Michel Rivera jabbed his way to an easy victory over Joseph Adorno on Saturday in Minneapolis.
Lightweight contender Michel Rivera needed only one weapon to outclass Joseph Adorno on the Tim Tszyu-Terrell Gausha card Saturday in Minneapolis.
Rivera used his long, accurate jab — with power shots thrown in here and there — to control the fight and win a unanimous-decision victory in a 10-round bout at The Armory.
All three judges scored it 97-93, seven rounds to three. Boxing Junkie scored it 99-91 for Rivera.
The gifted Rivera (23-0, 14 KOs) kept the jab in the face of Adorno (14-1-2, 12 KOs) for most of the fight. The Dominican followed with some combinations, although not enough of them to break Adorno down.
Meanwhile, Adorno couldn’t (or wouldn’t) find a way to get inside the jab consistently enough to give himself a chance to win the fight.
The Pennsylvania fighter was able to jump in and land power shots on occasion but he spent most of the fight at a distance where he couldn’t get anything done.
Rivera is ranked by all four of the major sanctioning bodies, No. 2 by the WBA, meaning a title fight is coming soon. He just needs to continue doing what he did on Saturday.
Michel Rivera jabbed his way to an easy victory over Joseph Adorno on Saturday in Minneapolis.
Lightweight contender Michel Rivera needed only one weapon to outclass Joseph Adorno on the Tim Tszyu-Terrell Gausha card Saturday in Minneapolis.
Rivera used his long, accurate jab — with power shots thrown in here and there — to control the fight and win a unanimous-decision victory in a 10-round bout at The Armory.
All three judges scored it 97-93, seven rounds to three. Boxing Junkie scored it 99-91 for Rivera.
The gifted Rivera (23-0, 14 KOs) kept the jab in the face of Adorno (14-1-2, 12 KOs) for most of the fight. The Dominican followed with some combinations, although not enough of them to break Adorno down.
Meanwhile, Adorno couldn’t (or wouldn’t) find a way to get inside the jab consistently enough to give himself a chance to win the fight.
The Pennsylvania fighter was able to jump in and land power shots on occasion but he spent most of the fight at a distance where he couldn’t get anything done.
Rivera is ranked by all four of the major sanctioning bodies, No. 2 by the WBA, meaning a title fight is coming soon. He just needs to continue doing what he did on Saturday.
For example, he got caught with punches he probably shouldn’t have taken. That might’ve been the result of overconfidence, which is something that can bite a fighter in the behind. He’s only 24. He’ll learn.
And he might not want to run in the final round, as he did. Fans expect their heroes to at least try to finish the show.
Here’s the thing, though. Colbert, as imperfect as he was, still won 10 of 12 rounds on two cards and nine on the third, although those scores might’ve been generous to the gallant, but overmatched Mongolian. I scored it 119-109, 11 rounds to one.
That’s how dominating the young man was.
And remember: He wasn’t fighting a pushover. Nyambayar took the fight on short notice and moved up in weight, which were disadvantages. That’s the downside. The upside is that the 2012 Olympic silver medalist has a polished skill set, he has power and he’s durable. He’s a damn good fighter.
And Colbert (16-0, 6 KOs0 made him look ordinary. The winner controlled the fight with one of the best jabs in the business, elite quickness and footwork that drove Nyambayar crazy. As a result, Colbert landed three times as many punches as Nyambayar overall, twice as many power shots.
He didn’t get the knockout – he usually doesn’t – but he made another strong statement just the same. He made it clear that it will take a special fighter just to compete with him, let alone beat him.
Does that kind of opponent exist at 130 pounds? Possibly. That’s where formidable Oscar Valdez, Jamel Herring and Shakur Stevenson campaign, although it might be difficult for him to get one of them into the ring anytime soon because of competing loyalties.
He’ll get the big fights eventually, though. And I’m not sure they’re going to look much different than his victory over Nyambayar did.
***
BAD
Tugstsogt Nyambayar (left) had some positive moments against Chris Colbert on Saturday night. John McCoy / Getty Images
I feel for Nyambayar, who lost a wide decision to 126-pound champ Gary Russell Jr. in February of last year, narrowly outpointed Cobia Breedy in September and then was overmatched against Colbert.
That’s a tough stretch for any top fighter, one that will be difficult to overcome.
I think he’ll be back, though. One, he lost to two of the most-gifted fighters in the world, the second one in a fight he took on less than two weeks’ notice. There’s no shame in that.
