Metcalf Defeats Lejarraga In Bilbao, Spain

 

Jr. Middleweight contender James Metcalf scored an impressive ten round unanimous decision over fellow contender Kerman Lejarraga on Friday night at the Bilbao Arena in Bilbao, Spain. Despite the crowd being heavily in favor of the local favorite Lejarraga, Metcalf used an effective strategy with an emphasis on lateral movement and counter punching to tactically out box the power punching Lejarraga over the course of the ten round contest. Metcalf appeared to score a knockdown of Lejarraga in round three with a short right hand to the head, but it was ruled that the punch landed on the back of the head of Lejarraga.

 

Although Lejarraga tried in spots to turn the ebb and flow in his favor and did land hard punches on Metcalf periodically, it was Metcalf who remained disciplined and was not baited into a toe to toe battle. Metcalf’s combination punching, and ring generalship ultimately were enough to earn the convincing unanimous decision, despite being in his opponent’s home territory.  Official scores were: 97-94, 96-94, and 96-95 James Metcalf advances to 23-2, with 14 Knockouts. Kerman Lejarraga falls to 34-3, with 26 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

In a battle for the vacant European Flyweight championship Jairo Noriega scored a twelve round unanimous decision over multi-time European title challenger Angel Moreno. From the opening bell, Noriega’s hand speed, combination punching, and punching power were simply too much for Moreno to combat. Late in the first round a hard and short right hook to the jaw dropped Moreno, but it was not ruled a knockdown. In round five a left hook to the head did drop Moreno. Despite being tactically outgunned and appearing as though he was on the verge of being stopped the “Game” Moreno hung in there and never stopped trying to turn the fight in his favor in what was his fourth attempt to win the European Flyweight championship. Official scores were:116-110, and 118-109 (On two scorecards) in favor of Noriega. Jairo Noriega advances to 12-0, with 3 Knockouts. Angel Moreno falls to 21-5-3, with 6 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Welterweight Jon Miguez scored a sixth round knockout of James Moorcroft. A competitive bout, Miguez’ harder punches dictated the combat though Moorcroft did attempt to fight fire with fire in spots throughout. The effects of the punishment dished out by Miguez to the body and head of Moorcroft gradually took a toll. In round six, a left hook to the body crumbled Moorcroft to the canvas. Moorcroft struggled to get to his feet, but did manage to beat the count. Despite this, his refusal to turn and face the referee when questioned if he was okay to continue resulted in the bout being stopped.  Official time of the stoppage was 1:21 of round six. Jon Miguez advances to 17-0, with 8 Knockouts. James Moorcroft falls to 16-2, with 5 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Bantamweight Fran Mendoza pounded out an eight round unanimous decision over Alexander Mejia. An entertaining bout from the outset, Mendoza consistently forced the action and landed several thudding hooks to Mejia’s head. Despite taking punishment that would likely drop most fighters, Mejia hung in there and even landed some solid shots of his own in some heated exchanges in the latter rounds. Official scores were: 80-72, (On two scorecards) and 78-74 in favor of Mendoza. Fran Mendoza advances to 14-0, with 7 Knockouts. Alexander Mejia falls to 18-3, with 7 Knockouts.

 

In a clash of unbeaten Women’s Lightweights Rhiannon Dixon scored a six round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Mahjouba Oubtil. Dixon found a home for her right hand as she frequently landed it to the head of Oubtil throughout the bout. In round three it was a right hand that knocked Oubtil to the canvas. In a strange move, Dixon was deducted a point moments later by the referee for leading with her head, but she was the one wounded by an accidental head clash that opened a cut in her hairline. Despite the cut and the deduction, Dixon continued to press the action and in round six, would score her second knockdown of Outbil to secure the victory. Official scores were: 60-52, 58-53, and 57-54 in favor of Dixon Rhiannon Dixon advances to 5-0, with 0 Knockouts. Mahjouba Oubtil falls to 4-1, with 1 Knockout.

 

Jr. Welterweight Saul Luna began the evening by scoring a six round decision over previously undefeated Rikar Urrutia. An interesting clash of styles occurred in this fight as Urrutia stalked Luna for the majority of the bout, but Luna’s slick counter punching cleaver elusiveness and harder punches were enough for him to earn the decision victory. Official scores were: 58-56, (On two scorecards) and 57-57 (Even). Saul Luna advances to 7-2, with 1 Knockout. Rikar Urrutia falls to 5-1, with 0 Knockouts.  

