Tag Archives: Florida

Derrieck Cuevas to Face Silverio Ortiz at Heavyweight Factory’s “Rumble at the Rock 2” on Friday, Sept. 28 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood

 

The Heavyweight Factory’s latest promotional signing, undefeated welterweight power puncher Derrieck Cuevas, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, will face Mexican veteran Silverio Ortiz over 10 rounds on the undercard of “Rumble at the Rock 2,” the professional boxing event on Friday, Sept. 28 in the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

 

 

 

A former decorated amateur, Cuevas (17-0-1, 14 KOs) has torn through his professional opposition thus far. Ortiz (37-22, 18 KOs) is a true spoiler, having faced a long list of world champions and undefeated fighters and taken a number of their “0’s.”

 

 

 

Presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in the night’s 10-round main event, Honolulu, Hawaii’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (12-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBO-NABO Youth Junior Welterweight Championship against John “El Emperador” Rentería (16-4-1, 12 KOs) of Panama.

 

 

 

In the night’s 10-round co-main event, Miami via Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (7-0, 6 KOs) will take on Monteira, Colombia’s Deivi “El Cabo” Bassa (20-5, 12 KOs) for the WBA International Featherweight Championship. In an “All Florida” bout, undefeated welterweight Livan “Machine Gun Kid” Navarro (8-0, 5 KOs), from Miami (via Cuba) will face once-beaten Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez (18-1, 12 KOs) of Key West.

 

 

 

Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock 2” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP and are available through ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Cuevas sat down for the following interview during a break in training:

 

 

 

How does it feel fighting in the USA mainland for the first time?

I am happy to be fighting here in Hollywood Florida with my new team. I’m in phenomenal shape and, come September 28, I plan on showing it big time.

 

 

 

What do you know about your opponent?

I know he’s a tough savvy Mexican veteran, but I will be prepared for anything he brings to the table. Mexico vs PR has always been a real draw when it comes to boxing and I invite all the Puerto Rican fans to come see me fight.

 

 

 

How long until we see you in a championship-level fight?

My promotional team at The Heavyweight Factory will take care of that for me. I have full faith in what my manager Alex Troya did when he brought me here. I’m working with my new trainer Jesse Robinson and within 18 months, I will hopefully be fighting for the world title. These people know what they’re doing and work hard for their fighters. I’m glad to be here.

 

 

 

Describe your style of fighting for the people who will be seeing you for the first time.

I don’t run away. I stand in the pocket and slip and make my opponents pay. I am working on power, explosivity and speed. That’s a dangerous combination. I can box. I can bang. I will get it on, how ever they want it. I want to be showman and a crowd pleaser.

 

 

 

How old were you when you realized you had above average punching power?

I must have been 13 and my coach at the time was telling others that I had pop in my punch. Then it just became part of my arsenal.

 

 

 

Would you ever consider an “All Puerto Rico” showdown with a fighter like Subriel Matias or Danielito Zorrilla?

Auntie and Daniel are my friends we spar often on the island. I have great respect for both guys, but once you step in the ring, it’s ‘go time’ no matter who it is.

 

 

 

Do you miss Puerto Rico when you train in the US?

I miss my family and my people but I’m a pro who is focused on getting to the top now and now is the time I will stay focused until I get to that big showdown for the title, coming soon to a theatre near you!

 

 

 

World Renowned Swimsuit Model turned pro boxer Avril Mathie to fight on Fire Fist Boxing’s “Night of Champions” Card October 6

 

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Tampa, FL (September 11, 2018) – Undefeated bantamweight and famed swimsuit model Avril Mathie will face Samantha Salazar at Fire Fist Boxing’s “Night of Champions” card Saturday, October 6 at the St. Petersburg Coliseum in St. Petersburg, FL.

 

 

 

Originally from Australia and now fighting out of Miami, FL at the Famous 5thStreet Gym, Mathie is a globally recognized swimsuit model. She won Miss Hawaiian Tropic Australia in 2012, the 2014 Miss Swimsuit USA International as well as the 2015 Las Vegas International Model Search. Mathie however is more than just a pretty face.

