Photo Credit: Golden Boy Promotions
This fight was a war, exactly what the fans expected – JESUS SOTO KARASS
LOS ANGELES — A sold-out crowd at the Belsaco Theater was treated to brutal war of attrition between Jesus Soto Karass and Yoshihiro Kamegai, who battled to a split draw on the scorecards.
The expected great fight was nearly spoiled in the opening two rounds when an accidental head butt opened a bloody cut above Kamegai’s left eye. The injury was soon forgotten amid a plethora of toe to toe exchanges and volume-punching from both fighters.
The draw verdict reflected the close nature of the battle. Soto Karass held the advantage inside via his high punch output and accuracy. In addition, his long right hands visibly snapped Kamegai’s head around when there was distance. The Japanese fighter countered with adept defense in rolling with shots and counter-punching at mid-range. His thudding body-punching also proved the most consistent offense of the bout.
“The fight was a war, exactly what the fans expected,” said Soto Karass. “The people truly won tonight. I felt really good in the ring, but Kamegai was a true, Japanese warrior. I feel we both delivered an exciting night of boxing.”
“I’m still getting used to the time zone here, but I feel really good about my performance tonight,” added Kamegai. “Soto Karass did catch me a few times, but every time he did, he was met with my counterpunches. Soto Karass was the fighter I was expecting to fight — a true warrior.”
Scorecards for the bout were 97-93 (Kamegai), 96-94 (Soto Karass), and 95-95.
HIGHLIGHTS
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FULL FIGHT
UNDERCARD RESULTS: Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (16-0, 13 KOs) remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Derrick Findley. Genaro Gamez made a successful debut with a first round KO over Archie Weah. Debuting Niko Valdes also scored a KO in the first round in a victory over Roberto Ramirez. Jonathan Navarro scored a third round KO over Tavorous Teague. And debuting Jousce Gonzalez scored a first round KO over Noe Perez.
The entire card can be watched HERE.
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Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 