Goossen-Tutor Promotions kicked off their inaugural show of a 6x a year proposed series at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City. Celebs in attendance included James Toney and the Ruelas brothers, Gabriel and Rafael, who were honored in the ring, with plaques commemorating their ring careers. Judges for all bouts were Max DeLuca, Fritz Werner, and Fernando Villareal.
In the main event, former WBA Super Bantamweight champion Rico Ramos, Watts, CA won a disputed 8-round decision over previously unbeaten Efrain Esquivias, Gardena, CA the fight featured good action throughout, and while Ramos was effective counterpunching on the inside, the pace of the fight seemed clearly dictated by the pressure of Esquivias. Ramos appeared hesitant in his first start since his only loss... a dominatingly one-sided stoppage defeat to Cuban star Guillermo Rigondeaux, while Esquivias forced the fight to be held on the inside, much to the delight of those in attendance. Esquivias seemed to at least deserve a draw, but only got one on one card, 76-76, while the other two judges scored 78-74 for Ramos, who moves to 21-1-11KO's, while Esquivias drops to 16-1-9KO's.
In the co-feature, Palmdale CA's Matthew Villaneuva picked up his first decision victory, as outgunned but game Bruno Escalante, San Carlos, CA made it the full 8 rounds. Escalante, dubbed the "Aloha Kid", was a speedy southpaw, who made things difficult for the taller, more powerful Villanueva in the early going. gradually the power shots of the Palmdale fighter took over, however, and Escalante was hurt in every round from 3-7, but managed to remain on his feet throughout. Surprisingly, Escalante managed to win the eighth. Scores were 79-73,l 78-74, and 77-75.
Mexico City's Miguel Angel Munguia did not remain on his feet, getting dropped twice in the first round, and once in the 3rd, however, he too made it to the final bell against Covina's Chris Molina. Molina, engaging in a tune-up before a proposed title shot against WBC Lightweight champion Antonio De Marco, was robotic in his attack, utilizing only his right hand until it became clear his opponent was in survival mode. Munguia complained of rabbit punches and low blows, and seemed destined for an early exit, but was able to make it the full eight. he lost on all cards, 80-69, and drops to 26-22-1-22KO's, while Molina improves to 24-1-19KO's.
Malik Scott, Philadelphia, PA continued his ridiculously slow ascent up the heavyweight ranks with a 60-54 sweep on all cards over obese but skilled gatekeeper, Alvaro Morales. Morales, of Hermosillo, Mexico, now has a record of 6-11-6 draws, and no kayos, but it is clear he's be a much better fighter if he shed at least 100 pounds. Scott got 6 rounds of work in, improved to 34-0-11KO's, and has a much improved body attack, but he needs to step up if he is ever to be taken seriously.
In the show's opener, John Hays of Los Angeles won his pro debut with a 40-36 sweep decision over Raymundo Inda, Santa Barbara, CA. The taller Hays gave up his height and worked on the inside for much of the mauling affair, but still did all the effective work. Inda drops to 0-4-1draw.
In the walkout bout, the night's only KO occurred as Jessie, the younger of the Villanueva brothers of Palmdale went to 3-0-3KO's after scoring three 1st round knockdowns over a debuting Frank Liera. Liera of Los Angeles, was clearly bothered by body shots, and seemed to sink to the canvas, or take a knee in every knockdown, until the referee had seen enough. Good use of combinations from Villanueva.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