 

 

 

The 31-year-old Mathie had 20 amateur boxing matches between her native Australia and the US. During her amateur career, Mathie regularly fought more experienced opponents and did so in a number of different weight classes while still winning most of her fights.

 

 

 

Mathie turned pro this past February and her record stands at 2-0 with both victories coming via first round KO’s. Her next opponent however is a significant step up in competition.

 

 

 

Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Salazar has a 5-5-1 record and is riding a three-fight win streak. She’s faced stiff competition including bouts against former Olympian Marlen Esparza, highly-touted Rosalinda Rodriguez and Casey Morton, all of whom are undefeated.

 

 

 

“I’ve watched some footage on her,” Mathie said of Salazar. “She’s a decent fighter but I’ve seen weaknesses that I intend to exploit.”

 

 

 

Mathie-Salazar is scheduled for six rounds and is for the ABF bantamweight title.

 

 

 

“We are proud to have Avril and also St. Petersburg’s very own Noemi Bosques fighting on October 6,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “This is going to be an excellent night of boxing and I expect both women to shine.”

 

 

 

An 11 fight card, “Night of Champions” is headlined by a ten round bout featuring 135 pound contender William “Babyface” Silva against Jose Forero for the ABF lightweight title.

 

 

 

All fights and fighters are sanctioned by the Florida State Athletic Commission and subject to change.

 

 

 

For more information, please visit Firefistboxing.net, Facebook.com/Firefistboxing or on Instagram @Firefistboxing.

Two More Fights Announced for Heavyweight Factory’s “Rumble at the Rock 2” on Friday, Sept. 28 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood

More exciting bouts have been announced for “Rumble at the Rock 2,” professional boxing event, presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, taking place on Friday, Sept. 28 in the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

 

 

 

In the night’s 10-round co-main event, Miami via Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (7-0, 6 KOs) will now take on Monteira, Colombia’s Deivi “El Cabo” Bassa (20-5, 12 KOs) over 10 rounds for the WBA International Featherweight Championship.

 

 

 

In an important “All Florida” bout, promising undefeated welterweight Livan “Machine Gun Kid” Navarro (8-0, 5 KOs), a former heavily decorated amateur from Miami (via Cuba) will face once-beaten former WBC Latino Welterweight Champion Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez (18-1, 12 KOs) of Key West.

 

 

 

Both of these terrific showdowns are in support of the night’s 10-round main event with Honolulu, Hawaii’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (12-0, 10 KOs) defending his WBO-NABO Youth Junior Welterweight Championship against former WBA Fedecentro Super Lightweight, WBA Fedecaribe Welterweight and WBA Fedecentro Welterweight Champion John “El Emperador” Rentería (16-4-1, 12 KOs) of Panama.

 

 

 

Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock 2” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP and are available through ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

“These three fights are indicative of the quality match-ups we are able to consistently present to South Florida boxing fans,” said Henry Rivalta, Director of Boxing Operations of The Heavyweight Factory. “Mussa is in against a very tough veteran for his second professional title and Livan Navarro has asked us to challenge him. You have to commend him for being willing to take tough challenges and that’s exactly what Armando Alvarez is. They are both very good fighters, and this should be a great fight.”

 

 

 

A treasure for Florida’s fans of live boxing, Heavyweight Factory’s fights at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino have become the nation’s strongest off-TV boxing series. On fight night, doors open at 6 p.m. and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla. More exciting bouts will be announced shortly.

Silva-Forero tops “Night of Champions” October 6 in St. Petersburg, FL

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Tampa, FL (August 28, 2018) – Lightweight William “Babyface” Silva returns to the ring Saturday, October 6 when he meets hard-hitting Jose Forero in a ten round contest headlining Fire Fist Boxing Promotions’ “Night of Champions” at the St. Petersburg Coliseum in St. Petersburg, FL.

