03.06.06 – By Laz Izada: Boxing returned to the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming in Southwest Miami, near the Everglades last night. Tuto Zabala Jr’s All-Star Boxing and Boxeo Telemundo showcased another trilling night of fights. In the Main-Event, Cosme “Chino” Rivera (30-9-2, 22 KO’s), WBA FEDECENTRO Champion from Culiacan, Mexico outscored WBO LATIN CHAMPION Felix “El Colorado” Flores 22-5(18 KO’s) of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. Scores of the unanimous decision for Rivera were 117-111,117-111, and 119-109..
Flores started out strong in the bout by being more active than Rivera. As the fight progressed, Rivera stared to get the best of Flores, wearing him down from the middle rounds on to the 12th round, and almost knocking down Flores on several occasions in sealing the victory. Rivera captured the WBO LATIN WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP belt with the decisive victory.
It was a disappointing night for Flores in the loss, however. He was world ranked at # 9 by the WBO and a victory for him would have landed him a matchup with WBO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION, Antonio Margarito, on August 12th.
Now, Cosme Rivera the winner, would like the opportunity in facing Margarito. At the post fight interview, he mentioned that he is now a rejuvenated boxer and he is ready for Margarito now. He said that if Margarito doesn’t give him the shot at the title, he hopes to be in another title shot by the end of the year.
On the undercard Jameel “Big Time” McCline 37-6-3, 23 KO’s), from Harlem, New York, destroyed journeyman Marcus Rhode 9-11 from Russellville,AR, knocking him down 3 times in the 1st round, prompting referee, Jorge Diaz, to stop the bout at 2:40 secs of the 1st round. McCline has become a fan favorite and staple, as he has fought three times this year in Miami, at the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming. McCline has been staying active, hoping to crack into the rankings again. Let’s hope he continues his exciting KO victories and hopefully he’ll be facing tougher opposition in the near future.
Five other exciting bouts were held with local Ronald Croskey 1-1, who carries a 18-0 army amateur record, displayed good body punches and defense in addtion to a strong second wind, in his victory over Henry Cruz 0-1, in their super middleweight bout. He won by unanimous decision 40-36, 40-36, 40-36, on the judge’s cards. David Obregon, a welterweight with a 12-1 record, another local favorite, defeated his opponent, Edgar Reyes (9-5), by scores of 80-72,78-74,and 78-74. What is interesting about Obregon is that on several instances during the bout, he showed similarities to Joel Julio’s quick style of boxing.
Look forward to Tuto Zabala Jr’s, All-Star Boxing and Boxeo Telemundo next exciting bout at The Miccosukee Resort and Gaming on Friday, August 25.