 

With the Boxing world still abuzz over Dmitry Bivol’s twelve round unanimous decision over superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez several weeks ago, a victory that some called an upset due primarily to Alvarez’ standing within the sport, despite Bivol being the unbeaten WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion and the naturally bigger man going into the fight, some were also surprised that Bivol was able to get the decision victory over Alvarez in Las Vegas considering that Alvarez is viewed as the biggest star in the sport and a hot ticket seller in the United States, particularly whenever he competes in Las Vegas. Nevertheless, Bivol simply did what he needed to do, and even with a crowd firmly against him, was able to get the job done.

 

Though on a smaller scale in terms of mainstream attention, James Metcalf followed a similar approach against Kerman Lejarraga from the standpoint of having to go into hostile territory and seemingly taking the crowd influence out of the equation with his tactical Boxing performance. While some may also consider this victory an upset seeing as Lejarraga was seemingly on the verge of a potential world championship opportunity later this year, Metcalf should be given credit for sticking to his fight plan and making it work for him no matter what the circumstances were. Although one of the appeals of the sport of Boxing is to see fighters go toe to toe, there is something to be said when a fighter produces a performance like that one Metcalf was able to put forth in this fight. The type of performance that could well revitalize a career.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison  

Martin Defeats Felix In Barcelona, Spain

 

European Jr. Welterweight champion Sandor Martin scored a dominant ten round unanimous decision over Jose Felix in a non-title bout on Friday night at the Palau Olímpic Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona, Spain. A very tactical fight from the outset, Martin used his Boxing IQ in using angles, and superb counter punching to get the upper hand on Felix. As the fight progressed, Martin went from a fighter looking for counter shots to the fighter forcing the action as he frequently beat Felix to the punch and found a consistent home for his right hand as part of combinations he was able to land. Although it appeared that Martin may have been able to get a stoppage late in the fight if he had forced the issue, he was content to box his way to a convincing decision victory. Official scores were: 100-90, (On two scorecards) and 99-91 in favor of Martin. Sandor Martin advances to 40-2, with 13 Knockouts. Jose Felix falls to 39-6-1, with 30 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

Undefeated Flyweight and 2016 Spanish Olympian Samuel Carmona survived an extremely grueling test in the form of former world title challenger Joel Cordova in winning a ten round unanimous decision. An action-packed fight from the outset that initially saw Carmona beating Cordova to the punch, quickly turned as Cordova forced a near non-stop fast pace and consistently came forward landing hard shots and forcing Carmona on the defensive and having to look for counter punch opportunities. The two fighters continued to exchange offense and in round eight a barrage of punches seemed to have Carmona in serious trouble. Despite the momentum appearing to be in Cordova’s favor, Carmona was able to score a knockdown of him in round nine with a widely thrown left hook to the head and was able to hang on to earn a decision victory that might be viewed as controversial by some based on how the fight was fought. Official scores were: 96-94, 97-93, and 96-93 in favor of Carmona.  Samuel Carmona advances to 7-0, with 4 Knockouts. Joel Cordova falls to 13-6-2, with 3 Knockouts.

 

In a battle of unbeaten Middleweight prospects. Jhon Obregon scored a hard fought eight round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Kyle Lomotey. A fight that saw several heated exchanges of power punches, Obregon seemed to land the harder shots of the two and had Lomotey stunned periodically throughout the fight. In rounds five and six, Lomotey was penalized two points for head butts. Official scores were: 80-72, 79-73, and 77-73 in favor of Obregon. Jhon Obregon advances to 10-0, with 4 Knockouts. Kyle Lomotey falls to 10-1, with 2 Knockouts.