And, again, he’s good. You don’t win a silver medal in the Olympics and then succeed as a professional if you’re not talented and well-trained. Even in defeat against Russell and Colbert you could see that he has ability, one that might allow him to beat highly ranked opponents not named Russell or Colbert.
I’m also guessing that his confidence will not have taken too big of a hit. He knows how good Russell and Colbert are. And he knows that his mission was particularly difficult on Saturday because he didn’t have much time to prepare.
Plus, as Colbert suggested before the fight, Nyambayar probably took the fight in part because of the payday. That’s understandable. I think his goal was to earn the money by fighting as hard as he could under difficult circumstances. He did that.
Nyambayar will now take some time off, get back in the gym and begin the rebuilding process against a more-beatable opponent at his natural weight, 126 pounds. I believe he’ll succeed.
Indeed, we haven’t seen the best of Tugstsogt Nyambayar.
***
WORSE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1_rw1HNf1Q
I’ll never forget Lehlo Ledwaba, who reportedly died from COVID-19 at 49 Saturday.
It was early summer of 2001. The talented South African was the IBF 122-pound titleholder and about to make his sixth defense against a relatively unknown late replacement from the Philippines on the Oscar De La Hoya-Javier Castillejo card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Some knowledgeable observers thought the quick, hard-punching champion was on the doorstep of the pound-for-pound list. That’s the kind of respect he had gained until that point.
Then he ran head first into a tornado and was never the same. That Filipino? Manny Pacquiao.
The future Hall of Famer baffled Ledwaba (31-1-1, 22 KOs) with his in-and-out style and legendary quickness before stopping him 59 seconds into Round 6. It was a spectacular performance that served to introduce Pacquiao (32-2, 23 KOs) to the American audience, which would soon embrace wholeheartedly.
Ledwaba, so hot entering that fight, was only 3-4 the remainder of his career. His promoter, Rodney Berman, said he wouldn’t have taken the fight if he knew how good Pacquiao was.
“I think Ledwaba lost all his motivation after that fight,” Berman told The Ring. “Ledwaba was a great fighter. He was definitely among the South African elite with Welcome Ncita, Vuyani Bungu, etc.
“He was an all-rounder, he could punch and he had charisma. He was all encompassing.”
RIP, champ.
***
RABBIT PUNCHES
Michel Riveramade a strong statement on the Colbert-Nyambayar undercard. The 23-year-old contender from the Dominican Republic overcame adversity – a knockdown in Round 6 – to stop tough Jon Fernandez (21-2, 18 KOs) with a single right hand in Round 8, which was a Knockout of the Year candidate. Rivera (21-0, 14 KOs) will have learned a great deal from the fight and he gave fans a knockout to remember. Not a bad night for him. … I try not to get too excited when I hear or read that two fighters are in serious or advanced negotiations but two such situations have my hopes up. Two fights reportedly in the works: Mikey Garcia vs. Regis Prograis and Jamel Herring vs. Shakur Stevenson. The thing I like best about the potential Garcia-Prograis matchup is that it will take place at 140 pounds, which is a natural weight for Garcia. He should be at his best. And Prograis is a special fighter, which makes this a special matchup. Herring would be making the fourth defense of his 130-pound title. He’s 35 but still near the top of his game. Stevenson, 24, is a rare talent on the rise. Early predictions: Garcia and Stevenson by decisions. It’s easy to forget how good Garcia is after his one-sided loss to Errol Spence Jr. And Stevenson’s natural gifts are off the charts. …
Eddy Reynoso, Canelo Alvarez’s trainer and manager, has said those who want his protégé to move up to 175 pounds only want to see him lose. Well, Alvarez apparently is in that group. Eddie Hearn, his promoter, says Alvarez has expressed an interest in facing imposing light heavyweight titleholder Artur Beterbiev. That fight stirs the imagination because it’s one that Alvarez could lose. Beterbiev is no Sergey Kovalev, who was past his prime when he lost to Alvarez. The two-time Olympian from Russia is skillful and a physical monster, as his 16 knockouts in 16 fights indicates. Kudos to Alvarez for even considering it. Of course, the Mexican star has some business to tend to beforehand. He’s in talks to fight Caleb Planet for the undisputed 168-pound championship in September. …
Good news. Undisputed lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez reportedly passed a COVID-19 test and will start training for his title defense against George Kambosos in August or September. The fight had been scheduled for June 19 but was postponed when Lopez contracted the virus. The fiery Kambosos is a genuine threat to Lopez. The fight should be a competitive and entertaining. If Lopez wins, next up for him could be a rematch with Vasiliy Lomachenko. … Now it’s Riddick Bowe’s turn. The former heavyweight champ reportedly is returning to the ring for an exhibition on Oct. 23 in Miami. No opponent has been selected. I don’t begrudge former champions a chance to make some money. I just don’t get why anyone would want to pay to see the geezers spar.
