Esquivias Edges Beltran In Split Decision Victory!
In a tough match up against a seasoned southpaw, undefeated Efrain Esquivias (15-0, 9 KOs) won a 10 round split decision victory over Mexican veteran Fernando Beltran Jr. (35-6-1, 19 KOs) to claim the NABF super bantamweight strap.
In front of a packed house at the Double tree hotel in Ontario Ca. Esquivias once again showed the ability to make crucial adjustments in the face of adversity. After looking bewildered by Beltran’s right jab in the opening rounds, the Carson fighter was able to fight his way back with slight head movement and a lead right hand. The fight seemed even through the middle rounds with Beltran targeting the swollen and bloody left eye of Esquivias. And while he was able to switch from righty to lefty with success, it was Esquivias’ lead right hand from the conventional stance that would be the key to victory. In the eighth, a counter right hand sent Beltran to the canvas. He recovered well but took a beating in the following round. Esquivias closed strong but was unable to finish the sturdy vet. In the end one judge would see it in favor of Beltran with a score or 95-94 but would be overruled by the deciding two who had it 96-93 and 97-92 for Equivias.
“We knew it was going to be a tough fight” Said Esquivias “We weren’t ready for a southpaw, we were sparring Abner Mares”
“My game plan was to switch from conventional to southpaw, I wanted to shoulder roll and counter off that and I was able to catch him a few times”
In the co-feature, Miguel Diaz (7-0, 3 KOs) won a hard fought unanimous decision over Felipe Castaneda (6-3-1, 3 KOs) after six rounds in the super flyweight division. Diaz set the tempo early, always getting off first and dominating the early rounds. Castaneda would rally in the later rounds but by then it was too late. Despite a strong closing effort, the judges would rule in favor of Diaz with scores of 59-55 twice and 58-56.
Female brawler Sindi Amador (6-0, 1 KO) earned a unanimous decision over a rugged Blanca Reymundo (0-4) after four rounds of action. Amador seemed to be a little more tamed than usual, as she fought in bursts and controlled the action. Raymundo fought through a cut over her left eye and had her moments but was simply out worked by Amador.
Unbeaten Sergio Nunez (4-0-1, 2 KOs) won a unanimous decision over a tough Robert Ortiz (7-4-1, 3 KOs) after four rounds of action. Ortiz came out aggressive from the opening bell but Nunez moved and countered well, staying out of any real danger. In the third an all out body assault by Nunez slowed the pressure of Ortiz. Despite showing signs of fatigue, Nunez was able to dominate the action and earn scores of 39-37 twice and 40-36.
San Bernardino’s Joshua Conley (1-0, 1 KO) won his pro-debut by stopping fellow debuter Eduardo Hernadez (0-1) in the third round of a scheduled four. After controlling the opening rounds, Conley stunned his opponent with a left hook in the third. A series of follow up right hands sent Hernadez to the canvas and though he made it to his feet, referee Jack Reese did not allow him to continue. Official time was of the stoppage was :40 of the third.
Unbeaten Brandon Adams (4-0, 2 KO) scored a fourth round TKO over Raymundo India (0-2-1) in the opening bout of the night. After 3 one-sided rounds, Adams floored the over matched India with a well placed body shot. Though he was able to beat the count, referee David Denkin did not allow him to continue and waived it off at the 2:00 mark.
