In a clash of unbeaten super lightweights, Luiz Feliciano (13-0, 8 KOs) hammered out a ten round unanimous decision over Genaro Gamez (9-1, 6 KOs) on Thursday night at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California. Feliciano hurt Gamez to the body several times en route to a 99-91, 98-92, 98-92 verdict. Feliciano claimed the vacant NABF title.
In a clash of unbeaten welterweights, Blair Cobbs (12-0-1, 8 KOs) scored a spectacular ninth round KO over Steve Villalobos (11-1-1, 9 KOs). Cobbs retained his NABF “junior” title. Villalobos dropped Cobbs and punished him in round six. Cobbs came back to rock Villalobos in round seven. Cobbs floored Villalobos in round nine and laid him out with an uppercut moments later. Time was 1:20.
Middleweight Richard Acevedo (5-0-1, 5 KOs) was lucky to get a six-round draw against Jose Rivera (8-4-1, 5 KOs). Rivera won 59-55 on one card. one card was 57-57, and one card ridiculously had Acevedo up 59-55.
This was an exciting fight between two young prospects. Although Feliciano won the decision, Gamez had nothing to be ashamed about. Gamez looked to be the harder hitter and did get some good shots in. However, the only boxer that was really hurt during the fight was Gamez. That left to the liver/ribcage almost put Gamez down. That he survived was a tribute to his conditioning and will to continue.
Feliciano boxed well and used his jab more often than Gamez. I would have liked him to put a little more snap behind that jab, but he managed to land his right hands even with that pawing jab. The jab to the midsection was very effective and set up some of the punches that hit Gamez cleanly.
I believe both boxers still have bright futures ahead of them. Feliciano is now just a bit ahead based on this victory. However, this fight was a good learning experience for both and it’s really good for both to go the full 10-round distance in a competitive fight. That experience should help them in future fights against top fighters.