Lightweight Israel Mercado scored an eight round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Mike Sanchez in a main event battle of undefeated prospects on Sunday night at Omega Products International in Corona, CA. What was the headline bout of a three-fight card saw the unbeaten Lightweights engage in a tactical fight. Many of the rounds in the bout were closely fought where both fighters were able to have their moments, but Mercado’s ability to pace himself, land effective counter punches, as well as being responsible defensively was enough to overcome Sanchez’ greater activity and seemingly harder punches. Official scores were: 80-72, 79-73, and 78-74 all in favor of Mercado. Israel Mercado advances to 9-0, with 7 Knockouts. Mike Sanchez falls to 6-1-1, with 2 Knockouts.
Also on this card:
In an entertaining Welterweight bout Esteban Munoz scored a four round unanimous decision over McArio DelCastillo. Munoz used his movement and combination punching to out work a durable DelCastillo over the four round bout. Although Munoz was able to land effectively to both the body and head, and particularly had success in landing his right hand, DelCastillo kept coming forward and was able to give Munoz a tough go of it all the way through. Official scores were: 40-36 (On all three scorecards) in favor of Munoz. Esteban Munoz advances to 3-1, with 2 Knockouts. McArio DelCastillo falls to 0-4, with 0 Knockouts.
In a Jr. Featherweight bout that began the evening, Lazaro Vargas needed only twenty-two seconds to successfully make his pro debut with a first round knockout over fellow debuting Szel Martinez. A flush straight right hand to the body put Martinez down and the bout was stopped midway through the count. Lazaro Vargas advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Szel Martinez falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.
The originally scheduled main event between rising Lightweight prospect Michael Dutchover and Manuel Mendez was cancelled earlier in the week leading up to this card due to an out of the ring accident suffered by Mendez. There is no word as of this writing as to whether the bout will be rescheduled for a later date.
This card, which was promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions as part of their new 3-2-1 Boxing series across multiple online streaming platforms including both YouTube and Facebook Watch underscored the challenges that many promoters are across the entire sport are facing due to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic. As this observer has said frequently since Boxing began trying to resume activity in June under the circumstances of the epidemic, it is important that promoters at all levels look for ways to adapt to the changing landscape. Thompson Boxing has showed a blueprint of sorts that others in the sport can follow. Not only are they taking advantage of the technology that is available in an effort to bring their fights to as many eyes as possible, but they also showed with this card that they can also change plans when necessary and were able to provide a platform to all six fighters that competed on the card, who were not only unsigned to the promoter, but all of whom are at the early stage in their respective careers.
The ongoing epidemic has hurt many in just about every aspect of life. Among those that have been hurt the most by the circumstances are the many fighters across the world that may not be well known to the public, but all of whom are waiting for an opportunity. As some of Boxing’s biggest stars continue to be sidelined, the opportunity for lesser known fighters to take advantage of the various platforms that are available in an attempt to grow their followings and gain valuable exposure has perhaps never been greater. For the fighters who are able to succeed when opportunities like this present itself, they will hopefully be able to be in good position to advance their careers as the circumstances of COVID-19 hopefully improve.
“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”
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