Early results from The Mirage in Las Vegas
Bout 1
William Villanueva vs. Evgeny Gradovich- Clear difference in talent level right from the start. Gradovich pressing the action throughout the fight. Villanueva spending almost the entire fight with his back to the ropes. A huge left hook from the Russian stuns and nearly drops Villanueva in the third, but somehow he survives.
As the fight continues, Villanueva is not providing much more than target practice for Evgeny. Finally, in the fifth, Villanueva goes down and in the sixth he receives a standing 8 count. At any time the fight can be called as Villanueva is just taking a beating while providing little in return.
Finally, in the 7th the fight is mercifully stopped giving Evgeny Gradovith his 8th KO in his 15 victories.
Bout 2
Robert Osiobe vs. Jose Roman – Back and forth action throughout the fight with neither fighter asserting himself. In the 8th and final round, Osiobe gets dropped but is not hurt. Osiobe gets the split decision victory despite the late knockdown, giving Roman the first loss of his career.
