Moreno vs. Urina: Chemito Defeats William Urina Via Unanimous Decision
Alex Ballentine
Aug 11, 2013
Anselmo Moreno (34-2-1, 12 KOs) continued his dominant reign over the WBA bantamweight title with a unanimous-decision victory over William Urina (24-3, 20 KOs) on Saturday night in Panama City, Panama.
His performance was nearly flawless as the scorecards reflected a one-sided affair. Two judges awarded Moreno the fight 118-110, while the third judge scored a few rounds for the challenger at 116-112, according to Fightnews.com.
Heading into the fight, Urina was an interesting challenger because of his knockout power. He had finished 20 of his 27 professional fights; however, Moreno's slick defense and boxing ability proved to be too much for Urina.
He consistently moved in and out of exchanges without taking damage, leaving a frustrated Urina swinging at air.
As Steve Kim of Max Boxing pointed out, he did a great job of going to the body early and often to build his lead on the scorecards.
The win is just the latest example of the supreme skill that Moreno possesses in the ring. He earned the WBA Bantamweight Championship back in 2008 with a unanimous-decision victory over Wladimir Sidorenko.
Since then, he's only lost one bout—a 2012 unanimous-decision loss to Abner Mares for the WBC bantamweight title. As Kim noted, "Chemito" didn't show any signs of losing his confidence after the loss. He was back to his usual ways on Saturday night.
Avenging that loss could be next on the docket, but for now, he'll have to be happy with turning in yet another impressive defense of the belt that he has held for more than five years.
Ambunda vs. Kameda: El Mexicanito Defeats the Rock Via Unanimous Decision
Aug 1, 2013
Tomoki "El Mexicanito" Kameda (28-0) made history on Thursday in the Philippines. By defeating WBO bantamweight champion Paulus "The Rock" Ambunda (20-1) by unanimous decision, El Mexicanito became the third Kameda brother to win a major championship.
Never before have three brothers held major championships. Koki is the current WBA bantamweight champion, and Daiki held the WBA flyweight title in 2010. If Daiki wins his bout with Rodrigo Guerrero in September, the Kameda brothers could make more history by holding world titles simultaneously.
Tomoki's bout with Ambunda was truly a matchup of top-notch fighters. Each man came into the fight undefeated and showed tremendous respect for his opponent's skills.
El Mexicanito took control of the bout toward the middle rounds with his three-inch height advantage. He had somewhat established the jab early, but the body work he began near the fourth round paid dividends late.
While neither man was ever in serious danger in the fight, Kameda outboxed the champion to earn the victory. The punches to the body seemed to leave Ambunda less than fresh in the final rounds.
The energy advantage late was likely the deciding factor in the fight. Ambunda couldn't overcome Kameda's size, and he didn't have the power to make his shots on the inside count. Stylistically, this matchup clearly favored Kameda.
Looking ahead, the 22-year-old Japanese fighter has plenty of options. Because Tomoki and Koki are both bantamweight champions, it is inevitable that questions will arise about the possibility of a bout between the brothers.
It remains to be seen whether the Kameda brothers will resist the concept as the Klitschko brothers have in the heavyweight division, but it would no doubt draw some interest from fans.
For now, the Kameda brothers can bask in the glory of their historic feat.
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Kameda vs. Apolinario: What We Learned from Bantamweight Bout
Jul 23, 2013
WBA champion Koki Kameda (31-1) dominated John Mark Apolinario (17-3-3) in Tokyo on Tuesday. He dropped the challenger in the 10th and 12th rounds en route to a lopsided unanimous decision win. The 26-year-old Japanese champion was clearly the sharper, more experienced fighter throughout.
Apolinario didn't have the power or speed to seriously challenge Kameda. Despite the dominating performance from Kameda, it is difficult to see his stock rising after besting such an overmatched opponent.
Here are the official judges scorecards, and all three scored the fight for Kameda, per BoxRec.com: Judge Alfredo Polanco: 117-109, Judge Pinit Prayadsab:118-108 and Judge Wan-Soo Yuh: 119-107
Here's a closer look at Kameda's easy win.
Friendly Matchmaking
It was clear Apolinario had little to no chance of defeating Kameda from the outset. Even before we saw the results play out in the ring, one look at Apolinario's very modest KO total (four in 22 fights) suggested Kameda wouldn't have to worry about running into a bomb from Apolinario.