 

 

 

Tickets are on sale by going to http://www1.ticketmaster.com/fire-fist-boxing-presents-abf-triple-st-petersburg-florida-10-06-2018/event/0d00551696349f20. VIP tickets can be purchased by calling 813-734-2461.

 

 

 

Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil but now fighting out of Plant City, FL, Silva has an outstanding 25-2 professional record with 14 knockouts. On July 14, Silva showed incredible heart and determination but lost via sixth round stoppage against elite rising star Teofimo Lopez. Prior to his gutsy effort vs Lopez, Silva shutout veteran Rogelio Casarez over ten rounds to capture the IBO Continental 135 pound championship.

 

 

 

Living and fighting out of Panama, Forero is a former WBC Latino and Global Boxing Council champion, capturing both belts by stoppage. Forero, 13-7-1 (11 KO’S), is confident Silva will be his next victim and doesn’t plan on leaving it up to the judges.

 

 

 

Silva-Forero is for the vacant ABF Continental Americas lightweight title.

 

 

 

Popular welterweight up and comer Mark Reyes Jr. of Tampa challenges experienced Panamanian Edwin Gamboa in an eight rounder for the ABF Continental Americas welterweight title.

 

 

 

A multi-time champion as an amateur, Reyes has shined thus far in the pros, compiling a perfect 7-0 record with 5 wins by knockout. Reyes appears to be a star in the making however he’ll be facing his toughest foe to date.

 

 

 

A 20 fight veteran, Gamboa’s 11-9 with 6 wins by KO. The 33-year-old Panama City native’s faced five unbeaten opponents and handed two their first defeat.

 

 

 

Former world champion and St. Petersburg native Noemi “La Rebelde” Bosques returns to her hometown for the first time in more than two years to face ultra-tough Crystal Hoy in a six round super flyweight contest for the ABF Continental Americas title.

 

 

 

Since turning pro in 2012, Bosques traveled the world to face many of the sport’s top fighters. She’s shared the squared circle with Kenia Enriquez, Heather Hardy (twice), Mariana Juarez, Lourdes Juarez, Alesia Graf and Rosalinda Rodriguez. The well-traveled Bosques fought all across the world including bouts in Mexico, New Zealand, China, India and various US cities.

 

 

 

The Las Vegas-based Hoy turned pro in 2002 and battled legendary Alicia Ashley, Monica Lovato, Yazmin Rivas, Katy Castillo, Heather Hardy and Tyrieshia Douglas.

 

 

 

Fire Fist Boxing’s card also features five all-Florida match-ups.

 

 

 

Arcadia’s Joseph Fernandez, 7-3-3 (1 KO), will swap punches with Tobias “Da Truth” Green, 7-2 (2 KO’s), of West Palm Beach in a junior welterweight matchup while 5-0 welterweight prospect Ramon De La Paz of Wesley Chapel battles Orlando’s Javier Garcia.

 

 

 

Junior middleweight knockout artist Ozodbek “Bomber” Aripov of Fort Myers puts his 3-0 record on the line against Miami’s Clifford Gray Jr., heavyweight Jose “The Dream” Medina of Tampa faces Miami native Hector Hodge and Tampa junior lightweight Armando Moran squares off with Miami’s Benny Rodriguez Jr.

 

 

 

All bouts are scheduled for six rounds except Moran-Rodriguez, which is a four round contest.

 

 

 

Argentinian imports Marcos Escudero, 4-0 (3 KO’s) and Alberto Palmetta, 8-1 (4 KO’s), will also appear against opponents to be named.

 

 

 

“We’re pleased to bring Silva back following his heroic effort against Lopez,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “He deserves the opportunity to fight in his adopted home state of Florida and the fans enjoyed his fight in March. We’re also excited to present Mark Reyes Jr’s first title and promotional debut for us plus the return of hometown hero Noemi Bosques. From top to bottom, we’ve got exciting fights and fighters from all over Florida so make sure to come out and support what will be an excellent night of boxing.”

