Diego Magdelano Destroys Art Hovanissyan – Boxing News

By Anthony “Stacks” Saldaña (At Ringside)
Photos by Cynthia “Cindy Lou” Saldaña (At Ringside)

Friday Night in downtown Los Angeles boxing fans were treated to an absolute war as Super lightweight contender Art Hovanissyan, 17-3-3, 9 KO’s took on former two time world title challenger Diego “Mr. Superb” Magdaleno, 29-2-0, 12 KO’s. In the main event of Golden Boy Promotions LA Fight Club Series. Magdaleno was looking to restart his career after suffering his second career loss to WBO Lightweight World Champion Terry Flanagan this past October. in a complete slugfest Friday nights bout showcased two fighter’s who were relentlessness in the ring, as both exchanged a series of punches from start to finish. In the fourth round, Magdaleno was head butted and cut over his eye, but that didn’t stop him from winning the fight via unanimous decision with the judges all scoring it 99-91. “Entering the ring, every boxer has a chance to get the knockout and that’s what I came for.

However, I’m satisfied with the unanimous decision that I received tonight,” said Magdaleno. “Hovhannisyan was a tough opponent, but I was able to outbox him. The energy at LA Fight Club was one I have never seen before, and that definitely propelled me to put my all in to this fight, especially after taking a year off. I’m more ready than ever, and I’m looking forward to the new opportunities after winning this fight. “I knew what to expect from my opponent, but I feel like I didn’t fight as well as I should have. However, I did fight with my whole heart,” said Hovhannisyan. “Going forward, I’ll be looking over the tape with my coach to go over my mistakes and what I should work on. I want to thank Golden Boy for tonight’s event and this opportunity. The next steps are getting rest and healing my hand which was hurt in the fight.”

In the Co-main event Damon Allen, 10-0-1, 4 KO’s of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania took on tough Mexican Luis Arceo, 28-15-6, 19 KO’s from Aguascalientes, Mexico in an 8 round Super Lightweight Bout. Allen and Arceo exchanged hard shots throughout the fight and the young undefeated Allen seemed to control the fight, although Arceo fought tough every round. After 8 rounds in a back and forth battle all three judges had it 76-76 on the scorecards having the fight end in draw. “I knew it was going to be a tough fight because Arceo had a ton of experience under his belt,” said Damon Allen. “I made the fight harder than it had to be. It was a learning experience, and we are definitely going back to the drawing board after this. I want a rematch.” Arceo stated “I honestly feel like I was robbed, each time I would unleash my punches, he would run away. I was the tougher fighter, and I am glad that the judges saw that. I entered the ring as the underdog, and with this draw I feel like I was vindicated.”

To kick off the television portion of the bout Los Angeles boxing fans got their chance to get look at the highly popular, former WBC International Middleweight Female Champion, Maricela “La Diva” Cornejo, 5-2, 2 KO’s as she made her Southern California debut against former female champion Bay Area native Eliza Olson, 10-6-3, 2 KO’s. Cornejo last fought in April in Auckland, New Zealand when she took on Kali Reis for the then vacant WBC title. The Cornejo Vs Reis fight was the first time that country had ever hosted a major world title fight.

Cornejo lost by a controversial split decision, and was looking to get back on track with a win over Olson Friday at the Belasco. From the opening to the closing bell Cornejo used her long reach and straight jab to control the fight as for six solid rounds as Cornejo put on a show for her fans. At times Olson bull rushed Cornejo looking to end the fight with one big punch. As a result Olson was stunned several times by the counter punching of Cornejo. Round 3 did see lots of back and forth action by both fighters but the conditioning of Olson seemed to slow her down after that round. After 6 rounds of action the judges had it 59-55 (twice) and 58-56 all in favor of Cornejo. After the fight Cornejo stated, “I used my jab, and kept my distance because Olson is known as an unpredictable fighter,” I wasn’t pleased with the outcome, we all want to win via knock out, but I love the fact that I got to demonstrate good footwork and skills that will continue to empower women’s boxing. I’m excited to be a part of LA Fight Club, and I know that I’ll be back.”

Other bouts include:

Joseph “Diamante” Aguirre, 14-0, 8 KO’s Vs. Roberto Carlos “Magnifico” Rivera, 6-2, 5 KO’s (6 Rounds) Lightweight Results: Aguirre with a 5thround KO, Aguirre moves to 15-0, 9 KO’s.

David Mijares, 3-0, 2 KO’s Vs. Jason Gavino, 3-3, 2 KO’s (4 Rounds) Super Lightweight Results: Mijares by 1st round TKO, Mijares moves to 4-0, 3 KO’s.

Marvin Cabrera (Debut) Vs. Jose Caro, 0-3 (4 Round) Middleweight Result: Cabrera by 1st round KO, Cabrera moves to 1-0, 1 KO.

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