Articles of 2006

Big Night of Upsets at MSG

Published

19 years ago

January 8, 2006

NEW YORK – Repeat these words carefully after me: Carlos Baldomir is the welterweight champion of the world.

Baldomir might have been a career-long journeyman with 9 losses (and 6 draws) on his record, but when the bell rang at the Madison Square Garden Theatre Saturday night, he was the one who’d come to fight.

Zab Judah, the hometown headliner on Don King’s ‘Undisputed’ card, must have left his ‘A’ game in the gym, because on this night he was outboxed, outfoxed, but, mostly, outhustled, and when Baldomir was proclaimed the winner after twelve rounds of boxing, even the members of Zab’s exuberant posse barely offered a whimper of protest.

It was an uncharacteristically lackluster – indeed, timid – performance by a guy whose name had been starting to turn up on some people’s pound-for-pound lists, and a shocking upset for the 34-year-old pug from Santa Fe, Argentina, who’d unexpectedly found himself in his first world title bout in his 57th fight.

Virtually from the opening bell it was evident that New York was not going to see the best of Judah on this night. Apparently content with trying to make Baldomir look silly, he offered occasional single punches but disdained combinations, looking like a man who wanted to avoid mixing it up lest he spoil his face for the post-fight party.

Unimpressive though he might have been, for the better part of six rounds Judah looked as if he were going to get his hand raised anyway. The symbolic moment of this stage of the bout probably came in the fourth, when Baldomir charged at Judah, who stepped back like a matador and let his opponent tumble headlong across the ring. Although Arthur Mercante Jr. signaled ‘slip’ even before Carlos stopped rolling, it had to be an embarrassing moment.

And although Baldomir had earned marks for grit and determination, when the bout reached its midpoint he trailed by 4, 3, and 2 points on the cards of the ringside judges.

The challenger turned the fight around in the pivotal seventh. After taking a Judah jab to the jaw early in the round, he mockingly pointed to his own chin as he pressed toward the champion. Then he waded in and delivered a solid left-right combination that clearly hurt Judah, who immediately tried to clinch.

When Baldomir worked his way free he smacked Judah with a right that wobbled him and nearly sent him down, and got in another right that nearly dropped him again later in the round. Although Judah wasn’t officially knocked down, all three judges scored the stanza 10-8 for Baldomir – in part, no doubt, because after Judah was hurt the second time, he didn’t just backpedal out of trouble, he turned around and literally ran away from his opponent.

Baldomir, in any case, went on to win five of the last six rounds on all three official cards.

Fighting in his opponent’s hometown before an overwhelmingly pro-Judah crowd, Baldomir won on the cards of all three judges by scores of 115-112 (Melvina Lathan), 115-113 (Guido Cavallieri) and 114-113 (Julie Lederman). (TheSweetScience.com had it 114-113 for Baldomir.)

Speaking of the judges, the introduction of the officials made it seem as though Showtime had some sort of proscription against uttering the name “Lederman” on its airwaves, as ring announcer Jimmy Lennon appeared to announce the third judge as “Judy… uh… Julie” before moving on to identify the referee. Although Lennon did stumble over her first name, he actually got her surname right, but it was lost to a malfunctioning microphone.

When Lennon went through the scorecards, Baldomir was still understandably nervous.

“I thought I’d done enough to win, but I was a little bit worried when they were announcing the decision,” admitted the Argentine.

Lennon’s recital of the narrow scores didn’t do much to alleviate his anxiety. Baldomir doesn’t speak much English, but he hung on every word until he heard “…and new…”

“This is beautiful!” proclaimed Baldomir. “I said before this would be better than a Cinderella story, and now I am the Cinderella Man.”

Baldomir dedicated his win to his late countryman, the great middleweight champion Carlos Monzon, who had died in an automobile accident exactly ten years earlier.

Judah fell to 34-3 and lost all three of his belts, but more importantly, fell out of contention for an anticipated April date against Floyd Mayweather that might have earned him millions.

Since Baldomir was unranked by the other organizations, he won only the WBC belt from Judah’s collection. The WBA and IBF titles became immediately vacant, and unless we badly miss our guess, we’ll see Zab fighting for one of them before summer.

Kicking off the 20th season of its ‘Championship Boxing’ series and inaugurating 2006 with the year’s first major card, Showtime managed to come up with one major upset and one minor one in Saturday night’s doubleheader, as Jean-Marc Mormeck joined Judah on the roster of ex-champions when he was relieved of his WBA and WBC belts by Atlanta’s O’Neil Bell.

