Arizona Boxing News with Don Smith ALIQUAM
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Malta Boxing News
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Popular amateur Edgar Brito (Brito's Gym) had a tough time with Ryan Riddell(Hook City Gym) who scored a majority decision win and celebrated like it was 1999. It wasn't pretty, Brito complained of low blows and holding. At times, it looked like wrestling. Brito was frustrated. Riddell scored several points off the break when the referee separated the two fighters. Brito was too nice and didn't respond to the rougher tactics deployed by the much taller Riddell. Brito was to turn professional after the bout, but no announcement came.
The Co-Main Event featured undefeated Emilio Garcia vs. Jensen Ramirez in a highly anticipated 6 round contest that drew a line in the sand. There were no neutral fans for this one. The feud between the two reached a boiling point when Ramirez (AZ Boxing) accused Garcia of faking an injury last year to avoid fighting Jensen. Garcia denied the charge, but never produced a doctor's slip confirming the injury. The 21 year old Ramirez stored the incident in the recesses of his mind and
pulled it out as a motivating tool for the fight. Just like a magician pulls a rabbit out of his hat. Presto, it worked.
Coach and trainer Sergio Zaragoza (AZ Boxing) predicted Ramirez's victory over Garcia and said he was disappointed that his other fighter (Wilbert Lopez) didn't perform well against Mario Esparza. Sergio said Lopez was too slow and tentative to win. He promised a new and improved Lopez, the next time around. Garcia should look at the defeat as a wake up call. Emilio has a wealth of talent, but he needs to rededicate himself to the sport of boxing. Too much clowning and not enough punching. Sergio hopes the two strong performances from his fighters will let Phoenix know that Tucson fighters can go toe to toe with anyone.
On the under card Johnny Ruelas knocked out former MMA tough guy Johnny Jackson in the second round. Ruelas has skills, but 175 is too much for him to pack. I was told, he plans to drop 15-20 lbs. in the near future. Good idea. Joe Martell and I talked about his lackluster bout with Moises Alvizo and he was genuinely embarrassed about his performance. Alvizo won on all cards. Martell is contemplating retirement. He is a class guy, I wish him the best.
In summary, it was a good night of boxing. The only audible complaint was the number and length of intermissions and bout changes made on the original card. Local favorite Juan Garcia was left off because Iron Boy couldn't find him a suitable foe. Undefeated Fernando Samaniego was scheduled to fight Oscar Venegas, but Fernando backed out at the last minute leaving officials furious and