Kameda generally fights an action style, but he could employ his natural aggression much easier against a fighter with limited power.
Apolinario's Status as Mediocre Contender is Defined
Even though the young Filipino fighter is just 23 years old, it was clear in this fight that he just doesn't possess the physical tools to challenge the best bantamweights in the world. Ryan Bivins of Sweet Boxing chimes in on Apolinario's effort:
Apolinario seemed intimidated by the champion and reluctant to take the chances necessary to make the fight a bit more competitive. His ceiling in the sport may be as a gatekeeper for up-and-coming prospects over the next five years.
Kameda Still Hasn't Proved He's an Elite Bantamweight
Coming into the fight, most wouldn't have called Kameda one of the three best bantamweights in the world. Because of his weak competition on Tuesday, there is no way you can put him in the same conversation as countrymen Shinsuke Yamanaka or Anselmo Moreno.
Kameda is only 26 years old and he's yet to get a crack at the elite fighters in his division. However, it seemed scoring a KO over such a hapless opponent would have made Kameda look better.
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Abner Mares Not Ready to Face Nonito Donaire
Nov 11, 2012
Abner Mares has been a popular choice as the next possible opponent of Nonito Donaire after Jorge Arce because of his unblemished record and his domination of the bantamweight division in recent years.
But after his not-so-impressive performance over veteran Anselmo Moreno of Panama at the Staples Center Saturday night, boxing fans are doubting his ability to withstand Donaire's awesome power and speed.
Mares gave all his best to knock out Moreno during the 12-round encounter at the well-attended boxing event. But he looked worn out and frustrated in the later rounds as he chased the hit-and-run fighter from Panama. Mares even looked almost like an amateur, throwing awkward punches which did not land on targets.
Although he scored a knockdown over Moreno in the fifth round, his overall performance leaves much to be desired.
Donaire is definitely more skillful than Mares, especially if his last fight against Moreno will be used as a basis in considering him as a worthy opponent of Donaire.
Mares told Boxing Scene after the fight he wants to face Donaire and hopes their promoters can work together to make the fight happen, saying, “I want to fight Nonito Donaire. That’s the only guy to fight. We want to fight the best. We want to continue to step up and fight the best. I think its up to Nonito’s promoters.”
Ronnie Nathanielsz of Philboxing writes, "Therein lies the problem because Mares is handled by Golden Boy Promotions and Donaire by Bob Arum’s Top Rank and their differences run deep".
Despite the win by Mares against Moreno, fight fans would probably favor a Guillermo Rigondeaux-Nonito Donaire fight after the "Filipino Flash" is done with Arce in December.
Rigondeaux, who had an impressive amateur record, is unbeaten in his 11 professional fights, eight of which were won via KO.
The former Cuban Olympic gold medalist in the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic games, is facing Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym of Thailand on Dec. 15. The Thai fighter is a veteran of 44 fights with two loses.
Mares needs to polish his skill and style against a tough fighter in the bantamweight division to have a fighting chance with Donaire, who will be available after the Rigondeaux fight (if it happens) early next year.
Mares vs. Moreno: WBC Champion Showcases All-Around Ability with Decisive Win
Nov 11, 2012
Anselmo Moreno hadn't lost in over 10 years entering Saturday night's fight versus Abner Mares, but that didn't stop Mares, the reigning WBC champion at 122 pounds, from sending him home with a decisive loss.
Mares didn't just win either. Scoring a unanimous decision win over anyone is impressive, but winning 120-106? Wow. Just wow.
He controlled the fight from start to finish. Throwing a ton of punches, he attacked Moreno with relentless vigor without being completely out of control. He was careful, displayed his defense and also showed that he's a capable counter-puncher in the process.
In short, it was an excellent showing for the champion.
Mares even managed to knock Moreno down in the fifth round. That's something that's never happened to the challenger, which seems about right considering that he hadn't lost since 2002 entering Saturday night's contest.
Using a quick but powerful combination, Mares was able to send Moreno to the ground, though. In an Associated Press report (via ESPN), Mares said, "I was a little shocked when he went down. I felt the punch, but didn't think it was that powerful."
Whether he thought so or not, Moreno went down. Mares used his size advantage throughout the fight, bullying his adversary around the ring consistently. He's very capable with either hand, which allows him to steer him whichever way he would like without leaving his comfort zone.
