By Paul R. Jones! Washington, DC — Over the weekend, reigning World Champion, Lamont “The Reaper” Roach Jr. (25-1-1, 10 KOs), efficiently defended his WBA Tremendous Featherweight title, stopping Feargal “Fearless” McCrory (16-1, 8 KOs) in eight rounds on the Leisure & Sports activities Area in DC. With the win, Roach fulfilled a decade-old promise to deliver a world title to the nation’s Capital and left little doubt about his place within the 130-pound division.
However, whereas there’s uncertainty about who is actually ‘The Man’ at Tremendous Featherweight, listed here are 3 plain takeaways from Roach’s victory and Roach Jr. vs. McCrory undercard:
- Roach Jr. goals for a world title unification bout subsequent.
Within the aftermath of Roach Jr.’s dominant win over McCrory, a logical query is: The place does he go from right here?
Luckily, Roach expressed curiosity in going through WBO champ Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) and WBC champ O’Shaquie Foster (22-2, 12 KOs).
The truth is, Roach spoke extremely of Navarrete in his post-fight interview. Contemplating the potential type distinction, and that Navarrete might be extremely motivated to win after trying susceptible in his final two fights, pitting Roach in opposition to Navarrete is destined to provide a compelling, high-stakes matchup.
Roach additionally made it clear that he’s intent on inking a take care of Foster, assuming Foster efficiently defends his world title on July 6th in opposition to, Robson Conceição (18-2-1, 1 NC).
Curiously, IBF and IBO champion, Anthony Cacace (22-1, 8 KOs), wasn’t talked about as a part of Roach’s fast plans. However Cacace undoubtedly stays a possible opponent if the chance presents itself.
In fact, fights between Roach and Navarrete, Foster, and/or Cacace might be predicated on whether or not Workforce Roach and the promoters of the opposite World Champions can play good. Nonetheless, Roach’s standing as a promotional free agent helps, making a unification bout simpler to tug off.
Hopeful Roach builds on the momentum he generated on Friday evening, and hammers out a deal to unify titles at Tremendous Featherweight. In that case, it’s a win-win for Workforce Roach and the game of boxing.
- Lester Martinez is a possible breakout candidate that you just’ve in all probability by no means heard of — properly, till now!
Though a handful of fighters shined on the undercard — together with Rianna Rios (8-0, 1 KO) who snagged the Ladies’s WBA Worldwide Bantamweight Championship after outpointing Mary Romero over 8 rounds, and Travon Marshall (10-1, 8 KOs) who shut out Luis Sanchez (9-6, 6 KOs) over 6 rounds — undefeated Tremendous Middleweight, Lester Martinez (18-0, 15 KOs), emerged as a standout on the televised card, defeating former IBO Tremendous Middleweight World Titlist, Carlos Gongora (22-3, 17 KOs), over 10 rounds to assert the WBA Continental Latin America Tremendous Middleweight Championship.
After a gradual begin, Martinez, of Guatemala, used managed aggression and bruising physique pictures to put on down Gongora over the rest of the combat and shut the scoring hole — constantly getting the higher of the exchanges, and repeatedly snapping Gongora’s head again with heavy hooks and crosses.
And as Gongora’s work price plummeted within the championship rounds, the Guatemalan powerhouse continued to focus on Gongora’s head, practically scoring a knockdown within the remaining spherical after touchdown a torrent of punches on Gongora’s chin.
Taken collectively, Martinez showcased his potential within the Division, flashing main upside and neutralizing energy in breaking down a former world titlist. Together with his fan-friendly type, Martinez needs to be added to your boxing watch checklist ASAP.
- Rene Tellez Giron produced the evening’s lone upset in a blood-soaked thrill journey.
Shameless film evaluate clichés apart, Rene Tellez Giron (20-3, 13 KOs), of Mexico, produced an exciting upset by defeating Alex Dilmaghani (20-3-1, 7 KOs).
Regardless of peak and attain disadvantages, and discovering himself down on the scorecards after two aggressive rounds, the 5’5” Giron used constant stress and thudding physique pictures to overwhelm Dilmaghani, and in the end result in a seventh-round nook stoppage.
This combat was a extremely entertaining and bloody affair, ending in a well-earned win for Giron.
All issues thought of, the unforgettable battle between Giron and Dilmaghani was THE bloodiest combat that I’ve ever attended dwell. And, not solely did the canvas give off main crime scene vibes, however I completed off my blood-stained notes on the finish of the combat feeling extra like a trauma heart surgeon than a ringside reporter for East Facet Boxing.
However, due to the teachings I realized from this matchup, I’ll be packing a medical-grade face protect in my boxing journey bag from today ahead. Since you by no means know if you’re going to have a entrance row seat to the subsequent boxing massacre.
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Concerning the Writer:
Paul R. Jones! is a longtime boxing author and ringside photographer. His articles, images, and commentaries have appeared on-line, in print, and in scholarly journals. Comply with him on Twitter and Instagram @boxingepicenter. You can even electronic mail him at prjones1@hotmail.com.
