For Japanese boxing fans 2013 has been a very interesting year with various fighters making statements, either positive or negative, in the ring. One of those was men was Kazuto Ioka (13-0, 9) who unfortunately avoided a clash with Roman Gonzalez, though did stop two experienced Thai's in a year that saw him retaining his WBA Light Flyweight title.
Ioka ends the year with a fight that sees him battling the highly touted Nicaraguan puncher Felix Alvarado (18-0, 15), it may not be Gonzalez but it's still an unbeaten South American puncher who has a fast growing reputation as a genuine danger-man at 108lbs.
The fight, which will see Ioka making his third and likely final defense of the Light Flyweight title, is one of those rare ones that not only sees both men having unbeaten records but also having records that make both of them look like punchers. Unfortunately though the knockouts of Alvarado have come at a low level with the Nicaraguan being untested anywhere near the world level.
What doesn't help Alvarado isn't just the level of competition but his over-all experience. Despite being in 18 fights the Nicaraguan has only amassed 51 rounds, less than 3 a fight. This is a worry with Alvarado having never gone 12 rounds and having only a single bout that has gone beyond the 6 round distance a real worry in terms of his stamina.
Alvarado is dangerous, especially early, though after the first few rounds it seems that he runs out of ideas and if a fighter can take his power they can certainly give him trouble.
For Ioka the real risk to his title comes in the first 3, or possibly 4 rounds. If the Japanese fighter can see out the expected early storm then I fancy that his experienced and more rounded skills will see him slow picking apart Alvarado who will begin to tire around the middle rounds.
Ioka isn't nearly the puncher that Alvarado looks, at least on paper though he's a very clean puncher who finds a home for his jab and straight. His straight right hand to the body is the real danger punch and I imagine that a tiring Alvarado will feel the effects of them in the middle to late rounds. Ioka has proven capable at pacing himself with an average fight length of more than 7 rounds and this, as well as the fact he has been facing stiff opponents will be the difference between the two men.
Prediction-Ioka TKO9
Showing posts with label Light Flyweight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Light Flyweight. Show all posts
Sunday, 29 December 2013
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Donnie Nietes v Sammy Gutierrez
If any active champion is very lucky right now it's Donnie Nietes (31-1-4, 17) who got one of the luckiest decisions in boxing earlier this year when he defended his WBO Light Flyweight title with a draw over Moises Funetes. Nietes, who out punched, out fought, out worked and generally dominated by Fuentes deserved to lose his title back then yet some how got bailed out with the draw.
Nietes will be defending his title for the first time since that controversial contest with Fuentes as he battles another Mexican, Sammy Gutierrez (33-9-2, 23) a man who himself once claimed a portion of the world crown at Minimumweight.
At his best Gutierrez was a challenge for near enough anyone at 105 or even 108 and going through his opponents reads as a whose who. Unfortunately however Gutierrez wasn't a stand out fighter. He was a very credible fighter though someone who just seemed to come up short against the real world class fighters. For example he was stopped by Nkosinathi Joyi and out pointed by Omar Nino Romero, Raul Garcia and Juan Palacios.
The down fall for Gutierrez has been quick as well. Just 3 years ago he was the WBA interim champion but now he's struggling to string wins together and has gone 3-3 in his last 6 and 5-4 in his last 9. Yes, this is a fighter who is paying for his wars in the ring despite only being 27.
Whilst I'd also say that Nietes is regressing as a fighter in recent years he's not totally dropping off a cliff like Gutierrez. He's struggling for sure but there is enough left in the tank for him to keep his title despite some poor performances.
At his very best Nietes was a fringe pound-for-pound fighter who could do it all. Now however he's someone who struggles. He struggled with Fuentes, he struggled with Felipe Salguero and he struggled with Ramon Hirales Garcia. Maybe it's because Nietes isn't a natural Light Flyweight but personally I think it's the fact he's forgetting some of the things that made him so good at Minimumweight.
In regards to this bout, I think Nietes has enough left to stop the shadow of Gutierrez but don't let a good performance here belie the fact that Nietes isn't half the fighter he once was. This is a man who is very fortunate to call himself a world champion and likely won't be able to for too much longer.
Prediction-Nietes TKO8
Nietes will be defending his title for the first time since that controversial contest with Fuentes as he battles another Mexican, Sammy Gutierrez (33-9-2, 23) a man who himself once claimed a portion of the world crown at Minimumweight.
At his best Gutierrez was a challenge for near enough anyone at 105 or even 108 and going through his opponents reads as a whose who. Unfortunately however Gutierrez wasn't a stand out fighter. He was a very credible fighter though someone who just seemed to come up short against the real world class fighters. For example he was stopped by Nkosinathi Joyi and out pointed by Omar Nino Romero, Raul Garcia and Juan Palacios.
The down fall for Gutierrez has been quick as well. Just 3 years ago he was the WBA interim champion but now he's struggling to string wins together and has gone 3-3 in his last 6 and 5-4 in his last 9. Yes, this is a fighter who is paying for his wars in the ring despite only being 27.
Whilst I'd also say that Nietes is regressing as a fighter in recent years he's not totally dropping off a cliff like Gutierrez. He's struggling for sure but there is enough left in the tank for him to keep his title despite some poor performances.
At his very best Nietes was a fringe pound-for-pound fighter who could do it all. Now however he's someone who struggles. He struggled with Fuentes, he struggled with Felipe Salguero and he struggled with Ramon Hirales Garcia. Maybe it's because Nietes isn't a natural Light Flyweight but personally I think it's the fact he's forgetting some of the things that made him so good at Minimumweight.
In regards to this bout, I think Nietes has enough left to stop the shadow of Gutierrez but don't let a good performance here belie the fact that Nietes isn't half the fighter he once was. This is a man who is very fortunate to call himself a world champion and likely won't be able to for too much longer.
Prediction-Nietes TKO8
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
John Riel Casimero v Felipe Salguero
Filipino Light Flyweight John Riel Casimero (18-2, 10) looks to make the third defense of his IBF title this weekend in one of a number of "forgotten" bouts, though one that looks like it has the potential to be the fight of the weekend.
Although relatively ignored by the boxing public Casimero is one of the true "road warriors" of boxing. He has been fighting throughout Latin America in recent contests and sadly this has prevented many Filipino fans from actually following one of their few active world champions, despite impressive victories in Panama, Argentina, Mexico and Nicaragua over his past few fights.
This time it's a Latin American traveling to fight Casimero as highly ranked Mexican fighter Felipe Salguero (18-4-1, 13) returns to the Philippines for his second world title fight, following a close 2012 loss to Donnie Neites in a WBO title title contest.
Although Salguero was taking a huge step up when he faced Neites last he gave a stirring performance using controlled aggression, heavy hands and a solid work rate to push the talented Neites very close. It was supposed to be an easy defense for Neites but Salguero proved to be a genuine challenge who adapted well to fighting on foreign soil for the first time.
Unfortunately following his loss to Neites, Salguero was stopped by Luis Alberto Rios a man who was subsequently outboxed by Casimero. Prior to being stopped by Rios however he had dropped the Panamanian and so obviously does have the power to hurt good fighters. Saying that however Casimero is tough and only Moruti Mthalane, the IBF Flyweight champion, has stopped him so far.
The match up here is one that sees a solid, world ranked pressure fighter up against a skilled boxer. Usually these match ups depend a lot on on the levels of the two men, not just of their fighting ability but also their ability to adapt to what the other man does. Here I think Casimero is the more versatile, he can box, he can fight and whilst he's not elite at any particular thing he's also not got a lot of clear weaknesses. Salguero on the other hand is slightly crude and can be out boxed.
This will be tough, competitive and possibly a very good fight, however I feel that Casimero will manage to take the decision, albeit a close one.
Prediction-Casimero UD12 (close)
Although relatively ignored by the boxing public Casimero is one of the true "road warriors" of boxing. He has been fighting throughout Latin America in recent contests and sadly this has prevented many Filipino fans from actually following one of their few active world champions, despite impressive victories in Panama, Argentina, Mexico and Nicaragua over his past few fights.
This time it's a Latin American traveling to fight Casimero as highly ranked Mexican fighter Felipe Salguero (18-4-1, 13) returns to the Philippines for his second world title fight, following a close 2012 loss to Donnie Neites in a WBO title title contest.
Although Salguero was taking a huge step up when he faced Neites last he gave a stirring performance using controlled aggression, heavy hands and a solid work rate to push the talented Neites very close. It was supposed to be an easy defense for Neites but Salguero proved to be a genuine challenge who adapted well to fighting on foreign soil for the first time.
Unfortunately following his loss to Neites, Salguero was stopped by Luis Alberto Rios a man who was subsequently outboxed by Casimero. Prior to being stopped by Rios however he had dropped the Panamanian and so obviously does have the power to hurt good fighters. Saying that however Casimero is tough and only Moruti Mthalane, the IBF Flyweight champion, has stopped him so far.
The match up here is one that sees a solid, world ranked pressure fighter up against a skilled boxer. Usually these match ups depend a lot on on the levels of the two men, not just of their fighting ability but also their ability to adapt to what the other man does. Here I think Casimero is the more versatile, he can box, he can fight and whilst he's not elite at any particular thing he's also not got a lot of clear weaknesses. Salguero on the other hand is slightly crude and can be out boxed.
This will be tough, competitive and possibly a very good fight, however I feel that Casimero will manage to take the decision, albeit a close one.
Prediction-Casimero UD12 (close)
Friday, 27 September 2013
Alberto Rossel v Jose Alfredo Zuniga
With a staggering 6 world title bouts taking place this weekend it's fair to say that some will be ignored by fans. My guess is that the most ignored will be in Peru as Peru's first ever world champion Alberto Rossel (30-8, 13) defends his WBA "interim" Light Flyweight title.
Rossel, looking for the third defense of his belt, will be facing Mexican Jose Alfredo Zuniga (11-4-1, 5) a man I must admit I know very, very little about.
Whilst Zuniga is a mystery to me Rossel has been a bit of a curiosity of mine. He's a man who is certainly not a genuine top fighter in the 108lbs division. He'd not stand a chance with fighter like Kazuto Ioka, Roman Gonzalez, Donnie Nietes, Moises Fuentes or Johnriel Casimero. Saying that however he's not completely awful.
