Golovkin destroys Martirosyan to defend middleweight titles

LOS ANGELES -- Gennady Golovkin equalled the record of 20 straight world middleweight title defenses with a devastating second-round knockout of Vanes Martirosyan on Saturday to retain his WBA and WBC belts.

Golovkin ended the fight with a vicious series of right and left combinations that floored the heavy underdog Martirosyan, who appeared doomed from the outset of the hastily arranged fight at the StubHub Center.

"The first round I was just looking, because I know he is a good fighter," the 36-year-old Golovkin said. "The second round it was true business."

Martirosyan was in big trouble from the beginning of the second round as Golovkin rendered the challenger helpless by landing a right uppercut on the chin. 

He followed with a few stinging jabs and then a full throttle left hook and straight right on the ropes that put Martirosyan down for good at 1:53 of the round.

The American tried to get up before the 10 count but slumped forward, ending up face down on the canvas. Golovkin, who is boxing's longest-reigning current world titleholder, is now unbeaten in 39 fights, including 34 by knockout. 

Martirosyan was a last-minute replacement following the cancellation of the Kazakh's much anticipated rematch with Canelo Alvarez of Mexico.

The rematch was cancelled because of Alvarez's two failed drug tests in February, followed by his suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on April 18.

Alvarez will be free to fight once his suspension ends in August.

Saturday's event was moved from Las Vegas to south central Los Angeles and Golovkin fought for a fraction of the money he would have received for a fight against Alvarez.

With the victory he now joins Bernard Hopkins for the division record of 20 successful title defences. Golovkin (38-0-1, 34 KOs) is now in line to surpass Hopkins in the fall when he hopes to finally get that rematch with Alvarez.

"I want everybody," said Golovkin. "It doesn't matter to me. I am still the champion .... guys come and take my belts."

The 31-year-old Martirosyan, who normally fights at light middleweight, was completely outclassed as he stepped up a division to face the hard-hitting Golovkin.

"It was like being hit by a train," Martirosyan said. "That is the hardest puncher I have ever faced. He surprised me with his power. He is a hell of a fighter."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Masterful Nietes outpoints Sosa in flyweight debut

Donnie "Ahas" Nietes made a successful debut in the flyweight division, outpointing veteran Mexican fighter Edgar Sosa with a masterful performance in the main event of Pinoy Pride 38 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California on Saturday night.

Nietes, the longest-reigning Filipino world champion, used his jab to keep his distance from Sosa while repeatedly scoring through his right straight and 1-2 combinations that wobbled the Mexican boxer at numerous points in the bout.

"Ahas" won with scores of 120-108 across the board, and claimed the WBO Inter-continental flyweight belt in the process.

"Hindi ako nagmamadali na i-knockout si Sosa," said Nietes after the bout. "Naghihintay ako ng timing na i-tumba siya, pero ang tibay din."

After a slow first round to feel out his opponent, Nietes found his rhythm in the second round as he used his jab to measure Sosa, and then unleashed combinations that unerringly found their target. A left uppercut proved to be Nietes' strongest punch of the round, as the hit clearly wobbled the Mexican.

Nevertheless, Nietes remained patient, weaving and slipping his way out of trouble while frustrating Sosa with his jabs. The Mexican never got any rhythm on offense, as most of his punches were blocked by Nietes or immediately countered.

With the victory, Nietes improved to 39-1-4 (win-loss-draw) in his career, while setting himself up for big fights in the flyweight division.

"Mate-test ko kung hanggang saan ang lakas ko dito sa 112 (pounds)," said the 34-year-old Nietes after the fight.

Sosa, meanwhile, dropped to 52-10.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Donaire, Walters make featherweight limit

CARSON CITY, California -- The Stub Hub center is expecting a full house this weekend as the world featherweight championship takes place between two champions Nonito Donaire and Nicholas Walters.

Before fight night, fans were given a taste of what the competition will be like as the official weigh in was held open to the public.

Ring announcer Michael Buffer called the fighters on stage.

Walters came in at 125.6 pounds, clearing the 126 pound limit. The Jamaican looked fit and declared he is in tip top shape to face the more popular Donaire.

Donaire didn’t have any problems making weight coming in at 125.6 pounds as well.

He is very happy he had a pretty comfortable weight loss program and feels strong to show the firepower that has given him titles in 5 weight divisions

Fans enjoyed the stare down as the fighters posed for the media.

Team Donaire is psyched and confident the serious hard work put in the last two months will pay off.

The Jamaican is equally confident, determined to keep his record clean and claim the honors as featherweight king.

Donaire has won twice at the Stub Hub Center. This weekend he is hoping to score his third.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com