For example, he got caught with punches he probably shouldn’t have taken. That might’ve been the result of overconfidence, which is something that can bite a fighter in the behind. He’s only 24. He’ll learn.
And he might not want to run in the final round, as he did. Fans expect their heroes to at least try to finish the show.
Here’s the thing, though. Colbert, as imperfect as he was, still won 10 of 12 rounds on two cards and nine on the third, although those scores might’ve been generous to the gallant, but overmatched Mongolian. I scored it 119-109, 11 rounds to one.
That’s how dominating the young man was.
And remember: He wasn’t fighting a pushover. Nyambayar took the fight on short notice and moved up in weight, which were disadvantages. That’s the downside. The upside is that the 2012 Olympic silver medalist has a polished skill set, he has power and he’s durable. He’s a damn good fighter.
And Colbert (16-0, 6 KOs0 made him look ordinary. The winner controlled the fight with one of the best jabs in the business, elite quickness and footwork that drove Nyambayar crazy. As a result, Colbert landed three times as many punches as Nyambayar overall, twice as many power shots.
He didn’t get the knockout – he usually doesn’t – but he made another strong statement just the same. He made it clear that it will take a special fighter just to compete with him, let alone beat him.
Does that kind of opponent exist at 130 pounds? Possibly. That’s where formidable Oscar Valdez, Jamel Herring and Shakur Stevenson campaign, although it might be difficult for him to get one of them into the ring anytime soon because of competing loyalties.
He’ll get the big fights eventually, though. And I’m not sure they’re going to look much different than his victory over Nyambayar did.
***
BAD
Tugstsogt Nyambayar (left) had some positive moments against Chris Colbert on Saturday night. John McCoy / Getty Images
I feel for Nyambayar, who lost a wide decision to 126-pound champ Gary Russell Jr. in February of last year, narrowly outpointed Cobia Breedy in September and then was overmatched against Colbert.
That’s a tough stretch for any top fighter, one that will be difficult to overcome.
I think he’ll be back, though. One, he lost to two of the most-gifted fighters in the world, the second one in a fight he took on less than two weeks’ notice. There’s no shame in that.
And, again, he’s good. You don’t win a silver medal in the Olympics and then succeed as a professional if you’re not talented and well-trained. Even in defeat against Russell and Colbert you could see that he has ability, one that might allow him to beat highly ranked opponents not named Russell or Colbert.
I’m also guessing that his confidence will not have taken too big of a hit. He knows how good Russell and Colbert are. And he knows that his mission was particularly difficult on Saturday because he didn’t have much time to prepare.
Plus, as Colbert suggested before the fight, Nyambayar probably took the fight in part because of the payday. That’s understandable. I think his goal was to earn the money by fighting as hard as he could under difficult circumstances. He did that.
Nyambayar will now take some time off, get back in the gym and begin the rebuilding process against a more-beatable opponent at his natural weight, 126 pounds. I believe he’ll succeed.
Indeed, we haven’t seen the best of Tugstsogt Nyambayar.
***
WORSE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1_rw1HNf1Q
I’ll never forget Lehlo Ledwaba, who reportedly died from COVID-19 at 49 Saturday.
It was early summer of 2001. The talented South African was the IBF 122-pound titleholder and about to make his sixth defense against a relatively unknown late replacement from the Philippines on the Oscar De La Hoya-Javier Castillejo card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Some knowledgeable observers thought the quick, hard-punching champion was on the doorstep of the pound-for-pound list. That’s the kind of respect he had gained until that point.
Then he ran head first into a tornado and was never the same. That Filipino? Manny Pacquiao.
The future Hall of Famer baffled Ledwaba (31-1-1, 22 KOs) with his in-and-out style and legendary quickness before stopping him 59 seconds into Round 6. It was a spectacular performance that served to introduce Pacquiao (32-2, 23 KOs) to the American audience, which would soon embrace wholeheartedly.
Ledwaba, so hot entering that fight, was only 3-4 the remainder of his career. His promoter, Rodney Berman, said he wouldn’t have taken the fight if he knew how good Pacquiao was.
“I think Ledwaba lost all his motivation after that fight,” Berman told The Ring. “Ledwaba was a great fighter. He was definitely among the South African elite with Welcome Ncita, Vuyani Bungu, etc.