Aged 35 Rossel has been in with a genuine who's who of the lower divisions. He has faced, and lost, to Daniel Reyes, Ivan Calderon, Brian Viloria, Luis Alberto Lazarte, Vusi Malinga and Hugo Fidel Cazares. Losing to those guys however isn't something that should shame any fighter, he tested himself and lost to some great names.
Since the loss to Cazares, Rossel has been on a 6 fight winning streak, highlighted by his victory over Jose Alfredo Rodriguez for the WBA interim belt, and subsequent defenses against Karluis Diaz and Walter Tello, who in all honesty were undeserving title challengers themselves.
In terms of his style Rossel is a scrappy fighter. He's not particularly exciting, or entertaining but due to his status as Peru's first, and only world champion he does have a solid following. His combination of little power and not the greatest of work rate causes many of his bouts to be tough to watch and hard to scored but whilst in Peru he's going to be very difficult to defeat.
Whilst Rossel has faced a string of quality names, Zuniga himself has faced one or two recognisable names, most notably Gannigan Lopez, who he is 1-1 against though also Ulises Lara and Luis Ceja, defeating both with the victory over Ceja coming just a few months ago. It's probably fair to say that Zuniga is getting this bout thanks to the victory over Ceja which is all well and good until you realise he was just 1-1-1 going in to that bout.
Ranked #10 by the WBA Zuniga is the third successive "weak" challenger to Rossel's throne and should again come up short. I actually do expect to see Rossel pushed hard, he's nothing great, but I expect, with the fight being in Peru he'll take a narrow decision, but there is a reason why this fight is being completely ignored by fans, and that's due to the quality of the match up and legitimacy of Rossel's title.
Prediction-Rossel UD12
Rossel, looking for the third defense of his belt, will be facing Mexican Jose Alfredo Zuniga (11-4-1, 5) a man I must admit I know very, very little about.
Whilst Zuniga is a mystery to me Rossel has been a bit of a curiosity of mine. He's a man who is certainly not a genuine top fighter in the 108lbs division. He'd not stand a chance with fighter like Kazuto Ioka, Roman Gonzalez, Donnie Nietes, Moises Fuentes or Johnriel Casimero. Saying that however he's not completely awful.
Aged 35 Rossel has been in with a genuine who's who of the lower divisions. He has faced, and lost, to Daniel Reyes, Ivan Calderon, Brian Viloria, Luis Alberto Lazarte, Vusi Malinga and Hugo Fidel Cazares. Losing to those guys however isn't something that should shame any fighter, he tested himself and lost to some great names.
Since the loss to Cazares, Rossel has been on a 6 fight winning streak, highlighted by his victory over Jose Alfredo Rodriguez for the WBA interim belt, and subsequent defenses against Karluis Diaz and Walter Tello, who in all honesty were undeserving title challengers themselves.
In terms of his style Rossel is a scrappy fighter. He's not particularly exciting, or entertaining but due to his status as Peru's first, and only world champion he does have a solid following. His combination of little power and not the greatest of work rate causes many of his bouts to be tough to watch and hard to scored but whilst in Peru he's going to be very difficult to defeat.
Whilst Rossel has faced a string of quality names, Zuniga himself has faced one or two recognisable names, most notably Gannigan Lopez, who he is 1-1 against though also Ulises Lara and Luis Ceja, defeating both with the victory over Ceja coming just a few months ago. It's probably fair to say that Zuniga is getting this bout thanks to the victory over Ceja which is all well and good until you realise he was just 1-1-1 going in to that bout.
Ranked #10 by the WBA Zuniga is the third successive "weak" challenger to Rossel's throne and should again come up short. I actually do expect to see Rossel pushed hard, he's nothing great, but I expect, with the fight being in Peru he'll take a narrow decision, but there is a reason why this fight is being completely ignored by fans, and that's due to the quality of the match up and legitimacy of Rossel's title.
Prediction-Rossel UD12
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
Kazuto Ioka v Kwanthai Sithmorseng
One of boxing's top young fighters right now, with out a doubt, is unbeaten Japanese fighter Kazuto Ioka (12-0, 8), a former WBA/WBC Minimumweight champion who is current the WBA Light Flyweight champion.
Amazingly in just 12 fights Ioka has won 3 world titles and a Japanese national title. His rise to the top is almost unrivaled in today's over-protective boxing world with only former amateur standouts Beibut Shumenov and Guillermo Rigondeaux even getting close to rivaling what Ioka has done in recent years.
Ioka's rise to the top really started back in 2011 when he claimed the WBC Minimumweight title defeating Thailand's Oleydong Sithsamerchai in the 5th round of their encounter. This coming Wednesday Ioka looks to continue his his excellent form as he faces another top Thai in the form of Kwanthai Sithmorseng (43-1-1, 22) a former WBA Minimumweight champion himself.
Going in to this fight Ioka is rightfully a huge favourite. Although he has just more than a quarter of the fights that Sithmorseng has Ioka has the innate skills and ability that scream "super talent", the sort of ability that really stands out.
The key traits for Ioka aren't his aggression and toughness, as they are for many Japanese fighters, instead they are his clever and intelligent boxing, most notably his vicious straight right to the body, a shot he has all but trade marked with several stoppages. He can hold his own in a war, as he did with Akira Yaegashi, though seems much better when he's allowed to box at range where his skills with straight shots really standout.
Worryingly for Sithmorseng his sole reversal has come courtesy of a right hand to the mid-section delivered from Indonesian Muhammad Rachman, arguably the most well known of his opponents.
Although Sithmorseng has 45 fights on his ledger he has only fought twice in world title bouts with only Rachman having been a proven world level fighter, and even he was well beyond his prime. Saying that however you don't win 43 of 45 fights unless you do have some talent and Sithmorseng certainly does have some skills to him.
Unfortunately for Sithmorseng his key attribute seems to be his hand speed and his combinations up close. Against Ioka however this speed will be neautralised and his lack of power won't worry Ioka who will likely manage to create space easier than Sithmorseng would like. With the space created the intelligent body work will begin and, ultimately, end the fight.
Prediction-Ioka TKO7
Amazingly in just 12 fights Ioka has won 3 world titles and a Japanese national title. His rise to the top is almost unrivaled in today's over-protective boxing world with only former amateur standouts Beibut Shumenov and Guillermo Rigondeaux even getting close to rivaling what Ioka has done in recent years.
Ioka's rise to the top really started back in 2011 when he claimed the WBC Minimumweight title defeating Thailand's Oleydong Sithsamerchai in the 5th round of their encounter. This coming Wednesday Ioka looks to continue his his excellent form as he faces another top Thai in the form of Kwanthai Sithmorseng (43-1-1, 22) a former WBA Minimumweight champion himself.
Going in to this fight Ioka is rightfully a huge favourite. Although he has just more than a quarter of the fights that Sithmorseng has Ioka has the innate skills and ability that scream "super talent", the sort of ability that really stands out.
The key traits for Ioka aren't his aggression and toughness, as they are for many Japanese fighters, instead they are his clever and intelligent boxing, most notably his vicious straight right to the body, a shot he has all but trade marked with several stoppages. He can hold his own in a war, as he did with Akira Yaegashi, though seems much better when he's allowed to box at range where his skills with straight shots really standout.
Worryingly for Sithmorseng his sole reversal has come courtesy of a right hand to the mid-section delivered from Indonesian Muhammad Rachman, arguably the most well known of his opponents.
Although Sithmorseng has 45 fights on his ledger he has only fought twice in world title bouts with only Rachman having been a proven world level fighter, and even he was well beyond his prime. Saying that however you don't win 43 of 45 fights unless you do have some talent and Sithmorseng certainly does have some skills to him.
Unfortunately for Sithmorseng his key attribute seems to be his hand speed and his combinations up close. Against Ioka however this speed will be neautralised and his lack of power won't worry Ioka who will likely manage to create space easier than Sithmorseng would like. With the space created the intelligent body work will begin and, ultimately, end the fight.
Prediction-Ioka TKO7
Friday, 6 September 2013
Moises Fuentes v Luis De la Rosa
It's not often that a world title fight, on a Saturday night, goes completely under the radar but this weekend has one such fight as Mexican Moises Fuentes (17-1-1, 8) attempts to claim the WBO "interim" Light Flyweight title as he takes on Colombian Luis De la Rosa (22-2-1, 12) in what could turn out to be a "sleeper" classic.
For those who haven't seen Fuentes before, where have you been hiding? The guy is a beast of a Light Flyweight (and had been a beast of a Minimumweight prior to adding 3lbs), he's tough, hard working, and a real night mare to fight with his toughness and pressure mentality.
Although of course many fans ignore the lower weight divisions Fuentes is one of those fighters who's style we can all enjoy. He's relentless in his pursuit of victory, he throws a lot, takes a lot and refuses to take a backwards step. It was his none stop pressure that forced the retirement of former Minimumweight great Ivan Calderon and also saw him scoring a draw against Donnie Nietes (in a bout I have marked down as a front runner for the robbery of the year).
Although Fuentes can often be made to look slow, with both his hands an feet, his toughness, combined with a determined body attack can eventually see opponents forced to slow to his level. When that happens he tends to be able to grind down an opponent to take a decision.
Whilst plenty of fans will have had the fortune of seeing the Mexican many fewer will have had the fortune of seeing his co-challenger. In fact in all honesty De La Rosa is pretty unknown outside of Colombia with only his two losses being of any sort of note at all.
The first of those losses came in 2010 in a split decision loss to very good Raul Garcia the second of those, coming earlier this year in fact, came to the unheralded Merlito Sabillo of the Philippines. Unfortunately with losses in both of those fights there is little in terms of noteworthy victories on his record, the best would be a domestic title victory over Luis Doria.
Despite the fact De La Rosa has lost his two highest profile bouts he hasn't actually looked that bad. His fight with Sabillo was exceptional before he was stopped whilst his loss to "Rayito" saw him dropping Garcia and being beaten by a single point on two card, whilst winning on the third. Sure he might not be a special fighter but in his two top tier chances he has performed very admirably.
The style of the two men should genuinely gel quite well here with Fuentes stalking and De La Rosa fighting hard on the back foot. Unfortunately for the Colombian however I can't imagine him lasting the 12 rounds with Fuentes's body attack pressure, though he'll certainly give it his all until his body folds.
Prediction-Fuentes TKO9
For those who haven't seen Fuentes before, where have you been hiding? The guy is a beast of a Light Flyweight (and had been a beast of a Minimumweight prior to adding 3lbs), he's tough, hard working, and a real night mare to fight with his toughness and pressure mentality.