 

 

 

All fights and fighters are sanctioned by the Florida State Athletic Commission and subject to change.

 

 

 

For more information, please visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/Firefistboxing.

Coyle forced to withdraw from October 6 fight

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Tampa, FL (August 24, 2018) – Connor “The Kid” Coyle was forced to withdraw from his October 6 bout as part of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions’ “Night of Champions” card in St. Petersburg, FL.

 

 

 

During his training camp in Ireland, Coyle’s back began to swell and cause him pain. The unbeaten 28-year-old battled through the back problems and continued training. Unfortunately, the pain got worse and aggressively spread throughout his body.

 

 

 

Coyle then checked into a local hospital. Doctors believe he has an inflammatory infection and ran a number of tests. In the interim, Coyle must refrain from training during the next 6 weeks.

 

 

 

“I’d like to sincerely apologize to my fans for being unable to compete,” said Coyle, who is 8-0 and coming off a dominant stoppage victory in June. “This is a bump in the road and I’ll be back more motivated to focus on another fight soon.”

 

 

 

Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions believes Coyle will come back strong when the time is right but is most concerned about his fighter’s current health.

 

 

 

“I feel terrible about this entire situation because Connor is like a son to me,” said Caliguire. “This is extremely unfortunate and Connor needs to get the proper rest to ensure his body is ready whenever he decides he’s healthy enough to return to training.”

 

 

 

Coyle was scheduled to headline for the ABF Continental Americas middleweight championship and a new main event will be announced shortly.

 

 

 

For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit Firefistboxing.net.

Coyle headlines October 6 in St. Petersburg, FL

Tampa, FL (July 31, 2018) – Connor “The Kid” Coyle will put his undefeated record on the line when he headlines Fire Fist Boxing Promotions’ “Night of Champions” Saturday, October 6 at the St. Petersburg Coliseum.

 

 

 

Hailing from Ireland but training out of St. Petersburg, Coyle’s a perfect 8-0 with 3 wins by knockout. In his last bout, the talented 28-year-old impressively stopped local rival Danny Pastrana in front of a sold out crowd at the very same venue he’ll return to in October.

 

 

 

Coyle meets an opponent to be announced in a ten round contest for the American Boxing Federation (ABF) Continental Americas 160 pound championship.

 

 

 

Recent Fire Fist Promotions signee Mark Reyes Jr. of Tampa is scheduled to face fellow Floridian Travis Castellon in an eight rounder for the ABF Continental Americas welterweight title.

 

 

 

A talented boxer-puncher with excellent hand speed, Reyes is 7-0 with 5 wins by knockout. He is fresh off a first round stoppage of Javier Garcia. Fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, Castellon’s excellent professional record stands at 16-1-1 with 12 KO’s. The heavy-handed Castellon’s scored 10 of his knockouts in three rounds or less.

 

 

 

Popular cruiserweight Nicholas Iannuzzi, 19-4 (11 KO’s) of Tampa faces Georgia based Puerto Rican Vincent Miranda in an eight round contest. Iannuzzi returned from a long layoff in March and scored a dynamic knockout. Miranda, 17-2 (9 KO’s), owns dominant victories over contenders David Telesco and Brian Barbosa.

 

 

 

Arcadia’s Joseph Fernandez, 7-3-3 (1 KO), challenges West Palm Beach’s Tobias “Da Truth” Green, 7-2 (2 KO’s), in a six round junior welterweight tilt for Sunshine State bragging rights.

 

 

 

5-0 welterweight Ramon De La Paz of Wesley Chapel, FL and 3-0 junior middleweight Ozodbek Aripov of Fort Myers, FL by way of Russian will put their undefeated records on the line in separate bouts.

 

 

 

Other locals featured on the undercard include heavyweight Jose “The Dream” Medina (4-0, 1 KO), featherweight Juan Avila (4-0, 3 KO’s), bantamweight Brian Canaday (3-0, 2 KO’s) and debuting junior lightweight Armando Moran.

