The opening weekend of April 2014 saw three of boxing’s biggest names leave the ring with victories coming inside the distance.
On 4th April, Belfast, Northern Ireland, countryman hero Carl Frampton walked through Mexico’s Hugo Cazares, halting him not long after the contest had begun. Courtesy of a Frampton left hook, the knockout came in the 2nd round of the WBC Junior Featherweight title eliminator.
Hopefully the win will drive the Belfast talent on to a world title shot later this year; judging by the young Frampton’s power and slick footwork, it’s likely he will pose a threat to any of the division’s current champions, including dangerous Leo Santa Cruz. Carl Frampton now extends his perfect record to 18 wins, no losses, 13 knockouts, while Cazares’ falls to 40 wins, 8 losses, 2 draws, 27 knockouts. (Frampton vs Cazares Boxing Highlights)
On 5th April, Enzo Maccarinelli fell short of victory when he travelled to Rostock, Germany, to battle Juergen Braehmer. Following a swollen right eye, which was suffered at the tail end of the 1st round, Maccarinelli was retired by his corner in the 5th round. The Welshman will now return home empty-handed, having likely seen the last title bid of his long, colorful career.
Braehmer showed his class through good movement and combinations, and retained his WBA Light Heavyweight title. When the announcement was made, scorecards currently stood at 50-45 among all three ringside judges. Maccarinelli, who is now starting to resemble a battle-worn domestic-level fighter, leaves with a record of 38 wins, 7 losses, 30 knockouts, while Braehmer’s comfortable title defense bulks his record to 43 wins, 2 losses, 32 knockouts.
Also, on 6th April, Tokyo, Akira Yaegashi held onto his WBC Flyweight title after knocking down challenger Odilon Zaleta for the count. The knockout came at 2:14 of the 9th round following a barrage of hard rights; scorecards at the time tallied very close indeed at 76-76, 77-75, 77-76.
Yaegashi drives his career forward, now holding a record of 20 wins, 3 losses, 10 knockouts; Zaleta’s now stands at 15 wins, 4 losses, 8 knockouts. A tasty Flyweight rumble between Yaegashi and unbeaten Roman Gonzalez, who boasts 39 wins with 33 knockouts, may now be in the cards. A bout such as this would not only be big business for both fighters, but also a sure win for fight fans.
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