Although of course many fans ignore the lower weight divisions Fuentes is one of those fighters who's style we can all enjoy. He's relentless in his pursuit of victory, he throws a lot, takes a lot and refuses to take a backwards step. It was his none stop pressure that forced the retirement of former Minimumweight great Ivan Calderon and also saw him scoring a draw against Donnie Nietes (in a bout I have marked down as a front runner for the robbery of the year).
Although Fuentes can often be made to look slow, with both his hands an feet, his toughness, combined with a determined body attack can eventually see opponents forced to slow to his level. When that happens he tends to be able to grind down an opponent to take a decision.
Whilst plenty of fans will have had the fortune of seeing the Mexican many fewer will have had the fortune of seeing his co-challenger. In fact in all honesty De La Rosa is pretty unknown outside of Colombia with only his two losses being of any sort of note at all.
The first of those losses came in 2010 in a split decision loss to very good Raul Garcia the second of those, coming earlier this year in fact, came to the unheralded Merlito Sabillo of the Philippines. Unfortunately with losses in both of those fights there is little in terms of noteworthy victories on his record, the best would be a domestic title victory over Luis Doria.
Despite the fact De La Rosa has lost his two highest profile bouts he hasn't actually looked that bad. His fight with Sabillo was exceptional before he was stopped whilst his loss to "Rayito" saw him dropping Garcia and being beaten by a single point on two card, whilst winning on the third. Sure he might not be a special fighter but in his two top tier chances he has performed very admirably.
The style of the two men should genuinely gel quite well here with Fuentes stalking and De La Rosa fighting hard on the back foot. Unfortunately for the Colombian however I can't imagine him lasting the 12 rounds with Fuentes's body attack pressure, though he'll certainly give it his all until his body folds.
Prediction-Fuentes TKO9
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Adrian Hernandez v Yader Cardoza
WBC Light Flyweight champion Adrian Hernandez (26-2-1, 16) will be looking to secure his second successive defense of his world title as he takes on the relatively unknown Nicaraguan Yader Cardoza (15-4, 5).
Hernandez, widely regarded as one of the top 3 or 4 at 108lbs really does seem to be taking part in what is little more than a stay busy defense here. The Mexican, who is now a 2-time champion, is genuinely one of the sports over-looked fighters. He's beaten a genuine who's who in the past 5 years including Rodel Mayol, Gilberto Keb Baas, Gideon Buthelez and Kompayak Porpramook, though, due to his division, is relatively obscure.
Stood at 5'8 and with a 71" reach the 27 year old Hernandez is a bit of a physical freak in the division though oddly he doesn't really use his size to box as much as he should. Although he certainly can box he often appears just was will to trade up inside as he does on the outside, though on the outside he is really good. Oddly the size of the champion may actually serve a bigger purpose in the fact that when he rehydrates he likely adds a significant amount of weight back on. This added weight likely helps Hernandez to break down his opponents.
With 2 stoppage loss on his records Hernandez can be hurt (though admittedly his most recent loss did have something to do with the ridiculous conditions the bout was fought in) though he can also hurt others, much, much easier than he get hurt.
Not too much is known about Cardoza. He's a 24 year old Nicaraguan who has been a professional since 2009. His record got off to a pretty bad start as he fell to 2-3 after 5 bouts though since then he has gone 13-1 with his only loss (a decision to Eliecer Quezada) being avenged in his most recent bout.
With 19 bouts behind him and just 98 rounds it's obvious that Cardoza is either a monster puncher or has been fighting most of his fights over the shorter distance, in this case it's the latter. In his 19 bouts he has fought just a single completed 10 round bout and is 1-1 in bouts that have gone beyond the 6th round. This does not bode well with him jumping in to title level for this bout.
For me I really don't see too much reasoning behind this bout. The only logical idea seems to be that Hernandez is trying to force the hand of Roman Gonzalez. Beating up on a Nicaraguan, like Cardoza, may help get Gonzalez (also a Nicaraguan) in to the ring. The bout is little more than a gimme for "El Confessor" who really should finish this when he wants.
Prediction-Hernandez TKO6
Hernandez, widely regarded as one of the top 3 or 4 at 108lbs really does seem to be taking part in what is little more than a stay busy defense here. The Mexican, who is now a 2-time champion, is genuinely one of the sports over-looked fighters. He's beaten a genuine who's who in the past 5 years including Rodel Mayol, Gilberto Keb Baas, Gideon Buthelez and Kompayak Porpramook, though, due to his division, is relatively obscure.
Stood at 5'8 and with a 71" reach the 27 year old Hernandez is a bit of a physical freak in the division though oddly he doesn't really use his size to box as much as he should. Although he certainly can box he often appears just was will to trade up inside as he does on the outside, though on the outside he is really good. Oddly the size of the champion may actually serve a bigger purpose in the fact that when he rehydrates he likely adds a significant amount of weight back on. This added weight likely helps Hernandez to break down his opponents.
With 2 stoppage loss on his records Hernandez can be hurt (though admittedly his most recent loss did have something to do with the ridiculous conditions the bout was fought in) though he can also hurt others, much, much easier than he get hurt.
Not too much is known about Cardoza. He's a 24 year old Nicaraguan who has been a professional since 2009. His record got off to a pretty bad start as he fell to 2-3 after 5 bouts though since then he has gone 13-1 with his only loss (a decision to Eliecer Quezada) being avenged in his most recent bout.
With 19 bouts behind him and just 98 rounds it's obvious that Cardoza is either a monster puncher or has been fighting most of his fights over the shorter distance, in this case it's the latter. In his 19 bouts he has fought just a single completed 10 round bout and is 1-1 in bouts that have gone beyond the 6th round. This does not bode well with him jumping in to title level for this bout.
For me I really don't see too much reasoning behind this bout. The only logical idea seems to be that Hernandez is trying to force the hand of Roman Gonzalez. Beating up on a Nicaraguan, like Cardoza, may help get Gonzalez (also a Nicaraguan) in to the ring. The bout is little more than a gimme for "El Confessor" who really should finish this when he wants.
Prediction-Hernandez TKO6
Monday, 6 May 2013
Kazuto Ioka v Wisanu Kokietgym
Japanese boxing may be celebrating it's newest star, Naoya Inoue (3-0, 3) moving his way towards a world title and Ryoto Murata (0-0) ready to make his debut but just a few years ago the fast rising Kazuto Ioka (11-0, 7) was the talk of the boxing world. The unbeaten Ioka, now a 2-weight world champion seeks to claim the headlines once more as he looks to make the first defense of his WBA Light Flyweight title when he takes on the experienced Thai Wisanu Kokietgym (43-8-2, 11).
Although Ioka, 24, is a bit of a professional novice he's already fought in a staggering 5 world title bouts, in fact after this bout 50% of his bouts will have been for a world title! In those fights he has shown all the traits of a really outstanding fighter and that includes his trademark body shots which are up there with the very best in the sport today.
Whilst Ioka isn't a massively experienced fighter he has been in boxing most of his life. He had a genuinely vast amateur career and his uncle, Hiroki Ioka, was himself a 2-weight world champion. It's this experience that has seen Ioka fast tracked and although there has had one or two wobbles (notably being dropped by Heri Amol) he has been very impressive stopping the likes of Oleydong Sithsamerchai, Juan Hernandez and Jose Alfredo Rodriguez whilst out pointing the very under-rated Akira Yaegashi.
With more than 4 times the experience of the champion it could be expected that Thai challenger Wisanu Kokietgym could be a worth while opponent. Sadly however if you go through Kokietgym's record it's hard to really be impressed by anything he's done other than the fact he's been active and well matched (on the whole).
In a career dating back to 2001 it's fair to say that Kokietgym's best known opponents are Z Gorres and Duangpetch Kokietgym. Both of those men managed to defeat Kokietgym and actually the Thai's best victories are against the likes of Ricky Manufoe and Sammy Hagler, who, lets be honest, are journeymen through Asia who really shouldn't be any title challengers "best wins".
The best wins of Kokietgym's are on a similar level to the worst victories of Ioka. That's a pretty damning statement but yet a thoroughly fair one and with that in mind it's impossible to go against Ioka. Though rather than just stating the obvious lets go a step further (I feel cocky!) Ioka will stop Kokietgym in impressive fashion inside 5 rounds with a thunderous body shot. I wouldn't be shocked if it was in the first 3. There is simply no way for Kokietgym to win, he lacks the the skills for a decision and the power for a stoppage.
Prediction- Ioka TKO4
Although Ioka, 24, is a bit of a professional novice he's already fought in a staggering 5 world title bouts, in fact after this bout 50% of his bouts will have been for a world title! In those fights he has shown all the traits of a really outstanding fighter and that includes his trademark body shots which are up there with the very best in the sport today.
Whilst Ioka isn't a massively experienced fighter he has been in boxing most of his life. He had a genuinely vast amateur career and his uncle, Hiroki Ioka, was himself a 2-weight world champion. It's this experience that has seen Ioka fast tracked and although there has had one or two wobbles (notably being dropped by Heri Amol) he has been very impressive stopping the likes of Oleydong Sithsamerchai, Juan Hernandez and Jose Alfredo Rodriguez whilst out pointing the very under-rated Akira Yaegashi.
With more than 4 times the experience of the champion it could be expected that Thai challenger Wisanu Kokietgym could be a worth while opponent. Sadly however if you go through Kokietgym's record it's hard to really be impressed by anything he's done other than the fact he's been active and well matched (on the whole).
In a career dating back to 2001 it's fair to say that Kokietgym's best known opponents are Z Gorres and Duangpetch Kokietgym. Both of those men managed to defeat Kokietgym and actually the Thai's best victories are against the likes of Ricky Manufoe and Sammy Hagler, who, lets be honest, are journeymen through Asia who really shouldn't be any title challengers "best wins".
The best wins of Kokietgym's are on a similar level to the worst victories of Ioka. That's a pretty damning statement but yet a thoroughly fair one and with that in mind it's impossible to go against Ioka. Though rather than just stating the obvious lets go a step further (I feel cocky!) Ioka will stop Kokietgym in impressive fashion inside 5 rounds with a thunderous body shot. I wouldn't be shocked if it was in the first 3. There is simply no way for Kokietgym to win, he lacks the the skills for a decision and the power for a stoppage.
