Fast Results from the MGM ‘Bubble’: Commey KOs Marinez; Lopez Edges Sanchez

Fast Results from the MGM ‘Bubble’: Commey KOs Marinez; Lopez Edges Sanchez

Top Rank’s initial offering of 2021 got off on the wrong foot when the light heavyweight title fight between Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov had to be scratched when the Russian tested positive for the coronavirus. That very attractive match-up was hitched to an unexceptional undercard but, as the saying goes, the show must go on.

In the main go, former IBF lightweight title-holder Richard Commey, in his first fight back since getting starched by Teofimo Lopez, had too much firepower for Jackson Marinez. With Teofimo cheering him on, the 33-year-old Commey knocked Marinez down twice in the sixth round, forcing referee Kenny Bayless to waive it off.

The first knockdown was the result of a clubbing right hand. The second knockdown, moments later, was a long, looping right hand that sent Marinez flying back against the ropes before he fell. Commey, a Ghanaian now residing in the Bronx, advanced to 30-3 with his 27^th KO. It was the second straight loss for Marinez (19-2), a native of the Dominican Republic who has been training in Oxnard, Ca. The official time was 2:35 of round six.

Other Bouts

In an evenly-matched, 10-round featherweight contest, Adam Lopez overcame a slow start to win a majority decision over Jason Sanchez. One of two fighting sons of the late Hector Lopez, an Olympic silver medalist, Lopez improved to 15-2. It was the second straight loss for Albuquerque’s Sanchez (15-3). Dave Moretti, Nevada’s top judge, had it a draw but was overruled.

Working behind a stiff left job, heavyweight Jared Anderson (8-0, 8 KOs) controlled the action against Kingsley Ibeh (5-2-1) until closing the show with a one-punch knockout at the 2:19 mark of round six. There was no reason for the referee to count when Anderson collapsed Ibeh with a short left hook. The 21-year-old Toledo native has a big future if he can keep his weight in check.

Prelims

The prelims on ESPN+ were all showcase fights for promising prospects who were just getting started.

Eric Puente, a lightweight from Vista, CA, improved to 5-0 but won no new fans with a lackluster 4-round decision over Sergio Vega (2-1-1). Puente hasn’t yet defeated an opponent inside the distance.

Welterweight Jahi Tucker, who turned 18 last month, caved in Florida’s Eric Rodriguez with a body punch in round two. The precocious Tucker improved to 3-0; Rodriguez fell to 1-2.

Two decorated amateurs making their pro debuts won lopsidedly in 4-round contests that went the distance.

17-year-old bantamweight Floyd Diaz, a native Las Vegan, came out slinging haymakers but settled down and won all four rounds of his bout with Fernando Macias. Virginia’s 22-year-old Troy Isley, a decorated amateur who defeated Devin Haney in a youth tournament, notched his first pro win at the expense of hard-trying 34-year-old Bryant Costello (1-2), winning the 4-round middleweight contest by three 40-36 scores.

Photo credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

Check out more boxing news on video at the Boxing Channel 

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE