The third weekend of September 2014 contained plenty of action to keep fight fans entertained, featuring two major titles defenses and one of the European variety.
First off, Javier Mendoza soundly beat Ramon Garcia Hirales in their world title clash in Ciudad Obregon, Mexico. Mendoza not only added an impressive victory to his record, but also returned to Tijuana as the new IBF Junior Flyweight Champion. Mendoza beat Hirales after landing a Unanimous Decision reached from scores of 116-109, 115-110, 115-110. The win bulks Mendoza’s record to 22 wins, 18 knockouts, 2 losses, 1 draw, and thins Hirales’ to 20 wins, 12 knockouts, 1 loss, 1 draw.
Carlos Cuadras bout with Jose Salgado ended in a disappointing Technical Draw due to an accidental head butt that took place prior to the close of the 4th round. It came as most unfortunate for those attending the occasion in Sinaloa, Mexico, as the action was shaping up to be a lively, competitive affair.
As per the WBC rules, Cuadras of course hangs onto his Junior Bantamweight title. For what it’s worth, the scorecards read at 30-27, 30-27, 30-28 when the referee made the call. It seems the only losers that night were the fans – but perhaps a rematch is in the cards? Mendoza’s unbeaten record now stands at 30 wins, 24 knockouts, 1 draw, and Salgado’s at 34 wins, 27 knockouts, 2 losses, 2 draws.
In London, England, George Groves continued his comeback campaign when he faced moderate talent, Christopher Rebrasse. Groves dominated the fight and landed himself a Unanimous Decision plus the European Super Middleweight title. Scores came in at 118-110, 118-110, 117-111.
Despite being a successful night for Groves, observers will be keen to point out his flaws and inability to finish the job early given Rebreasse’s inferior skills. This would seem a little harsh, however, considering what Groves has had to bounce back from. (Groves vs Rebrasse Fight Highlights)
Groves himself has brought about this pressure to a large extent, no doubt, following his mounds of trash talking amidst his two battles with Carl Froch. Groves performed well in both sell out encounters, losing via a controversial stoppage in the first, but being soundly knocked out in Froch vs Groves II.
Groves didn’t look his formidable self that night perhaps, but nonetheless clocked up another victory that will steer him further back in line to a world title bid. Following the win, George Groves climbs to 20 wins, 15 knockouts, 2 losses, while Rebrasse falls to 22 wins, 6 knockouts, 3 losses, 3 draws.
The undercard saw unbeaten Lightweight prospect Luke Campbell stop opponent Krzystof Szot in the 7th round. Kal Yafai enjoyed a shorter night’s work by knocking down a heavily overmatched Herald Molina twice en route to a 2nd round KO. Also featured was unbeaten Kid Galahad, who dropped Adeilson Dos Santos in the 1st and 10th rounds before winning a Unanimous Decision.
Let us know your take on the weekend’s boxing results in the comments below.
The BoxingBase.com writing staff provide worldwide boxing news, coverage and analysis – they can be contacted via email and social media.