Now at 25-0-1, Mares has definitely developed a reputation. He has 13 knockouts, and at 26 years old he has plenty of room to grow as a titleholder. He's shown that he knows how to perform with the belt around his waist and how to deal with the pressures associated with that.
The scorecard may have been more lopsided than necessary Saturday night, but the fight was definitely Mares' to win. His command of the ring, and his complete repertoire will make him very difficult to beat, no matter who he fights next.
Saturday night's fight wasn't all that competitive, but Mares was, once again, fun to watch. He's a tireless worker with the boxing skills to match, and those guys are rare.
Abner Mares vs. Anselmo Moreno: Mares Retains WBC Title Via Unanimous Decision
Nov 11, 2012
In a thrilling fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Abner Mares used every possible boxing technique in the book to defeat Anselmo Moreno via unanimous decision.
The match was for the WBC bantamweight title. Abner is the reigning champion, and he retained his title after Moreno moved up four pounds to fight the titleholder.
Moreno (34-2-1) had several firsts in the bout, but none that will make headlines in a positive way. He was knocked down for the first time in his career in the sixth round and lost for the first time in over a decade. He had won 22 straight fights since 2002, but that streak will come to an end after Saturday night.
Boxing writer Michael Woods noted that Moreno's camp felt the wild swings and unpredictable nature of the fight should have led to a closer score than the 116-110 on two of the judges' scorecards.
Moreno thinks fight should have been closer, calls Mares great champion. CLASSY GUY
He was also deducted a point on a controversial call for pulling Mares' head in toward his body after the Mexican champion continued to dive in head first on his attacks.
Mares (25-0-1) continues his impressive streak of wins.
Always on the attack, Mares repeatedly forced Moreno into the ropes and the corners in an attempt to suffocate the shifty Moreno. Even when Moreno seemed to have an advantage, Mares baited him into trading blows, which favored the 122-pound-tested Mares.
ESPN's Bernardo Osuna wasn't a fan of the final scorecard, a 120-106 decision for Mares, but he too had the fight going the champ's way.
120-106 is ridiculous, but I had @abnermares00 winning 115-110
IBF bantamweight titleholder Leo Santa Cruz also defended his title, and speculation of a bout between the two is sure to head to the forefront in the next few weeks as bouts are scheduled for these two champions.
Mares and Moreno traded over 1,000 blows in the fight. Mares had a far lower percentage of connected shots but managed to make his hits count. Moreno was looking for a more technical bout but could never gain enough balance to counter the onslaught that Mares brought all night.
Ethan Grant is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report's Breaking News Team.
Abner Mares Beats Anselmo Moreno by UD and Calls out Nonito Donaire
Nov 9, 2012
On Saturday Nov. 10, the world-famous Staples Center in Los Angeles will host WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Abner Mares vs. WBA Bantamweight Super World ChampionAnselmo Moreno.
Although the event will be televised live on SHOWTIME, Bleacher Report will be blogging live from the media section.
Weigh-In
Friday afternoon was the weigh-in for the Mares vs. Moreno card and undercard fights. All fighters made weight on their first attempt.
The highly anticipated return of the exciting knockout powerhouse Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo surprised and even shocked some fans and media in attendance as he looked totally different from his usual short fade buzz cut hairstyle coming to the stage sporting what looked like a 70s Charles Manson hairstyle.
Angulo, however, looked fit as can be weighing in at 154 lbs on the dot.
His opponent, Raul Casarez, came in at 153.8 lbs, and there were some boos from the crowd for this Texas fighter.
Raul had some pretty unique hair style as well with some tiger stripes shaved/colored into his head because he goes by the moniker "Tiger."
Both were all business during their stare down.
It is interesting to note that El Perro weighed in at 154 lbs on the dot with a long 70s hair style, which probably indicates that with his normal buzz cut he would probably truly weigh about at least two or three pounds less.
Perro also told the media that he will braid his long hair and then cut it all off and donate it to charities that provide hair to children with cancer.
In the co-main event Victor Zaleta, 117 lbs, and bantamweight champion Leo Santa Cruz, 117.6 lbs, both made weight easily and were friendly even, shaking hands and smiling at one another during the faceoff.
Finally, in the main event Team Mares showed up to Staples Center wearing customized gear in the colors and style of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Obviously, the local crowd favorite Mares received the loudest cheers at the weigh-in in comparison to Moreno having very little fan support and even getting booed as soon as he arrived on stage.
