By Robert Coster

The last big show of the year in Santo Domingo was marred by the absence of two Venezuelan boxers who were turned back to their country. Still, a good crowd flocked to the elegant Los Prados Social Club for a card promoted by Manguita Promotions.

The main event had hot jr welterweight prospect WBA #9, WBC #15 Alberto Puello (14-0, 8 KOs) facing veteran Francisco Contreras (30-8, 24 KOs) and Puello passed the test with flying colors. Alberto’s youth, speed, and skills were too much for the older boxer who spent the night trying to land a haymaker to turn the fight around. “Contreras wanted a brawl but I’m too smart a boxer to fall for this,” said Puello. “I outboxed him and just kept piling up the points.” The three judges voted 100-90, a clean shutout for Puello.

WBA #2, WBC #9 jr bantamweight contender Norberto “Meneito” Jimenez won by TKO in two rounds over late sub Rayci Rosa (7-10, 2 KOs).

Lightweight Mitchel Rivera (12-0, 7 KOs) outscored gritty but crude Manuel Botti (23-2, 18 KOs) over eight rounds.

US-based featherweight Yenifel Vicente (31-0, 23 KOs) showcased his power with a first round knockout over substitute Esteban Aquino (12-2, 7 KOs).

Crowd-pleasing lightweight Richard Solano (18-2, 11 KOs) scored a spectacular first round knockout over Marco Acevedo (10-3, 2 KOs).

There were 9 more fights on the card which finished way past midnight.