Rafael Valencia
Costa Mesa (November 05, 2019) – Yves Ulysse Jr. (18-1 9KO’s) looked for his first title defense against Venezuelan Ismael Barroso (21-3-2 20KO’s). In a back and forth battle that went the distance, it was Barroso with unanimous decision and the upset win making him the new WBA Gold Super Lightweight Champion. The score cards were 117-11 and 115-113 (twice) all in favor for Barroso in an upset win.
“First of all I want to thank god because none of this would have been possible without him. It feels good. I want to thank the people of California, I know they like to see a warrior in the ringand that what I showed them,” said Barroso.
BALLARD VS FALCAO ENDS IN DRAW
In the co-main event, D’Mitrius ‘Big Meech’ Ballard (20-0 13KO’s) from Maryland, andYamaguchi Falcao (16-1 7KO’s) from Brazil, fought to a majority draw for the vacant NABFmiddleweight title. In a fight of two halves, Falcao broght the pressure in the first 6 rounds of the fight. Connecting the right hook upstairs. Ballard picked up the pace in the last 6 rounds of the fight landing some good body shots and some right hooks of his own. The fight went to the score cards where one judge had the fight 97-93 for Ballard and two judges had it 95-95.
“For me I won the fight but I respect the judges’ decision. My opponent is a great fighter,” said Falcao.
Ballard staid undefeated but was a bit disappointed with the decision.
“I felt like I won. I felt like in the later rounds I came on strong, but I guess the judges didn’t see it like that on the scorecards” Ballard said.
NISTOR GETS KO VICTORY IN DEBUT
In a heavyweight clash, Mihai Nistor from Armenia made his professional debut against Tijuana fighter Christian Mariscal(13-4 6KO’s). Mariscal wanted to play the spoiler and came out firing in round one, busting Nistor’s nose. The Armenian picked up the pace in the next rounds connecting great body shots. In the third round Nistor connected a left hook that dropped Mariscal, who beat the count but said he didn’t want to continue anymore. The referee stopped the fight at 2:00 of the third round giving the Armenian the KO victory in his debut.
RINCON STAYS UNBEATEN
In a super lightweight bout, undefeated George Rincon (8-0 5KO’s) faced off against Antonio ‘El Tigre’ Flores (8-1 2KO’s). Rincon overpowered Flores from the opening bell and was frequently landing the uppercut. Referee Ray Corona stopped the fight 34 seconds in to the fifth round after seeing Flores receive too many punches.
JASON QUIGLEY WINS BY KO
Jason ‘El Animal’ Quigley (16-1 12KO’s) defeated Abraham ‘Bombi’ Cordero (13-4-2 7KO’s)by KO. Quigley caught Cordero in the third round with some heavy combinations up stairs. Cordero was caught on the ropes receiving power punches from Quigley forcing the referee to jump in and stop the fight at 1:36 of the third round. Quigley bounced back from his first professional loss with a victory.
“I’m happy to get the comeback win. I was happy with my patience in there,” Quigley said.
‘THE SILENCER’ GETS 2nd ROUND KO
Aaron ‘The Silencer’ Mckenna (9-0 5 KO’s) defeated Victor Gaytan (6-4 3KO’s) via KO in the second round. The Irish native had Gaytan against the ropes where he landed a vicious left hook to the body flooring the fighter from Guanajuato, Mexico. Gaytan was unable to beat the 10 count in the 1:58 mark of round number two.
RIANNA RIOS WINS DEBUT
Rianna Rios defeated Elizabeth Tuani by unanimous decision in a fight between two fighters making their pro debut. Rios, an Army veteran, dominated Tuani with her hand speed and quick body movement. All three judges saw the fight 40-36.
