DSH Boxing Notebook: Kovalev defeats Chilemba, Crawford-Postol date draws near

This week's version of The Daily Sports Herald's Boxing Notebook takes a look at the recent Kovalev-Chilemba bout, as well as some other interesting upcoming bouts.  Check out the latest news below in the sweet science:

Kovalev defeats Chilemba via unanimous decision

Undefeated WBO, WBA, and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs) dazzled his hometown crowd for 12 rounds at the DIVS Sports Palace in Ekaterinburg, Russia, as he dominated a game Isaac Chilemba (24-4-2, 10 KOs) to earn a unanimous decision victory.

The fight was not necessarily easy for Kovalev because he had to deal with an opponent who could box, move, and counter.

"My promoter and manager chose a fighter that is similar to Andre Ward's style, so that I will be prepared for the fight with Ward," said Kovalev.  "When they told me that my opponent will be Chilemba because his style is similar to Andre Ward's style, I was thinking to myself what's so similar to his style? Their height is different, so at first I didn't see much, but after the fight I realize that, in fact, he does have similar style to Andre Ward's: waiting out and counter-attacks, he is not going in much, he waits in defense and waits for the right moment."

The hard-fought battle between Kovalev and Chilemba turned out to be a surprisingly tactical bout, as the tough Chilemba took every punch handed out by the hard-hitting champ. The toughest round for the 29-year old Chilemba was the 7th when he was knocked down by the Krusher.

"If it wasn't the end of the round I would have pursued to actively attack him," said Kovalev.  "But because the bell rang, we rested and he managed to pull himself together and I didn't want to waste my energy. He is very experienced and had as many fights as myself and with boxers of highest level, therefore I was boxing and continue boxing and whatever happens, then it happens."

Chilemba managed to recover and last the remainder of the fight, but it was not enough to secure the victory against the more powerful Kovalev. The judges scored the fight 117-110, 116-111, and 118-109.

"I want to thank Kovalev and his team," said Chilemba.  "I came here to fight. As I said before I have been short a couple times at my world title shot. Tonight I had three titles in the palm of my hand and I came here to give all I can. I believe I did give it my all and unfortunately I came up short. I am proud of my performance tonight even though I didn't get a victory tonight and I thank God for that. I am a fighter. I was born a fighter. I was born a warrior. I always fight. I always get going and I won't back down. I will be back soon in the ring."

As for Kovalev, he can now set his sights on his next opponent -- pound-for-pound star Andre Ward.  Kovalev explained how Ward is at an entirely different level compared to Chilemba.

"Andre Ward's got different timing, he's faster with his legs," said Kovalv.  "He's not only good in defense but also he can attack. He has some defensive tricks. If saying in an advanced way, his defense is more modernized. He can feel his competitor better, he's got better reaction. He also has good experience. After all, he is an Olympic champion. The last American [male] champion at the Olympics. Moreover, he is undefeated. This adds a kind of psychological pressure. He is the best in all the categories. But talking of power he is not a crusher. We have 2 different styles. So that is the difference between them. They are counterpunchers."

Q and A with Viktor Postol and Freddie Roach

Q: You have mentioned that Matthysse is better than Crawford.  Can you tell us why?

VIKTOR POSTOL:  It is my subjective opinion, but it is my opinion from what I have seen and from the opposition that Matthysse has had before he fought me and the opposition that Crawford has had I think that Matthysse is a better fighter and more experienced fighter.

Q: Freddie, have you done anything with Postol for these last three fights that would increase his power?

FREDDIE ROACH:  These last three training camps the opponents were different and we take into consideration what the other fighter brings to the table also.  For Crawford we have had to get ready for lefty and orthodox styles of fighting also, and bring in the right sparring partners at the right time and work on him fighting as a southpaw and fighting as a righty so there is nothing that Crawford is going to surprise us with.  We have seen a lot of tape on him.  He is a good young fighter but I think we are a far better fighter because our two knockout wins in the last three fights are against far better fighters and I think Crawford is still being built up.

Q: Yesterday, Crawford spoke of Postol's holding tactics and using elbows and said he would speak to referee Tony Weeks about it.  What is your response?