Prediction- Ioka TKO4
Thursday, 14 March 2013
John Riel Casimero v Luis Alberto Rios
The IBF Light Flyweight champion John Riel Casimero (17-2, 10) has had a very interesting career so far and despite only being 23 he has probably has more stories than many seasoned veterans. He's fought around the world, "caused" a riot by beating a controversial Argentinian and become a genuinely solid (though criminally under-rated) fighter. This weekend sees Casimero on the road again as he fights for the first time in Panama defending his title against the once beaten Luis Alberto Rios (18-1-1, 13).
Casimero debuted way back in 2007 as a fresh faced 17 year old and in a little over a year he had already claimed a notable title winning the Philippines Boxing Federation Flyweight title and upsetting the experienced Rodel Quilaton. That was just Casimero's 10th professional bout. Just months later Casimero would capture the WBO Asia Pacific Light Flyweight title title and prove himself to be one of the most exciting teenagers in the sport.
Aged just 19 Casimero left his native Philippines for the first time and traveled to Nicaragua to fight seasoned Colombian Cesar Canchila (who had been the first man to beat Giovanni Segura just 17 months earlier) in a bout for the interim WBO Light Flyweight title. Many had written off the relatively unknown Casimero who shocked many fan of the lower divisions by stopping Canchila in 11 rounds to take the title back home. Sadly Casimero's title reign was short lived as he would the belt in his next bout via split decision to Mexican Ramon Garcia Hirales.
Casimero's road journey continued in his next bout as he traveled to South Africa and faced the genuinely excellent Moruti Mthalane in an IBF Flyweight title bout. Mthalane was too big, too talented and too strong for the brave Casimero who was stopped in the fifth round.
After 3 fights away from home Casimero swiftly dispatched with Roemart Sentillas in the Philippines before arguably scoring his biggest win in Argentina where he stopped the very unlikable Luis Alberto Lazarte for the interim IBF Light Flyweight title. Sadly that bout is better remembered for the disgusting scenes that followed the bout rather than the victory for Casimero, who was later pelted with items as the crowd almost tried to kill him in one of the most horrific scenes seen in boxing in the past decade.
Since claiming the IBF Light Flyweight title Casimero has made a solitary defense of the belt, defeating Pedro Guevara in Mexico by split decision (in a bout that saw Guevara on the canvas numerous times with them often being ruled as "slips").
In terms of Casimero in the ring he's fearless, he's fast, accurate and a very under-rated fighter. I wouldn't put him in with Roman Gonzalez or Kazuto Ioka but against anyone else in the division he would at very least hold his own. He's only really been beaten once and that was by Mthalane who I'm a huge admirer off and in that bout everything was against Casimero, including weight and the crowd (and it showed as he was honesty swatted around by Mthalane). At Light Flyweight he's a genuine nightmare for anyone and he keeps his power late having stopped both Canchila (TKO11) and Lazarte (TKO10) late.
Going into this bout relatively little is known of Luis Alberto Rios. The 23 year old Panamanian challenger has, like Casimero, been a professional since 2007 and been in pretty much the same number of fights, though all of his have been at home in fact almost all of them have taken place in Panama City.
Despite fighting just in Panama Rios has faced several better known fighters. These have seen him scoring victories over Edwin Diaz, Walter Tello (who faces Alberto Rossel in Peru also this weekend), local journeyman Carlos Melo, former world title contender Luis Carrillo and most recently Felipe Salguero, also a world title contender. What is notable from those fights is that Rios has a solid punch on him having taken out Salguero (TKO11), Carillo (TKO5), Tello (TKO4).
It's not all good news for Rios though. He has been stopped himself (against Luis Carrillo) and was held to a draw with Carlos Melo in a rematch. He was dropped last time out against Salguero and if I'm being honest Salguero is no Casimero and this is what swings me in to feeling that Casimero should be able to hurt and stop Rios.
Prediction-Casimero TKO9
Casimero debuted way back in 2007 as a fresh faced 17 year old and in a little over a year he had already claimed a notable title winning the Philippines Boxing Federation Flyweight title and upsetting the experienced Rodel Quilaton. That was just Casimero's 10th professional bout. Just months later Casimero would capture the WBO Asia Pacific Light Flyweight title title and prove himself to be one of the most exciting teenagers in the sport.
Aged just 19 Casimero left his native Philippines for the first time and traveled to Nicaragua to fight seasoned Colombian Cesar Canchila (who had been the first man to beat Giovanni Segura just 17 months earlier) in a bout for the interim WBO Light Flyweight title. Many had written off the relatively unknown Casimero who shocked many fan of the lower divisions by stopping Canchila in 11 rounds to take the title back home. Sadly Casimero's title reign was short lived as he would the belt in his next bout via split decision to Mexican Ramon Garcia Hirales.
Casimero's road journey continued in his next bout as he traveled to South Africa and faced the genuinely excellent Moruti Mthalane in an IBF Flyweight title bout. Mthalane was too big, too talented and too strong for the brave Casimero who was stopped in the fifth round.
After 3 fights away from home Casimero swiftly dispatched with Roemart Sentillas in the Philippines before arguably scoring his biggest win in Argentina where he stopped the very unlikable Luis Alberto Lazarte for the interim IBF Light Flyweight title. Sadly that bout is better remembered for the disgusting scenes that followed the bout rather than the victory for Casimero, who was later pelted with items as the crowd almost tried to kill him in one of the most horrific scenes seen in boxing in the past decade.
Since claiming the IBF Light Flyweight title Casimero has made a solitary defense of the belt, defeating Pedro Guevara in Mexico by split decision (in a bout that saw Guevara on the canvas numerous times with them often being ruled as "slips").
In terms of Casimero in the ring he's fearless, he's fast, accurate and a very under-rated fighter. I wouldn't put him in with Roman Gonzalez or Kazuto Ioka but against anyone else in the division he would at very least hold his own. He's only really been beaten once and that was by Mthalane who I'm a huge admirer off and in that bout everything was against Casimero, including weight and the crowd (and it showed as he was honesty swatted around by Mthalane). At Light Flyweight he's a genuine nightmare for anyone and he keeps his power late having stopped both Canchila (TKO11) and Lazarte (TKO10) late.
Going into this bout relatively little is known of Luis Alberto Rios. The 23 year old Panamanian challenger has, like Casimero, been a professional since 2007 and been in pretty much the same number of fights, though all of his have been at home in fact almost all of them have taken place in Panama City.
Despite fighting just in Panama Rios has faced several better known fighters. These have seen him scoring victories over Edwin Diaz, Walter Tello (who faces Alberto Rossel in Peru also this weekend), local journeyman Carlos Melo, former world title contender Luis Carrillo and most recently Felipe Salguero, also a world title contender. What is notable from those fights is that Rios has a solid punch on him having taken out Salguero (TKO11), Carillo (TKO5), Tello (TKO4).
It's not all good news for Rios though. He has been stopped himself (against Luis Carrillo) and was held to a draw with Carlos Melo in a rematch. He was dropped last time out against Salguero and if I'm being honest Salguero is no Casimero and this is what swings me in to feeling that Casimero should be able to hurt and stop Rios.
Prediction-Casimero TKO9
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Alberto Rossel v Walter Tello
Peruvian fighter Alberto Rossel (29-8-0-1, 13) will attempt to defend his WBA interim Light Flyweight title for the second time this coming weekend as he faces Panamanian Walter Tello (18-6, 7) in what promising to be a major event in the champion's homeland, despite it not being a country known for it's boxing.
The 35 year old Rossel may not be a name on the lips of every boxing fan however in his homeland he's a legend, he's not only the first male Peruvian to claim a world title of some sort but he's also the boxing icon of the country. He's been a classy fighter who has mixed with some of the best (including Ivan Calderon, Brian Viloria, Luis Alberto Lazarte, Vusi Malinga and Hugo Fidel Cazares) and finally reaps the rewards of his long and excellent career.
Rossel's been a professional since 1998 and although he's fought around the world (Peru, USA, Puerto Rico, Argentina, South Africa and Mexico) it's only been the last year or so that he's managed to make a name for himself thanks to victories over Jose Alfredo Rodriguez and Karluis Diaz as he claimed, then defended his world title.
In terms of fighting style Rossel is still a quick fighter for someone who is now 35 and although he's tiny he's got genuine ability to fight from the outside as well as the inside. Sadly through his career Rossel has found himself facing genuinely world level fighters who have simply had that level of exceptional talent rather than just good skills and he's come out the loser at the top level as a result.
At just 26 years old the Panamanian challenger is by far the younger man going in to this bout though he's not only less experienced but also less tested having only been in with 2 noteworthy in Manuel Vargas and Giovani Segura, both of whom convincingly beat him in Mexico in world title fights. This also reflected in the quality of Tello's victories which have been very limited and his only title victory was when he won the WBO Latino Minimumweight title back in 2008.
Tello is genuinely very limited and his confidence will not be high, despite a 3 fight winning streak because he's 4-3 in his last 7 and 5-4 in his last 9, including 2 losses to fellow Panamanian Carlos Melo.
Although Tello has only been stopped twice (once bey Segura and once by Luis Alberto Rios, who fights this weekend against John Riel Casimero for the IBF Light Flyweight title) I wouldn't be shocked if the pressure of fighting in Peru sees him mentally wilting before being stopped late.
Prediction-Rossel to win by TKO11
The 35 year old Rossel may not be a name on the lips of every boxing fan however in his homeland he's a legend, he's not only the first male Peruvian to claim a world title of some sort but he's also the boxing icon of the country. He's been a classy fighter who has mixed with some of the best (including Ivan Calderon, Brian Viloria, Luis Alberto Lazarte, Vusi Malinga and Hugo Fidel Cazares) and finally reaps the rewards of his long and excellent career.
Rossel's been a professional since 1998 and although he's fought around the world (Peru, USA, Puerto Rico, Argentina, South Africa and Mexico) it's only been the last year or so that he's managed to make a name for himself thanks to victories over Jose Alfredo Rodriguez and Karluis Diaz as he claimed, then defended his world title.
In terms of fighting style Rossel is still a quick fighter for someone who is now 35 and although he's tiny he's got genuine ability to fight from the outside as well as the inside. Sadly through his career Rossel has found himself facing genuinely world level fighters who have simply had that level of exceptional talent rather than just good skills and he's come out the loser at the top level as a result.