As for the co-feature, well, it could be that Bell isn’t quite as bad as we supposed he was, and it could be that Mormeck isn’t quite as good as we thought he was. But more likely we had it right in the first place back when we just assumed that cruiserweights suck. (If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be cruiserweights.)

Mormeck looked like the guy who was going to bring respect to the in-between division when he bested Wayne Braithwaite in Worcester last spring, but in New York on the first Saturday night of 2006 he looked like, well, just another cruiserweight.

Lennon introduced Mormeck as something like “the man who is known far and wide as ‘The Marksman,’” at which point the Agence France Presse reporter in the adjacent seat elbowed me and asked “Excuse me. What is a ‘marksman’?”

Bell was the aggressor from the outset, which didn’t seem to much bother Mormeck, who prefers to assume the counterpuncher’s role, but apart from a few well-placed body shots in the early going, on this night a marksman he was not. And having withstood Mormeck’s best shots in the early rounds appeared to embolden Bell as the fight wore on.

Although Mormeck was landing the heavier artillery when he did manage to connect, Bell’s nonstop attack kept him no worse than even over the first half of the fight.

The Jamaican did draw a warning from Wayne Kelly in the fourth when he drove into Mormeck’s jaw with his left shoulder, and a more serious talking-to a round later, when he caught Mormeck with what looked like a right uppercut to the scrotum.

Although Mormeck sank to his haunches after the low blow (the most dangerous punch of the fight by either fighter to that point), he was up within seconds and didn’t require the extra rest he might have been allotted, suggesting that the blow was less lethal than it appeared.

Bell pulled in front by winning the 7th, 8th, and 9th rounds on all three cards, and then in the tenth he hurt Mormeck with a big right hand and then moved in on his wounded quarry. Although it was a left that actually put Mormeck on the canvas, Bell had landed four straight unanswered right hands beforehand. Mormeck was floundering about, his glazed eyes fixed on the ceiling, when Kelly halted his count at ‘4’ and, waving the fight off, summoned medical assistance.

Mormeck lay on the canvas for at least a full minute before being hoisted onto a stool, but once he recovered the Frenchman smiled and congratulated the winner.

“I am obviously upset and very disappointed that I lost my belts,” he said through an interpreter, “but I am all right.

“I don’t know what changed things, but I do know that at a certain point I realized that he was winning,” added Mormeck.

Realizing that Bell was winning the fight put Le Grenouille Sauvage one up on one of the judges, Tom Shreck, who had the Frenchman ahead 86-85 at the time of the knockout. Tom Kaczmerek and Steve Weisfeld had Bell head by scores of 87-84 and 86-84, respectively. The SweetScience.com had Bell a point ahead at 86-85.

“He never hurt me,” said the newly undisputed champion. “I can’t take anything away from him, but he hit me with some great body shots and I didn’t even feel them.”

Mormeck, who has spent most of the last year promoting his line of sportswear, said “I have been very busy with my business, but it is not an excuse.”

In adding Mormeck’s WBA and WBC titles to the IBF version he already owned, the Jamaican-born Bell improved his career mark to 26-1-1, while Mormeck fell to 31-3.

“I have lost a battle, but not the war,” said Mormeck. “Since he is the champion it would be up to him whether we fight a rematch. But I would love one.”

It’s unclear that the rest of the world is that eager.

Fighting almost half the bout with a nasty cut above his right eye that poured blood into his face, Mexican challenger Ulises Solis (20-1-1) upset champion Will Grigsby (18-3-1) to capture the IBF junior flyweight title. Cut in the seventh, Solis survived his biggest scare a round later when referee Gary Rosato halted action and invited the ringside physician to inspect the wound.

The doctor allowed the fight to continue and although Solis sprang another leak in the final round, giving his face a ghastly appearance, he hung on to win handily on all three cards. Judge Wynn Kintz had it 118-110, Frank Adams 117-110, and Don Ackerman 116-112 for the new champion.

In what was billed as an IBF welterweight eliminator, Californian Mark Suarez (25-2) solidified his claim on the No. 1 spot with a 44-second stoppage of previously unbeaten James “Spider” Webb (18-1) of Columbia, Tenn. Suarez hurt Webb early with a solid left hook and then battered him to the canvas. Webb appeared prepared to take a knee to ride out the 8-count, only to have referee Steve Willis intervened to wave the fight off.

