In a clash between big-punching welterweight contenders, NABO titleholder and WBO #2, WBC #9 rated Alexis “Lex” Rocha (25-2-1, 16 KOs) and NABF titleholder and WBC #5, IBF #10, WBO #14 rated Raul “El Cugar” Curiel (15-0-1, 13 KOs) battled to a draw on Saturday night at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. It was a great action slugfest filled with exciting back-and-forth exchanges. Both fighters had their moments and every round was razor-close. After twelve rounds, scores were 116-112 Rocha, 114-114, 114-114.
Undefeated WBO #3, WBC #5 super welterweight Charles “Bad News” Conwell (21-0, 16 KOs) scored a seventh round TKO over previously unbeaten Gerardo Vergara (20-1, 13 KOs). Conwell broke down Vergara, then stopped him with a series of left hooks. The referee’s stoppage was at 2:51.
In a clash for the vacant WBA Continental North America super flyweight title, John “Scrappy” Ramirez (15-1, 9 KOs) hammered out a ten round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Ephraim Bui (10-1, 8 KOs). Scores were 97-93 3x.
In a crossroads bout, U.S. Olympic medalist and former unified world champion Marlen Esparza (15-2, 1 KO) outpointed former four-time world champion Arely “Ametralladora” Muciño (32-5-2, 11 KOs) over ten rounds. Scores were 98-92, 97-93, 98-92.
Unbeaten super featherweight Victor “El Tornado” Morales (20-0-1, 10 KOs) was victorious when Jose Ortiz (16-3-1, 6 KOs) couldn’t continue after round seven due to a swollen-shut eye.
Conwell got some good work in!
Cornwell vs Ortiz in 2025
They steal the fight Mucino and scrappy is dirty fighter too hold the guy the one arm and hitting with the other,
What a fight candidate for fight of the year 2024 great respect show by both fighters draw a good result hopefully see a rematch near future.
Conwell/Lubin, then Conwell/Madrimov. If Conwell wins both fights, then it is time for Ortiz, Fundora or Bohachuk.
But first, I truly hope there is another Ortiz/Bohachuk to make it settle better. In the previous fight, it was also nice to see Ortiz fight a person his size. Another great battle.