In the rematch for the WBO World Light Heavyweight championship in Frisco, Texas, Saturday night Russian Sergey “Krusher, 33-3-1 (28), of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, regained his title winning a lopsided decision over Colombian Eleider “Storm” Alvarez, 24-1 (12), of Montreal, CAN, over 12 rounds.
In the opening round and the second round Kovalev had control. In the third round Alvarez came back winning the round. In the fourth round Kovalev landed four straight punches to the head of Alvarez. It was evident Kovalev had a good round and would attack Alvarez and back off before getting countered.
In the sixth round Kovalev was teeing off on Alvarez. In the eighth round Alvarez went to the body but was countered by a pair of right hands to the head of Alvarez. In the tenth round Alvarez knew he needed a knockout to win being so far behind on points.
In the eleventh round Kovalev would land four punches without return. He would land four left hooks to the head and three rights to the body before Alvarez came back with a punch.
In the twelfth and final round Alvarez hit Kovalev behind the head without a warning from referee Luis Pabon. Kovalev would land three jabs followed by a right on the chin.
New trainer “Buddy” McGirt was quite pleased with Kovalev as was manager Egis Klimas and promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events.
Scores were Lisa Giampo 120-108, Levi Martinez and Jesse Reyes 116-112. This writer had it 118-110.
Lightweight Teofimo “El Brooklyn”, Lopez, 12-0 (10), of Brooklyn, NY, knocked out Diego “Mr. Superb” Magdaleano, 31-3 (13), of Las Vegas, NV, at 1:08 of the seventh round.
In the opening round Lopez showed why he is a boxer destined to someday be a world champion. The moves, the speed afoot and hand are remarkable. Magdaleano is a worthy opponent and he was on the end of most of the punches landed in the round. At near the end of the round Lopez landed three right hands to the head having Magdaleano hurt.
In the second round southpaw Magdaleano got in a straight left on the chin of Lopez. Shortly later a Lopez uppercut on the chin rocked Magdaleano. Magdaleano was cut on the bridge of his nose. The cut only got worse with each passing round. Whether he should have come out for the sixth round by his corner is questionable having lost every round and dropped in the sixth with a vicious left hook on the chin with less than twenty seconds left in the round.
In the seventh round Magdaleano was knocked out by a left hook for the count. Referee Gregorio Alvarez should be under suspension for not stopped this fight unless only the ring physician has to be called in.
Managed by Dave McWater this boxer has it all!