Dominican-born New York featherweight Elio Rojas (15-0) also scored quick victory, knocking down Long Islander Priest “Tiger” Smalls twice on the way to a first-round KO. Smalls stayed down after the second knockdown and was counted out at 2:05 of the round.

Philadelphia cruiserweight Steve Cunningham remained unbeaten at 19-0 when he registered a 5th-round TKO over veteran Lloyd Bryan (21-12), while former WBA middleweight champion William Joppy (36-4-1), who weighed in as a 170-pound light-heavyweight, scored another 5th-round stoppage in his bout against Tennessean Erik Howard (11-10-1).

A pair of heavyweight prelims saw Owen Beck (25-2) outpoint Darnell Wilson (18-3-3) over eight rounds and Canadian Bermane Stiverne (5-0) stop Missouri journeyman John Turlington (5-8-1) at 2:23 of the first.

In another prelim, Josiah “Gorilla” Judah, another of the former welterweight champion’s somewhat larger brothers, scored a unanimous decision over North Carolinian Franklin Armstrong (3-8-3). Judges Dick Flaherty and Steve Epstein scored it a shutout for Judah (5-0), while Bob Gilson had gave Armstrong a round on his 39-37 card.

“UNDISPUTED”/MADISON SQUARE GARDEN THEATRE/NEW YORK/JAN. 7, 2006

WELTERWEIGHTS:

Carlos Baldomir, 146¼, Santa Fe, Argentina dec. Zab Judah, 146¾, Brooklyn, NY (12) (Wins WBC title.)

Mark Suarez, 146 ¼, Riverside, Calif. TKO’d James Webb, 146, Columbia, Tenn. (1)

CRUISERWEIGHTS:

O’Neil Bell, 199½, Atlanta TKO’d Jean-Marc Mormeck, 197¾, Pointe-a-Pitre, France (10) (Wins WBC and WBA titles; retains IBF title)

Steve Cunningham, 189¼, Philadelphia TKO’d Lloyd Bryan, 185½, Memphis, Tenn. (5)

JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS:

Ulises Solis, 108, Guadalajara, Mexico dec. Will Grigsby, 107, St. Paul, Minn. (12) (Wins IBF title)

HEAVYWEIGHTS:

Owen Beck, 246, Nashville, Tenn. dec. Darnell Wilson, 210, Middleton, Md. (8)

Bermane Stiverne, 241, Laval, Quebec TKO’d John Turlington, 213, Sullivan, Mo. (1)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS:

William Joppy, 170, Washington, DC TKO’d Erik Howard, 168½, Crossville, Tenn. (5)

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS:

Josiah Judah, 160, Brooklyn dec. Franklin Armstrong, 164½, Winston-Salem, NC (4)

FEATHERWEIGHTS:

Elio Rojas, 127½, Brooklyn KO’d Priest “Tiger” Smalls, 126, San Diego, Calif. (1)

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George Kimball

Articles of 2006

Peter/Toney Ii: Peter Has The Brutal Punch

Published

18 years ago

December 31, 2006

Adam Berlin

Samuel Peter claims he has dynamites in my two hands?

Heavyweight contenders Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter and James Lights Out? Toney get it on a second time this Saturday from the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fla. (Showtime).

The hard-slugging Peter, unlike Toney, is one of those strong, silent types notorious for letting their fists to the talking one the opening bell sounds, but the Nigeria Nightmare is as confident as ever and determined to turn Lights Out’s lights out for good.

I have got dynamites in my two hands,? said Peter, according the Lagos, Nigeria Vanguard, and I will crush James Toney once and for all. The Toney camp made the mistake of their lives by protesting and seeking a rematch. I am ready to teach him a bitter lesson.?

Sam Peter walked away with the W for Peter/Toney I at the Staples Center in LA last September, but it was by disputed split decision a verdict so disputed, there was even a dispute about the dispute which forced the WBC’s hand into mandating Saturday’s rematch.

Samuel Peter is the biggest thing to hit African boxing since Ghanaian superstar Azumah Nelson rocked the feather and junior welterweight divisions. The President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Prince Olaide Adeboye, admitted, according to allAfrica.com, We are rooting for Samuel Peter, of course. He is one boy we believe in to bring back the country’s lost glory in professional boxing. I am personally making arrangement to be at the ringside to see him fight Toney again. I was at the first fight in Los Angeles in September.

