Big Time Boxing Puerto Rico At Coca Cola Music Hall - Pound4Pound.com

Big Time Boxing Puerto Rico At Coca Cola Music Hall

By Luis Cadiz Sr.
Photos: Miguel Cadiz

I have very fond memories of the defunct “San Juan Boxing Nights” boxing series that took place in the Pedrin Zorilla Coliseum. Puerto Rico Best Boxing, helmed by the Rivera brothers, paved the way for up-and-coming talent. The recipe was simple, a stage where hungry young fighters displayed their skills in fierce four rounds or more combat. The result, a packed Pedrin coliseum with roaring boxing fans more than satisfied with what was served and eagerly awaiting the next installment of the “San Juan Boxing Nights” series.

Fast forward to today, and Puerto Rico Best Boxing has teamed up with Salita Promotions and 21 Events to bring boxing back to San Juan with their historic first event. San Juan’s premier and always lit entertainment destination, District T-Mobil served as host and the Coca Cola Music Hall housed the event.

Four bouts received televised coverage by way of DAZN, headlined by rising lightweight Joshua Pagán (10 -0, 4 KOs) vs. the seasoned Haskell Rhodes (31-6-1, 16 KOs).

An IBF Latino Light Heavyweight bout served as the co-main event with undefeated, hard-hitting Colombian, Juan Carrillo (12-0, 9 KOs) vs. the equally heavy-handed Dominican fighter Gilbert “Lenin” Castillo (25-5-1, 19 KOs).

Lightweight 135 lbs. - 10 rounds

Joshua Pagán - (10-0, 4 KOs) vs. Haskell Rhodes - (31-6-1, 16 KOs)

Joshua Pagán was looking to take advantage of his height over Haskell Rhodes and establish his jab, while the shorter Rhodes looked to counter. Rhodes started the 2nd round bullying Pagán into the corner but Pagán was able to counter and push Haskell back. Rhodes tried to turn the fight into a brawl in the 3rd round, but his holding and clinching turned it into a sloppy round. Pagán was more focused in the 4th keeping Rhodes at the end of his punches and maintaining his range. Rounds 5 through 7 were a see saw battle, with Pagán being most effective at distance and Rhodes pressing forward and connecting with short power punches on the inside. The rough housing of Rhodes would let him connect flying overhead hooks on Pagán in rounds 8 and 9. The 10th and final round would seal the fight in Joshua’s favor as he remained undefeated and improved to 11-0 with 4 KOs.

Before the televised portion of the event, the former two-time world champion in Mini and Light Flyweight divisions, Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon, was honored. The “Iron Boy” finished his illustrious career with 39 total bouts, 35 wins, only 3 losses, 1 draw and 6 KO wins. He was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame this year. Here’s looking forward to the prospects on the rise and hopefully a new outlet for them to shine.

IBF Latino Light Heavyweight Title 175 lbs. - 10 rounds

Juan Carrillo - (12-0, 9 KOs) vs. Gilbert “Lenin” Castillo - (25-5-1, 19 KOs)

Juan Carrillo and Gilbert Castillo had a feel out 1st round where Castillo would counter and Carrillo would try to establish his jab. The 2nd and 3rd rounds had Carrillo initiating the exchanges while Castillo was looking to counter. The times Carrillo had Castillo against the ropes, Gilbert would shell up and take what Juan delivered. In the 5th the Colombian tried to get his combinations off the jab but the Dominican was countering effectively on occasion. Gilbert continued countering effectively forcing Juan to go more on the defensive.

You can sense in the 7th that Carrillo was getting frustrated as he couldn’t seem to impose his will over Castillo. A clash of heads must have affected Castillo in the 8th as he slowed down for the last minute of the round. The 10th and final round had Castillo starting out strong at the bell, but it was Carrillo who finished the round strong, earning the unanimous decision win. Juan Carrillo improved to 13-0 with 9 KOs and goes back to Barranquilla, Colombia the IBF Latino Light Heavyweight Champion.

Super Featherweight 130 lbs. - 6 rounds

Kiria Tapia - (4-0, 0 KOs) vs. Beata Dudek - (4-4, 4 KOs)

In the 1st round Kiria was displaying her boxing skills when an exchange produced a suspect knock down. This fueled Tapia as she came out aggressive in the 2nd round, battering Beata all over the ring. Kiria continued in the 3rd and 4th rounds, meeting little to no resistance from Dudek in return.

The 6th and final round was another dominant round for Kiria as she sealed her unanimous decision victory over Beata Dudek and remains undefeated, improving to 5-0.

Super Middleweight 168 lbs. - 6 rounds

Da’ Velle Smith - (9-0, 7 KOs) vs. Gilberto Santos - (16-15, 12 KOs)

Da’ Velle Smith proved way too much for the game but overmatched Brazilian, Gilberto Santos, as he did quick work and got him out of there in the first round. Smith wins in TKO fashion and improves to 10-0 with 8 KOs.

Non - Televised Bouts:

Super lightweight 140lbs. - 4 rounds: Antonio Mota (1-0-1, 0 KOs) vs. Christopher Ortiz (0-0-1) Majority Decision win for Antonio Mota

Featherweight *125 lbs. - Fight contested at catch weight* - 6 rounds: Karla Davila (2-0, 1 KOs) vs. Myrna Aguayo (3-2-1, 0 KOs) - Unanimous Decision win for Karla Davila

Lightweight *136 lbs. - Fight contested at catch weight* - 4 rounds: Jorge Vizcarrondo (0-0-2) vs. Johniel Ramos (1-0, 0 KOs) - Vicious 4th round TKO victory for Jorge Vizcarrondo

Super Bantamweight *121 lbs. - Fight contested at catch weight* - 4 rounds: Allen Morales (Pro Debut) vs. Michael Tucker (Pro Debut) - 2nd round TKO victory for Allen Morales, now 1-0 with 1 KO