By Albert Alvarez
I got to the venue a bit later than I had originally planned. By the time I got there, the crowd was already extremely hyped, and boy were they eager to see some action. And they all came to the right place, because the card was completely stacked.
As I was walking to my seat, I had just missed the amateur fights, but was told that Sulem Urbina did not end up fighting because her opponent was a no show. That is very unfortunate, as I and so many others were looking forward to seeing her in action. I then ran into some old friends that I had not seen in quite a while, and quickly asked them on who they came to see, and the names of Victor Castro, Chris Lopez, Juanito Garcia, Carlos Castro, Beaver, Panchito, Sulem Urbina, and Michael Hunter quickly fired out their mouth like gunfire.
I felt very happy when I heard them mention multiple names, it made me feel very proud of our young local fighters and our promoters. Our boxing community out here in Phoenix and it’s surrounding areas, has grown quite a bit. And the great work of IronBoy Promotions is very much responsible for a lot of that growth.
I have to tell you, if IronBoy keeps on bringing forward hit after hit with not just local talent, but also talented fighters from the surrounding area, we’ll touch that sky sooner than later because of what is being produced out here. The boxing scene is only going to get bigger and bigger when you continue to give the fight fans great fights, new faces, and affordable prices to go along with it. That’s what I call a winning formula.
And now, it gives me great pleasure to present you with a quick recap of tonight’s action packed night.
Pro Bouts
Fernando Samaniego – Phoenix, AZ vs. Raul Carrillo – El Paso, TX-122 pounds- The night starts off with a pretty nice scrap. Fernando and Carrillo exchanged many right hands. It was a back and forth type of clash. Fernando takes it by unanimous decision by out hustling Carrillo in the last round.
Francisco C De Vaca was supposed to make his pro debut, but his opponent had other plans. He instead stepped in to the ring to face Jose Benavidez Sr. trained fighter, Jesus Guerrero from Phoenix. Sergio Lopez from Las Vegas came into town and fired away from the jump. Lopez tried to force his will upon Guerrero by applying pressure, but Guerrero closed the show by forcing his foe into the blue corner with a barrage of heavy shots. Fight was scored a majority draw.
Juan Garcia – Phoenix, Az vs. Raul Duhart, 154 pounds- Juanito, who normally fights at 135 looked solid and knocked Duhart down in the 4th with a vicious upper cut, then jumped on Duhart and stopped him by TKO with killer hooks to the body.
Carlos Castro from Phoenix vs. Jazzma Hogue from Fruitland, NM-123 pounds- Hogue came in ready for war, but Castro carried the heavier shots and “The Chosen One’s” body shots were too much for Hogue to overcome. Carlos fired off explosive right hands and crisp left hooks to the body of Hogue. Hogue held his own, but Castro was on point with his arsenal. Castro wins by unanimous decision.
Alexis Santiago – Phoenix, Az vs. John Herrera – Roswell, NM-122 pounds- Herrera was circling the ring trying to cut the distance off, but Santiago’s footwork was too slick for Herrera. Beaver Santiago placed the one-two right on the mark and controlled the fight for most of the night. Santiago wins by unanimous decision.
Michael Hunter (PRO DEB) – LAS VEGAS, NV vs. Chad Davis – PHOENIX, AZ- I really like the energy on this kid, Hunter. Before the fight, I chopped it up backstage with him and at one time, he dropped down and began to do push ups. I can’t say that I’ve ever seen a fighter do that before, especially since this was about 10 minutes before the knock on the door. Both fighters wasted no time and unloaded bombs on one another.
I loved the way Hunter used his right hook when pressed. Hunter is pretty good for a fighter that started boxing at 16. At one time, Davis touched Hunter with a one-two, but then Hunter came right back with two right hooks and finished it with a left hook downstairs. Hunter wins his debut by 3rd round TKO.
Co-Main Event Chris Lopez – AVONDALE, AZ vs. Rocco Espinoza – LAS VEGAS, NV-130 pounds- Is Chris Lopez ever in a bad fight? This kid is definitely the Arturo Gatti of Phoenix. Wow, what a fight! Espinoza was as game as they come though, his heart can not be denied. Words simply do not give it the justice that this fight deserves.
This was an incredible war from start to finish. The crowd was up on their feet cheering as loud as they could for the entire fight. Major props to both fighters for displaying amazing wills and incredible heart. Chris “Gods Warrior” Lopez wins it by unanimous decision.
Main Event Victor Castro – PHOENIX, AZ vs. Jason Thompson,135 pounds- Thompson’s plan seemed to be to punch with Castro, but Castro’s sharp technique forced Thompson to pursue. By the 4th round, Thompson was spent but continued to swing for the fences. Castro’s right cross was as smooth as butter. I love the way Castro puts his punches together. Castro wins by TKO in the 5th round.
Great way to end a great night of fights. IronBoy 7 is already scheduled to take place on May 17, 2013 here at the Celebrity Theatre. Do not miss the show.
