Ortiz halts Kayode in One; Cuellar destroys JuanMa in Two

By Peter Wells:


Luis Ortiz TKO 1 Lateef Kayode 

Luis Ortiz (right) vs Lateef Kayode (left)

The main event proved a slight disappointment as Cuba's Ortiz 22-0(19) stopped formerly unbeaten Kayode 20-1(16) in the opening round.

The referee stepped in with Kayode trapped along the ropes late in the opener, Kayode protested after the stoppage.

Kayode didn't look perfectly steady after a left cross, right hook sent him to the canvas. Trapped in the corner, a left hook knocked Kayode sideward and into the ropes where he was held up. Kayode covered up, but not throwing back and the intervention came.

An anti-climax but Ortiz has power to burn and could be in the world title picture very soon.

Jesus Cuellar KO 2 Juan Manuel Lopez

 

The early promise for JuanMa Lopez 34-5(31) looks a long way away now, after another hard stoppage loss. After retiring in 3 rounds last time out many questioned why he was getting in with another hard hitting prospect.

This time Cuellar 25-1(19) took out Lopez in 2 sessions a blistering right hook followed by a peach of a left hook sending Lopez crumbling to the canvas, no count was issued by the experienced Tony Weeks. 



Jesus Cuellar (right) vs JuanMa Lopez (left)

Prior to the knockout Cuellar had Lopez nervously on the ropes, trading shots that Cuellar was constantly getting the better of. The left hook barely missed the chin of Lopez, that seems to have now taken too much punishment over some exciting years of boxing.

As for Cuellar he has certainly announced himself as a top Featherweight contender, following his points win over Rico Ramos and now this stoppage of Lopez. 

Jermall Charlo TKO 7 Norberto Gonzalez

Charlo 19-0(15) remained undefeated with a completely dominating performance against tough Mexican warhorse Norberto Gonzalez 20-5(13), who was rightly saved from further punishment in the 7th when his corner threw in the towel.

Gonzalez was tough but took punishment throughout the fight, being dropped by a straight right in the 5th. The 6th was dominant enough to be scored 10-8 without any knockdowns.

A point deduction in the 4th for a second low blow only invigorated Charlo to punish Gonzalez further. 

Charlo now isn't far from a world title shot. While wins may be hard to come by for Gonzalez.  

Julian Williams UD 8 Eliezer Gonzalez

 

Williams 17-0-1(10) continued his unbeaten streak while ending Gonzalez's with a unanimous decision win over 8 competitive rounds.

Julian Williams

Gonzalez 14-1(9) was more than in the fight after 4 rounds where he gave Williams plenty to think about, but then Williams' experience at a higher level took over.

A quality jab from Williams was missing for Gonzalez, who did keep reminding his Philly opponent he was there with fast counters. 

Both can take a lot from the fight, Williams looks on a good road, while Gonzalez must avoid dropping his level of opposition to make the most of his potential.

All three judges scored it 80-72 to Williams.

Errol Spence RTD 2 Noe Bolanos

Spence 14-0(11) continues to show himself as one of the best prospects in boxing, with a 2nd round retirement over Bolanos 24-11-1(16).

Spence pounding the body of Bolanos, while peppering with hard shots from the outside, landing 45% of his punches.

Bolanos retired at the end of the 2nd citing a hand injury, unfortunately halting a good workout for the talented Spence.