 

Former Women’s IBF Jr. Bantamweight world champion Jorgelina Guanini competing as a Jr. Featherweight, scored an eight round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Stevi Levy. Guanini landed a flush overhand right to the temple of Levy in round one and generally landed the harder punches of the two. In round five, a double left hook to the body by Guanini badly hurt Levy and set off an unanswered barrage of punches by the former world champion, but Levy was able to survive the round and showed her mettle in fighting till the final bell. Official scores were: 80-73, 79-73, and, 79-75 in favor of Guanini. Jorgelina Guanini advances to 10-4-2, with 1 Knockouts. Stevi Levy falls to 5-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

In a non-title Light-Heavyweight bout, WBO European Light-Heavyweight champion Ricards Bolotniks began the evening by scoring an eight round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Hrvoje Sep. A fight that was fought exclusively in close range, the difference was ultimately Bolotniks’ work rate compared to his opponent as he often threw punches in three and four punch combinations whereas Sep seemed intent on landing single punches. Official scores were: 78-75, (On two scorecards) and 77-75 in favor of Bolotniks. Ricards Bolotniks advances to 19-6-1, with 8 Knockouts. Hrvoje Sep falls to 11-1, with 8 Knockouts.

 

Sandor Martin has been building significant momentum over the last several years including his victory over former multi-division world champion Mikey Garcia in his last bout prior to his victory over Jose Felix. Martin, who is rated in the top five in both the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) Jr. Welterweight ratings and has been unbeaten since losing a unanimous decision to Anthony Yigit in September 2017. Now eleven fights and eleven victories since that defeat, Martin appears to be within striking distance of fighting for a world championship. With current Undisputed Jr. Welterweight champion Josh Taylor, who holds the WBC,WBA,IBF,WBO crowns, setting his sights on moving up in weight to the 147lb. Welterweight division, there will be no shortage of opportunities for Martin to fight for a vacant world championship as the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division  begins another period of transition where the unification process to determine one world champion in the division will begin all over again.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

Matchroom Boxing and DAZN Add To Busy 2022 Schedule With Four Blockbuster Fights In Italy and Spain in April And May

 

Credit: DAZN

Press Release: March 15, 2022 By DAZN – Matchroom and DAZN Add To Busy 2022 Schedule With Four Blockbuster Fights In Italy and Spain in April And May 

 

Matchroom return to Italy and Spain for four huge nights of boxing across April and May shown live and exclusive on DAZN.

 

Friday April 01:  Sandor Martin Vs. Jose Felix

Following his sensational victory over Mikey Garcia in October last year – Barcelona’s Martin (39-2, 13 KOs), is set for a homecoming event against the all-action, hard-hitting Felix (39-5-1, 30 KOs).

 

The undercard will see unbeaten Olympian Samuel Carmona build on his impressive and destructive performance in December, with his toughest assignment to date – taking on the seasoned Super Flyweight Fadhili Majiha (28-14-4, 14 KOs). Alejandro Moya (15-0, 10 KOs) takes a step up against Liverpool’s Tom Farrell (20-5, 5 KOs) and Ricards Bolotniks (18-6-1, 8 KOs) is back in action against unbeaten Croatian Hrvoje Sep (11-0, 8 KOs).

 

Friday April 22; Ivan Zucco Vs. Marko Nikolic

Zucco (15-0 13 KOs) is leaving the domestic scene behind having landed the Italian title in April when he fights well-traveled and experienced Serbian Marko Nikolic (28-1, 12 KOs).

 

Joining them on the undercard are unbeaten Roma man Mirko Natalizi (11-0 7 KOs) fighting Welshman Tony Dixon (13-3 4 KOs) for the WBC International Silver Super-Welterweight title as well as Francesco Grandelli (15-1-2 3 KOs) taking Kane Baker (17-8-1 1 KO), Samuel Nmomah (16-0 5 KOs) meeting Felice Moncelli (22-6-1 5 KOs), and there is six round action with Mauro Forte (Featherweight,16-0-2 6 KOs), Joshua Nmomah (Middleweight, 10-0 3 KOs), Giovanni Sarchioto (Middleweight, 2-0 2 KOs) and Voldy Toutin (Light-Heavyweight, 1-0).

 

Friday May 13: Scardina Vs. De Carolis

Scardina (20-0 16 KOs) defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Middleweight title against De Carolis (29-10-1 13 KOs), but there’s so much more at stake with bragging rights as the number one 168lber in the country to be settled on the night.

 

On the undercard Spaniard Mary Romero (7-2 2 KOs) will make the second defence of her European Super- Bantamweight title against Italy’s Maria Cecchi (6-0 1 KO), the vacant Italian Super-Bantamweight title will be claimed by Vincenzo La Femina (10-0 5 KOs) or Matteo Lecca (9-2 4 KOs), and there’s eight round action for Welterweight Maxim Prodan (19-1-1 15 KOs), while Super-Welterweight Cristian Cangelosi (6-0 2 KOs) and Cruiserweight Oronzo Birardi (2-0 2 KOs) will fight in six rounder bouts.