Peter has the brutal punch, and to me he was the clear winner of the first fight. But the WBC Board of Governors, of which I am a member, voted 21-10 for a rematch. There was nothing those of us Africans on the board could do in the circumstances. But I believe Peter will confirm he is better than Toney and will then go ahead to meet the champion and claim the belt for Nigeria and Africa.?

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Articles of 2006

The Sweet Science P4P Rankings for Asia

Published

18 years ago

December 31, 2006

Scott Mallon

There are claims that boxing is dying. Hogwash. The heavyweight division isn’t the only division in boxing and 2007 promises to be a banner year in boxing; especially for boxers hailing from Asia.

While Asia isn’t Vegas or Atlantic City, it is a region packed of diamonds in the rough; undiscovered gems and potential superstars who wait for their moment in the sun.

The Sweet Science P4P Rankings – Asia

1) Manny Pacquiao – There’s no way to dispute Pacquiao is the best fighter in Asia, if not all of boxing. He’s exciting, he wins with Je Ne Sais Quois and is definitely “the man” in boxing.

2) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam – Although his competition leaves much to be desired, his longevity and skills are undeniable. He is currently Thailand’s only world champion and is undefeated in ten years. Need I say more?

3) Chris John – A victory over Juan Manuel Marquez, however controversial, shows he belongs at the top of the heap. He easily outpointed Renan Acosta to close out 2006 and should have no trouble defending against Jose Rojas in February. A fight with Pacquiao would not be a good move on his part but a rematch with Marquez would not hurt – especially if he defeats the Mexican again.

4) Hozumi Hasegawa – Hidden away in Japan, Hasegawa is a sharp punching southpaw who put former champion Veeraphol Sahaprom to sleep. He recently bested Genaro Garcia and his herky-jerky style will give fits to any one who steps in the ring with him.

5) Masomori Tokuyama – Tokuyama has never shied away from a good fight and although he only fought once in 2006 (UD12 Jose Navarro), he ledger shows wins over Katsushige Kawashima (twice), Gerry Penalosa (twice) and In Jin Chi (twice). A fight with Hozumi Hasegawa is a distinct possibility in 2007.

6) Nobuo Nashiro – With only seven fights under his belt he took on WBA champion Martin Castillo – and defeated him. Although he’s only fought a total of nine fights, nearly all have been against quality opposition. A victory in a rematch with Castillo would cement his claim as the king of the 115-pound division.

7) Yukata Niida – This light-hitting minimumweight defended his title twice in 2006, winning a technical decision against unbeaten Eriberto Gejon (Tech Win 10) and the other on points over Ronald Barrera (W 12). Scheduled to meet Katsunari Takayama early next year – the best has yet to come for this WBA belt holder.

8) In Jin Chi – Won back the title he lost to Takashi Koshimoto in January from Rudolfo Lopez. While there’s little uncertainty to his skills, at thirty-three, 2007 may provide some insight as to just how much he has left.

9) Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai –Sor Nonthachai is an exciting, top-shelf fighter with an iron chin. Has no trouble making mincemeat of mid-level opposition and deserves a title shot in 2007. Time is running out.

10) Rey Bautista – He’s young, relatively inexperienced in big-time boxing, but will continue to shine in 2007. One of the better prospects in boxing, he should snag a title in 2007.

Asian Fighters Ranked in Ring Magazine

Pound for Pound:

Manny Pacquiao (Philippines): #2

Jr. Lightweight

Manny Pacquiao (Philippines): #1
Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai: #9

Featherweight

Chris John (Indonesia) #1
In Jin Chi (Korea) #3
Takashi Koshimoto (Japan) #5
Hioyuki Enoki (Japan) #7

Jr. Featherweight

Somsak Sithchatchawal (Thailand) #4

Bantamweight

Hozumi Hasegawa (Japan) #2
Veeraphol Sahaprom (Japan) #3
Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (Thailand) #6
Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (Thailand) #10

Jr. Bantamweight

Nobuo Nashiro (Japan) #1
Katsushige Kawashima (Japan) #7
Pramuansak Phosuwan (Thailand) #10

Flyweight

Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (Thailand) #1
Takefumi Sakata (Japan) #7
Daisuke Naito (Japan) #10

Jr. Flyweight

Koki Kameda (Japan) #1

Minimumweight

Yukata Naiida (Japan) #2
Eagle Kyowa (Japan/Thai) #4
Katsunari Takayama (Japan) #5
Rodel Mayol (Philippines) #7

Boxing in Thailand

There’s no shortage of boxers in Thailand. With a huge pool of Muay Thai fighters to draw from and several talented amateur boxing prospects turning pro after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Thailand seems destined to remain a boxing powerhouse in Asia.