At just 26 years old the Panamanian challenger is by far the younger man going in to this bout though he's not only less experienced but also less tested having only been in with 2 noteworthy in Manuel Vargas and Giovani Segura, both of whom convincingly beat him in Mexico in world title fights. This also reflected in the quality of Tello's victories which have been very limited and his only title victory was when he won the WBO Latino Minimumweight title back in 2008.
Tello is genuinely very limited and his confidence will not be high, despite a 3 fight winning streak because he's 4-3 in his last 7 and 5-4 in his last 9, including 2 losses to fellow Panamanian Carlos Melo.
Although Tello has only been stopped twice (once bey Segura and once by Luis Alberto Rios, who fights this weekend against John Riel Casimero for the IBF Light Flyweight title) I wouldn't be shocked if the pressure of fighting in Peru sees him mentally wilting before being stopped late.
Prediction-Rossel to win by TKO11
Friday, 1 March 2013
Donnie Nietes v Moises Funetes
Filipino Donnie Nietes (31-1-3, 17) has long been one of the most forgotten men in the sport of boxing. He's unbeaten in over 8 years, he's claimed WBO title at both Minimumweight and Flyweight and he's won his last 18 bouts, including 7 world title bouts and yet he's rarely, if ever mentioned online even when fans are talking about under-rated fighters. It's likely however that if Nietes successfully defends his WBO Light Flyweight title this coming Saturday against Mexican Moises Fuentes (16-1, 8) the boxing world may finally start to give him the attention he deserves.
Nietes, 30, has been a professional since 2003 and since then has only suffered a solitary (and highly debatable loss) to Angky Angkotta in Angkotta's native Indonesia. Not only did Angkotta struggle to gain a split decision in front of his own fans but he also failed to make the agreed weight for the fight, coming some 6 lbs over weight.
Since his loss to Angkotta, Nietes has been exceptional defeating the likes of Pornsawan Porpramook, Manuel Vargas, Jesus Silvestre, Mario Rodriguez and Ramon Garcia Hirales using his excellent skills and speed. Despite these notable victories Nietes has remained almost an enigma to many boxing fans who either don't know about, or don't care about the activity in the lower divisions where fighters like Nietes ply their trade.
Whilst he may be overlooked by many fans that really doesn't take away from the huge level of talent Nietes has. He's not a hugely exciting fighter, due to his defensive skill and lack of power, though he is a hugely talented fighter who knows his way around the ring and know how to get rounds in the bag, even if he doesn't tend to dominate fights in the way that perhaps he should. His work in the pocket is beautiful as he ducks and dodges whilst landing hurtful counters and his boxing is hugely under-rated by many. Saying that however the fact he rarely manages to put opponents away is a worry especially when you consider he now has over 230 professional rounds under his belt.
If Neites is to be seen as a masterful boxer then on the other hand we have the wild and somewhat reckless looking slugger from Mexico in Moises Fuentes. Fuentes, who defended his WBO Minimumweight title last time out by stopping Ivan Calderon (who retired from boxing following the loss) is like Neites in only a handful of ways, the most notable is that he's often over looked by boxing fans despite forging a successful career.
Another similarity that Nietes and Fuentes share is that they have only been beaten once, in fact rather oddly their losses both came by controversial split decision to fighters who came in over weight with Fuentes losing to fellow Mexican Juan Hernandez back in 2011. Since the loss to Hernandez however Fuentes has really come in to his own scoring notable wins over Raul Garcia, Julio Cesar Felix and most famously Ivan Calderon in what are by far his biggest wins.
Whilst Fuentes has made his name at Minimumweight he's always been a huge guy at the 105lb limit and standing at 5'7" he's actually taller than Lucas Matthysse. His size advantage has made him very dangerous at Minimumweight though should also easily allow him to make the move up to Light Flyweight for this bout with Nietes. In fact Fuentes should look like the noticeably bigger man in the ring despite being the fighter who's coming up a division.
If you look at Fuentes' record you don't see that of a puncher, though he is a hurtful fighter and if you allow him to catch you, you will know about it. He's hurtful to both the head and body and whilst he can be made to look very clumsy he can also leave fighters wincing in agony at his clubbing shots. If he manages to catch Nietes getting too cute he could genuinely shake up the Filipino, though I think the champion knows how to take care of himself in such a way that he should be able to take a clear decision over Fuentes.
Prediction-Nietes decision.
Nietes, 30, has been a professional since 2003 and since then has only suffered a solitary (and highly debatable loss) to Angky Angkotta in Angkotta's native Indonesia. Not only did Angkotta struggle to gain a split decision in front of his own fans but he also failed to make the agreed weight for the fight, coming some 6 lbs over weight.
Since his loss to Angkotta, Nietes has been exceptional defeating the likes of Pornsawan Porpramook, Manuel Vargas, Jesus Silvestre, Mario Rodriguez and Ramon Garcia Hirales using his excellent skills and speed. Despite these notable victories Nietes has remained almost an enigma to many boxing fans who either don't know about, or don't care about the activity in the lower divisions where fighters like Nietes ply their trade.
Whilst he may be overlooked by many fans that really doesn't take away from the huge level of talent Nietes has. He's not a hugely exciting fighter, due to his defensive skill and lack of power, though he is a hugely talented fighter who knows his way around the ring and know how to get rounds in the bag, even if he doesn't tend to dominate fights in the way that perhaps he should. His work in the pocket is beautiful as he ducks and dodges whilst landing hurtful counters and his boxing is hugely under-rated by many. Saying that however the fact he rarely manages to put opponents away is a worry especially when you consider he now has over 230 professional rounds under his belt.
If Neites is to be seen as a masterful boxer then on the other hand we have the wild and somewhat reckless looking slugger from Mexico in Moises Fuentes. Fuentes, who defended his WBO Minimumweight title last time out by stopping Ivan Calderon (who retired from boxing following the loss) is like Neites in only a handful of ways, the most notable is that he's often over looked by boxing fans despite forging a successful career.
Another similarity that Nietes and Fuentes share is that they have only been beaten once, in fact rather oddly their losses both came by controversial split decision to fighters who came in over weight with Fuentes losing to fellow Mexican Juan Hernandez back in 2011. Since the loss to Hernandez however Fuentes has really come in to his own scoring notable wins over Raul Garcia, Julio Cesar Felix and most famously Ivan Calderon in what are by far his biggest wins.
Whilst Fuentes has made his name at Minimumweight he's always been a huge guy at the 105lb limit and standing at 5'7" he's actually taller than Lucas Matthysse. His size advantage has made him very dangerous at Minimumweight though should also easily allow him to make the move up to Light Flyweight for this bout with Nietes. In fact Fuentes should look like the noticeably bigger man in the ring despite being the fighter who's coming up a division.
If you look at Fuentes' record you don't see that of a puncher, though he is a hurtful fighter and if you allow him to catch you, you will know about it. He's hurtful to both the head and body and whilst he can be made to look very clumsy he can also leave fighters wincing in agony at his clubbing shots. If he manages to catch Nietes getting too cute he could genuinely shake up the Filipino, though I think the champion knows how to take care of himself in such a way that he should be able to take a clear decision over Fuentes.
Prediction-Nietes decision.
Thursday, 10 January 2013
Adrian Hernandez v Dirceu Cabarca
WBC Light Flyweight champion Adrian Hernandez (25-2-1, 16) will be the first champion to attempt to defend his world title in 2012 as he faces the very limited Panamanian Dirceu Cabarca (13-6, 5) in what appears to be little more than a gimme defense for Hernandez.
Mexican Hernandez, now a two time WBC Light Flyweight champion having regained his title by stopping Kompayak Porpramook back in October gaining revenge after losing to the Thai in 2011 is seen by many as one of the top guys at 108lbs. At 27 years old he's coming in to his physical prime and when added to his solid boxing skills and hurtful he's a real danger man for anyone at the weight.
Having been around since 2006 Hernandez has already beaten a mini who's who including Rodel Mayol, Gilberto Keb Baas (twice) and of course Kompayak Porpramook though has yet to really get the break through with the hardcore boxing fan base who often turn a blind eye to the lower weights.
As a Light Flyweight Hernandez is huge, he stands at well over 5'6" (reportedly 5'8") and has a freakish 71" reach making him the giant of the division. Not only is he massive but he also knows how to use his size with accurate straight punches though he can also fighter inside with the best of them showing his Mexican machismo when it's called upon. It's this combination of being able to fight both at range or up close that makes Hernandez so dangerous.
Sadly I don't think we'll be seeing Hernandez's pushed too hard against Dirceu Cabarca who in all honesty is very lucky to be getting a title opportunity. To date Cabarca hasn't beaten anyone of note, though has lost when he has faced known fighters (Ulises Solis, Edwin Diaz and Karim Guerfi) and has often struggled to even win a round against the top fighters he's faced.
In his biggest win to date Cabarca did claim the Panamanian Super Flyweight title by winning a split decision over Manuel Vides, though in that fight Cabarca did find himself climbing off the canvas. I think he'll find himself back on the canvas here as Hernandez looks for an quick start to the year. Hernandez's skill and power will be too much and after hurting Cabarca he'll close the show.
Prediction-Hernandez TKO5
Mexican Hernandez, now a two time WBC Light Flyweight champion having regained his title by stopping Kompayak Porpramook back in October gaining revenge after losing to the Thai in 2011 is seen by many as one of the top guys at 108lbs. At 27 years old he's coming in to his physical prime and when added to his solid boxing skills and hurtful he's a real danger man for anyone at the weight.
Having been around since 2006 Hernandez has already beaten a mini who's who including Rodel Mayol, Gilberto Keb Baas (twice) and of course Kompayak Porpramook though has yet to really get the break through with the hardcore boxing fan base who often turn a blind eye to the lower weights.
As a Light Flyweight Hernandez is huge, he stands at well over 5'6" (reportedly 5'8") and has a freakish 71" reach making him the giant of the division. Not only is he massive but he also knows how to use his size with accurate straight punches though he can also fighter inside with the best of them showing his Mexican machismo when it's called upon. It's this combination of being able to fight both at range or up close that makes Hernandez so dangerous.
Sadly I don't think we'll be seeing Hernandez's pushed too hard against Dirceu Cabarca who in all honesty is very lucky to be getting a title opportunity. To date Cabarca hasn't beaten anyone of note, though has lost when he has faced known fighters (Ulises Solis, Edwin Diaz and Karim Guerfi) and has often struggled to even win a round against the top fighters he's faced.
