RINGSIDE REPORT BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT TARRAH ZAEL – Not one round went unnoticed in the main event as Mexico’s Jaime Munguia brought the noise to the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. With the crowd in his corner, Munguia won by unanimous decision over England’s Liam “Beefy” Smith to keep the WBO super welterweight title on Saturday.

In his first title defense, Tijuana’s Munguia (30-0, 25 KOs) turned away former champion Smith (26-2-1, 14 KO) and gave a dominating performance that showcased his tremendous offensive firepower but lack of defense. The Golden Boy Promotions event was televised by HBO.

Despite his awkward boxing stance, Smith had much success over Munguia in the earlier rounds when the two went back and forth exchanging punches. He exposed many flaws in the young pugilist, especially his very absent defense throughout the fight. But as the fight wore on, Munguia (pictured in the black trunks) landed the heavier shots. Munguia’s uppercuts and left hooks were wincingly embraced by Smith, and surprised Smith who was continuing to battle it out with the hard- hitter.

A powerful left hook put Smith to the ground in the sixth round, as Munguia continued to hurt him more with his power. Munguia connected with multiple left hooks to the body and then to the head of Smith. But still, no knockout.

“I went for the knockout, and I always put my heart into it like a true Mexican”, said Munguia, 21, after winning by unanimous decision. The crowd cheered and chanted “Mexico!” after his win.

“Canelo hit harder”, says Smith, 29, who fired back with his own flurry of punches throughout the battle. “But he’s a very good fighter.”

Munguia smiled and nodded with acceptance.

“It was a tough fight and he’s a tough fighter. I was always looking for the knockout,” said Munguia whose six-fight knockout streak was snapped. “But I think going these 12 rounds will serve me as experience.”

Machado

In his first title defense, Puerto Rico’s Alberto “El Explosivo” Machado (20-0, 16 KO) defended his WBA world super featherweight title against Ghana’s Raphael “Sweet Pea” Mensah (31-1, 23 KO) in a battle between undefeated southpaws. All three judges scored the fight 120-107 for Machado.

A right hook to the face of Mensah in the first round caused a knockdown and it seemed certain the fight would not go the full 12 rounds. The Ghana fighter stayed the course, but it seemed as though he never recovered from the knockdown and Machado dominated the fight from then on.

Surprisingly, Mensah had enough heart to stay in the battle until he heard the final bell. Despite his almost perfect record, Mensah was simply outclassed by the Puerto Rican pugilist. He almost partook in yet another knockdown by a flurry of Machado’s combination punches in the fourth round.

Frustration from Mensah was visible as he stomped his feet multiple times in the later rounds. Machado did not let go of his power behind his straight left hands and right hooks. He was too big and too strong for the boxer of Ghana.

“Though I couldn’t finish him, I’m happy I went all the rounds because it was an experience I hadn’t had before,” said Alberto Machado. “I hurt my left hand early, so that’s why I stopped throwing the left hand to the body. But I kept to the game plan that Freddie Roach had for me and used the jab and worked from a distance. I’d fight anyone. I have to talk with my promoter first, but I would like fight Francisco Vargas.”

 Other Bouts

Brazil’s Yamaguchi Falcao (16-0) won a 10 round unanimous decision over Elias Espadas (17-4) in a middleweight clash.

Carlos Caraballo (8-0) stopped Jesus Martinez (24-4) in the fifth round of a super bantamweight fight.

Welterweight Blair Cobbs (9-0-1) knocked out Emmanuel Valdez (5-5) in the second round.

Photo credit: Al Applerose

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