Rafael Valencia
Garcia Wins at Welterweight, Eyes Fifth World Title
Texas (February 29, 2020)- Fighting for the first time since his defeat against Errol Spence Jr. last March, four-division champion Mikey Garcia (39-1 30KO’s) returned to the 147 pound division to face a very dangerous Jesse Vargas (29-2-2). Vargas started the fight using his reach advantage and landing right hands to Garcia. Known for his slow starts and excellent punching accuracy, Garcia landed his signature one two combination that floored Vargas in the fifth round. The fight was almost stopped in the seventh round when Garcia caught Vargas on the ropes but was saved by the bell. The fight went to the scorecards and Garcia walked away with unanimous decision by the scores of 114-113, 116-111(twice). With his first win at welterweight, Garcia looks to get a chance to win his fifth title in five different weight classes.
Chocolatito KOs Yafai
In the co-main event, Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez (48-2 40KO’s) defeated Khalid Yafai (26-0 15 KO’s) by TKO to become the new WBA Super Flyweight champion. Gonzalez forced Yafai to fight in the inside and trade punches. In the final Seconds of the eighth round, Gonzalez landed a combination that dropped Yafai who was able to beat the count and walk to his corner. The referee waived the fight off in the opening seconds of the ninth round when Gonzalez landed a perfect right hand that floored Yafai for good. Once again a world champion, Gonzalez is looking to unify and could set up an exciting and anticipated rematch with WBC and Ring Magazine champion Francisco ‘El Gallo’ Estrada.
Martinez Wins War, Retains WBC Flyweight Championship
In a brutal flyweight fight that went the distance, Julio Cesar Martinez (15-1- 12KO’s) successfully defended his WBC championship for the first time against a very game and undefeated fighter Jay Harris (17-0 9KO’s). Since the opening bell, both fighters came out very strong, firing and landing power shots. Martinez looked to be landing the more significant shots as he had Harris bloodied after the second round. Harris got in to a rhythm in the middle rounds and was using his jab to setup and land combinations on Martinez. The turning point of the fight came in the 10th round when Martinez landed two body shots that brought Harris to a knee. The fighter from Wales wasn’t discouraged after the knock down and finished the fight strong. In the end, Martinez walked away with the unanimous decision victory with scorecards that read 118-109, 116-111 and 115-112.
Parker Wins by TKO
Opening the main-card, Joseph Parker (26-2 20KO’s) defeated Shawndell Winters (13-2 12KO’s) by TKO in the fifth round of a heavyweight showdown. In the third round, Parker landed a right hand that floored Winters who was able to get up and beat the count. Parker suffered a cut over his right eye in round four when he got caught by a Winters left hook. The fight was stopped at 2:40 of the fifth round when Parker landed a strong combination that dropped Winters and was able to beat the count once again but was waived off by the referee.