The country is known for having tough, determined and disciplined fighters who give their all whenever the step in to the ring. However, consistently losing while fighting abroad and padding their records with no-hopers has done nothing to enhance their reputation.

Whether because of a lack of marketability, a lack of funds or their unwillingness to travel abroad, the vast majority of boxers from Thailand remain a mystery to fans in the west. If anything though, the boxing scene involving Thai fighters will be active. In fact, it’s one of the most active in the world; since 2000, the number of fights has nearly doubled in the country.

The Sweet Science P4P Rankings – Thailand – August 2006

1) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam
2) Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym
3) Somsak Sithchatchawal
4) Wandee Singwancha
5) Sirimongkol Singwancha
6) Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai
7) Veeraphol Sahaprom
8) Pramuansak Phosuwan
9) Terdsak Jandaeng
10) Oleydong Sithamerchai

Current Sweet Science P4P Rankings – Thailand

1) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (Flyweight) – Definitely the top dog in Thailand

2) Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai (Super Lightweight) – He’s a seasoned fighter who has proven himself in the big-time. He’s one Thai who can fight outside of Asia. He has an abundance of skills and one-punch power. His overall ability and ease in dispatching anyone other than championship caliber get him the runners-up spot.

3) Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (Super Bantamweight) – After losing to Vladimir Sidorenko he’s bounced back. He’s young, he can punch, but the former interim champion needs to prove himself against a name fighter.

4) Somsak Sithchatchawal (Super Bantamweight) – Was his win over Monshipour a fluke or was Celestino Caballero just that good? Did Sithchatchawal catch Monshipour at the right time and can he rebound from the devastating loss? The jury is still out.

5) Wandee Singwancha (Flyweight) – He doesn’t have much of a punch which will be his downfall in the end. He can box, as was evidenced in his recent victory over Juanito Rubillar, but this won’t be enough. He can no longer make the Jr. Flyweight limit and with no punch he’ll have a hard time competing against the “big boys.” Although he’s now rated second by the WBC, he doesn’t deserve to be.

5) Sirimongkol Singwancha (Super Lightweight) – Get this guy a fight. He’s better than Jose Armando Santa Cruz and would have beat up Inada had the fight taken place. He’ll fight anyone but his biggest obstacle is staying motivated fighting tomato cans in Thailand. Like many Thais, he needs a fight against a name opponent.
6) Wandee Singwancha (Flyweight) – He doesn’t have much of a punch which will be his downfall in the end. He can box, as was evidenced in his recent victory over Juanito Rubillar, but this won’t be enough. He can no longer make the Jr. Flyweight limit and with no punch he’ll have a hard time competing against the “big boys.” Although he’s now rated second by the WBC, he doesn’t deserve to be.

7) Pramuansak Phosuwan (Super Flyweight) – A genuine tough guy. Always calm and focused no matter how heated the battle. But at thirty-eight, he’ll be in trouble should he fight one of the division’s elite.
8) Veeraphol Sahaprom (Bantamweight) – Will be lucky to get another crack at the title. Although he has a puncher’s chance of winning a belt, that’s about all he has left at this point. A third shot at Hasegawa is unlikely.

9) Oleydong Sithamerchai (Minimumweight) – He’s fought better than the usual opponents faced by Thais at his level and he moves up one spot with the departure of Terdsak Jandaeng. He lacks the punch and is in the wrong division to become a superstar. He’ll need to defeat a name opponent to convince me.

10) Saenghiran Lookbanyai / Napapol Kittisakchokchai (Super Bantamweight) – These two square-off in early March, supposedly to see who deserves a shot at Israel Vasquez. Kittisakchokchai has the edge in experience but some feel Lookbanyai has the edge in heart and is the favorite.

Neither has defeated a top twenty fighter and yet are ranked number one and two respectively in the WBC’s world.

In Kittisakchokchoi’s lone shot at the big-time, he was TKO’d in 10 by Oscar Larios. His dreadful performance against Larios and lack of quality opposition leads me to believe Saenghiran might have more of a shot at beating him than some suspect. Regardless, neither of them lasts longer than six rounds with Israel Vasquez.

