into this fight coupled with the hellish body attack Cameron has put on him. Davis is one shotting and it is amazing he still on his feet. In the ninth, however, he shows a renewed sense of vigor which seems to give Cameron purpose. Cameron is now intent of finishing it. The tenth shows Davis not giving any movement and Cameron throwing a heap of leather and looking for the uppercut. Davis manages to back up Cameron and wobbles him slightly. Cameron is landing the uppercut but Davis still seems unfazed. The fight is an absolute grind fest by the eleventh. Davis lands big and Cameron responds. Cameron is amazingly still bouncing on his feet and goes big on the offensive. Davis is on the ropes and not responding whilst Cameron finds enough gas to tee off and the referee calls a stop to the contest.

Cameron gets another late stoppage over another mid-level opposition. Fights like almost hurt his cause as he needed to be far more dominant. Cameron successfully defends his IBF Pan Pacific title although a prospective bout against David Tua, who was in attendance, is a far greater prize. If Cameron wants to make any kind of assault on the heavyweight division then a strong performance against David Tua and higher activity in general is needed.