In his biggest win to date Cabarca did claim the Panamanian Super Flyweight title by winning a split decision over Manuel Vides, though in that fight Cabarca did find himself climbing off the canvas. I think he'll find himself back on the canvas here as Hernandez looks for an quick start to the year. Hernandez's skill and power will be too much and after hurting Cabarca he'll close the show.
Prediction-Hernandez TKO5
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Kazuto Ioka v Jose Alfredo Rodriguez
One of the final world title fights this year sees talented Japanese youngster Kazuto Ioka (10-0, 6) attempt to claim a second division world title as he tries to claim the vacant WBA Light Flyweight title against once beaten Mexican Jose Alfredo Rodriguez (28-1, 17). This is a fight all lower weight fans should be hugely excited by with both men looking to really fill the void of Roman Gonzalez who has vacated the title to campaign at Flyweight from next year.
For me personally the clear favourite is Ioka who, despite going up in weight, is a special talent as he proved earlier this year by unifying the WBA and WBC Minimumweight titles as he defeated fellow Japanese warrior Akira Yaegashi in an all out war. Though the win over Yaegashi is the standout win on his record, Ioka also holds wins over Oleydong Sithsamerchai, Juan Hernandez and Masayoshi Segawa, not bad for a guy with just 10 professional bouts under his belt.
Ioka's move to Light Flyweight always looked to be on the cards as the 5'4" 23 year old has simply out grown the 105lb weight division and he looked noticeably drained late in the fight with Yaegashi. At 108lbs I'd hope that Ioka's growing body has filled out with out too many negative effects to his speed as he's a fast, accurate boxer-puncher who can trade as well as box. At his best however I'd say he's a better boxer than puncher and his key punches are the jab and straight, though he does throw some lovely shots to the body as Oleydong found out.
Whilst I could wax lyrical about Ioka I find it much harder to be as complimentary about Rodriguez who despite having an excellent looking record has faced much lesser opponents than Ioka. In fact the best opponents Rodriguez has faced have been Karluis Diaz, Nethra Sasiprapa and current WBA interim champion Alberto Rossel, with his only loss so far coming to Rossel.
Like Ioka, Rodriguez is a growing youngster, in fact Rodriguez despite his huge edge in professional experience, is actually the younger man at just 23 years old. Sadly for him however he lacks the long amateur experience that Ioka has and he also lacks much in terms of international experience having only fought out of Mexico twice, including his loss to Rossel and a split decision victory in Japan over Sho Nakazawa.
Interestingly both men have only fought once this year, with Ioka's win over Yaegashi and Rodriguez's loss to Rossel being their only other action in 2012. I don't think this will play too much of a factor though if it does I'd guess it's more likely to effect Rodriguez who is with out a win in over a year.
I feel that Ioka's excellent amateur school and home field advantage will see him through to a clear win here. I'd fancy him to perhaps look for a stoppage late though thoroughly dominate the fight regardless of stopping Rodriguez who has never been stopped.
Prediction-Ioka TKO 11
For me personally the clear favourite is Ioka who, despite going up in weight, is a special talent as he proved earlier this year by unifying the WBA and WBC Minimumweight titles as he defeated fellow Japanese warrior Akira Yaegashi in an all out war. Though the win over Yaegashi is the standout win on his record, Ioka also holds wins over Oleydong Sithsamerchai, Juan Hernandez and Masayoshi Segawa, not bad for a guy with just 10 professional bouts under his belt.
Ioka's move to Light Flyweight always looked to be on the cards as the 5'4" 23 year old has simply out grown the 105lb weight division and he looked noticeably drained late in the fight with Yaegashi. At 108lbs I'd hope that Ioka's growing body has filled out with out too many negative effects to his speed as he's a fast, accurate boxer-puncher who can trade as well as box. At his best however I'd say he's a better boxer than puncher and his key punches are the jab and straight, though he does throw some lovely shots to the body as Oleydong found out.
Whilst I could wax lyrical about Ioka I find it much harder to be as complimentary about Rodriguez who despite having an excellent looking record has faced much lesser opponents than Ioka. In fact the best opponents Rodriguez has faced have been Karluis Diaz, Nethra Sasiprapa and current WBA interim champion Alberto Rossel, with his only loss so far coming to Rossel.
Like Ioka, Rodriguez is a growing youngster, in fact Rodriguez despite his huge edge in professional experience, is actually the younger man at just 23 years old. Sadly for him however he lacks the long amateur experience that Ioka has and he also lacks much in terms of international experience having only fought out of Mexico twice, including his loss to Rossel and a split decision victory in Japan over Sho Nakazawa.
Interestingly both men have only fought once this year, with Ioka's win over Yaegashi and Rodriguez's loss to Rossel being their only other action in 2012. I don't think this will play too much of a factor though if it does I'd guess it's more likely to effect Rodriguez who is with out a win in over a year.
I feel that Ioka's excellent amateur school and home field advantage will see him through to a clear win here. I'd fancy him to perhaps look for a stoppage late though thoroughly dominate the fight regardless of stopping Rodriguez who has never been stopped.
Prediction-Ioka TKO 11
Friday, 16 November 2012
Roman Gonzalez v Juan Francisco Estrada
Nicaraguan Roman Gonzalez (33-0, 28) seeks to make the 5th defense of his WBA Light Flyweight this coming weekend as he faces once beaten Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada (22-1, 18) in what promises to be an explosive encounter on Showtime.
For my money, Gonzalez (otherwise known as El Chocolatito), is one of the sports true premier level fighters. Although he's generally over-looked by the sport's casual fans the hardcore fan know all about the super skilled, powerful, fast and aggressive Gonzalez who at times looks genuinely unbeatable. In fact in a career spanning 7 years Gonzalez has only been involved in 1 close bout (a majority decision win over Francisco Rosas).
Starting as a teenager, Gonzalez's rise to the top was swift. Within 2 years of his professional debut he had already earned high rankings at both Light Flyweight and Minimumweight thanks to wins over notable opponents including Eriberto Gejon, Miguel Tellez and Jose Luis Varela. Just a year later however Gonzalez showed his class at world level widely out pointing Yutaka Niida for the WBA Minimumweight title to claim his first world title.
As the WBA Minimumweight champion, Gonzalez made 3 title defenses beating Francisco Rosas (as mentioned above), Katsunari Takayama and Ivan Meneses before moving up to Light Flyweight. At Light Flyweight, Gonzalez looked even more dominating, stopping Francisco Rosas in 2 rounds for the interim WBA Light Flyweight title.
After Juan Carlos Reveco moved from Light Flyweight to Flyweight, Gonzalez's title was upgraded from the interim to the regular title. Since then Gonzalez has scored 6 successive victories, including 4 title defenses in which he has beaten Manuel Vargas, Omar Salado, Omar Soto and Ramon Garcia Hirales, all credible challengers.
If Floyd Mayweather Jr is the best defensive fighter in the sport right now then I'd be tempted to say that Gonzalez is the best offensive fighter in the sport right now. The Nicaraguan rarely loses more than a round, he's supremely confident in not only his abilities (which are amazing) but also his durability, often enjoying a war and his power (which suits him well during a war). I dare say that to beat Gonzalez you need to be a bit of a tank who can take one to land one or you manage to land a lucky bomb on Gonzalez when he leaps in on the offensive. In fact the way Gonzalez can leap in at times is pretty much his only real flaw, thankfully however very few fighter can make him pay for this mistake.
Whilst Gonzalez is a known quantity it's fair to say that Mexican challenger Juan Francisco Estrada is much less well known. Despite having been in 23 bouts as a professional, Estrada has only faced a handful of known opponents including current IBF Super Flyweight champion, who out pointed Estrada in 2011 and Filipino Ardin Diale who was stopped in 2 rounds. Those two aside however Estrada lacks the sort of wins to really know what he's made of.
What we do know about the 22 year old "El Gallo" is that he's a hard hitter, at least at the lower levels. He can dig to the body or the head and although not the most skilled he's not a fighter that many will want to get into a war with. He's never been stopped, though has been down (dropped by Sanchez) however he's admittedly never been in with someone approaching Gonzalez's level of power, speed, combinations of spitefulness.
In all honestly I'd be shocked if Gonzalez did anything other than made a statement. He'll be looking to finish this and finish it early, and it's probably fair to say Estrada has been brought in as the opponent to allow Gonzalez to look good. Expect this to be a fun war though one that Gonzalez's all round game will dominate.
Prediction: Gonzalez TKO5
For my money, Gonzalez (otherwise known as El Chocolatito), is one of the sports true premier level fighters. Although he's generally over-looked by the sport's casual fans the hardcore fan know all about the super skilled, powerful, fast and aggressive Gonzalez who at times looks genuinely unbeatable. In fact in a career spanning 7 years Gonzalez has only been involved in 1 close bout (a majority decision win over Francisco Rosas).
Starting as a teenager, Gonzalez's rise to the top was swift. Within 2 years of his professional debut he had already earned high rankings at both Light Flyweight and Minimumweight thanks to wins over notable opponents including Eriberto Gejon, Miguel Tellez and Jose Luis Varela. Just a year later however Gonzalez showed his class at world level widely out pointing Yutaka Niida for the WBA Minimumweight title to claim his first world title.
As the WBA Minimumweight champion, Gonzalez made 3 title defenses beating Francisco Rosas (as mentioned above), Katsunari Takayama and Ivan Meneses before moving up to Light Flyweight. At Light Flyweight, Gonzalez looked even more dominating, stopping Francisco Rosas in 2 rounds for the interim WBA Light Flyweight title.
After Juan Carlos Reveco moved from Light Flyweight to Flyweight, Gonzalez's title was upgraded from the interim to the regular title. Since then Gonzalez has scored 6 successive victories, including 4 title defenses in which he has beaten Manuel Vargas, Omar Salado, Omar Soto and Ramon Garcia Hirales, all credible challengers.
If Floyd Mayweather Jr is the best defensive fighter in the sport right now then I'd be tempted to say that Gonzalez is the best offensive fighter in the sport right now. The Nicaraguan rarely loses more than a round, he's supremely confident in not only his abilities (which are amazing) but also his durability, often enjoying a war and his power (which suits him well during a war). I dare say that to beat Gonzalez you need to be a bit of a tank who can take one to land one or you manage to land a lucky bomb on Gonzalez when he leaps in on the offensive. In fact the way Gonzalez can leap in at times is pretty much his only real flaw, thankfully however very few fighter can make him pay for this mistake.