VIKTOR POSTOL:  I think with the experience and the respect level of Weeks and the level of fights that he has been in I think that Tony Weeks will know what is legal and what is not legal and he will make sure that no illegal activity happens and I think he is a professional and I don't think he needs to be told what has to be done.

FREDDIE ROACH:  Pretty much I agree that Tony Weeks is one of the best referees in the world and he will call the fight as he sees it and all we are asking for is a fair shake from the referees and judges in this fight.

Q: What type of a fight would favor Viktor?

FREDDIE ROACH:  You know, Viktor has a height advantage and a little bit of a reach advantage.  He sets things up real well with his left hand.  He is a complete fighter.  He trains really hard.  He comes here to be with me for eight weeks at a time.  We get along really well and we work really well together.  He boxed the other day and he is peaking and he's ready for the fight and he is in great shape.  I think this is a good opportunity and I think Crawford is underestimating us a little bit but he's going to pay for that.

Q: Do you think that the Crawford fight will be easier than the Matthysse fight?

VIKTOR POSTOL:  No, not at all.  Every fight is different.  Matthysse and Crawford are two different style fighters.  I never expect any fight to be easy and no one fights the same.  Everybody is difficult.

FREDDIE ROACH:  You know Terence Crawford and the University of Nebraska have one thing in common.  Nebraska is in the Big 10 and on the 23rd; Crawford is going to get the Big 10-count from the referee.

Q: There is talk about the winner of this fight getting a Pacquiao fight.  Is this something you would be interested in or no because he is a stable-mate?

VIKTOR POSTOL:  As far as the trainer...we have a team and we would sit down with Freddie and decide how we can make this fight happen.

Q: Freddie, if Postol were to win and did want to fight Pacquiao, how difficult would it be for you?

FREDDIE ROACH:  It wouldn't be the worst position in the world because I feel that Viktor has done everything to get ready for this fight.  I think we have the right style and the right opponent.  And if that does happen I will have to deal with it.  Going to the Philippines for a long time or staying here.  It could happen but it would put me in a pretty good place either way because I really like working with both fighters - they both have a great work ethic and I look forward to that predicament.

Q: But there would be no way you would train against Manny right?

FREDDIE ROACH:  Yes, Manny and I have been together for fifteen years and it would be very difficult to go against him of course, but you know Viktor is a very good fighter also and I'm not sure if Marvin [Somodio] would be his chief cornerman or not - but Marvin being a Filipino maybe not, we'll see (laughing).

Malignaggi to fight Bracero in Brooklyn showdown

Former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi is set to defend Brooklyn’s World Championship Belt in a 10-round welterweight showdown on Saturday, July 30, after being challenged on social media by fellow Brooklyn-native Gabriel Bracero.  The fight will be shown on Showtime.

“Representing Brooklyn with this belt has been something I’m very proud of,” said Malignaggi. “I relish the competitive spirit of being able to defend it against another quality Brooklyn fighter like Gabriel Bracero. I fight for Brooklyn and I represent Brooklyn with everything I’ve got each time I step into the ring and on July 30 it will be no different.”

Malignaggi earned the title of “King of Brooklyn” when he defeated another Brooklyn-born star in Zab Judah in December of 2013 at Barclays Center. This version of the “Battle for Brooklyn” will once again have local bragging rights on the line, with both men looking to impress in front of a hometown crowd.

A former world champion at 140 and 147-pounds, the 35-year-old Malignaggi (35-7, 7 KOs) will return to the ring to fight at Barclays Center for the fifth time. He has faced a slew of big names throughout his career and has been victorious over the likes of Judah, Vyacheslav Senchenko and Pablo Cesar Cano. Born and raised in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, “The Magic Man” was victorious twice fighting in his birth country of Italy last year after unsuccessfully challenging unbeaten Danny Garcia in August.

Another Brooklyn-native, Bracero (24-2, 5 KOs) comes off of a sensational one-punch knockout of rival Danny O’Connor in their rematch last October. The 35-year-old owns victories over Dmitry Salita and Pavel Miranda in addition to his first triumph over the previously unbeaten O’Connor in 2011.

“This fight is going to have two Brooklynites, finally meeting inside the ring, in a really exciting matchup,” said Bracero. “What better way to highlight that, then having the Brooklyn’s World Championship Belt on the line. Growing up in Brooklyn is what has made me the man and the fighter that I am today. I respect Paulie for giving me this opportunity, for putting his belt on the line and everything he’s done in his career. On July 30 though, that belt is coming home with me. I will be the new champion of Brooklyn.”

