Ashira Destroys Perez In Las Vegas!
16.02 - It was a successful night yesterday for WBA # 9 middleweight contender Evans Ashira, as he looked impressive in stopping game Ruben Perez from Rosenberg, Texas in his American debut.
Perez, 10-6-2 (4) coming into the fight, had never before been stopped as a professional, but after five rounds of punishment, a hard straight right hand from Ashira made referee Jay Nady stop the onslaught, 25 seconds into the sixth stanza.
Only the ropes kept Perez from going down, and he was clearly hurt while taking the count, shaking his head to demonstrate his unwillingness to continue.
The Texan, who lost a narrow decision to WBC International 154 lb. champion; Mihaly Kotai, in his previous bout, was signed as the opponent for "The African Warrior" only a few days ago, and Ashira will now be looking to step up in competition, and continue his climp towards a shot at a major world title.
The fight, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, was the first under the Don King Productions banner for The Danish-Kenyan, who improved his pro ledger to 22-0, with 12 knockouts, and his WBA International crown was not on the line in this ten rounder.
The main event of the card saw Tim Austin loose his IBF world bantamweight title to Mexican Rafael Marquez, live on HBO throughout the United States, and internationally on King Vision.