Women’s WBA Jr. Welterweight world champion Kali Reis successfully defended her world title with a hard fought ten round majority decision over former WBC Jr. Lightweight world champion Diana Prazak on Friday night at the Sycuan Casino in El Cajon, CA. An extremely competitive fight from the outset, the ebb and flow consisted of Prazak pressing the action and forcing the fight on the inside. Despite the challenger’s aggression, it was Reis who seemed to land the cleaner punches of the two fighters in spots. It did not stop Prazak to rally late in landing some hard hooks to the head of the champion mixed with effective body shots in the latter rounds of the grueling battle, but ultimately Reis’ cleaner offense particularly over the first half of the fight that was enough to convince two of three official judges for the champion to not only retain her WBA world championship, but also leave the fight a unified world champion by adding the vacant IBO Jr. Welterweight world championship to firmly establish Reis as a focal point in the 140lb, Jr. Welterweight division division. Official scores were 95-95, (Even) and 97-93, 96-94 in favor of Reis. Kali Reis advances to 18-7-1, with 5 Knockouts. Diana Prazak falls to 14-4, 9 Knockouts.
Also on this card:
In a Women’s WBA Welterweight elimination bout, Alma Ibarra scored an eight round unanimous decision over Kandi Wyatt. Although Wyatt was competitive throughout, she was not able to match Ibarra’s overall offensive output as her quicker hands, ability to attack at angles, and combination punching were enough to earn the convincing unanimous decision victory. Official scores were: 80-72, 79-73, and 78-74 all in favor of Ibarra. Alma Ibarra advances to 9-1, with 4 Knockouts. Kandi Wyatt falls to 10-3, with 3 Knockouts.
Undefeated Heavyweight Elvis Garcia scored a third round stoppage of late substitute Joel Shojgreen. Shojgreen seemed to building some momentum in the first two rounds, but Garcia stepped up his pace in round three by throwing and landing several hooks to the head. This ultimately resulted in Shojgreen being dropped three times officially as Garcia unleashed what was a non-stop barrage. Although Shojgreen was able to survive the round, Referee Jack Reiss determined Shojgreen was in no condition to continue and stopped the fight at the end of round three. The fight was announced as being in the controversial “Bridgerweight” division, which is only recognized by the World Boxing Council (WBC). Elvis Garcia advances to 12-0, with 9 Knockouts. Joel Shojgreen falls to 10-3, with 9 Knockouts.
A clash between unbeaten Jr. Lightweights saw Austin Brooks score a four round unanimous decision over Jesus Beltran. The story of this fight was Brooks’ ability to control distance, get his punches off first, and keep Beltran from getting his offense off consistently. Official scores were: 40-36, (On two scorecards) and 39-37 all in favor of Brooks. Austin Brooks advances to 4-0, with 1 Knockout. Jesus Beltran falls to 4-1, with 3 Knockouts.
This card, which was promoted by Hall of Fame promoter Lou Dibella and his Broadway Boxing series continued to underscore the progression of Women’s Boxing. Although the progress is undeniable and should be celebrated, the main event of this card also underscored the importance that rounds in Women’s Boxing need to be extended to three minutes in duration. The same length of time as men competing in the sport.
While the battle between Kali Reis and Diana Prazak realistically could have gone either way. Reis showed she is a champion by offering Prazak a rematch in response to some booing from the crowd in attendance in saying that she was not happy with her performance and gave Prazak credit for pushing her to her limit. While neither fighter has anything to be ashamed of as they both left it all in the ring, a show of “Class” between two warriors who gave everything they had to give is something all involved in the sport could learn from.
“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”
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