Whilst Gonzalez is a known quantity it's fair to say that Mexican challenger Juan Francisco Estrada is much less well known. Despite having been in 23 bouts as a professional, Estrada has only faced a handful of known opponents including current IBF Super Flyweight champion, who out pointed Estrada in 2011 and Filipino Ardin Diale who was stopped in 2 rounds. Those two aside however Estrada lacks the sort of wins to really know what he's made of.
What we do know about the 22 year old "El Gallo" is that he's a hard hitter, at least at the lower levels. He can dig to the body or the head and although not the most skilled he's not a fighter that many will want to get into a war with. He's never been stopped, though has been down (dropped by Sanchez) however he's admittedly never been in with someone approaching Gonzalez's level of power, speed, combinations of spitefulness.
In all honestly I'd be shocked if Gonzalez did anything other than made a statement. He'll be looking to finish this and finish it early, and it's probably fair to say Estrada has been brought in as the opponent to allow Gonzalez to look good. Expect this to be a fun war though one that Gonzalez's all round game will dominate.
Prediction: Gonzalez TKO5
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Kompayak Porpramook v Adrian Hernandez II
As all true fans of boxing know, the lower weight divisions are all too often over-looked and ignored by both the casual fan and the TV companies in the US and in Britain. This is one of the great shames of our sport as we often miss some absolute tear ups such as last years fight of the year contender between the then WBC Light Flyweight champion Adrian Hernandez (now 24-2-1, 15) and current champion Kompayak Porpramook (now 46-3, 31).
When the two men first met, last December they went at it like caged animals beating the ever loving snot out of each other in a high tempo all action war before Hernandez was stopped in round 10 in the Thai capital of Bangkok. Sadly unless you were a true die hard fan you almost certainly missed watching the fight live and had to go to youtube some days later to watch the bout. Thankfully this coming weekend, fans who unfortunately missed out on the first bout between the two men get to see it all over again as Porpramook travels to Mexico to face Hernandez in a highly anticipated rematch.
Despite being the champion, and having a win already over Hernandez, Porpramook will likely go into this bout as the under-dog. Not only is he the older man by several years but he's also having to travel to the unfamiliar surroundings of Mexico in what will be only his second fight outside of his homeland (last time he traveled was to Australia where he was beaten by Hussein Hussein over 6 years ago). Despite this he will likely feel confident of scoring another win over Hernandez who was a broken man at the end of their first bout.
Sadly however things haven't been great for Porpramook since the first fight with Hernandez and in his first defense he was lucky to retain his title as unheralded Filipino Jonathan Taconing genuinely gave him hell, before he was bailed out by a ringside Dr. after a clash of heads. It's very unlikely that Porpramook will be given any similar favours in Mexico.
With 49 fights behind him, the tough Thai is experienced but isn't the most skilled and is more of a "warrior" than a boxer, willing to go in to a slug fest. For Porpramook this may well be out of necessity as he's a very short fighter (listed at 5′ 0½″, though I think he's slightly taller than that) and needs to get inside to be effective. Thankfully, inside Porpramook has amazing work rate a solid defense and a very hurtful body attack (that was used to great effect when the men met for the first time).
Whilst Porpramook hasn't had the best of times since he claimed the title, Hernandez has looked very solid and bounced back well in defeating two relatively abject opponents who were there for little more than to rebuild the confidence of Hernandez. Though in all honesty Hernandez did deserve an easy fight or two having had a very tough 2011 with fights against Porpramook, Gideon Buthelezi (the the IBO champion) and Gilberto Keb Baas (the then WBC champion).
Despite only being 26 years old Hernandez has faced a relative who's who of the lower divisions and has been in with Rodel Mayol, Eric Ortiz, Oscar Ibarra, Gilberto Keb Bass (twice), Ganigan Lopez, Erik Ramirez and of course Porpramook.
In terms of stature Hernandez is the direct opposite of the champion. He's tall (listed at 5'8" though I don't think he's quite that tall) and rangy and often he looks like he's in the wrong division, however like Porpramook he appears to like a good old tear up, which is the Mexican way I guess. Despite being huge at the weight Hernandez has a solid work rate himself and although he may not be the hardest single-shot puncher he lands a lot of hurtful shots that can mark up opponents and break them mentally.
Despite Porpramook winning last time the two men met, I have to go with Hernandez here. He's at home, he's in front of his own fans and he's away from the humid and hot conditions of Bangkok. It won't be easy, Porpramook won't just want to give up his title, however I think Hernandez will do enough to get the decision in another memorable war.
Prediction-Hernandez UD12
When the two men first met, last December they went at it like caged animals beating the ever loving snot out of each other in a high tempo all action war before Hernandez was stopped in round 10 in the Thai capital of Bangkok. Sadly unless you were a true die hard fan you almost certainly missed watching the fight live and had to go to youtube some days later to watch the bout. Thankfully this coming weekend, fans who unfortunately missed out on the first bout between the two men get to see it all over again as Porpramook travels to Mexico to face Hernandez in a highly anticipated rematch.
Despite being the champion, and having a win already over Hernandez, Porpramook will likely go into this bout as the under-dog. Not only is he the older man by several years but he's also having to travel to the unfamiliar surroundings of Mexico in what will be only his second fight outside of his homeland (last time he traveled was to Australia where he was beaten by Hussein Hussein over 6 years ago). Despite this he will likely feel confident of scoring another win over Hernandez who was a broken man at the end of their first bout.
Sadly however things haven't been great for Porpramook since the first fight with Hernandez and in his first defense he was lucky to retain his title as unheralded Filipino Jonathan Taconing genuinely gave him hell, before he was bailed out by a ringside Dr. after a clash of heads. It's very unlikely that Porpramook will be given any similar favours in Mexico.
With 49 fights behind him, the tough Thai is experienced but isn't the most skilled and is more of a "warrior" than a boxer, willing to go in to a slug fest. For Porpramook this may well be out of necessity as he's a very short fighter (listed at 5′ 0½″, though I think he's slightly taller than that) and needs to get inside to be effective. Thankfully, inside Porpramook has amazing work rate a solid defense and a very hurtful body attack (that was used to great effect when the men met for the first time).
Whilst Porpramook hasn't had the best of times since he claimed the title, Hernandez has looked very solid and bounced back well in defeating two relatively abject opponents who were there for little more than to rebuild the confidence of Hernandez. Though in all honesty Hernandez did deserve an easy fight or two having had a very tough 2011 with fights against Porpramook, Gideon Buthelezi (the the IBO champion) and Gilberto Keb Baas (the then WBC champion).
Despite only being 26 years old Hernandez has faced a relative who's who of the lower divisions and has been in with Rodel Mayol, Eric Ortiz, Oscar Ibarra, Gilberto Keb Bass (twice), Ganigan Lopez, Erik Ramirez and of course Porpramook.
In terms of stature Hernandez is the direct opposite of the champion. He's tall (listed at 5'8" though I don't think he's quite that tall) and rangy and often he looks like he's in the wrong division, however like Porpramook he appears to like a good old tear up, which is the Mexican way I guess. Despite being huge at the weight Hernandez has a solid work rate himself and although he may not be the hardest single-shot puncher he lands a lot of hurtful shots that can mark up opponents and break them mentally.
Despite Porpramook winning last time the two men met, I have to go with Hernandez here. He's at home, he's in front of his own fans and he's away from the humid and hot conditions of Bangkok. It won't be easy, Porpramook won't just want to give up his title, however I think Hernandez will do enough to get the decision in another memorable war.
Prediction-Hernandez UD12
Thursday, 16 August 2012
Alberto Rossel v Karluis Diaz Perez
Whilst I, like every other boxing fan in the world understands how interim titles can be used properly, to keep a title relevant whilst a fighter is suffering a long term injury, it seems they are now used just for the sake of having another title on the line. What we, as fans need to remember is that the sanctioning bodies manage to claim 3% of the fighters purse if a title is fought for, this includes interim titles, effectively allowing the sanctioning bodies a chance to profit from the numerous titles they have out. Sadly what interim titles have done is lead to a number of "world title bouts" that fans either aren't aware of, or simply don't care about, one such example is this weekend's WBA "interim" Light Flyweight bout between champion Alberto Rossel (28-8-0-1, 13) and challenger Karluis Diaz (17-3, 13). Sadly this bout isn't about being the best, it's about the WBA claiming their payment for a bout featuring two men that only the most hardcore of fans have even heard of, never mind seen.
Peruvian Rossel claimed the "interim" WBA Light Flyweight title earlier this year when he scored an upset win over young, and previously unbeaten Mexican Jose Alfredo Rodriguez (who at the time was 27-0). This victory over Rodriguez saw Rossel becoming the first Peruvian to claim a portion of any world title, quite an historic feat, though one that hasn't managed to make waves in the boxing world due in part to the titles "interim" status and also due to the fact very, very few know who he really is.
The diminutive (5'2") Peruvian, known as "Chiquito" is a true ring veteran, having been a professional since 1998 and has faced a genuine who's who of world class fighters ranging from Daniel Reyes to Ivan Calderon, from Brian Viloria to Hugo Fidel Cazares. Sadly however Rossel has never been able to beat one of the bigger names often being too small, to weak or just not good enough, despite this he has continued to plug away and eventually won the gold.
At 34 years old Rossel is certainly in the twilight of his career, though as he showed against Rodriguez he has a reliable jab, fast foot work and is savy enough to work to his strengths, which appear to be to box and move. Sadly, in most of Rossel's high profile bouts his jab simply hasn't been enough to keep away opponents who have often been able to walk through it (notable Cazares who never once looked bothered by the Rossel jab). As well as getting on a bit (certainly for a light Flyweight) Rossel also doesn't have the sort of power to really buzz a top fighter, in fact his highest profile stoppage victim is quite probably former world title challenger Reginaldo Martins Carvalho who has now been stopped 10 times in 13 losses (from 33 bouts).
Whilst Rossel is certainly an obscure fighter for a "champion" his opponent, Colombian Karluis Diaz Perez is even less well known with only two videos of his freely available (his 8 round decision win over Farid Cassiani and his 7th round TKO loss to Jose Alfredo Rodriguez). This means that, sadly, we need to look more at at his record than his actual footage, however from what we saw he looks very, very limited and worryingly wild.