Honorable Mention: Wethya Sakmuangklang, Denkaosan Kaovichit, Devid Lookmahanak, Nethra Sasiprapa, Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo, Pornsawan Kratingdaenggym

Thai Fighters Ranked in Ring Magazine

Pongsaklek Wonjongkam: #1 Flyweight
Pramuansak Phosuwan: #10 Jr. Bantamweight
Veeraphol Sahaprom: #3 Bantamweight
Ratanachai Sor Vorapin: #6 Bantamweight
Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym: #10 Bantamweight
Somsak Sithchatchawal: #3 Jr. Featherweight
Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai: #9 Lightweight

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Articles of 2006

Iceman Stops Tito Ortiz Win Streak

Published

18 years ago

December 31, 2006

David A. Avila

LAS VEGAS—UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck “Iceman” Liddell’s fists proved too much for Huntington Beach’s Tito Ortiz who was stopped in the third round before a sold out crowd at the MGM Garden Arena on Saturday.

The punching machine Liddell (20-3, 13 KOs) repeated his victory in UFC 66 over the much-improved grappler Ortiz who has improved his punching and blocking. Ortiz was trying to avenge his loss of April 2004.

Despite all the new weapons displayed by Ortiz it wasn’t enough as Liddell pummeled the former champion and retained his title with a technical knockout at 3:59 of the third round. Referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the bout.

“This was the most satisfying victory of my career,” said Liddell, 36, of Santa Barbara. “Tito came back real tough.”

Ortiz (15-5, 8 KOs), a former wrestler, worked on his boxing technique knowing he would need it against the former boxer Liddell. But Liddell’s experience allowed him to find the right moment to pounce on Ortiz.

“I had him hurt, I just kept throwing punches,” said Liddell who also knocked down Ortiz in the first round with a left hook.

Ortiz was gracious in defeat.

“Chuck is the best fighter Pound for Pound in the (mixed martial arts) world,” said Ortiz, 31, who suffered a gash on the side of his left eye from a punch. “I’m disgusted by myself. I let my fans down.”

Other bouts

Underdog Keith Jardine (12-3-1) knocked out Forrest Griffin (13-4) at 4:41 of the first round in their light heavyweight showdown. A right uppercut followed by a left hook wobbled Griffin who was sent to the floor by a barrage of punches. On the ground Jardine landed right after right until referee John McCarthy stopped the fight for a technical knockout.

“I couldn’t believe he was hurt,” said Jardine about Griffin who is known for his resiliency. “I was so nervous coming into this fight, but now I know I belong here.”

Canada’s Jason McDonald (18-7) choked out Chris Leben (15-3) in a middleweight bout that was up for grabs. Though Leben seemed to control the fight with stunning left hands, once the fight went to the ground McDonald managed a chokehold at 4:03 of the second round. Referee Steve Mazagatti saw Leben was unconscious and stopped the fight.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski (12-5) caught Brazil’s Mario Cruz (2-2) with a sneak right hand while both were tangled on the ground. Then the Belarusian pummeled Cruz until referee Herb Dean stopped the fight at 3:15 of the first round.

Third season winner of the Ultimate Fighter television reality season Michael Bisping (12-0) of Great Britain won by technical knockout over Eric Shafer (9-2-2) at 4:29 of the first round. A knee knocked Shafer groggy then Bisping knocked him to the ground and pounded him. Referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the bludgeoning.

Thiago Alves (16-4) caught Peru’s Tony De Souza (15-5) with a knee as he attempted to dive for his legs in a welterweight contest. After that it was pretty much over as Alves pummeled De Souza at 1:10 of the second round forcing referee John McCarthy to halt the bout.

Gabriel Gonzago (7-1) proved too strong for Carmelo Marrero (6-1) in a heavyweight bout. At 3:22 of the first round Gonzago of Massachusetts manipulated his way into arm bar forcing Pennsylvania’s Marrero to tap out.

Japan’s Yushin Okami (19-3) pounded Georgia’s Rory Singer (11-6) into submission at 4:03 of the third round of a middleweight bout. Okami seemed the more-rounded fighter with effective kicks to the head and more accurate punching.

Christian Wellisch (8-2) jumped to a quick start with an accurate left hook that rattled Australia’s Anthony Perosh (5-3) in a heavyweight bout. During the first round it seemed the Sacramento fighter might end the fight but the Aussie hung tough. Wellisch won by unanimous decision.

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