“He was an all-rounder, he could punch and he had charisma. He was all encompassing.”
RIP, champ.
***
RABBIT PUNCHES
Michel Riveramade a strong statement on the Colbert-Nyambayar undercard. The 23-year-old contender from the Dominican Republic overcame adversity – a knockdown in Round 6 – to stop tough Jon Fernandez (21-2, 18 KOs) with a single right hand in Round 8, which was a Knockout of the Year candidate. Rivera (21-0, 14 KOs) will have learned a great deal from the fight and he gave fans a knockout to remember. Not a bad night for him. … I try not to get too excited when I hear or read that two fighters are in serious or advanced negotiations but two such situations have my hopes up. Two fights reportedly in the works: Mikey Garcia vs. Regis Prograis and Jamel Herring vs. Shakur Stevenson. The thing I like best about the potential Garcia-Prograis matchup is that it will take place at 140 pounds, which is a natural weight for Garcia. He should be at his best. And Prograis is a special fighter, which makes this a special matchup. Herring would be making the fourth defense of his 130-pound title. He’s 35 but still near the top of his game. Stevenson, 24, is a rare talent on the rise. Early predictions: Garcia and Stevenson by decisions. It’s easy to forget how good Garcia is after his one-sided loss to Errol Spence Jr. And Stevenson’s natural gifts are off the charts. …
Eddy Reynoso, Canelo Alvarez’s trainer and manager, has said those who want his protégé to move up to 175 pounds only want to see him lose. Well, Alvarez apparently is in that group. Eddie Hearn, his promoter, says Alvarez has expressed an interest in facing imposing light heavyweight titleholder Artur Beterbiev. That fight stirs the imagination because it’s one that Alvarez could lose. Beterbiev is no Sergey Kovalev, who was past his prime when he lost to Alvarez. The two-time Olympian from Russia is skillful and a physical monster, as his 16 knockouts in 16 fights indicates. Kudos to Alvarez for even considering it. Of course, the Mexican star has some business to tend to beforehand. He’s in talks to fight Caleb Planet for the undisputed 168-pound championship in September. …
Good news. Undisputed lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez reportedly passed a COVID-19 test and will start training for his title defense against George Kambosos in August or September. The fight had been scheduled for June 19 but was postponed when Lopez contracted the virus. The fiery Kambosos is a genuine threat to Lopez. The fight should be a competitive and entertaining. If Lopez wins, next up for him could be a rematch with Vasiliy Lomachenko. … Now it’s Riddick Bowe’s turn. The former heavyweight champ reportedly is returning to the ring for an exhibition on Oct. 23 in Miami. No opponent has been selected. I don’t begrudge former champions a chance to make some money. I just don’t get why anyone would want to pay to see the geezers spar.
Michel Rivera stopped Jon Fernandez with a single right hand in Round 8 on Saturday in Carson, Calif.
Michel Rivera won the battle of the right hands on the Chris Colbert-Tugstsogt Nyambayar card Saturday in Carson, Calif.
Rivera, the hot young lightweight contender from the Dominican Republic, overcame a knockdown to put Jon Fernandez down and out with a straight right 44 seconds into Round 8 of what was billed as a titleholder eliminator.
The fight was competitive for seven-plus rounds, with Rivera (21-0, 14 KOs) sticking, moving and finding a home for his right hand with regularity and the powerful Fernandez (21-2, 18 KOs) getting in his own licks.
The Spaniard turned the momentum in his favor when he landed a short right that knocked Rivera to one knee in Round 6, at which point the fight was close.
Then, out of nowhere in Round 8, Rivera unloaded a quick one-two, the latter punch being a straight right that put Fernandez on his face and hurt him badly.
Fernandez tried to get up but fell onto this back, which prompted referee Jack Reiss to wave off the fight.
Rivera made a strong statement in his first appearance on Showtime, overcoming adversity to score a spectacular, one-punch knockout. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Fernandez, a protege of Sergio Martinez, suffered the first knockout loss of his career.
Michel Rivera stopped Jon Fernandez with a single right hand in Round 8 on Saturday in Carson, Calif.
Michel Rivera won the battle of the right hands on the Chris Colbert-Tugstsogt Nyambayar card Saturday in Carson, Calif.
Rivera, the hot young lightweight contender from the Dominican Republic, overcame a knockdown to put Jon Fernandez down and out with a straight right 44 seconds into Round 8 of what was billed as a titleholder eliminator.
