Ringside report from California
Prospects Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis and John Molina stayed on track with victories Friday night before a large crowd at the Quiet Cannon banquet hall in Montebello, California.
Pendarvis made short work of Anthony Martinez, blasting out the veteran in the third round of their scheduled for eight junior welterweight bout. A pair of lefts had Martinez in trouble before a right hook from the southpaw Pendarvis finished him off. Official time was 2:58. Pendarvis improves to 7-1-1 with 2 KOs while Martinez is now 21-27-3 with 9 KOs.
The hard-hitting Molina was extended for the second time in his career, winning a six-round unanimous decision over a game Marcus Brashears. Early on, it seemed Molina was in for another quick night. A thudding left hook to the body dropped Brashears in the opening stanza. Brashears arose, with Molina following him across the ring with a combination before dropping him with another shot downstairs near Molina’s corner. Brashears survived the round, with referee David Mendoza keeping a watchful eye on the action.
The bout began to take a familiar pattern in the third, with Brashears coming forward behind a high guard while Molina measured him with his left, looking for openings for his power shots. Molina’s power got him the better of the action, though Brashears was able to catch the youngster with a few quality left hooks.
Official scores were 60-52, 59-53, and 57-55 for the winner. Molina improves to 7-0 with 5 KOs while Brashears slips to 4-8-1 with 2 KOs. A large number of Teamsters were on hand to support the 24-year-old Molina, who fights out of the Teamsters Youth Boxing Club in nearby South El Monte.
Three other bouts rounded out the All Star Boxing event. Hector Serrano upped his record to 4-0 with a four round split decision over tough Jaime Rodriguez. Brian Ramirez boxed and slugged his way to a four round unanimous points win against Freudis Rojas.
In a three round Muay Thai bout, David Huerta out pointed Sebastian Sandoval. This was my first experience seeing Muay Thai up close, and it looks like a very painful sport.
WBO Welterweight champion Antonio Margarito was the special guest of the evening, and was honored for his achievements. Former junior lightweight champion Robert “Grandpa” Garcia was in attendance to take in the action. Other fighters in attendance included welterweight contender Jesus Soto-Karass and unbeaten heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola. Jim “Fitz” Fitzgerald was the ring announcer.
All Star Boxing returns to the Quiet Cannon in Montebello on Friday August 17. 19-year-old female sensation Kai West is slated to see action.