From his record it maybe fair to assume that Karluis Diaz Perez can hit hard, though in all honesty it's very hard to be sure as he has faced seriously limited competition with only 1 T/KO over a fighter with a winning record at the time (Luis Carrillo, who was 7-0-1, when Diaz stopped in back in 2009). What we do however know is that he isn't the most durable having been stopped in all 3 of his losses to date (with those losses coming to Jose Alfredo Rodriguez, recent title challenger Pedro Guevara and up coming title challenger Mario Rodriguez). The most worrying of those being an opening round blow out by Mario Rodriguez just 2 fights ago.
As well as his record and his durability issues Karluis Diaz Perez also has another issue, geography. To date he is 17-0 (13) in his homeland of Colombia, when he has left Colombia however he is 0-3. Whilst it's fair to point out that those losses are to his best opponents it also needs to be noted that he is fighting Rossel in Peru and Rossel is yet again one of Perez Diaz's best opponents, in fact Rossel beat the fighter (Jose Alfredo Rodriguez) who inflicted the first loss on Diaz Perez.
Going into the bout I have to favour Rossel to retain his title by decision. Whilst Diaz Perez does have durability issues Rossel doesn't have the power to make him pay, he does however have nigh on hero status in Peru due to his historic position as Peru's first world champion. Rossel's status in Peru will make it very hard to get decision over him and in fact Rossel is unbeaten in Peru (25-0, 13).
Peruvian Rossel claimed the "interim" WBA Light Flyweight title earlier this year when he scored an upset win over young, and previously unbeaten Mexican Jose Alfredo Rodriguez (who at the time was 27-0). This victory over Rodriguez saw Rossel becoming the first Peruvian to claim a portion of any world title, quite an historic feat, though one that hasn't managed to make waves in the boxing world due in part to the titles "interim" status and also due to the fact very, very few know who he really is.
The diminutive (5'2") Peruvian, known as "Chiquito" is a true ring veteran, having been a professional since 1998 and has faced a genuine who's who of world class fighters ranging from Daniel Reyes to Ivan Calderon, from Brian Viloria to Hugo Fidel Cazares. Sadly however Rossel has never been able to beat one of the bigger names often being too small, to weak or just not good enough, despite this he has continued to plug away and eventually won the gold.
At 34 years old Rossel is certainly in the twilight of his career, though as he showed against Rodriguez he has a reliable jab, fast foot work and is savy enough to work to his strengths, which appear to be to box and move. Sadly, in most of Rossel's high profile bouts his jab simply hasn't been enough to keep away opponents who have often been able to walk through it (notable Cazares who never once looked bothered by the Rossel jab). As well as getting on a bit (certainly for a light Flyweight) Rossel also doesn't have the sort of power to really buzz a top fighter, in fact his highest profile stoppage victim is quite probably former world title challenger Reginaldo Martins Carvalho who has now been stopped 10 times in 13 losses (from 33 bouts).
Whilst Rossel is certainly an obscure fighter for a "champion" his opponent, Colombian Karluis Diaz Perez is even less well known with only two videos of his freely available (his 8 round decision win over Farid Cassiani and his 7th round TKO loss to Jose Alfredo Rodriguez). This means that, sadly, we need to look more at at his record than his actual footage, however from what we saw he looks very, very limited and worryingly wild.
From his record it maybe fair to assume that Karluis Diaz Perez can hit hard, though in all honesty it's very hard to be sure as he has faced seriously limited competition with only 1 T/KO over a fighter with a winning record at the time (Luis Carrillo, who was 7-0-1, when Diaz stopped in back in 2009). What we do however know is that he isn't the most durable having been stopped in all 3 of his losses to date (with those losses coming to Jose Alfredo Rodriguez, recent title challenger Pedro Guevara and up coming title challenger Mario Rodriguez). The most worrying of those being an opening round blow out by Mario Rodriguez just 2 fights ago.
As well as his record and his durability issues Karluis Diaz Perez also has another issue, geography. To date he is 17-0 (13) in his homeland of Colombia, when he has left Colombia however he is 0-3. Whilst it's fair to point out that those losses are to his best opponents it also needs to be noted that he is fighting Rossel in Peru and Rossel is yet again one of Perez Diaz's best opponents, in fact Rossel beat the fighter (Jose Alfredo Rodriguez) who inflicted the first loss on Diaz Perez.
Going into the bout I have to favour Rossel to retain his title by decision. Whilst Diaz Perez does have durability issues Rossel doesn't have the power to make him pay, he does however have nigh on hero status in Peru due to his historic position as Peru's first world champion. Rossel's status in Peru will make it very hard to get decision over him and in fact Rossel is unbeaten in Peru (25-0, 13).
Friday, 3 August 2012
John Riel Casimero v Pedro Guevara
Although the sporting week has been dominated by the London 2012 Olympic games it doesn't mean that all other sports are off. In Mexico this coming weekend boxing fans will get a chance to see IBF Light Flyweight champion John Riel Casimero (16-2, 10) defend his title against unbeaten Mexican Pedro Guevara (18-0-1, 13).
Filipino Casimero infamously claimed the Interim title earlier this year in bout with Argentinian Luis Alberto Lazarte, which ended in a riot after Casimero stopped the controversial Argentinian. The fall out from that bout saw Casimero hit with chairs and needing to hide under the ring before Lazarte was given a life ban by the IBF. Since then however Casimero has found his Interim title being upgraded to the full version of the IBF title due to the inactivity of Ulises Solis, despite not having fought himself since February.
Casimero, a youngster at just 22 years old has been mixing in world company for over 2 years and has fought a number of respected names in the lower divisions including Cesar Canchila (TKO11), Ramon Garcia Hirales (L-SD12), Moruti Mthalane (L-TKO5) and the aforementioned Lazarte (TKO10) gaining valuable experience against some genuinely excellent little fighters. So despite having less than 20 fights he has been fighting at a very high level and he has also been fighting away from home regularly having already fought in Nicaragua, Mexico, South Africa and Argentina. Going to Mexico to face Guevara really shouldn't bother the talented youngster.
Whilst the champion is a known quantity who has mixed with excellent competition (with varying degrees of success) the challenger is a little bit less well known. Over his first 13 fights Guervara faced no one of note, in fact the most well known fighter that Guervara faced early in his career was Mexican journeyman Charly Valenzuela, who's record boasts almost as many losses as wins. In recent fights however Guevara has stepped up well and scored slightly more notable results whilst claiming both the WBC Silver Light Flyweight title and the NABF title at the same weight. The most notable result of Guevara's is a controversial 12 round draw against fellow Sinaloa resident Mario Rodriguez, a former world title contender himself.
Just going on records alone the unbeaten record of Guevara is relatively weak with only a handful of solid fights whilst Casimero, although suffering losses has fought at a much, much higher standard for a much longer time. With this in mind it's fair to say that Casimero is a more proven fighter, but how about in the actual ring?
Guevara, like most Mexican's appears to be quite in your face, a fighter who likes to try to prove his machismo. He has stinging punches but not the sort of killer shots that he perhaps needs for his style, however he does appear to take a huge number of shots against much lesser skilled fighters than Casimero. Guevara's fight with Valenzuela saw Guevara just breaking down the journeyman whilst taking a number of right hands himself, I'd worry for him if he wanted to use that sort of strategy against Casimero who is very tough himself.
Like Guevara, Casimero can go to war as he did with Canchilla, though he's actually a very solid boxer when he's got his boxing head on allowing him to either box or brawl. Having shown more to his game than Guervara and having shown he can go toe-to-toe with hard punchers we've really got to favour the young Filipino.
Whilst I can't currently find any bets on this bout I do fancy Casimero to score a KO in the later half of the fight which I expect will be a very, very enjoyable action bout. Casimero's extra experience against top fighters will the difference for me whilst Guevara's 0 is pretty much a paper 0.
Filipino Casimero infamously claimed the Interim title earlier this year in bout with Argentinian Luis Alberto Lazarte, which ended in a riot after Casimero stopped the controversial Argentinian. The fall out from that bout saw Casimero hit with chairs and needing to hide under the ring before Lazarte was given a life ban by the IBF. Since then however Casimero has found his Interim title being upgraded to the full version of the IBF title due to the inactivity of Ulises Solis, despite not having fought himself since February.
Casimero, a youngster at just 22 years old has been mixing in world company for over 2 years and has fought a number of respected names in the lower divisions including Cesar Canchila (TKO11), Ramon Garcia Hirales (L-SD12), Moruti Mthalane (L-TKO5) and the aforementioned Lazarte (TKO10) gaining valuable experience against some genuinely excellent little fighters. So despite having less than 20 fights he has been fighting at a very high level and he has also been fighting away from home regularly having already fought in Nicaragua, Mexico, South Africa and Argentina. Going to Mexico to face Guevara really shouldn't bother the talented youngster.
Whilst the champion is a known quantity who has mixed with excellent competition (with varying degrees of success) the challenger is a little bit less well known. Over his first 13 fights Guervara faced no one of note, in fact the most well known fighter that Guervara faced early in his career was Mexican journeyman Charly Valenzuela, who's record boasts almost as many losses as wins. In recent fights however Guevara has stepped up well and scored slightly more notable results whilst claiming both the WBC Silver Light Flyweight title and the NABF title at the same weight. The most notable result of Guevara's is a controversial 12 round draw against fellow Sinaloa resident Mario Rodriguez, a former world title contender himself.
Just going on records alone the unbeaten record of Guevara is relatively weak with only a handful of solid fights whilst Casimero, although suffering losses has fought at a much, much higher standard for a much longer time. With this in mind it's fair to say that Casimero is a more proven fighter, but how about in the actual ring?
Guevara, like most Mexican's appears to be quite in your face, a fighter who likes to try to prove his machismo. He has stinging punches but not the sort of killer shots that he perhaps needs for his style, however he does appear to take a huge number of shots against much lesser skilled fighters than Casimero. Guevara's fight with Valenzuela saw Guevara just breaking down the journeyman whilst taking a number of right hands himself, I'd worry for him if he wanted to use that sort of strategy against Casimero who is very tough himself.
Like Guevara, Casimero can go to war as he did with Canchilla, though he's actually a very solid boxer when he's got his boxing head on allowing him to either box or brawl. Having shown more to his game than Guervara and having shown he can go toe-to-toe with hard punchers we've really got to favour the young Filipino.
Whilst I can't currently find any bets on this bout I do fancy Casimero to score a KO in the later half of the fight which I expect will be a very, very enjoyable action bout. Casimero's extra experience against top fighters will the difference for me whilst Guevara's 0 is pretty much a paper 0.
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