Rashidi Ellis and Luis Hernandez Steal the Show as Jayson Velez Suffers Another Defeat
By Anthony “Stacks” Saldaña (At ringside)
Photos by Cynthia “Cindy Lou” Saldaña (At ringside)
Friday night at the Fantasy Spring Casino in Indio, California, Golden Boy Promotions brought a night of action packed fights to the desert. In the main-event Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez, 23-3-1, 16 KO’s took on the battle tested Nicaraguan, Rene Alvarado. 24-7, 16 KO’s. Velez who was coming off two straight losses, which are his only two losses on his resume looked to get back on a winning track vs. Alvarado on Friday.
Velez came into the ring ready to box and did exactly that as he established his distance and jab early. Velez stayed on the outside for much of the beginning and middle rounds as every time Alvarado tried to make his way inside, Velez landed solid jabs and strong counter shots to keep Alvarado at bay. The always tough Alvarado pressured Velez through the middle rounds and was the aggressor throughout the fight as Velez never tried to engage. After 10 the judges had it 96-94 Alvarado, 97-93 Velez, and 96-94 for Alvarado. Giving Alvarado the split decision victory. “This is a very important victory for me,” said Rene Alvarado. I have been fighting tough prospects and fighting such a notable fighter like Velez proves that I am still a force in this division. I want to keep the momentum going and come back as soon as I can. I will be back in the gym next week to stay in shape and be ready for the next fight.
In the Co-main event, Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis, 15-0, 11 KO’s of Boston took on Luis “La Roca” Hernandez, 12-1, 7 KO’s of Rio Pierdas, Puerto Rico in a eight-round super welterweight fight. Ellis one of the top super welterweight prospects in the world was in for a war with the lesser known Hernandez. The first round belonged to the quicker Ellis but Hernandez stood toe to toe with Rashidi taking his best shots. Round 2 and 3 brought much of the same back and forth action, then in the 4th Rashidi was hit with a solid left from Hernandez dropping him. Rashidi recovered from the knockdown and eventually made it through the round. In the middle rounds Ellis and Hernandez continued to battle it out while fight fans cheered on both fighters. After 8 Ellis walked away still undefeated as all three judges had it 78-73 on the scorecards. Ellis stated after the fight “He hit me with a good shot and hurt me.” Once I got back to my comfort zone I got back my game plan and came away victorious. Ellis moves to 16-0, 11 KO’s
To start off the televised portion of the evening decorated amateur Cesar Diaz of Palmdale, California made his pro debut against Isau Duenez, 1-5, of Houston, Texas in a 4 round Featherweight bout. Diaz who is originally from Aguacalientes, Mexico recently signed with Golden Boy Promotions, and is a decorated amateur with an overall record of 104-11. From the opening bell Diaz showcased his talent and overall ring generalship landing heavy handed combinations to the face and body of Duenez. Round 2 brought much of the same, and in round 3 the referee jumped in to halt the fight after Diaz landed a barrage of unanswered punches on the face Isua. Diaz moves to 1-0, 1 KO
Other bouts:
Azat Hovanissyan, 8-2, 7 KO’s of Glendale, California took on Sacramento’s Mario Ayala, 4-2-1, 1 KO’s in a six-round super bantamweight fight. Results: Azat Hovanissyan winner by 5th round KO.
Marco Magdaleno, of Indio, 3-0, 2 KO’s battled Hugo Padilla, 3-6, 2 KO’s of Aguascalientes, Mexico in a four-round lightweight bout. Results: Marco Magdaleno by unanimous decision, Magdaleno moves to 4-0, 2 KO’s.
Jhon Leon of Los Angeles (professional debut) in a four-round welterweight vs. Jose Huerta, 0-0-1, of Villahermosa, Mexico. Results: Jhon Leon 1st round KO, Leon moves to 1-0, 1 KO.
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