Heavyweight Carlos Takam (39-5-1, 28 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over Jerry Forrest (26-4, 20 KOs) on Thursday night inside “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Slow-paced bout with Takam winning 96-94, 98-92, 97-93.
“My father passed away a week ago,” said Takam, “so I came into the fight with a heavy heart. It may not have been a spectacular knockout, but most importantly, we got the win. We took this fight on short notice, but the opportunity on ESPN was too big to pass up. We knew we could beat him regardless. I want anyone in the top five, or a title shot if that materializes.”
Unbeaten WBC #3, IBF #7, WBO #8 junior featherweight Carlos Castro (26-0, 11 KOs) battered and stopped former world title challenger Cesar “Corazon” Juarez (25-9, 19 KOs). At the end of round four, Juarez’ corner pulled their man out.
Castro said afterward, “I admire Cesar Juarez as a Mexican warrior and for everything he’s given the sport. I told him it was an honor to share the ring with him. I want any title opportunity or interim title shot. Whatever comes my way, I am ready. I am highly ranked and prepared for the next step.”
In a clash of unbeaten junior lightweights, Joshafat Ortiz (8-0, 4 KOs) won a majority decision over Joshua Orta (6-1, 2 KOs) over six rounds. Scores were 57-57, 58-56, 58-56.
Middleweight Donte “Savage” Stubbs (7-1, 2 KOs), who lost his “O” in the Bubble last week, returned to defeat previously unbeaten Fred Wilson Jr. (6-1-2, 2 KOs) by six round unanimous decision. Stubbs dropped Wilson in rounds three and five. Wilson was also deducted a point for holding in round four. Scores were 58-54, 58-53, 58-53.
Jerry Forrest had his chance tonight but he blew it. Also, for him to quit his full time job at age 32 to focus on his career is not a good idea. He had a good paying job and he looked terrible against Takam just now. Good Job Takam…
Fighters will probably queue up to fight him now as he has a decent record and will be a good stay busy fight for them.
Good on Takam. Always willing to take on whoever they put in front him, and always keeps himself in shape. Not an elite fighter but a real good contender with heart.
At a quick glance, looks like James Toney and Roy Jones in the pic.
whoa! Excellent take!
The most impressive fighter of the night was Carlos Castro. I had never seen him fight before, but he looked ready for a title shot at 122 lbs and is well-equipped to win and keep that title. He’s tall, has a long reach, hits really hard, can box well and has a great sense of how to keep an appropriate distance from his opponent. He can also fight inside, and most important, he digs hard to the body with both hands.
I give Castro a great chance against anyone in the division. He has a full arsenal of punches and is not predictable in his attack. I really look forward to seeing him fight for a title.
I agree Castro has all the tools.