By Rob Soucy
In the opening bout of the Showtime Championship Boxing telecast, WBC Lightweight World Champion Dejan Zlaticanin (21-0, 14 KO’s) of Montenegro took on game late replacement Franklin Mamani (21-1-2, 12 KO’s) of Bolivia. It was apparent from the beginning that Zlaticanin would be too much for Mamani as he landed big shots in the first round that hurt the challenger. In round two, Zlaticanin kept going forward and landed a series of power shots that had Mamani in trouble. With Manai trapped on the ropes Zlaticanin landed one final left hand that had Mamani out on his feet and the bout was stopped.
Andrade vs. Nelson
The co-feature bout of the evening featured former WBO Junior Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade (23-0, 16 KO’s) against Willie Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KO’s). In the first round, Andrade hurt Nelson with a left hand before landing a right hook that dropped Nelson on his head. Nelson beat the count but was badly hurt.
Andrade couldn’t finish Nelson, but after two rounds the fight was one sided.
In the third round Nelson gained some momentum as he landed a vicious uppercut off the ropes. Andrade was stunned for a bit but took it well.
After five rounds Andrade was clearly ahead and landing the cleaner shots overall. Nelson was game and still dangerous but the difference in talent was apparent.
The mid rounds were rather uneventful and it seemed like Andrade was tentative although still winning rounds due to Nelson’s inactivity.
Through eight rounds Andrade was pitching a shutout.
In the 11th round Andrade landed a huge right hook that floored Nelson for the second time. Nelson beat the count but wobbled back to his corner.
Andrade dropped Nelson early in the 12th round with another right hook and ended the fight with a combination that sent Nelson crumbling to the canvass.
Demetrius Andrade reintroduced himself to the boxing world and made it clear that he wants to fight both Charlo brothers as soon as possible.
Provodnikov vs. Molina
In the main event Ruslan Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KO’s), and John Molina Jr. (28-6, 23 KO’s) did exactly what was expected, when they went to war from the opening bell. Both fighters landed at will during the first four rounds and fought at a hellacious pace.
The fight was fought in a phone booth with both fighters not wanting to take a step back. Molina seemed to be doing the better work as Provodnikov’s face began to swell badly and a cut was opened up in the middle rounds.
After four rounds the fight was looking like a fight of the year candidate as both fighters were landing a high percentage of power shots. Molina was trying to use his jab and was fairly effective with it. Molina was fighting a great fight through 8 rounds and appeared to be winning the fight as he landed the cleaner shots, but Provodnikov rallied a bit late putting the outcome in doubt.
The fight was scored surprisingly wide as John Molina Jr. won a clear cut unanimous decision in the eyes of the judges with scores of 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113.