 

 

 

Additional matchups and ticket information will be announced shortly.

 

 

 

“We’re really excited to be back in St. Pete at the Coliseum,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “Last time Connor and Mark helped pack the house. The Iannuzzi-Miranda and Fernandez-Green fights are also 50-50 so fans will not only get to see some really good talent but competitive fights as well. Make sure to get your tickets soon as they’re available because last time out we were at maximum capacity.”

 

 

 

All fights and fighters are sanctioned by the Florida State Athletic Commission and subject to change.

 

 

 

For more information, please visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/Firefistboxing.

2016 U.S. Olympian and undefeated Bantamweight, Antonio Vargas takes on Aaron Echeveste Lopez this Saturday in Kissimmee, Florida

NEW YORK (JULY 26, 2018)–This Saturday, 2016 U.S. Olympian and undefeated bantamweight Antonio Vargas is in action this Saturday night when he takes on Aaron Echeveste Lopez (5-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout at The Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida.

 

 

 

The 21 year-old Vargas has a record of 6-0 with three knockouts, and is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Luis Fernando Saavedra on February 23rd in Kissimmee.

 

 

 

Vargas of Kissimmee by way of Houston, has a win over undefeated Jonathan Garza (6-0) on his resume.

 

 

 

The Vargas – Lopez fight will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 PM ET.

 

 

 

“I trained hard for this fight, and I feel strong physically and mentally. This is one of the biggest fight cards that I have fought on.  I look to be on many more this year.  I’m excited for this fight and look to put on a great performance,” said Vargas.

 

 

 

“Coming out of the Olympics, I felt Antonio was one of the best talent’s coming out of the 2016 class.  He has tremendous power and speed that will dazzle the boxing world, and we look forward to seeing that on display on Saturday night,” said David McWater, CEO of Split-T Management.

 

 

 

Vargas is Promoted By Top Rank.

 

 

 

Photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

Dedicated Perrella ready for biggest challenge of his career

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Fort Myers, FL (July 25, 2018) – To say that welterweight Bryant “Goodfella” Perrella lives, eats and breathes boxing wouldn’t be an understatement.

 

 

 

The 29-year-old Fort Myers native trains year round, doesn’t drink or smoke and keeps a strict diet. When he’s not feverishly pounding away at the heavy bag, shadowboxing, sparring, or doing roadwork in the sweltering heat, Perrella’s likely at a fitness facility in Southwest Florida.

 

 

 

“He puts his entire life into this sport and taking care of his body,” said Michael Nowling, Perrella’s head trainer. “I’ve seen plenty of fighters work hard in the gym to get ready for a fight then take breaks after and balloon up in weight. Bryant is the exact opposite – I have to tell him he needs a break.”

 

 

 

A 6’1 southpaw, Perrella’s regarded as one of the better up and coming 147 pound fighters. At 15-1 with 13 wins by knockout, Perrella’s scored impressive victories over fellow welterweight hopefuls David Grayton and Alex Martin. In his lone setback, a fourth round stoppage by title contender Yordenis Ugas, Perrella entered the bout with a right leg injury and left with many lessons learned.

 

 

 

Still, he’s expecting the toughest challenge of his career when he battles former welterweight champion Luis Collazo, 37-7 (20 KO’s), August 4 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY. Residing in nearby Brooklyn, NY, the slick southpaw not only has the hometown advantage but the edge in experience having faced Shane Mosley, Keith Thurman, Andre Berto, Ricky Hatton, Victor Ortiz and Amir Khan among others.

 

 

 

“Luis Collazo is one of the craftiest boxers around and he’s been a top fighter for many years,” Perrella said. “He’s given everybody a tough fight and had a few close decisions go against him. I expect this to be the biggest challenge of my career but I’m ready for it. Fights like these are the reason I’ve dedicated my life to boxing. I don’t just want to win – I want to win impressively and show the boxing world that I’m worthy of a title shot in the near future.”

