Boxing News Boxing News
Click for larger image © Mark DeSisto/SaddoBoxing.com
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Gary Shaw Promotions coupled with Caesar’s Hotel & Casino in beautiful Lake Tahoe, Nevada presented a couple of fiery world title fights last night that were aired live in the US by Showtime. Mexico City’s IBF Bantamweight Champion Rafael Marquez put his belt on the line against speedy South African IBO champion Silence Mabuza. The intensely heavy handed Marquez came into the matchup riding a thirteen fight win streak against the best that the bantamweight division has to offer. Mabuza had yet to lose a contest since turning professional in 1999 and had defended the IBO belt six times but aside from turning back former WBO titlist Cruz Carbajal in his most recent outing, “African Spice” hadn’t really set foot against the type of world class competition that Marquez has been largely facing for the last four years.
From the view at ringside, Mabuza appeared to be tight and stiff in the opening round, obviously aware of Marquez’s vaunted punching power. Marquez looked to be sharp and on target and soon Mabuza found himself with one knee down on the canvas after a flush Marquez left hook landed on the jaw. Mabuza did well to get himself together to finish round one despite Marquez pressing his advantage, landing a few more shots including a strong flurry at the end that sent the South African tumbling into the ropes.
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Mabuza gave a better account of himself in rounds two and three, showing some of the fluid movement and speedy combinations that he is know for, but is was evident that Marquez came well prepared to defend his title. The strength advantage for Marquez was obvious, as he took Mabuza’s punches well, showed a good stiff jab and finished with strong combinations to take rounds two and three.
Mabuza started round four with a cut under his left eye, and after some more crowd-pleasing exchanges from both fighters, Mabuza ended up with a gash above his right eye, considered too severe by the ringside doctor for the contest to continue.
These two champions give fight fans more to look forward to in the future and a rematch would be well received.
Rafael Marquez moves to 35-3 (31) on the fourth round stoppage of Silence Mabuza, now 18-1 (15).
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Contact Mark DeSisto: bostonsmarkd@yahoo.com
