By Minnie Larry
HBO “Boxing After Dark”
Venue: Forum, Inglewood, CA
When: Saturday July 15,2017
Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt (32-1, 28KOs) scored a unanimous decision over Takashi Miura (31-4-2, 24KOs) to retain the WBC Super Featherweight belt. In his first defense of the WBC title, Berchelt surprised Miura in round 1 with a quick knockdown within moments of the opening bell.
The fight was a contrast of styles; Berchelt worked behind a fierce jab, while Miura focused on landing power shots. However, Berchelt’s jab would keep Miura off guard. The action was mundane with Berchelt content with keeping his distance, relying on his jab and straight right. Berchelt stayed out of range of the dangerous power punching Miura. Miura resorted to amateurishly swinging wildly- trying to catch Berchelt.
However, Berchelt stayed disciplined and focused on his jab, bruising Miura’s right eye. Berchelt’s jab damaged Miura’s right eye so badly, the bout was almost stopped after the tenth round. In round 11, Miura landed a strong left-hook which shook Berchelt; but did not drop him. In round twelve, Berchelt knew the fight was in the bag and danced around the ring. He was awarded a unanimous victory, 120-109, 119-108, and 116-111.
Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales (22-1, 8KOs) won a majority decision over Robinson “Robin hood” Castellanos (22-13, 14KOs) to retain the WBA Super Featherweight Championship on Saturday at the Forum in Inglewood, California. The fight was an awkward affair with a constant clash of heads due to the fighters differing styles. In round 2, Castellanos suffered a cut in the middle of his forehead, streaming crimson into his eyes, most of the fight.
Corrales rehydrated to well over the feather weight limits, giving him a definite weight advantage. However, the bulk gain played little role when Castellanos dropped Corrales twice in round 4. Corrales recovered and continued out boxing Castellanos over the next few rounds. In round 8, Corrales dropped the aggressive Castellanos. Castellanos would recuperate but another clash of heads, caused an inch-long gash under “Robin hood’s” right eye, the ring-side physician suggested ending the fight in Round 10. Corrales wins with a majority decision. Scores were: 94-94, 94-93, 96-92.
