Barajas vs Nava, Galvez vs Galindo, another exciting night of Boxing in TJ

Is Tijuana becoming the boxing capital of the world or what? In 2012, the likes of Mayen Promotions, V & B Promotions, Erik Morales and Zanfer Promotions treated locals to more professional boxing shows than any other city on the planet. At this juncture it appears they’re making a stab at beating last year’s record.

On Wednesday evening, February 27, it was Mayen Promotions back at Salon Las Pulgas for a boxing card dubbed “Kings and Queens” and as usual the fans were treated to a multitude of exciting bouts.

Beginning with the Main Event, Bout #8, the matchmaker should get credit for matching-up two, not only very popular Tijuanians, but gents with approximately the same skill levels, Daniel Nava (4-0-1, 2 KOs) and Jose Cristian Barajas (4-2-1).

From the opening bell, the punches landed in bunches. Barajas was the first to be toppled. After Barajas got up, Nava moved quickly to finish him off. Only problem Barajas was now like that angry bear who has just been awakened from a long winter’s nap. After walking through Nava’s first offering, he was relentless and went from one corner to the other trying to pulverize the now cowering Nava. Nava, either ducked under punches, held or had his gloves tight to his head to protect himself until the bell finally sounded. Barajas’ unabated efforts failed.

Behind on the scorecards, Barajas knew he’d have to come out of the shoots with even more determination and he did. Before you knew it, he caught Nava on the chin and down he went. The turn of events had the crowd up on their feet.

Then it was Nava’s turn and back he came with a vengeance. After catching Barajas with a solid left hook, he followed with a strong combination that sent his opponent reeling backwards into the ropes, whereupon referee Juan Jose Ramirez stopped the contest at the 2:48 mark of the second round. The interruption of this drama filled fight angered some, especially since there was only 12 seconds left in the round. Early stoppage or not, it was a most entertaining bout.

In the bottom right panel, super featherweight Daniel Nava (L) has his arm raised in victory by referee Juan Jose Ramirez after his TKO victory in the second round over Jose Barajas at Salon Las Pulgas on Wednesday evening. All photos: Jim Wyatt

In the Co-feature, Bout #9, it was the unstoppable, 19 year-old Kenia Enriquez inviting another “W” to visit her lair. In this one, Enriquez toyed with the game, veteran Blanca Raymundo from the City of Angels (Los Angeles, CA) for four rounds. Enriquez was so confident, assertive and poised, that she often smiled at her opponent.

With her punches landing at will, it almost looked like Raymundo was holding the mitts for her. Seeing any type of a return punch was a rare sight. According to the judges, Enriguez won every round.

Kenia Stephanie Enriquez remains undefeated after defeating Blanca Raymundo by an unanimous decision Wednesday evening at Salon Las Pulgas in downtown Tijuana.

In Bout #1 it was super featherweight Angel Rodriguez (5-0, 2 KOs) of Tijuana by way of Irapi, Sucre, Venezuela, going through the motions with Edgar Fernando Villa (4-10). This was purely a training exercise for Rodriguez. One where the trainer most likely challenged him to go all four rounds without being hit once. While peppering Villa with punch after punch and playing cat and mouse, Villa probably landed all of three good punches.

In bout #1, super featherweight Angel Rodriguez of Tijuana by way of Irapi, Sucre, Venezuela, gains victory No. 5 after defeating the tough Edgar Fernando Villa.

In Bout #2, it was Tijuana super featherweight Jose Manuel Hernandez making his pro debut against Hugo Hector Gutierrez (0-1). 

In the early stages of Round #1, Hernandez held the advantage and had Gutierrez backing peddling. The momentum swung just before the round ended. Round #2 was wild and woolly and ended with both fighters landing some big shots. Round #3 turned out to be a nightmare for Gutierrez who with a bloody nose kept walking into punches. Round #4 was another exemplary round for Hernandez. When they announced the fight was a draw, there were many looks of disbelief. Hernandez was clearly the superior boxer/puncher on this evening.

(Bottom panel right) Bout #2 between Hugo Gutierrez (L) and Jose Manuel Hernandez (R) was declared a draw.

In Bout #3 featherweight Jose Pech made quick work of David Armando Vega (0-5) to even his record at (2-2). Round #1 was action packed and featured several momentum swings with the last of these swings going in Pech’s favor. By the end of Round #2, Pech had clearly established his superiority and Vega’s nose was bleeding. Early in Round #3, the referee thought it wise to call in a doctor and it was the fight doctor who recommended the early stoppage. 

In Bout #3, it was Jose Pech defeating David “the Apostle” Vega who was making his debut.

In Bout #4, welterweight Gerardo Posos (1-0), in his pro-debut, won a split-decision victory over Jose Arteaga (1-1). Sparks flew early, especially after Arteaga was knocked off his feet. Arteaga then spent the remaining two minutes of the round trying to dismantle Posos. 

In Round #2, neither boxer distinguished themselves. In round #3, with Arteaga being the busier fighter, Posos spent the majority of the round covering up. Back came Posos in the final frame to dominate, especially with his close in fighting style. After tallying up the scores, that opening knockdown by Posos became the difference maker.

(Top panel, right side) welterweight Gerardo Posos (1-0) has his arm raised in victory after winning a split-decision victory over Jose Arteaga (1-1). All photos: Jim Wyatt

Bout #5 was another Arturo Gatti vs Mickey Ward-like action bout between Jose Galvez (2-0) and Eduardo Galindo (3-0). In the first round there was absolutely no let up as both men flailed away with shots to the head. By the end of Round #2, Galvez led on the punch count and was landing the heavier blows.

Round #3 – with Galindo’s nose bleeding, the exchanges continued at a furious pace. In the final round, Galvez hit Galindo so hard his mouthpiece went flying. Undiscerning or shall we say “wishy-washy” the three judges ruled the bout a draw with identical 38-38 scores.

Bout #5 was a back and forth struggle between Jose Galvez (r) (in the bottom right panel) and Eduardo Galindo (l) which ended in a draw.

Bout #6 featured featherweights, local favorite Erick Martinez (3-0-1, 2 KOs) defeating Mario Beristain of Ensenada, B. C. who was making his pro-debut. 

From the opening bell, it seemed Beristain was out to use every dirty trick in the book. When the boxers went to touch gloves, Beristain faked the glove touch and threw an overhand right. In the later stages, he’d attempt an occasional head-butt. In the end, all three judges had Martinez winning every round.

Still a very young fighter, Erick Martinez 3-0-1, 2 KOs, (photo on the right) got himself an education in dirty tricks when confronting the talented Mario Beristain.

In Bout #7 bantamweight Heriberto “Tremendo” Delgado now 5-0, 2 KOs of Tijuana had no problem dodging the wild, sometimes outlandish punches of Jesus Ricardo of Los Mochis who was making his pro-debut. At the 1:52 mark of the first round, Ricardo went to his knees after getting hit by a debilitating shot to the liver.

On Wednesday evening, February 27, 2013, at Salon Las Pulgas in Tijuana’s downtown, Heriberto “Tremendo” Delgado (bottom photos) got himself a KO victory over Jesus Ricardo.

Stay tuned – the next show will be in two weeks.