Lazaro Lorenzana Defeats Luis Arias on Manny Pacquiao’s First U.S. Promotion

TEMECULA, Ca.-Manny Pacquiao made his U.S. promotional debut in front of a packed crowd that featured middleweights, an undefeated whiz kid from the Inland Empire and a special award for his long-time trainer Freddie Roach on Saturday at the Pechanga Casino in Temecula, California

Pacman was in the house.

In the main event Tijuana’s Lazaro “El Rey” Lorenzana (19-0, 13 KOs) remained undefeated despite stiff resistance from Milwaukee native Luis Arias (22-6-1, 17 KOs) to win by unanimous decision.

Both middleweights banged it out for 10 rounds with each connecting with big shots. Lorenzana was the busier fighter but Arias had his moments. Just not enough.

Lorenzana at times seemed surprised that Arias withstood his shots and Arias was able to connect too, but neither was able to seriously hurt the other.

After 10 rounds all three judges saw Lorenzano the winner by wide scores 100-90, 99-91, 98-92.

IE Gem

In a match showcasing the newest talent from the Inland Empire, San Bernardino’s Terry Washington (6-0, 5 Kos) soundly defeated Peruvian veteran Ricardo Astuvilca (23-5, 5 Kos) using his speed and sound defense to win every round in the light flyweight clash for a regional title.

Washington had knocked out every foe in his previous five fights, but the Peruvian fighter did not risk much after tasting Washington’s power early in the fight. But if the Astuvilca sought to out-box the youngster he was out of luck. The San Bernardino fighter exhibited excellent defense and a patient approach in winning every round.

“He was kind of awkward so I took my time,” said Washington. “I had to adapt but I made it look easy.”

The Peruvian fighter refused to take the lead, instead looking to counter. Washington’s speed made it difficult for Astuvilca.

Astuvilca did make a move late in the match but discovered Washington’s defense was as good as his offense. A four-punch combination by the Perruvian was neatly slipped by Washington who showed poise and patience in dissecting the veteran fighter. Though the knockout did not come Washington proved 10 rounds was not a problem.

“I could have gone 16 rounds,” said Washington. “I try to stay patient when I am in there.”

All three judges scored it 100-90 for Washington.

Pacman Jr.

Manny Pacquiao Jr. pulled out a majority draw against Brendan Lally in a match featuring two fighters making their pro debuts in a lightweight fight.

Both fighters were evenly matched with Lally diving forward every round and windmilling his blows as Pacquiao tried to create punching room. When Pacquiao was able to establish punching room, he connected with the more effective blows. It just wasn’t enough.

One judge favored Lally 39-37 but two judges saw it even for a majority draw.

Other Bouts

Tijuana’s Jose Russell (17-1, 11 KOs) floored Saleto Henderson (10-3, 7 KOs) of Indianapolis twice in the first round then proceeded punish him for five more rounds until the corner stopped the fight at the end of the sixth round. Russell was just too strong for Henderson who took a lot of punishment.

Garden Grove’s Michael Bracamontes (14-2-1) out-worked Lynwood’s William King (6-3-2) over eight rounds to win by unanimous decision in a super featherweight showdown. Bracamontes was simply busier than King who scored with the uppercut on occasion but was out-punched by Bracamontes.

Rodrigo Mosquera III (4-0) and Bryan Domingo (0-4-1) were in a shootout between lightweights. Domingo would not allow Mosquera room to breathe but was unable to hurt the taller fighter. After four rounds Mosquera was judged the winner by unanimous decision 40-36, 39-37 twice.

The opening bout saw light heavyweight Sheldon Payne (1-1) outwork Russia’s Adil Gadzhiev (3-2) during the first two rounds then hang on to win the fourth and final round and pull out a majority decision win. It was the Victorville fighter’s first pro win.

A brutal battle between undefeated featherweights saw Javier Zamarron (11-0, 5 KOs) emerge the victor over Alejandro Meniano (7-1) after eight furious rounds between southpaws. A knockdown was scored by Zamarron early in the fight. After eight rounds the judges scored the fight 80-71, 79-72, 77-74 for Zamarron.

Photos credit: Al Applerose

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