The July 30 event is headlined by a featherweight world title clash between Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton.  In addition, former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia will take on former champion Elio Rojas. 

Q and A with Terence Crawford

Q: What did you think about Viktor Postol’s performance against Lucas Matthysse and did it surprise you at all?

TERENCE CRAWFORD:  I feel as though Postol did what he needed to do to win.  I think he did a lot of holding and using his elbows that the ref didn’t see.  But all in all he did what he had to do to get the job done.  I picked him to win in that fight anyway so it was a good victory.

Q: There were blogs that went out on Tuesday where you were complimentary of Postol but he was not of you.  Going as far as saying Matthysse was better than you…

TERENCE CRAWFORD:  Well, that’s what he is supposed to say.  He is supposed to say he is going to destroy anybody that he is going to step in the ring with, but to my knowledge, I don’t care what he says because come July 23rd he is going to have to show me, he is not going to just be able to tell you.  He knew who to fight.  He had the option of fighting either me or Matthysse and he thought Matthysse was the easier fight because he knew if he was going to fight Terence Crawford he knew what was going to happen.

Q: There have been stories about Manny Pacquiao coming back and you were mentioned as an opponent recently.  Does it up the stakes for you since he may return?

TERENCE CRAWFORD:  I am not thinking about Manny Pacquiao at all.  I am focusing on Viktor Postol and that’s it – that is all.

Q: You two have a common opponent – Hank Lundy.  You stopped him and Postol beat him by decision – does that give you any more confidence coming into the fight?

TERENCE CRAWFORD:  No, styles make fights.  That was a few years back and I don’t look at it as a confidence booster.  I just know my skills and my ability in the ring – I believe that I am going to get the job done on July 23rd.

Q: You have 20 knockouts to his 12 – do you feel you have the advantage in power?

TERENCE CRAWFORD:  I feel, all around, I can do whatever I want in there.  If I have to box, I box.  If I have to brawl, I brawl.  If I have to trade, I trade.  In those types of fights, I have the power to back you up.  All in all, I feel like my IQ is what takes me to the next level.

Q: Does the rough type style, like Yuriorkis Gamboa and like Postol, bother you and how do you overcome it?

TERENCE CRAWFORD:  Not at all.  I just be myself and stay relaxed.  Stay composed and do what I came to do.  Do what we’ve been working on in camp and everything else will fall into place.  The approach is to go in there and do what we have been working on.  Each fight is different and every fighter is different.  Gamboa was a real crafty fighter and so is Postol, but Postol poses a different threat than Gamboa so we will have to see what he poses on fight night.

Q: Are you worried about Postol’s grabbing, holding tactics?

TERENCE CRAWFORD:  That’s not my problem and I can’t be concerned about it.  I can just hope the referee notices it and does something about it.

Q: Would you say Postol is a dirty fighter?

TERENCE CRAWFORD:  I wouldn’t say that he is dirty.  He fights to win.  He is trying to do whatever he can to win.  Some things are not allowed and some things some referees let you do more than others.

Q: Do you worry about Postol’s height advantage?  It is about three inches and that plus the reach could be concerning…

TERENCE CRAWFORD:  I have fought a lot of tall opponents in my career. This is not the first tall opponent that I have ever fought and it’s not going to be something new to me.  It’s not going to be something that I have never seen before.  So I am not concerned about his height or his jab or anything because I have seen it before.

Q: Do you view this fight as the biggest of your career so far?

TERENCE CRAWFORD:  Of course - this is a very big fight for me at a very critical time of my career.  This fight is more meaningful than the Gamboa fight, at the moment, because this fight can take me to that next level beyond the level that I’m on right now.  This fight means a lot and I do look at it as the biggest fight of my career to date.

Q: In the documentary you mentioned how you got a second chance after being shot in the head.  Is that something you think about all the time?

TERENCE CRAWFORD:  Yes, of course.  I don’t think about it a lot, because I like to put it in the past and put it behind me and move on with my life.  But sometimes I do think about how I got a second chance and make the best of it.

