Rungvisai Defeats Estrada - Pound4Pound.com

Rungvisai Defeats Estrada

By Albert Castillo
Photos: William Trillo

In front of a crowd of 7,827 at the “Fabulous Forum” Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (45-4-1 40 KO’s) retained his WBC World Super Flyweight Title with a majority decision over Juan Francisco Estrada (36-3, 25 KO’s) in a hotly contested battle. Throughout the contest Estrada was highly focused and strategic.

Sor Rungvisai appeared large and looming for a Super Flyweight. Although Estrada landed some crisp combinations Sor Rungvisai caught Estrada at the end of round three with a sharp left hook.

The same happened at the end of round four when Sor Rungvisai again caught Estrada right on the nostril with a stiff right hand. Round eight saw both fighters standing toe to toe which whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

However, it was the last round that was a candidate for round of the year. Estrada needed at least a knockdown and he gave it all he could with the largely Hispanic crowd roaring behind him. He connected again and again but he could not put the tough Thailand champ down.

In the end it was too little too late. Although Estrada exited unmarked and Sor Rungvisai with a swollen right eye and bruised cheek, two of the three judges had it for Sor Rungvisai by majority decision win 114-114 115-113, 117-111. The heavily favored Estrada crowd booed the decision mercilessly.

IBF World Flyweight Champion Filipino Donnie Nietes (41-1-4 23 KO’s) retained his title by stopping Argentinian contender Juan Carlos Reveco (39-4, 19 KO’s).

At the bell ending the sixth round Nietes caught Reveco with a left hook that sent him staggering to his corner. This was the beginning of the end as Nietes jumped on Reveco as the bell started for round seven.

At 53 seconds into round seven Nietes dropped Reveco with a solid combination. Upon getting to his feet Reveco’s corner threw in the towel.

After the fight Nietes stated, "I'm very proud to defend my title in front of all the great Filipino fans here Los Angeles." "I want the biggest fights either at this weight or to move up""There has been talk of me fighting 'Chocolatito' next, that's a fight I want." "I'd also like to fight the winner of 'Sor Rungvisai/Estrada.” In regards to his rival, Dr. Wallace insisted Reveco go right to the hospital for observation and Reveco was not available to speak with the media.

Ukrainian Artem Dalakian (16-0, 11 KO’s) captured the vacant WBA World Flyweight Title by narrowly defeating former four-time champion Brian Viloria, although the scorecards would suggest an easy victory for Dalakian. After a lackluster start, this fight started to come alive in the seventh round when Viloria caught Dalakian with a right hand that sent him reeling into the ropes.

In the ninth Dalakian connected with five unanswered punches. Unfortunately, Dalakian gave away the round when the referee deducted a point from him for pushing down the head of Viloria after being warned about it previously.

In the eleventh a head butt opened a deep gash on the forehead of Viloria. By the twelfth and final round Viloria was a bloody mess. Dalakian punctuated his victory with several swift combinations in the final round. All judges had it 118-109 in favor of Dalakian.

Post fight Dalakian stated, "I'm very proud to be the newest champion from Ukraine." "I knew I was hurting him the whole fight." 'I want to unify with any of the other world champions." "I loved fighting in the United States and I can't want to comeback and fight in Los Angeles." Viloria on the fight, "It was a tough fight, real tough guy, kept his distance. I could never get inside like I wanted to. The head butt really made me woozy."

Puerto Rican McWilliams Arroyo stole the WBC Silver Super Flyweight Title from former champion Carlos Cuadras. The fight was extremely close. Cuadras staggered Arroyo in the second round but could not put him away.

The fight continued in a back and forth fashion with Cuadras winning one round and Arroyo wining the next all the way up to the last round. Unfortunately Cuadras did not show what he is capable of. He appeared stiff and could not get off. He allowed Arroyo to get off first several times.

Although Arroyo never hurt Cuadras he landed more quality shots. While one judge scored the fight even, 95-95, two other judges gave the nod to Arroyo 98-92, 97-93 handing him the majority decision and the Silver Super Flyweight Title.

A jubilant Arroyo exclaimed post fight, "I'm very happy with my performance." "People underestimate me because I've been off for two years but I've been in the gym the entire time training." "When the opportunity presented itself, I was ready for Cuadras and knew I'd be victorious." "I'm ready for the winner of the main event and to prove I'm the best fighter in the division." Cuadras reflected, "Very stiff all fight long, I couldn't land any of the jabs I wanted." "My conditioning was great" His trainer Abel Sanchez said, "Arroyo fought a very smart fight, never let Cuadras do anything, sometimes that happens in boxing."

Popular Paramount, California fighter, Pedro, “Pete” Duran (16-0-3 KO’s) brawled eight rounds with tough Mexican Enrique “Torito” Tinoco (16-5-4) 12 KO’s ).

Both fighters gave as good as they got. They mixed it up every round with both connecting on a variety of shots. The fight was extremely close and it was a tough one to score. In the end, judges called it a majority draw. 77-75 for Duran, 76-76, 76-76.

Underdog Anahi “Panterita” Torres (17-17-2 KO’s) fought a brilliant fight to capture the Vacant WBC International Female Light Flyweight Title besting Australian Louisa, “Bang Bang Lulu” in an 8 round championship bout. Torres used her experience, a stiff counter jab, and a series of left hooks and right hands to surprise the formerly undefeated Hawton.

The fight was close but Torres put an exclamation point on the last round by connecting with three strong left hooks. Hawton withstood the punishment and the fight went to the cards and the judges had it – 79-73, 77-75, 77-75 all in favor of Torres.

In the opening bout of the evening at the “Fabulous Forum” unbeaten super featherweight Mario Ramos (4-0, 4 KO’s) of San Diego, California, kept his unbeaten streak alive by knocking out overmatched Oscar Quezada (7-6, 4 KO’s) of Sonora, Mexico, in the first round with a barrage of punches that left Quezada crumpled in the corner.

The fight was over at 2:19 of the first round.