The fight was competitive for seven-plus rounds, with Rivera (21-0, 14 KOs) sticking, moving and finding a home for his right hand with regularity and the powerful Fernandez (21-2, 18 KOs) getting in his own licks.
The Spaniard turned the momentum in his favor when he landed a short right that knocked Rivera to one knee in Round 6, at which point the fight was close.
Then, out of nowhere in Round 8, Rivera unloaded a quick one-two, the latter punch being a straight right that put Fernandez on his face and hurt him badly.
Fernandez tried to get up but fell onto this back, which prompted referee Jack Reiss to wave off the fight.
Rivera made a strong statement in his first appearance on Showtime, overcoming adversity to score a spectacular, one-punch knockout. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Fernandez, a protege of Sergio Martinez, suffered the first knockout loss of his career.
David Benavidez returns to his hometown of Phoenix on April 18 against Roamer Alexis Angulo for the first defense of his 168-pound title.
David Benavidez left Phoenix without a belt. He’s going home with one.
Benavidez returns to his hometown on April 18 against Roamer Alexis Angulo at Arizona Federal Theater for the first defense of a super middleweight title he regained nearly four months ago, Showtime formally announced Monday
“I haven’t fought in Phoenix in five years,’’ Benavidez (22-0, 19 KOs) said. “It’s exciting to be back. I expect Angulo to come in ready. I know he just pulled an upset in his last fight and he’s not taking any shortcuts, but neither am I.
“Angulo has never been stopped, so I want to be the first person to stop him. I feel like I’m more motivated with a hungry fighter like him in front of me, and you will see it in my performance.”
Benavidez, 23, last fought in Phoenix in May 2015, when he was a teenager and mostly known for being former junior welterweight champion Jose Benavidez Jr.’s little brother. He was a pudgy kid, but his hands and personality possessed evident power and potential.
He loved to fight then.
He loves to fight now.
Angulo (26-1, 22 KOs) and a hometown crowd are expected to spark further development in Benavidez’s emerging stardom.
Angulo, a Colombian living in Miami, has world-class credentials. In his first world-title bid, he lost a decision to Gilberto Ramirez on June 30, 2018 in Oklahoma City. He has won three straight since then.
“Benavidez is a talented world champion who is clearly one of the best super middleweights in the world,’’ said Angulo, who will turn 36 on March 25. “This is going to be a great fight for the fans because of the style I bring to the ring.
“My Mexican style of fighting will be too much for Benavidez, and I will have my hand raised on April 18.”
Showtime also announced that former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy (27-1-1, 14 KOs), of Cuba, will face Dominican Alberto Puello (17-0, 9 KOs), an interim junior welterweight titleholder.
Lightweight prospect Michel Rivera (18-0, 12 KOs), also of The Dominican Republic, will fight Mexican Marcos Villasana Jr. (25-6, 14 KOs) in a title eliminator in the co-main event.
Yordenis Ugas stopped Mike Dallas in the 7th round of a welterweight bout, thus improving his chances of getting a title shot this year.
Welterweight contender Yordenis Ugas has been the odd man out among the elite welterweights aligned with Premier Boxing Champions. On Saturday night at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, he took a step toward correcting that.
The 33-year-old Cuban came out at the opening bell with unusual aggression and never looked back, eventually stopping Mike Dallas Jr. in Round 7.
A slick counterpuncher by nature, Ugas might have been trying to channel the spirit of a certain basketball player. Written on his trunks were the words “Mamba Mentality,” his was of honoring the late Kobe Bryant.
The stoppage came at the end of seventh round, after Dallas’ corner decided their charge had taken enough punishment.
Ugas (25-4, 12 KOs), who lives and trains in Miami, pressed the action all night, as he tagged Dallas with numerous overhand rights and clubbing body shots. In the opening round alone, Ugas staggered Dallas a few times, including at the end, with a left hook-right hand-left hook combination.
Dallas (23-4-2, 11 KOs), once a promising name in the sport before he fell violently to Lucas Matthysse, had a few strong moments as he flitted around the ring and tried to connect on potshot right hands. They were too few and far between, however, to give him a winning chance. It was a survival game for Dallas, who began breathing heavily from the mouth by Round 4.
Ironically, Dallas had his best offensive stretch in the last round – Round 7 – landing a few straight rights, but he petered out with a minute remaining. Ugas stormed back to steal the round with a series of unanswered blows.
Ugas has won two consecutive fights since his highly disputed points loss to then-titleholder Shawn Porter in March 2019. Porter would go on to face Errol Spence Jr. in a unification bout that September, losing a split decision.