Mares weighed in at 121.8 lbs.
Moreno weighed in at 120.8 lbs.
Both were all business as they did their faceoff. Moreno was seen instantly drinking fluids trying to rehydrate his body.
Caron Butler of the L.A. Clippers, which is also the other home team to Staples Center, was on stage posing for pictures between the fighters.
I have been texting Abner and emailing him all week, but it seems he is fully focused on the fight and not taking any interviews at this time.
Abner's manager tells me, after the weigh-in he is eating pasta and loading up on carbs and relaxing at his home playing Xbox.
Check back to this live blog as I will be updating it with live from the Staples Center Saturday night.
Also be sure to be following me on Twitter as well for more real-time updates and photos from Staples Center.
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Victor Zaleta: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream, TV and More
Nov 7, 2012
Leo Santa Cruz and Victor Zaleta will compete for Santa Cruz's IBF bantamweight title on the undercard of Abner Mares vs. Anselmo Moreno on Saturday night. Both men hope to be a part of the featured attraction in the near future.
The champion obviously has the best shot at getting there right now, but an upset could launch Zaleta into a position to challenge the winner of Mares-Moreno, or even Nonito Donaire.
Santa Cruz brings a record of 21-0-1 with 12 KOs and Zaleta is 20-2-1 with 10 KOs. The latter's most recent bout was a draw with Juan Jose Montes. It was a competitive bout, but I felt Montes should have been awarded the decision.
He is now moving up to bantamweight to challenge for Santa Cruz's title.
Santa Cruz demolished the bantamweight gate keeper, AKA Eric Morel, with a fifth-round KO. He looks a little better every time I see him.
Santa Cruz is known for his relentless body punching. For such a young fighter, he already understands the importance of banging the body early in fights. He throws all of his punches with great leverage and with intentions to hurt.
He wastes no punches and very little energy in general.
Santa Cruz keeps his guard high, but he opens up to fire combinations to the body and head. He's most comfortable fighting in close where he can feel and time his opponents.
Take a look at Santa Cruz in action against Vusi Malinga.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEyLtXLq65E
Weaknesses
He doesn't possess great foot speed. Fighting a fleet-footed fighter could present him an issue. He reminds me of a more refined and technically sound version of Antonio Margarito—sans the illegal gloves.
Santa Cruz doesn't have the same power, but his plodding nature is similar to Margarito's. He has the training and boxing I.Q. to overcome this in most instances, but a quick and skilled boxer would have success against him.
Game Plan
Santa Cruz won't have to look for Zaleta. He comes forward all the time and this style actually plays right into his hands.
As a stationary target, Zaleta will be there for Santa Cruz to land. He still can't allow himself to become careless, though, and must take the opportunities that Zaleta presents.
He comes forward constantly—which can be a good and bad thing. He applies a lot of pressure on opponents, and if a fighter doesn't handle that well, Zaleta can operate in his comfort zone.
At flyweight he was able to impose himself physically on opponents with his size and length. He also showed a solid chin at the flyweight level, but we never know if that will translate when a fighter moves up in weight.
His beard enables him to continually apply pressure—even though he isn't expressly hard to hit.
Weaknesses
Although he likes to come straight forward, he doesn't pack a big punch. This was the case at flyweight, so one would have to expect that things would remain the same at bantamweight.
Zaleta's head movement isn't very good, and as you can see in this video from his fight with Omar Narvaez, he is fairly easy to slip and counter against.
Narvaez routinely got under Zaleta's length to counter him and he also beat him to the punch repeatedly.
Game Plan
This is going to be a very difficult fight for Zaleta to win. He doesn't have the home run punch to change the game with one shot, and at bantamweight his normal size advantage isn't there either.
Working the jab and attempting to tie Santa Cruz up on the inside is his best strategy. He could possibly frustrate and tire his opponent with these tactics, but a victory for him is far-fetched.
Prediction
Santa Cruz should win this fight easily. I can't see it going the distance as Zaleta has nothing that will make Santa Cruz respect his power. He doesn't possess a reach, speed or quickness edge either.
Look for a TKO win for Santa Cruz between the fifth and seventh round.
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Abner Mares vs. Anselmo Moreno: Send in Your Questions for Abner's Interview
Nov 1, 2012
Rising undefeated star Abner Mares puts his WBC super bantamweight title on the line against one of the best bantamweights in the world, WBA bantamweight champion Anselmo Moreno, on Saturday November 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. The event on Showtime will be one of the most meaningful fights of the 2012 year.
