Former WBA/IBF/WBO lightweight champion Nate Campbell (33-5-1, 25 KOs), who lost his world titles Friday on the scale, won a twelve round majority decision over mandatory IBF contender Ali Funeka (30-2-2, 25 KOs) on Saturday night at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. Campbell stalked the much taller Funeka and dropped him in round two. Funeka, however, recovered and got back into the fight. Down the stretch, Funeka seemed to be getting stronger until Campbell decked him again in the eleventh to get the edge. Scores were 113-113, 115-111, and 114-112. Funeka would have claimed the title with a win, but with Campbell’s win the title remains vacant.
WBC interim super welterweight champion Sergio Martinez (44-1-2, 24 KOs) and former IBF welterweight champion Kermit Cintron (30-2-1, 27 KOs) battled to a twelve round majority draw. Martinez seemed wary of Cintron’s punching power, as he tried to outbox Kermit from the outside while avoiding exchanges, much to the disgust of the crowd. Cintron was cut in round five by what was ruled a headbutt. Martinez finally dropped Cintron at the end of round seven with a big straight left and the bout seemed to be waved off by referee Frank Santore, however the bout continued with much more action. Cintron had some moments down the stretch and Martinez was deducted a point for a rabbit punch in round twelve which ultimately cost him the win. Scores were 116-110, 113-113, and 113-113.
Unbeaten WBC/WBO #1 rated super welterweight Alfredo Angulo (15-0, 12 KOs) continued his reign of terror in the 154lb division but it wasn’t easy as late sub and former IBF #1 rated welterweight Cosme Rivera (31-12-2, 23 KOs) caused some anxious moments. Angulo was cut over the right eye in round one and it was ruled that the cut was caused by a punch. Angulo, however, came on strong and punished Rivera thereafter. Referee Telis Assimenios finally stopped the bout at 2:38 of round five, even though Rivera was still punching back.
By Karl Freitag & Jason Kotar Photos by AP