Shishkin, Astrolabio also win eliminators
In a WBA lightweight eliminator between unbeaten fighters, WBA #10 Frank “The Ghost” Martin (17-0, 12 KOs) scored a lopsided twelve round unanimous decision over WBA #2 Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera (24-1, 14 KOs) on Saturday night at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Martin was faster, sharper and connected at a higher rate. Rivera didn’t seem to know how to fight against a southpaw as he continually circled into Martin’s power. Martin dropped Rivera in round seven and totally dominated after that. Scores were 117-110, 118-109, 120-107.
Martin outlanded Rivera 174 to 67 and connected on 31% of his shots, compared to 15% for Rivera.
In an IBF super middleweight eliminator, unbeaten IBF #9 Vladimir Shishkin (14-0, 8 KOs) scored a workmanlike twelve round unanimous decision over former IBF champion and currently IBF #7 rated José Uzcátegui (32-5, 27 KOs). Shishkin simply outworked Uzcátegui to claim a 115-113, 117-111, 117-111 victory.
In an IBF bantamweight eliminator, Guillermo Rigondeaux-conqueror and IBF #6 Vincent Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs) scored a sixth round knockout against IBF #3 Nikolai Potapov (23-3-1, 11 KOs). Astrolabio dropped Potapov in round one. Potapov took a knee in round five for another knockdown. In round six, Astrolabio floored Potapov for the count. Time was 1:26.
Super lightweight Omar “El Relámpago” Juarez (14-1, 5 KOs) took a ten round unanimous decision over Austin Dulay (15-4, 11 KOs). Juarez was deducted two points for low blows in round two by referee Michael Ortega. A third point was deducted in round four. Juarez still got the win, however, by scores of 96-91, 96-91, 94-93. The Dulay camp wasn’t happy with the scoring of the bout.
Unbeaten 19-year-old middleweight Elijah Garcia (13-0, 11 KOs) knocked out Cruse Stewart (8-2, 6 KOs) with a left hook in round two.
Astrolabio is going to be fun in that mix with Moloney, Donaire and Rodriguez once Inoue vacates those belts. 118 is going to be q realy good division.
I’m a fan of Dulay, but he looked like he didn’t want to be there – really flat and didn’t mount any real offense. I’m not sure how his team can complain about the scoring.
PBC Shame on You all Dulay won clearly..
He didn’t win a round. 97-90 correct score.
Martin displayed outstanding offensive rhythm/defensive rhythm…solid job!!
Frank the Ghost Martin continues to impress. He always comes prepared and looks well-trained and ripped. Looking forward to his fights going forward. I wish the heavyweights took their training, conditioning, and preparation as seriously as Martin does.
I wouldn’t say Martin failed to impress, because he looked very good in spots. But Rivera fought an ass backwards fight, so, lets see how Martin handles a gifted, intelligent boxer before we get our hopes up.
You have to respect the Ghost, he trains and fights hard and can most likely hang with the majority of the stacked lightweight division. However, his lack of amateur experience will probably come back to haunt him if he fights Haney or Shakur. It just always seems to happen that way. How about him vs Isaac Cruz? That would be fun to watch.
Martin reminds me of a stronger, less polished, version of Stevie Johnston. He just has this great rhythm to his work. It’s not as smooth as Stevie’s was, but he has it.
At lightweight PBC has Tank, Pitbull, Martin and Rivera…. I guess maybe Colbert as well? I think the likeliest matchup is probably Pitbull next for Martin? Just please do not put him in with Abner Mares.
Martin is 1 hell of a fighter.If he stays active, this is one kid that is destined to be the champ.Why are guys knocking him, because he fought the correct fight against a guy that was there to win by waiting for Martin to make mistakes.
Many do not weigh the psychological disadvantage the ‘Ali’ look-alike and wearing said name has on an individual. A Pugilistic has to be educated from scratch, through the science of Boxiana and without any psychological hindrances.
©️ Coach Hilario 2022