 

 

 

Perrella meets Collazo over ten rounds and the bout airs at 5:30 pm ET on FS2.

 

 

 

Fans can follow Perrella on Instagram @BryantPerrella.

Falcao tops Espadas in Vegas; ready to face anybody at 160

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Plant City, FL (July 23, 2018) – Highly rated middleweight and 2012 Olympic medalist Yamaguchi Falcao, 16-0 (7 KO’s), moved further up the rankings by outpointing WBO #14 Elias Espadas, 17-4 (12 KO’s), over ten rounds.

 

 

 

The bout took place Saturday, July 21 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas just prior to an HBO world title doubleheader.

 

 

 

Representing his native Brazil but living and fighting out of Plant City, FL, Falcao got off to a quick start by dropping his Yucatan, Mexico based foe in the second round with a crisp two punch combo. Falcao, a skilled boxer-puncher, battled through a rough and often dirty fight featuring headbutts, low blows and excessive holding. Falcao and Espadas did have some solid exchanges with both men landing nice shots, though Falcao was the more consistent fighter.

 

 

 

In the 10th round, Falcao hurt his foe with a right hook and backed him up against the ropes but the game Espadas weathered the storm until the final bell.

 

 

 

Scores were 96-92 twice and 95-93 for Falcao.

 

 

 

“I’m happy to get the victory even though it was a complicated and frustrating fight,” said Falcao, who ended Espadas’ 8 fight win streak. “It felt like I had to fight the referee and the crowd too but getting the win is what matters most.”

 

Ready, willing and able to face any middleweight on the planet, Falcao’s hoping his next fight comes against one of the division’s best.

 

 

 

“We want a title fight and it doesn’t matter which champion. I know this wasn’t the prettiest fight but I’m 100 percent confident I’ve got the skills to challenge anybody willing to give me the opportunity.”

 

 

 

Jody Caliguire of Team Falcao was equally frustrated with the bout but is ready to put his fighter against anybody in the world.

 

 

 

“That was a frustrating bout with a lot of dirty tactics. With Espadas out of the way, we’ve got our sights set on the best opponents we can face. Yamaguchi was prepared to face Demetrius Andrade before his situation and nobody else wanted to fight him so that should tell you how serious Team Falcao is. I’ve heard David Lemieux, a fighter we were in camp with last year, is going to be on the Canelo-Golovkin undercard in September and we’d gladly face him.”

 

 

 

Falcao is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and fans can follow him on Instagram @YamaguchiFalcao.

Calderon Beats Martinez in Grudge Match at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

A heated crosstown welterweight rivalry was decided tonight in front of a near sellout crowd at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, as Miami’s Harold “King” Calderon (17-0, 10 KOs) out-worked and out-punched Miami’s formerly undefeated John David “Pretty Boy” Martinez (10-1, 8 KOs)

 

 

Fighting in the 10-round main event of Kris Lawrence’s Heavyweight Factory Boxing “Hometown Throwdown,” event, Calderon cruised to a dominant 10-round decision by scores of 99-91, 100-90 and 100-90.

 

 

 

A combination-punching southpaw, Calderon had too many weapons for Martinez. He ripped to the body and head for 10 rounds, while Martinez offered up the occasional one/two.

 

 

 

Both fighters are enormously popular in the region and their fans tried everything to drown each other out all fight.

 

 

 

In the night’s 10-round super lightweight co-main event, Honolulu’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon moved his record to 12-0, 10 KOs, with a routine unanimous decision over Colombian veteran Luis E. Flores (24-10, 20 KOs).

 

 

 

The promising 19-year-old Yoon, the WBO-NABO Youth Super Lightweight Champion and WBO #13-rated contender, learned a lesson about veteran survival tactics, as he followed the reluctant Colombian around the ring the entire fight, looking for opportunities to engage. Flores landed the occasional right hand on the southpaw Yoon, but mostly threw pot shots that missed and then quickly circled out of range of any return fire.

