Although there were no major fights taking place on HBO or Showtime this weekend, there was still a lot of boxing action around the globe. Titles changed hands, rising stars impressed, and former champions returned to score quick knockouts. Check out some of the major results from the weekend that was in boxing.
ARTUR BETERBIEV DEF. TAVORIS CLOUD VIA KO IN ROUND 2
Despite only previously having 5 professional bouts, former amateur standout Artur Beterbiev made a statement in defeating Tavoris Cloud, battering the former light heavyweight champion en route to four knockdowns to win via second round knockout in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Beterbiev was relentless with his attack, landing a series of left hooks and right hands that sent Cloud to the canvas for the first time midway through round 1. Although Cloud beat the count, Beterbiev wasted no time in jumping on him and landing another flurry that immediately sent Cloud to the canvas for a second time. Again, Cloud rose to his feet, but it didn't take long for him to see the canvas a third time when Beterbiev dropped him once more right before the bell. Clearly sensing that his opponent was done, Beterbiev came out to finish the job in the second round. One more flurry of punches sent Cloud crashing to the canvas for the fourth and final time and Beterbiev was declared the winner via knockout just 38 seconds into the round.
ARTHUR ABRAHAM DEF. PAUL SMITH VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION
WBO super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham was fortunate to keep his title after narrowly defeating game challenger Paul Smith via unanimous decision in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Although the judges scored the bout 117-111, 117-111 and 119-109 in favor of Abraham, the fight was much, much closer than the scorecards depicted. Smith worked well behind his jab and appeared to be slowing down the champion with his body attack, but Abraham continued to push the pace and closed out the late rounds. Despite boos from the crowd regarding the decision, it was a close fight that likely could have gone eithe way.
ROY JONES JR. DEF. HANI ATYIO VIA KO IN ROUND 1
Four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr. continued his quest for a cruiserweight title after scoring a first round knockout of Hani Atiyo in Krasnodar, Russia. It didn't take long for Jones to chop down his taller, but clearly overmatched opponent after landing a quick and devastating left hook to the liver just 75 seconds into the bout. With the win, Jones extends his Hall of Fame record to 59 wins, 8 losses and 42 KOs.
JUAN CARLOS PAYANO DEF. ANSELMO MORENO VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION
Undefeated bantamweight Juan Carlos Payano scored a unanimous decision victory over former champion Anselmo Moreno in Mesquite, Texas after a clash of heads in the second round opened up a cut on Payano that ultimately forced an early end to the action after 6 rounds. After the fight was stopped, the judges had scored it 59-55, 58-56, and 58-56 all in favor of Payano. With the win, Payano captured the WBA bantamweight title.
RAMON ALVAREZ DEF. OMAR CHAVEZ VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION
In a battle of siblings, jr. middleweight Ramon Alvarez, the older brother of former champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, defeated Omar Chavez, the younger brother of former champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., via unanimous decision in Chiapas, Mexico. For the most part, Alvarez dominated the action inside the ring as he continuously came forward pressing the action as Chavez remained on the defensive. Though Chavez had some moments, they were few and far between as Alvarez began to batter him down the stretch. In the end, the judges scored the bout 98-92, 96-94, and 96-94 all in favor of Alvarez.
RICARDO MAYORGA DEF. ALLEN MEDINA VIA TKO IN ROUND 1
After a 3-year absence from the boxing ring, former champion Ricarod Mayorga made quick work of overmatched opponent Allen Medina, stopping him just 63 seconds into the first round in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
SAMUEL PETER DEF. RON AUBREY VIA KO IN ROUND 1
Also coming off of a 3-year layoff and fighting on the same card, former heavyweight title challenger Samuel Peter also made quick work of his overmatched opponent, Ron Aubry, knocking him out at the 2:34 mark of round 1.