 

Friday May 20 Kerman Lejarraga vs. James Metcalf

Following the return of one Spanish golden boy, Matchroom head to the hometown of another on Friday May 20 – as Kerman Lejarraga (34-2, 26 KOs) takes on another British rival James Metcalf (21-2, 13 KOs) at the Bilbao Arena, Bilbao. After a brutal KO win in December, ‘The Revolver’ will be looking to pull the trigger on another standout performance which would propel him towards a first World title shot.

 

“It’s fantastic to see Spanish and Italian boxing back, with another four shows added to our already packed schedule,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “The work Matchroom are doing to raise the profile of the sport in these countries is a testament to their non-stop attitude on making it the biggest sport across the world. There four fights have domestic and huge global appeal, we can’t wait to stream live on DAZN worldwide.”

 

“We’re really excited to be returning to Spain and Italy with these four blockbuster events, live on DAZN,” said Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith. “There is absolutely no doubt that Spanish boxing is in the healthiest position it has ever been in – with huge wins by last year for Sandor Martin, Kerman Lejarraga and of course Kiko Martinez. We have been building over the past few years in Italy with Scardina and now the biggest domestic rival is happening in Milan on May 13. Following the pandemic is amazing to have fans back. Don’t miss it live and on demand on DAZN!”

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of DAZN Used with permission.

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved. 

Lejarraga KO’s Flatley In 9 In Bilbao, Spain

 European Jr. Middleweight champion Kerman Lejarraga scored a brutal one punch ninth round knockout of Jack Flatley to retain his crown on Friday night at the Bilbao Arena in Bilbao, Spain. The champion established that he was the stronger of the two fighters from the outset by dropping the challenger with a stiff jab through the guard in the first round. Flatley got up on very unsteady legs, but the pattern of the fight was set in motion from this point of the bout onward. A pattern that consisted of  Lejarraga coming forward throwing and often landing hard thudding punches to the body and head of Flatley that kept the challenger on the defensive. As the fight progressed, Flatley attempted to engage toe to toe with the champion in an effort to turn the ebb and flow of the combat in his favor. Kerman Lejarraga advances to 34-2, with 26 Knockouts. Jack Flatley falls to 17-2-1, with 4 Knockouts.

 

 Flatley would have periodic success in landing combinations to the head of Lejarraga, but at no point did Flatley’s punches prevent the champion from coming forward. In round eight, Flatley was dropped for the second time in the fight with a body shot, but in round nine Lejarraga landed a brutal right hand to the jaw that knocked Flatley down and out on the canvas. Flatley went down hard from the straight right hand and hit the back of his head on the canvas. Flatley remained on the canvas for a few minutes, but was able to regain his faculties and did leave the ring under his own power after what was a scary knockout. Official time of the stoppage was :30 of round nine.

 

Also on this card:

 

Undefeated Spanish Super-Middleweight champion Damian Biacho systematically broke down previously undefeated challenger Guillermo Rivero to make the first defense of his title via seventh round stoppage. Biacho allowed Rivero to come forward consistently throughout the bout, but Biacho would gradually accumulate short shots on the inside that eventually created openings. In round four, a short left uppercut to the head dropped Rivero. This would be followed by two knockdowns in round six. First, a combination to the body and head sent Rivero down for the second time. Then, Biacho would get a third knockdown in the bout by landing a straight right hand to the body right as the bell rang to end the sixth round. In round seven, Rivero would be dropped for the fourth time via a hook to the head, which was preceded by a combination of uppercuts that sent Rivero down. Although Rivero was very “Game” and was able to finish the seventh round, at the end of round seven, Rivero’s corner mercifully stopped the fight to prevent their fighter from further punishment. Damian Biacho advances to 12-0, with 3 Knockouts. Guillermo Rivero falls to 8-1-1, with 1 Knockout.

 

Jr. Welterweight Jonathan Alonso scored a dominant eight round unanimous decision over Mohamed El Marcouchi. For eight rounds, Alonso had success in landing his right hand on Marcouchi and as the fight progress, it appeared at points where he may have been able to get a stoppage of Marcouchi, but Marcouchi hang in there for all eight rounds. All three judges scored the bout 80-72 in favor of Alonso. Jonathan Alonso advances to 21-1, with 7 Knockouts. Mohamed El Marcouchi falls to 28-3, with 11 Knockouts.

