Hernandez Beats Simpson As Katzourakis and Barreto Shine
Veteran Vladimir Hernandez (14-5, 6KO) scored the upset victory over middleweight prospect Lorenzo “Truck” Simpson (13-1, 7KO).
Hernandez came out looking to play spoiler and threw punches in bunches. He landed punches from all kinds of angles. In addition, his punch output and tireless pressure were the story of the fight in the early rounds.
Simpson decided to forgo using his boxing skills and fought a phonebooth fight. In the second half of the contest, he began to find a rhythm and started landing those power shots. The young talent found a home for those hooks to the body and head.
In the closing moments, Hernandez’s high-volume punching made the fight hard for the young prospect. Simpson landed the harder, and the more eye-catching shots, but it was too little too late.
When the final sounded, the judges preferred the busier fighter. The scorecards read 76-76, 78-74, and 79-73, in favor of Hernandez.
Hernandez did a good job of getting the younger fighter to fight his type of fight. Truck made the fight hard by fighting on the inside instead of boxing. Hopefully, he learns from this and should look to do a rematch.
ANDRES KATZOURAKIS SCORES THE STOPPAGE OVER RAPHAEL IGBOKWE
Undefeated middleweight Andres Katzourakis (11-0, 9KO) overcame early adversity to stop tough veteran Raphael Igbokwe (16-5, 7KO)
The fight started off shaky for Katzourakis, who was dropped in the opening round by a counter right hand. That was the only bright spot for Igbokwe, as he got beat up and hurt several times during the fight.
Katzourakis was landing everything but the kitchen sink. His counterpunching, footwork, defense, and punch output were the story of the fight. Moreover, he refused to allow Igbokwe to gain any kind of momentum by applying relentless pressure.
In the final round, Katzourakis hit his opponent with a series of unanswered shots that forced the referee to stop the fight. The Greek fighter showed tremendous motor and punch accuracy.
These are the types of performances that will make fans want to see him fight again. With only ten fights, he checks all the boxes and is ready to step it up in the level of competition.
CHRISTIAN BARRETO SCORES IMPRESSIVE VICTORY OVER LUIS ACOSTA
In a battle of lightweight prospects, Christian “El Capitan” Barreto (10-0, 7KO) remained undefeated with a solid victory over Luis Acosta (13-2, 12KO).
Barreto’s relentless pressure kept his opponent against the ropes and in range of those hard right hands. The Puerto Rican’s counterpunching and volume punches carried the story of the fight.
Acosta fired back with a body attack and well-timed pull-counter right hands. The Texan showed a tremendous chin by taking big shots, only to return fire with sharp counters. However, he continued to get hit by the right hand because his head stayed on the centerline.
In the final round, drama arose as there was a clash of heads that caused a cut over the right eye of Acosta. The referee deducted Barreto a point despite the fact he was never issued a warning.
Both men fought like Tasmanian devils once the action resumed as the crowd cheered in appreciation for their efforts. Two judges scored 58-55, with one seeing it 59-54 in favor of Barreto.
This was a good-coming out party for El Capitan, who passed the eye test for a young prospect.
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