Q: Bryan, we have spoken to Terence about Postol’s antics – holding and elbows…do you do anything in preparation for that or do you just overlook it?

BRYAN McINTYRE:  Me and the other coaches (Coach Saul and Red), we sat down and talked about it and we are going to let referee Tony Weeks know that we are very concerned about whet he does in the ring.

Badou Jack earns Nevada Fighter of the Year honor

Since the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) came into existence in 2013, Floyd Mayweather has had a strangle-hold on the Nevada Fighter of the Year Award, winning it three straight years. However, that changes in 2016, as Badou Jack has been named the NVBHOF "Nevada Fighter of the Year."

Jack won the WBC super middleweight world title last year as a big underdog, dethroning undefeated defending champion Andre Dirrell.  After that win, Jack successfully defended his belt twice.

In his first title defense, Badou found himself an underdog once again, this time to Britain's popular slugger and two-time world title challenger George Groves at MGM Grand last September.  He dropped Groves in the first round and outclassed him the rest of the way to take the decision.

In April, Jack traveled to Washington, D.C. to face lethal slugger and former world champion Lucian Bute.  The bout ended in a highly controversial majority draw, Jack a wide winner on one judge's card, but the other two called it even.

Media covering the fight were almost unanimous in saying Jack deserved the verdict.  Jack (20-1-2), born in Stockholm of Swedish and Gambian parents, is a resident of Las Vegas, and fights un.

Here is the complete list of the NVBHOF Award Winners for 2016:

NEVADA FIGHTER OF THE YEAR:   BADOU JACK "THE RIPPER"

NEVADA FEMALE FIGHTER OF THE YEAR:  AVA KNIGHT.  Since the last NVBHOF Induction, she has fought twice, both times in Mexico.  Knight fought talented 17-3 Jasseth Noriega to a hotly-contested and disputed draw in Mazatlan, and then two months later, recorded an impressive unanimous decision win over Judith Rodriguez in Los Mochis.  A winner of the WBC Diamond Belt, Knight has a pro record of 14-2-4.

NEVADA AMATEUR FIGHTER OF THE YEAR :  JJ MARIANO.  After winning a National Championship belt at 139 pounds in 2015, Mariano capped off his undefeated senior year at the University of Nevada with a second consecutive National Title, this time at 147 pounds.  Mariano decisioned University of Washington's James Porter in the Final to run his lifetime record to 23-3.  Mariano made the College Boxing Nationals in all four of his years for the Wolfpack.  He is a lifelong resident of the Reno-Sparks area.

NEVADA PROSPECT OF THE YEAR :  DEVIN HANEY.  Becoming the youngest fighter to ever compete professionally at the famed MGM Grand, the 17-year-old Haney decisioned Rafael Vasquez on the undercard of the Pacquiao-Bradley 3 fight in April.  The flashy Haney, already a fan favorite, followed that up with a fourth-round TKO of undefeated Jairo Vargas at the Downtown Events Center in Las Vegas, and a unanimous decision victory over Clay Burns in Baton Rouge, LA, in May and June, respectively.  Trained by Floyd Mayweather Sr., Haney holds a record of 7-0.

MUHAMMAD ALI "HUMANITARIAN AWARD":  MAURICIO SULAIMAN.  The WBC President, who has already made his own name in succeeding his late father Jose, is honored for his generosity and compassion outside the ring.  Sulaiman has been tireless in efforts to support charitable causes, many of them sponsored by professional boxers.  His support, both financial and with the weight of WBC, extends to causes such as fighting diseases, support for education, mental health causes, help for the hungry and homeless and much more.  He has also made support for military causes, such as Nevada Military Alliance Services, a prime focus. He also oversees the community-oriented WBC Cares program.

NVBHOF "PRESIDENTS AWARD":  HERB SANTOS, SR.  Involved in Nevada Boxing since 1970's  as a Judge and member of NSAC 1985-88, and Chairman 1987-88. Modernized NSAC rulebook published 1989.  Santos received Special WBC recognition in 2012 as one of the top judges of the past 50 years.  Santos is a Reno resident whose entire family, sons and grandchildren are involved in boxing.

Jerry Odom to fight as late replacement on ShoBox card

Prospect Jerry Odom steps up to face Julius Jackson in a matchup of super middleweights next Friday, July 22, on ShoBox from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.  The hard-hitting Odom (13-2-1, 12 KOs) replaces Ronald Ellis, who pulled out of the bout on Thursday with a right hand injury.

"My power will be a big factor," said Odom.  "Jackson has faced punchers before, but he hasn’t faced one like me.  This is a great opportunity, and I will put on a show next Friday."

Odom was deep in training and looking to bounce back from a controversial draw with Ellis in February on ShoBox when he received the opportunity to face Jackson (19-1, 15 KOs).  Jackson is the older brother of John and son of former two-division world champion Julian Jackson.

"I have been training for a few fights that fell through.  I’m in shape and ready to go,” Odom said.  “When my team got the call we decided it was the right decision to take this opportunity.

Undefeated top 10-ranked super bantamweight Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (15-0, 7 KOs) faces Roman Ruben Reynoso (18-1-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event.   In an eight round lightweight bout, O’Shaquie Foster (10-1, 7 KOs) meets Rolando Chinea (12-1-1, 6 KOs).

Sugar Ray Leonard to pay tribute to The Greatest

Sugar Ray Leonard, a member of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame’s (NVBHOF) inaugural class in 2013, will return to the Hall’s 2016 induction ceremony to pay tribute to the late Muhammad Ali.

Leonard, who won a 1976 Olympic gold medal and world titles in five weight classes as a pro, will give a speech, “What Muhammad Ali Meant to Me,” as part of the annual induction dinner on Saturday, July 30, at Caesars Palace.

Ali was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015. His health prevented him from attending, but his daughter, Rasheda, accepted the honor in his place.

As a special treat on July 30, Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, will attend the ceremony as a guest of the World Boxing Council and its president, Mauricio Sulaiman.

Inductees for the NVBHOF’s fourth class are boxers Ray “Boom Boom”Mancini, Pernell Whitaker, Christy Martin, Ricardo Lopez, and Freddie Little; trainers Kenny Adams, Thell Torrance, and Johnny Tocco; and journalists Tim Dahlberg and James “Smitty” Smith.

Talkin' Smack

Check out the latest chatter in the sweet science:

VIKTOR POSTOL

"What differentiates [Terence] Crawford from many other fighters are his skills and technical attributes. From a mental aspect he is a very clever boxer, always using his mind in the ring, changing stances, all the time adapting to different types of opponents. He has shown this in his previous fights. But that does not mean he is the best I have fought. I think Lucas Matthysse is a higher-level fighter than Crawford and everyone knows how my fight with Matthysse ended, with him knocked out and the WBC belt around my waist. And that is exactly where the WBC belt will remain after my fight with Crawford on July 23. Just above the WBO belt. I am looking forward to destroying Crawford -- destroying his perfect record and destroying his reign as world champion."

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“My dream is to be the next big thing in boxing. We’re going to work hard every day in the gym, learn from our mistakes and improve so I can be the best fighter out there. With the help of the fans and the media I think I can accomplish that."

“I’m comfortable at 126-pounds. I want to get this win against Carl Frampton and then unify against Gary Russell Jr., Lee Selby or any of the champions. When my body is ready we’ll move up in weight to seek another world title."

MIKEY GARCIA

“I don’t believe there will be ring rust because I was never really outside of the ring. I’ve been in the gym the whole time, sparring and training. I would spar 10 or 12 rounds, just to do it. Not because I had a fight, but just to keep me active. I know it seems like a long time, but I don’t really see it. I feel like I was gone six months."

“I have no regrets. I’ve got to enjoy myself more than I had in the last 10 years. When you’re in boxing, it’s a year round sport. You don’t have time to yourself, for your family or friends. You miss out on a lot. I learned a lot in my time away about boxing and more."

FREDDIE ROACH

"Crawford can box and move and is a very good fighter. I think both fighters are very complete boxers and both have good amateur backgrounds and great pro backgrounds. They have one common opponent -- Hank Lundy. Crawford knocked him out but when we fought him four years ago and won a decision, Lundy was in his prime. And just because I am impressed by Crawford doesn't mean I am intimidated by him. Viktor will break him down just as he did with Matthysse. He has a lot of patience which comes from experience. He's going to break Crawford down brick by brick, with his jabs and his body shots. Viktor leaves nothing to chance. No one works harder in the gym than Viktor. I give Crawford a lot of credit for taking this fight. But bravery will only take you so far in this game and in this fight it won't be taking Crawford into the winner's circle."

