Kevin Estrada/Golden Boy Promotions
Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez (43-0, 29 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico, faced Cuba’s Yunieski "The Monster" Gonzalez (21-4, 17 KOs) for the WBA Light Heavyweight Title eliminator. The 12-round event at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX featured a fight card, that entertained the Texas fight fans with non-stop action. Now Ramirez is the mandatory to challenger for the WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship. A fight Ramirez has been asking for and would like to take on in 2022.
“He is a great fighter. I knew he was going to be tough because he showed no fear in his eyes,” said Ramirez. “He had nothing to lose, and I knew he was going to come with everything he had. Thank you Yunieski for taking the fight.
“I tried to land body shots and he was prepared. So, I had to change my attacks and focus on hitting him upstairs so I could get the victory. My hand is a little hurt but that is the price you pay to win. I am ready for the next challenge, I want Bivol. He can’t run anymore, I am coming for him,” continued Ramirez.
“I dedicate this fight to Vicente Fernandez, a great Mexican legend. I come from Mexico, and he inspired me to live my dream and I want to show everyone that they can live their dreams too. There are no barriers besides yourself,” concluded Ramirez.
“I am really disappointed in myself,” said Gonzalez. “I always knew Zurdo would be difficult, a tough fighter. But I expected more from myself. This is not the best performance from me, I’m going to back work on myself and get better.”
In the co-main event, three-time world champion Seniesa "Super Bad" Estrada (22-0, 9 KOs) maintained her WBA Minimumweight World title in a scheduled 10-round fight against the fierce Maria "La Imparable" Santizo (9-1, 5 KOs) of Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Super featherweight contender Lamont Roach, Jr. (22-1-1, 9 KOs) took on former world champion Rene "Gemelo" Alvarado (32-11, 21 KOs) in a 10-round fight for the vacant NABA Super Featherweight championship. The fight was equally match as both fighters came forward and took turns exchanging blows. There were a few moments where Roach, Jr. landed heavy blows that rocked Alvarado; but the veteran warrior was strong and he eagerly returned. The fight went to the score cards with 98-92, 100-90, and 98-92 all in favor of Roach, Jr.
2012 U.S. Olympic Bronze medal winner and current WBC Flyweight World Champion Marlen Esparza (11-1, 1 KOs) defended her world title, for the first time, in her home state against the seasoned former two-time world champion, Anabel "Avispa" Ortiz (31-5, 4 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico. ‘Avispa’ proved to be a difficult fight for Esparza, as the 13-time world title defender brought with her experience and technical ability. Esparza, however, was not intimidated, as she went after Ortiz and did not back down after Ortiz’ attacks. After an exciting fight, between to veteran warriors, the score cards ruled in favor of Esparza with scores of 100-88, 95-94, 99-90
Luis Hernandez (21-2, 19 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico, took on Ruslan Madiyev (14-2, 5 KOs) of Indio, CA in a scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout. The fight went the distance as both fighters went back and forth with Madiyev dictating the pace of the fight. Madiyev, was relentless in his pursuit of Hernandez, and he delivered powerful blows that shook Hernandez. But Hernandez wouldn’t go down, he showed a lot of heart trying to keep Madiyev at bay. The score cards did not lie, awarding Madiyev the victory by unanimous decision with scores of 91-99, 92-98, 91-98.
“I had seen past fight footage of Hernandez and I noticed that he kept his left hand down,” said Madiyev. “So I made sure to prepare and attack with that right hook, and I kept catching him. I am very proud of my team for the amazing preparation, and I can’t wait to come back in the ring and fight for a title soon.”
Rising welterweight star Raul “Cugar” Curiel (11-0, 9 KOs) of Tamaulipas, Mexico, was scheduled for a 10-round fight for the NABF Welterweight Title against San Antonio’s Kendo Castaneda (17-5, 8 KOs). Curiel, who has been training with Hall of Fame trainer, Freddy Roach, really demonstrated intelligence in the ring as he landed heavy shots on Castaneda knocking him down in the third round. Castaneda, trained by San Antonio’s boxing star Jesse James Leija, quickly recovered and aggressively went after Curiel. The crowd erupted in a cheering war come cheering “Cougar” others Kendo, as both fighters traded shots. However, Curiel delivered a devasting blow to Castañeda in the seventh round winning the fight by knockout.
“I am very happy to be in Texas and to make my first title defense in front of my family. Castaneda was a strong opponent, but I am glad we were able to show off all our hard work and get a victory. This was one of my best performances and I am so happy to be able to share it with everyone,” said Curiel.
The second fight of the night featured Zurdo Promotions’ heavy-handed prospect, John “Scrappy” Ramirez (8-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles taking on Miguel Rebullosa (4-13, 5 KOs) of Coahuila de Zaragosa, Mexico in a 4-round bantamweight fight. ‘Scrappy’ displayed his skill level in the ring as he knocked down Rebullosa three times in the second round winning the fight by TKO at the 2:22 mark of the round.
Opening up the event at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, “Slick” Nick Sullivan (5-0, 1 KO) of Norfolk, VA, took on Erick Benitez (2-2, 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Mexico, in a 4-round lightweight event. The fight went the distance as both prospects often found themselves entangled as they tried to find their shots. The score cards read 39-37 from all three judges ruling in favor of Sullivan, winning the fight by unanimous decision.
Comentarios