 

Lightweight Campbell Hatton, the son of former world champion Ricky Hatton, scored the first stoppage of his young unbeaten career by scoring an impressive second round knockout of Attila Csereklye. Hatton hurt Csereklye with a left hook to the body in the first round and dropped him with a right hand that landed on the top of the head. In round two, Csereklye was sent down for a second time with a left hook to the ribcage, Csereklye was able to get up, but Hatton would not let his opponent off the hook and a now relentless attack to the body resulted in Csereklye going down for a third time and this time taking the full ten count while on one knee. Official time of the stoppage was 2:45 of round one. Campbell Hatton advances to 5-0, with 1 Knockout. Attila Csereklye falls to 10-26, with 8 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Flyweight Samuel Carmona scored a first round stoppage of Luis Padilla. Carmona landed a left hook to the body that set off a barrage of unanswered blows that forced a referee’s stoppage of the bout, despite Padilla not going down to the canvas. Official time of the stoppage was 1:30 of round one. Samuel Carmona advances to 6-0, with 4 Knockouts.  Luis Padilla falls to 13-3-2, with 2 Knockouts.

 

The evening began with unbeaten Middleweight Jhon Obregon moved to 9-0 in his career by scoring a six round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Gerome Warburton. Official scores were: 59-55, 59-56, and 59-54 all in favor of Obregon. Jhon Obregon advances to 9-0, with 4 Knockouts. Gerome Warburton falls to 8-1-1, with 1 Knockout.

 

As 2021 winds down, even in the midst of an ongoing global epidemic, Promoter Eddie Hearn continues to prove that Boxing is a true global sport as his company Matchroom Sport, continues to expand it’s Boxing promotional entity into new regions around the world. One of those regions that has benefited has been Spain, which along with several cards that has been staged over the last several years has begun to establish new stars in the sport. Following Sandor Martin’s recent decision victory over Mikey Garcia in the Jr. Welterweight division, Kerman Lejarraga a two-division European champion just may be the next star to emerge out of Matchroom’s multiple promotional branches fighting out of Spain that could see him potentially challenge for a world championship in 2022. While some may be skeptical of this observer’s statement, the fact is Boxing in addition to being a sport also has an entertainment component to it and there is no better way for a fighter to put himself in the discussion of potential world championship than scoring a head turning, devastating knockout. Lejarraga accomplished this in his first defense of the European Jr. Middleweight championship against Jack Flatley. After previously holding the European champion one weight class below his current division as a Welterweight, the only level left for Lejarraga is the world championship level. 2022, just might be the year where he gets an opportunity to showcase his skills on the highest level in the sport.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

Lejarraga-Flatley Weights From Bilbao, Spain

 The official weigh-in for Friday’s battle for the European Jr. Middleweight championship between champion Kerman Lejarraga and challenger Jack Flatley took place earlier today in Bilbao, Spain. Weights for the entire card, which will take place at the Bilbao Arena and be broadcast worldwide by digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN are below.

 

Main Event: European Jr. Middleweight championship – 12Rds.

 

Kerman Lejarraga (Champion) 154lbs. vs. Jack Flatley (Challenger) 154lbs.

 

Spanish Super-Middleweight championship – 10Rds.

 

Damian Biacho (Champion) 167 1/4lbs. vs. Guillermo Rivero 168lbs.

 

Jr. Welterweight – 8Rds.

 

Jonathan Alonso 142 3/4lbs. vs. Mohamed El Marcouchi 142 1/2lbs.

 

Jr. Bantamweight – 8Rds.

 

Samuel Carmona 115 1/2lbs. vs. Luis Padilla 114lbs.

 

Lightweight – 6Rds.

 

Campbell Hatton 137lbs. vs. Attila Csereklye 137lbs.

 

Middleweight – 6Rds.

 

Jhon Obregon 161lbs. vs. Gerome Warburton 161 1/4lbs.

 

Lejarraga vs. Flatley takes place tomorrow (Friday, December 3^rd) at the Bilbao Arena in Bilbao, Spain. The entire card can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 1:30PM ET/ 10:30PM PT (U.S. Times.)

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison