Boxing Results From Around the World (June 5 – 7, 2015)
By Jeremiah “Griffo’s Handkerchief” Preisser
Argentina’s power-punching southpaw, Jesus “El Forastero” Cuellar, 27-1, 21 KO’s, matched up with ring veteran, Vic Darchinyan, 40-8-1, 29 KO’s, over the weekend in a twelve-round contest. In a competitive match-up, Darchinyan showed that even at the age of 39 he still has some fistic wherewithal when he stunned Cuellar in round one and four. The Armenian native also showed that the old boxing brain was still ticking when he boxed fairly well throughout the course of the bout, circling nicely and using distance to good effect. However, it was Darchinyan’s size deficiency and Cuellar’s aggression, work rate, and power which ultimately prevailed. The Argentine kept up a steady pace and eventually found a home on Vic’s chin with a strong right hook that sent Darchinyan sprawling to the canvass. Darchinyan managed to arise before the ten-count, but he was glassy-eyed and clearly didn’t have his wits about him. The referee felt that the veteran was in proper shape to continue and allowed Cuellar a number of free shots against the ropes which halted the bout in the eighth.
Cuellar can now look forward to bigger, more substantial showdowns with top featherweights. Granted his take-no-prisoners style, he would be nicely paired with Leo Santa Cruz, Robinson Castellanos, Abner Mares, or even Josh Warrington.
On the same card, featherweight, Marvin Sonsona, 20-1-1, 15 KO’s, engaged in a tougher than expected bout with American, Jonathan “Lil Thund’r” Arrellano, 15-6-2, 3 KO’s. The match was designed to keep the Filipino banger busy, but not that busy, as Sonsona had a rough go of it throughout the course of the contest. Sonsona was able to land effective left hands, his bread and butter shots, but Arrellano was nearly as effective with his right. In the end, the judges saw fit to render the scores of 96-94, 95-95, and 96-94, thus giving the Pinoy a majority decision. This victory puts forth a potential showdown with veteran Jhonny Gonzalez, which could be a very exciting fight seeing as both can really crack.
Two-time Olympian and 2011 World Amateur Champion, Everton Lopes, 3-0, 1 KO, helped jumpstart his young career with what should have been a shutout decision victory over fellow South American, Marcelo Ezequiel Mesa, 6-3-1. Lopes exhibited sublime boxing skill, showing that there isn’t much he can’t do inside a boxing ring, except maybe punch with power, though a proper assessment will have to wait. The Brazilian fighter (Lopes) showcased a nice jab, wonderful defense, pinpoint accuracy, potential world class counter-punching ability, and even the faculty to switch stances. To be frank, Lopes looked eerily reminiscent of the 122-pound king, Guillermo Rigondeaux. If this kid progresses and possesses a beard to match his skills, the 140-pound division may have another star on its hands.
Light-heavyweight contender, Thomas “Tommy Gun” Oosthuizen from South Africa, 25-0-2, 14 KO’s, failed to make weight against fellow southpaw, Robert “The Butcher” Berridge, 26-3-1, 21 KO’s, and had to forfeit 30% of his purse because of it. The bout moved ahead as a twelve-rounder, with Berridge being the only man eligible to win the nondescript alphabet strap. It mattered little, however, as the 6’4” Oosthuizen used his height to full advantage and outboxed his opponent en route to a clear decision win. “The Butcher”, at 5’8”, had loads of difficulty working his way inside. He also had trouble letting his hands go. The scores of 116-112, 117-111, and 117-111 finalized “Tommy Gun’s” triumph.
I would like to add that my previous insinuation that Luke Campbell and Tommy Coyle may fight in the summer seems to be creeping towards fruition. Campbell is a burgeoning British star and Coyle, though quality, doesn’t have the strongest chin in his division. Campbell should pass that test with flying colors and move on to bigger and better things.
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