ANTHONY OGOGO

''I've feeling fit, sharp and strong and have managed to put together two good wins in quick succession and I'm ready for my third. I want to prove I'm a league above and that I'm ready to face the best in the division. After the summer, I'm coming for the titles.''

TERENCE CRAWFORD

"On paper you could make a case that Postol will be the toughest man I have faced inside the ring, but I won't really know that until I fight him on July 23. When I go into camp, I always assume the opponent I'm training for will be my toughest test. It's the only way I know how to train. I respect any fighter who laces up the gloves and enters the ring to battle with me. I take no opponent for granted and I take nothing in training camp for granted. We are by the book in camp. We skip nothing in gym training or conditioning. It's a fulltime job. You have no idea what it takes on a daily basis to get myself to the level I achieve on fight night. I cannot afford an off night. It's unacceptable and it's dangerous. No one is going to give me anything in a fight. I have to earn it the old-fashioned way and that's by taking the fight to my opponent and winning it. Against Postol, I'm not just defending my belt, I'm out to take his too. That's the reason for taking such a tough fight. It is because I wanted to fight the best fighter out there. To beat the best fighter out there. To show that I am the best fighter in the division."

Antonio Orozco signs multi-year deal with Golden Boy Promotions

Antonio Orozco (24-0, 16 KOs) has signed a multi-year agreement with Golden Boy Promotions.

"Since I was a child I always dreamed to be part of Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions," said Antonio Orozco. "This is where I started my career and this is where I would like to finish. I am at my prime, and re-signing with Golden Boy represents the second chapter of my career of become a world champion."

Unbeaten as a professional, San Diego's Antonio Orozco, 28, has paid his dues on the way to the top, and now his only intention is to get the shot at a world championship that he's craved. Rated number one by the WBC, and rated in the top 10 by all sanctioning bodies in the super lightweight division, Orozco is ready for the next chapter of his career.

In his most recent bout on March 25, 2015, Orozco made another statement with a first round knockout of Miguel "Aguacerito" Acosta that thrilled the fans at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

"Antonio Orozco is one of the best fighters in our stable at Golden Boy Promotions, and with his natural talent, skill and strong work ethic, he is poised to become a world champion in this sport, without a doubt," said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "I'm proud Antonio chose to stay with the Golden Boy family, and I'm excited to see him conquer the division and rise to the top of the sport."

Jayson Velez falls to Rene Alvarado

The main event at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino this past week featured former world title challenger Jayson Velez (23-3-1, 16 KOs) of Puerto Rico, taking on the Nicaraguan warrior Rene Alvarado (24-7, 16 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight fight that went the distance.

The evenly matched fighters consistently traded blows and it was Velez who attempted to use his boxing skills in the first few rounds. An accidental head butt in the sixth round did stun the fighters, but that did not stop them from keeping the momentum going.

The judges awarded a split decision victory to the former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion, Rene Alvarado, with scores of 96-94, 96-94 and 97-93 for Velez.

"This is a very important victory for me," said Rene Alvarado. "I have been fighting tough prospects and fighting such a notable fighter like Velez proves that I am still a force in this division. I want to keep the momentum going and come back as soon as I can. I will be back in the gym next week to stay in shape and be ready for the next fight."

In the co-main event of the night, undefeated prospect Rashidi "Speedy" Ellis (16-0, 11 KOs) of Boston retained his undefeated record when he took on Luis Hernandez (12-2, 7 KOs) of Puerto Rico.

Ellis made sure to keep the pressure on Hernández, but in the fourth round was caught by a solid left hook that sent him to the canvas. Hernandez saw an opportunity and aggressively came after Ellis as Ellis tried to keep his distance in what became the most exciting bout of the night.

Ellis adjusted his game and began using is jab and counterpunching when Herenandez attacked. This plan proved successful as Ellis was awarded the decision with scores of 78-73 by all three judges.

"He caught me with a good shot," said Rashidi Ellis. "But I felt that the adjustments I made to make sure he didn't catch me again were effective. I wanted to make sure that I kept moving and continued to land clean shots. That is what gave me the victory tonight."

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services