While Ugas has expressed an interest in a rematch with Porter, his priorities are to win a title, which means, at least in the foreseeable future, bouts with either Spence or Manny Pacquiao. (Boxing politics will most likely prevent him from facing the Top Rank-promoted welterweight titleholder Terence Crawford.)
Ugas was originally supposed to face undefeated welterweight Alexander Besputin, but negotiations were scrubbed after Besputin, who allegedly tested positive for PED in his previous bout, reportedly suffered an injury.
Michel Rivera stopped rugged veteran Fidel Maldonado Jr. in the final round on the undercard of the Yordenis Ugas-Mike Dallas Jr. card.
On a card featuring many highly regarded prospects, Michel Rivera turned in the most complete — and promising, — performance.
The 21-year-old Dominican lightweight stopped rugged veteran Fidel Maldonado Jr. in the 10th and final round on the undercard of the Yordenis Ugas-Mike Dallas Jr. card at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Rivera (18-0, 12 KOs), whose poise belies his youth, landed the cleaner, harder shots throughout the fight even though he was a tad too economical with his punches at times. His jab was nearly nonexistent, but his straight right and body punching were on point, and apparently more than enough on this night.
Early on, the shifty Maldonado (27-6-1, 20 KOs) had some success outworking Rivera, but as the rounds went on, Rivera began to tag Maldonado with eye-catching right hands.
Rivera turned it up late in Round 8, landing two straight hard rights that briefly buckled Maldonado. It appeared the fight would go the distance, but in Round 10, Rivera connected on right hand that downed Maldonado for the first time in the night. He got up on wobbly legs only for Rivera to unload a flurry, forcing the referee to stop the bout.
***
Boxing has an early candidate for Round of the Year.
Rising prospect Raymond Guajardo was supposed to have an easy time against journeyman Clay Collard, but Collard didn’t get the memo. Collard dropped Guajardo twice in a hellacious Round 1, before stopping Guajardo in the next round behind a deluge of power punches.
“It was a war,” Collard (6-2-3, 2 KOs) said in a matter-of-fact tone. “We’re in there battling. I love it. It’s something that I love to do.”
Guajardo (5-1, 4 KOs) came out of his corner at the opening bell, gunning for a quick knockout. But Collard remained composed, stayed in the pocket and, a minute into the round, he countered with a hard left hook that immediately decked Guajardo. Collard then let his hands go, landing clean lefts and rights to Guajardo’s exposed chin, dropping him again with a straight right.
As Collard looked to finish the prospect off, the southpaw Guajardo countered with a right hook, followed by a left that put Collard down. It was a flash knockdown, however, as Collard would go on to hurt Guajardo some more, punctuating an unforgettable round with a series of clean, straight rights and two hooks.
In Round 2, Collard continued to batter his opponent with clubbing combinations, as blood continued to pour out of Guajardo’s nose. Collard landed a right to the body that caused Guajardo to nearly bowl over.With Guajardo on the ropes, Collard began teeing off, snapping back Guajardo’s head with several straight rights before the referee intervened.
The stoppage came at 1:42 of Round 2.
It may be the last time Collard enters a boxing ring. He said he plans to fight for the mixed-martial-arts outfit, Professional Fighters League, citing more lucrative opportunities.
Rising prospect Omar Juarez dominated a game Angel Martinez Hernandez over eight rounds, including scoring a knockdown, en route to a unanimous decision win.
The judges’ scores were 80-71, 80-71, 79-72 for Juarez, who hails from Brownsville, Texas.
With a minute remaining in Round 7, Juarez, 20, dropped Martinez hard with a left hook. Martinez would regroup to hear the final bell.
Eighteen-year-old prospect Jesus Ramos (12-0, 11KOs) had no trouble breaking down Ramal Amanov (16-2, 5 KOs), stopping the veteran inside six rounds of an eight-round welterweight bout. The southpaw Ramos was too skilled and too quick for Amanov, whose corner decided to throw in the towel at the end of Round 6.
Cruiserweight Deon Nicholson didn’t maintain his perfect knockout streak, but he remains unbeaten, outpointing Earl Newman over 10 rounds. Nicholson (13-0, 12 KOs) nearly pulled off an early stoppage in Round 1, when he had Newman (10-3-1, 7 KOs) dangerously dazed. Newman, however, would not only survive, but go on to give Nicholson a decent challenge.
The judges had it unanimously for Nicholson with scorecards of 97-93, 96-94, 96-94.
