Chris Colbert Beats Nyambayar and Rivera KOs Fernandez in Carson

Brooklyn’s Chris Colbert jabbed his way to victory against former world title challenger Tug Nyambayar on Saturday, cruising to a unanimous decision in a super featherweight elimination fight.

It was easy but not that easy.

“For a 126 pounder he carried a lot of power,” said Colbert.

Despite fighting someone with only a week to prepare, Colbert (16-0, 6 KOs) quickly found his rhythm behind lightning jabs to keep Nyambayar (12-2, 9 KOs) at arm’s length at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The win gave him top spot among the WBA super featherweights.

Colbert was supposed to fight Yuri Gamboa but when that fighter was unable to compete, in stepped Nyambayar who had previously fought Gary Russell Jr. for the WBC featherweight title.

Immediately Nyambayar charged Colbert and connected with a few combinations. But after that it was all uphill for the Mongolian fighter who won the silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics.

The Brooklyn speedster had been brushing aside solid competition and was looking good in doing it. Nyambayar was eager to regain lost ground in his pursuit of another world title shot. He just couldn’t get past that jab.

Colbert’s rocket jab alongside with his footwork kept him just out of reach without running. Nyambayar had some success but never enough to stun or hurt the Brooklyn fighter.

After 12 rounds all three judges scored it for Colbert 117-111 and 118-110 twice. There were no doubts about the scores.

“He did a hell of a job,” said Colbert who had predicted a knockout by the 10^th round. “I’m very slippery. I’m not that easy to hit.”

Indeed.

Lightweights

Michel Rivera (21-0, 14 KOs) survived a knockdown and falling behind on the scorecards to score a sensational knockout of Spain’s Jon Fernandez (21-2, 18 KOs) in a lightweight contender battle.

Rivera, a buttery smooth fighter who resembles and emulates the late Muhammad Ali, fell behind the relentless busy style of Spain’s tall Fernandez, especially after getting floored in the sixth round by a Fernandez right cross following an exchange.

“He hit very hard,” said Rivera who was knocked down for the first time in his career.

The knockdown gained Fernandez an advantage on the score cards and he tried to follow up on his knockdown with more pressure. But in the eighth round he ran into a quick one-two combination and down he went and was counted out by referee Jack Reiss at 44 seconds of round 8.

“I knew that he had power but I have power too,” Rivera said.

Other Bouts

Angel Alejandro (10-0) won by decision over Rudy Ochoa (10-1) to win the battle between undefeated super featherweights.

Featherweights Shon Mondragon (6-0-1) and Jose Perez (9-1-2) fought to a majority draw after six rounds.

Daniel Garcia (2-0) knocked out Gabe Sandoval (1-1) in the second round of their super featherweight contest.

Photo credit: Esther Lin / SHOWTIME

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