Boxing News Boxing News
Middleweight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr retained his belt for the first time by halting challenger Peter Manfredo Jr last night at Reliant Center in Houston, TX.
Manfredo was aggressive from the start, throwing punches but the quicker Chavez nullified most of those efforts by either backing away or picking off the punches on his gloves.
The champion didn’t throw much but was able to get in some jabs and counter shots through the porous defense of Manfredo.
Chavez became offensive in the second, putting Manfredo on his heels and outlanding the challenger.
The third saw Chavez take more chances which resulted is some good exchanges. Both fighters were landing but Chavez had more frequent success with the cleaner punches. The end of the round featured good two way action until Manfredo hits Chavez after the bell.
After being busy in the early part of round, Chavez slowed down and Manfredo had his best round so far. Chavez looked tired and while still landing was outworked by Manfredo.
Chavez starts the fifth dropping his hands to waist-level on defense, allowing Manfredo to get in a couple of good shots. Manfredo pressed his success until he got caught with a chopping right to the temple and was suddenly on shaky legs.
Chavez went all out with both hands as Manfredo was on the ropes. Manfredo tried to bob and clinch his way out of trouble but was taking a lot of punishment and not throwing anything in return.
Referee Laurence Cole stopped contest at 1:52 of the fifth.
Chavez sees his record to 44-0-1 (31) while Manfredo sees a six bout win streak go up in smoke and now stands at 37-7 (20).
The undercard saw the return of ex-IBF welter strapholder Joshua Clottey, 36-4 (21) after almost two years away from the ring as the defensive specialist stopped Calvin Green, 21-7-1 (13), in the second in an eight rounder at light middle.
In another eight rounder, Australian welter Wale Omotoso, 20-0 (17), won his second consecutive bout in America, outpointing veteran Lanardo Tyner, 25-5-2 (15).
