There wasn’t much action in the States this weekend but there were two good cards on Friday, with ex-IBF Lightweight and WBC Super Feather Champ Jesus Chavez leading the way at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon, CA.
The 35 year old “El Matador” made his return to the ring after losing to his IBF belt by injury to Julio Diaz 14 months ago and turned back the clock with a characteristic busy performance to post a unanimous decision over Puerto Rican prospect Daniel Jimenez after ten rounds at lightweight.
Chavez improves to 43-4 (29) and will likely get a title eliminator or title opportunity in the near future while Jimenez loses for the second time in a row to fall to 17-3-1 (10).
There was another former world champion on the bill with ex-WBO Bantam boss Jhonny Gonzalez, 37-6 (31), banging out a third round knockout against Mexican battler Edel Ruiz, 29-20-4 (20), at featherweight.
Also on Friday, heavyweight Jason Estrada, 12-1 (2), graduated from a prospect into a fringe contender when the 27 year old former Olympian outworked veteran Lance Whitaker, 32-5-1 (27), over ten rounds at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, RI.
In addition, cruiserweight Aaron Williams, 17-0-1 (12), stopped seasoned opponent Andre Purlette, 40-3 (35), in the second and light heavyweight Joey Spina, 22-1-1 (15), had his hands full with Canadian visitor David Whittom, 10-6-1 (6), but managed to bring in a split decision verdict after six rounds.