At The Arena in Mexicali, Mexico last night, Celestino Caballero took out local borderlands man Francisco Leal in the eighth round of their IBF/WBA super bantam title fight.

Mexicali grafter Leal was the very picture of a Cinderella story going into his first title challenge as the four year pro hadn't come anywhere close to world class prior to this surprising opportunity.

Still, Leal had proven his meddle on the highly competitive Mexican scene since a young age and could count on the Mexicali crowd to cheer him on once the bell rang.

That certainly did happen and the vociferous audience support probably helped Leal survive as long as he did against towering 5'11 tall double champion Caballero. More...

One of boxing's top super bantams, Celestino Caballero, sees action tonight at The Arena in Mexicali, Mexico, facing local man Francisco Leal.

WBA and IBF champion Caballero, 32-2 (22), rides a five year win streak into Mexicali but is coming off a narrow split decision victory over motivated South African challenger Jeffrey Mathebula in April.

The bout tonight against Leal. 14-4-2 (9), who has never been anywhere near world class competition, is likely a tuneup bout for Caballero before the Panamanian heads off for more high profile matchups once again.

On the undercard is a WBC Female super flyweight title bout between champion Ana Maria Torres, 18-3-2 (11), and challenger Ava Knight, 5-0-2 (2).

Also featured is a featherweight bout between Carlos Yanez, 17-2 (14), and Gilberto Sanchez Leon, 19-6-2 (7).

The heir apparent to the Puerto Rican boxing throne was in top form last night, headlining a big show at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City as Juan Manuel Lopez kept his WBO super bantam title against opponent Olivier Lontchi.

Lopez was the definite favorite to retain going into the clash as Montreal based Cameroon native Lontchi had yet to rise above his regional status as NABA titlist and was in over his head.

A champion who can punch like Lopez, particularly a southpaw, presents a very difficult entry test onto the world stage and Lontchi wisely chose to stick and move in the early rounds, catching the oncoming champion with jabs before escaping.

But Lopez began to close distance and force the bout to the inside and along the ropes, where his strength advantage was evident. More...