 

 

 

Yoon was cut over the left eye by a headbutt, but still managed to dominate the infrequent action. The scores were 99-91, 97-93 and 97-93.

 

 

 

Two-time Olympic medalist Ivan Dychko of Hollywood, Florida, via Kazakhstan, moved his perfect record to 7-0 (7 KOs) with a one-punch demolition of once promising Maurice Harris 26-22-3 (11 KOs) of East Orange, New Jersey.

 

 

 

Dychko, who said he was hoping to learn something from the experienced Harris, landed a glancing right hook and Harris elected to look for a soft spot to land. Disappointed fans voice their disapproval of Harris’ non-effort. The time of the 10 count was 1:39.

 

 

 

Two featherweights went to crowd-pleasing war over city-wide bragging rights, and after six rounds of “bombs away” action, Jessy Cruz (now 13-7-1, 5 KOs) ended up taking a unanimous decision over fellow Miami resident Raul Chirino (11-8, 6 KOs).

 

 

 

The all-action Cruz can’t seem to be in a bad fight and this one was no different. He was down and badly hurt near the end of round one. Chirino was badly staggered at the end of round two and down from a right hand in round three.

 

 

 

The scores were 58-54, 57-55 and 57-55, but this fun fight could have easily been called a draw.

 

 

 

A single left hook by Miami’s Livan Navarro at 2:47 of round one brought an end to what was shaping up to be a decent eight-round welterweight showdown against the Dominican’s Julio C Reynoso.

 

 

 

The pair came out swinging for the fences and Navarro (now 8-0, 6 KOs) hit it first with the sledgehammer left hand to the jaw of Reynoso (now 12-2, 7 KOs) who dropped and took the full 10 count on one knee.

 

 

 

In a fight where both fighters appeared to injure themselves, popular Miami slugger Ulysses Diaz was forced to go the distance for the first time, but still managed to win his light heavyweight four-rounder over Chicago’s Israel Echevarria by unanimous decision (scores of 39-37, 40-36 and 40-36).

 

 

 

As in many fights tonight, the judges’ verdicts were no indication of the closeness of the fight. The two warriors each did their share of good work. The heavily muscled Diaz (now 6-0, 5 KOs) landed the harder punches occasionally while favoring his right arm. The crafty Echevarria (now 3-5, 2 KOs) snuck in a number of sneaky shots, despite an injured left leg.

 

 

 

To put it mildly, Echevarria was very unhappy with the decision.

 

 

 

In an all-Miami super middleweight scrap, Cuban import Irosvani Duvergel (3-0, 2 KOs) won a four-round unanimous decision over “better than his record” Elie Agustama (6-9, 3 KOs).

 

 

 

Duvergel, who had never seen the second round of a professional fight previously, dropped Agustama in the first, but the durable Agustama got up and made a great fight of it. The free-swinging pair brawled furiously the rest of the way. The scores (40-35, 39-36 and 39-36) didn’t reflect the competitiveness of the combat.

 

 

 

In a back-and-forth six-round lightweight battle, Coral Springs, Florida’s Dustin Arnold (5-1, 1 KO) won a closely contested unanimous decision over Miami’s Daniel Placeres (now (6-1, 5 KOs).

 

 

 

Arnold landed the cleaner, harder shots to offset the superior work rate of the shorter Placeres. Plenty of crowd support for both fighters. The scores were 60-54, 58-56 and 59-55

 

 

 

Undefeated Lawrence Newton, of Boynton Beach, Florida, chose to brawl inside for all six rounds of his super bantamweight showdown with tough Mexican, Pedro Melo of Tijuana.

 

 

 

The result was an entertaining if one-sided brawl with nice punches landed both ways. In the end, Newton (10-0, 6 KOs) kept his perfect record by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 59-55. Melo falls to 17-19-2, 8 KOs) with his respectable performance.