On March 3, 2006 in Houston, Texas, Leland D Promotions staged their first ever boxing card at the Trader’s Fair II showcasing a crop of young Houston fighters working to build their professional records. In the main event, Jose Diaz, the younger brother of WBA lightweight champion Juan Diaz, showed patience and discipline and followed his corner’s instructions to gain a split decision victory over Jorge Perez, his opponent from California. Perez had a tremendous reach advantage and 7” height advantage over the 5’4” Diaz. Utilizing his long torso to avoid Diaz’s jabs and successfully counterpunching while giving odd angles and not staying in one stance, Perez changed freely between orthodox and southpaw. Diaz overcame a bloody mouth early and a cut over his left eye late to eventually catch his lanky opponent in the 6th round, when after stunning Perez and then going in to follow-up, Perez grabbed onto Diaz and both fighters tumbled to the matt, only to be ruled no knockdown by referee Bobby Gonzales. Official scores were 56-58, 59-55, & 59-55. Perez drops to 6-2, while Diaz improves to 11-0.
Maurenzo Smith W4 Robbie McClimans … In the co-feature, a heavily hyped and trash talked heavyweight clash between two undefeated and untested area prospects, a close fight was followed by a near ringside melee. Smith demonstrated his superior power early in the 1st round. Both men are natural cruiserweights, but Smith took advantage of the heavyweight classification and weighed in at 218½ lbs, while McClimans tipped the scale at 200 lbs. McClimans’ plan to pressure Smith into a brawl led to tight, closely scored 1st and 2nd rounds. Although frequently missing loaded-up single punch haymakers during the fight, Smith was still able to land when he needed to and showed ring generalship to gain the judges' favor by scores of 40-36, 40-36, & 39-37. Smith moves on to 4-0, having finally gone past 1 round, while McClimans goes to 3-1 and reloads for his next match on 3/31 in Huntsville.
Mario Perez D4 Anthony Vasquez … In a mild surprise, Mario Perez easily outpointed Anthony Vasquez for the first two rounds demonstrating faster hands and superior ring movement. Vasquez then began bleeding late in the 2nd and the blood seemed to change him into an aggressive fighter applying pressure to his foe. Perez’s conditioning let him down as he was unable to cope and Vasquez won the judges favor in the second half of the fight to earn a draw. Perez moves to 3-0-1, while Vasquez goes to 3-2-1.
Jerry Perez W6 Trenice Brown … In a match between two 30-somethings, Jerry Perez outboxed Trenice Brown over six rounds in a sloppy affair. Brown tried to attack from awkward and wild angles, often stumbling, often hitting low and making the referee earn his pay. Two point deductions resulted, but it didn’t matter as two judges scored it a shutout, 60-51, 60-51, & 58-53.
John Rarden W4 Juan Soto … Galena Park’s John Rarden had a successful pro debut, winning a decision over Juan Soto by a trio of 39-37 scorecards. Rarden demonstrated nice boxing skills and had Soto hurt once in the second round, but was frustrated by holding and grappling and couldn’t capitalize with a knockout.
Elezar Renteria W4 Jorge De Leon … Another Galena Park fighter, Elezar Renteria earned a 40-36 whitewash by showing good movement, combination punches, defense and a varied mixed attack. We can expect to hear good things about this prospect in the future, as he moves to 2-0.
Jesse Flores exhibition vs. Miguel Albares … Jesse Flores’ debut was shelved by his scheduled opponent’s no-show leading to Ronnie Shields’ fighter, Miguel Albares, stepping in on a few hours notice to stage an exhibition. Albares is scheduled to fight on March 10 in the Rio Grande Valley. Both young men demonstrated nice fundamental skills and good sportsmanship in the entertaining sparring session.Jesse Flores exhibition vs. Miguel Albares … Jesse Flores’ debut was shelved by his scheduled opponent’s no-show leading to Ronnie Shields’ fighter, Miguel Albares, stepping in on a few hours notice to stage an exhibition. Albares is scheduled to fight on March 10 in the Rio Grande Valley. Both young men demonstrated nice fundamental skills and good sportsmanship in the entertaining sparring session.