Mares has been fighting top elite opposition since 2010, and ever since he won the Showtime Bantamweight Tournament his stock has continued to rise as he keeps fighting the best out there. His current opponent Moreno is no different.
Moreno is coming off a ninth-round TKO win over David De La Mora in which he floored him several times.
Before that Moreno had a big, impressive unanimous-decision win over Vic Darchinyan in which he administered an almost-perfect boxing clinic—one judge even scored it 120-107 for Moreno.
According to a press release email from BZA PR, Abner Mares made the following statement:
“I feel faster and stronger at 122 pounds and now that I’m used to this weight class, I’m going to be more dangerous than ever for anyone who steps in the ring with me,” said Mares. “I love this fight with Moreno. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, but I know I’ll get the win on November 10 with the help of my hometown fans in Los Angeles.”
Anselmo Moreno also stated:
“I’d like to thank Mares for taking this fight as this is the type of moment every fighter waits for and dreams about,” said Moreno. “I’m ready to show the world what I can do. I promise my fans that I will put on a great show like always and leave the ring with the belt.”
Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy, stated:
“You always hear boxers saying that they want to fight the best competition,” said Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya. “Mares and Moreno are not just talking the talk, they are walking the walk. These two are the best of the best and to see them in the ring together on November 10 is going to be a special night for the sport. We are continuing our promise to put on the best fight cards top to bottom and with Mares-Moreno, bantamweight champ Leo Santa Cruz defending his title and the highly anticipated return of Alfredo Angulo in a brawl against Raul Casarez, fans will be on their feet cheering all night long.”
We will have an opportunity to interview Abner Mares prior to the fight.
So, fight fans, here is your chance to write in and submit your questions for WBC super bantamweight champion Abner Mares.
If you have a good question you would like us to ask in the interview, post it in the comments section of this article; if we select it we will ask Mares your question.
King J is the Bleacher Report Boxing Community Leader and a Featured Columnist. All information was provided directly to him via press release email from BZA PR.
Nonito Donaire to Face Jorge Arce in Mexico December 15
Oct 20, 2012
Four-division world champion Nonito Donaire is set to face Jorge Arce in Mexico City on December 15, according to breaking news report by the Philboxing.com website.
"The highly anticipated showdown between 4-division champion Nonito Donaire Jr and Mexican star Jorge Arce is a go in Mexico City on Dec. 15, 2012. The deal will be finalized by Top Rank President Bob Arum on Monday," Philboxing.com wrote.
Donaire will be returning to the ring for a fourth time this year since winning over Wilfredo Vasquez in February while Arce will be fighting for a third time this year after getting a no-contest decision for an accidental foul over Jesus Rojas in June.
Donaire, who knocked down Tosiaki Nishioka a week ago at the Home Depot Center in Carson, is the reigning WBO, The Ring and WBC Super Bantamweight Champion. Arce is the reigning WBO Bantamweight Champion.
After Donaire's victory over Nishioka a few days ago, Arce said (via ABS-CBN News) he is not impressed with Donaire's credentials.
"I'm not impressed. He is not the monster they believe he is. What happens is that [the opponents] have too much respect, they pull punches, start to survive and allow him to come on," the Mexican was quoted as saying.
For his part, Donaire said, "If he tells himself that he’s not impressed, that’s big mistake. It’s always different inside the ring."
Donaire's promoter Bob Arum has yet to announce if the December 15th fight will be Donaire's pay-per-view (PPV) debut.
Donaire has what it takes to be a PPV star because of his entertaining style and his awesome displays of speed and power as he moves around the ring.
An indication Donaire is ripe to headline a PPV fight of his own is the fact that he has already attracted substantial attendance numbers in his most recent fights.
If the Donaire-Arce fight makes it onto pay-per-view, it could be the first to be covered on PPV for a bantamweight or even featherweight bout, as it has been observed that PPV fights appeal more to heavier weight classes
The 33-year-old Jorge Arce, who hails from Sinaloa, Mexico, stands 5'4" with a win-loss record of 60-6 with two draws.
The 29-year-old Donaire is a Filipino-American fighter who originally hails from General Santos City, Philippines. "The Filipino Flash" has a win-loss record of 30-1. At 5'7" with a reach of 63 inches, he stands three inches higher than Arce.
