Photos: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions
In a WBA super bantamweight eliminator, #8 rated “Crazy A” Azat Hovhannisyan (18-3, 15 KOs) scored an impressive fourth round knockout over #14 Franklin Manzanilla (18-6, 17 KOs) on Thursday night at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, California.
Entertaining bout as both fighters are bangers and recent world title challengers (both losing by decision to current WBC champion Rey Vargas). Hovhannisyan’s pressure was very intense and relentless the whole fight. Manzanilla finally sunk to the canvas for the count at 2:58.
“This was a very easy fight at first,” said Hovhannisyan afterward. “I could have made it a 12-round fight, and he would not have touched me. But wanted to make it a tough fight. I wanted to make it an exciting fight. I didn’t even feel his punches. If Rey Vargas doesn’t want a rematch and Danny Roman is injured, then I want Emmanuel Navarrete.”
Unbeaten lightweight Edwin Valentin (9-0, 8 KOs) went the distance for the first time against Julio Bassa (21-9, 13 KOs). After eight rounds, scores were 79-73 3x.
Super Featherweight James Wilkins (8-1, 6 KOs) beat Luis May (21-16-1, 8 KOs) via eight round unanimous decision (79-73, 79-73, 78-74).
Super middleweight Chris “Milly” Ousley (12-0, 9 KOs) scored a six-round unanimous decision win against Even Torres (7-9, 5 KOs). Scores were 59-55, 59-55, 60-54.
Welterweight Herbert “Ace” Acevedo (16-2-1, 6 KOs) outpointed Martin Martinez (19-18-1, 12 KOs) in an eight-rounder 78-74, 79-73, and 79-73.
I have been really impressed by Azat since his demolition of Ronny Rios. He is a relentless puncher who mixes a body attack with head shots. Anybody who fights him had better be prepared for a war.
This knockout win was impressive and it was over a tough, hard puncher. I believe he will win a title sooner rather than later. He just needs the opportunity to fight for a title. This victory over Manzanilla takes him one huge step closer.
Augustin: I saw the fight as well, you’re right this guy is like a modern day Hawk, never stops throwing punches. A real fighter, very exciting and tough as nails.