Boxing is back, and Shakur Stevenson put on a show. The WBO featherweight world champion, who was making his super featherweight debut, knocked out Puerto Rican contender Felix “La Sombra” Caraballo in the sixth round of a scheduled 10-rounder at MGM Grand Conference Center—Grand Ballroom in Las Vegas.
Stevenson showcased his talents in the first major boxing card in the United States since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
A body shot spelled the end for Caraballo (13-2-2, 9 KOs), who had won five in a row before tonight. For Stevenson (14-0, 8 KOs), the sky remains the limit.
“Everything about this fight week was different. After my last fight was canceled, I was happy to showcase my skills for all of the boxing fans,” Stevenson said. “He hit me with a couple shots, more than I’m used to, a couple jabs here and there. He was a tough guy, but I felt great in there after my training camp in Houston.”
Said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum: “What a magnificent performance by Shakur Stevenson. He keeps on getting better, and rest assured, he is a future pound-for-pound superstar.”
— Heavyweight sensation Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (4-0, 4 KOs) wore down Johnnie Langston (8-3, 3 KOs) before a furious barrage ended things at 1:55 of the third round. Anderson was extended past the first round for the first time in his career.
“He took some good shots. He was a tough opponent. I did what I wanted to. I did some stuff I didn’t want to do. I got caught with a good shot. It didn’t hurt me, but I definitely got caught with it,” Anderson said. “I know a different opponent could hurt me with a shot like that. We’ll go back to the drawing board and see what I did wrong.
“This wasn’t what I expected, but it was a great experience. I’m happy I got the opportunity to showcase my talents on ESPN at such a young age.”
—Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (7-0, 7 KOs) knocked out Don Haynesworth (16-4-1, 14 KOs) in the opening round, the fourth first-round stoppage of Vianello’s young career. A right hand knocked Haynesworth down, and referee Jay Nady stopped the bout.
“It was an interesting experience. I spent three days relaxing in my hotel room, but everything went according to plan,” Vianello said. “I knew the right hand would be there, so I worked to set up that shot. I could not have asked for anything more.”
— Two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez (3-1, 3 KOs) notched his third consecutive win, knocking out Yeuri Andujar (5-4, 3 KOs) in the opening round. Referee Tony Weeks called a halt to the contest after Andujar was knocked down for a second time.
“It was an honor to be the first fight back, and I am proud of the performance I gave tonight. My pro debut is long behind me, and I am progressing with every fight. I hope to return shortly,” Ramirez said. “I have a great trainer in Ismael Salas, who continues to add dimensions to my game. He is the man to lead me to a world title.”
— Quatavious Cash (12-2, 7 KOs) rolled to a six-round technical decision over Calvin Metcalf (10-4-1, 3 KOs) after an accidental head clash opened a cut over Metcalf’s eye. The scorecards read 60-54, 60-55 and 59-55.
Fight Results
Shakur Stevenson vs. Felix Caraballo, 10 rounds, junior lightweights
It was exactly what you were expecting. WBO Featherweight titlist Shakur Stevenson (14-0, 8 KOs) dominated every second of every round against Felix Caraballo (13-2-2, 9 KOs). Stevenson started off fast, dropping his man in the first round with a body shot. Ironically enough, it was that same body shot that finished the fight for him. This time in the sixth round. Caraballo fell to his knees and could no longer continue. With the win, Stevenson could choose to continue his career at 130 pounds as opposed to dropping in weight to 126.
Jared Anderson vs. Johnnie Langston, 6 rounds, heavyweights
It was all Jared Anderson (4-0, 4 KOs) tonight as he dominated Johnnie Langston to the tune of a third round stoppage. At no point was the contest particularly close as Anderson did absolutely every, and anything that he wanted.
Guido Vianello vs. Donald Haynesworth, 6 rounds, heavyweights
Did you happen to blink during this contest? If so, then you most likely missed the entirety of it. Guido Vianello (7-0, 7 KOs) landed the first big shot of the contest against Donald Haynesworth (16-4-1, 14 KOs) and that essentially ended it. Haynesworth hit the deck hard and the referee was given no choice but to call an end to the contest.
Robeisy Ramirez vs. Yeuri Andujar, 6 rounds, featherweights
Robeisy Ramirez (3-1, 3 KOs) absolutely destroyed Yeuri Andujar (5-4, 3 KOs) in the first round of tonight’s card at the MGM Grand Conference Center Ballroom. There was no feel out process for Ramirez as he landed a quick uppercut. From there, he poured the pressure on his opponent until he crumbled. Andujar managed to make it back to his feet but he quickly found himself staring up at the ceiling lights as Ramirez knocked him down yet again. Referee Tony Weeks seen enough after the second knockdown and waved the contest off.
Calvin Metcalf vs. Quatavious Cash, 6 rounds, middleweights
Quatavious Cash (12-2, 7 KOs) made it look easy against Calvin Metcalf (10-4-1, 3 KOs) on the undercard of tonight’s contest at the MGM Grand Conference Center Ballroom. Cash stayed on the outside and boxed while Metcalf came in akin to a bull in a china shop, simply looking to apply pressure and break his man’s will. Unfortunately for him however, it didn’t happen.
Not only was Metcalf out boxed, but an early head butt caused him to see red as the blood poured out. During the sixth and final round, the ring doctor had seen enough and called an end to the contest. The judges stepped in to grade the contest and gave easily gave Cash the win. The final scorecards were 60-55, 60-54 and 59-55 in favor of Cash.
Recommended for you
