Hey fight fans take note local boxing is back in the Miami area. Al Bonanni’s-Tiburon Promotions presented it’s third local show at Casino Miami Jai-Alai. 1,500 fight fans turned out to support their local fighters on the card, the most popular being Jessy Cruz, Azea Augustama, and Ahmed Elbiali.
There were only 5 fights on the card prepared by matchmaker Rick Fisler. A good thing as fans did’nt get bored with too many fights and a feeling of a long never ending show, that sometimes happens when you put 7-9 fights on a card.
In the co-main event Cuban American local fan favorite bantamweight Jessy Cruz (10-5-1) put on a show as he defeated a challenging Lamar Charlton (1-4-1). Cruz a southpaw displayed impressive strong vicious punches as he knocked Charlton down 3 times in the fight. Cruz eventually won the scheduled 6 rounder by TKO as Charlton did’nt make it out of his corner for the 5th round. After the fight Cruz stated that he felt his puches were strong “crisp” and precise.
Cruz a former amateur 2006 National Golden Gloves and National Police Athletic League quarter finalist and 2008 U.S. Olympic trials competitor was happy and thankful for the fan support that turned out to see him, which kept him motivated. He dedicated the victory to his 3 year old son which was in attendance for the 1st time.
After a stellar amateur career Cruz has had his ups and downs as a pro and has never given up, has hung in there, dividing his time between work ( professional barber) and boxing. He has now won 3 fights in a row. Things could only get better for Cruz as local fans keep turning out to see him put on exciting shows.
In the main event of a 10 rounder another local fight fan favorite Light Heavyweight Azea “The Haitian Hitman” Augustama (15-1, 9 KO’s) defeated veteran Rayco “War” Saunders (23-20-2,10 KO’s) by unanimous decision. Scores were 100-90 twice and 99-91. Augustama threw a lot of punches, was more active and connected more throughout the fight.
This was Augustama’s 2nd fight in 2 months for promoter Al Bonanni at Casino Miami Jai-Alai.
Augustama a 2008 Haitian Olympic team member is now on a 6 fight winning streak with a lot of local fans behind him. His winning streak and defeating a tough Saunders which has fought and hung with the big names in the Light Heavyweight division could break the ice for him, getting him ranked in the top 15 in the Light Heavyweight division of any of the four major boxing organizations.
Another local fan favorite Egyptian Light Heavyweight now living in Miami Ahmed Elbiali (2-0, 2 KO’s) scored his 2nd knockout victory in a row defeating by TKO in the 3rd round Jerrod Caldwell (2-4-1). Elbiali with an impressive record as an amateur 38-6 was happy with the victory, him and his trainer felt that he was a bit anxious since it was his 1st fight in over 5 months, and his 1st fight only lasting 30 seconds, he feels he will calm and settle down use the jab more with more fights and experience in the future. keep an on on this kid, as Elbiali seems like a natural in the ring, with good height, arm/punch extension, and foot movement.
In the other 2 fights of the evening:
Lightweight Division 4 Rounds Adrian Perez (1-0) defeated Jose Rivera (0-6) by Unanimous Decision
Heavyweight Division 4 Rounds Chaen Chess (3-1, 2 KO’s) defeated Carlos Reyes (5-5-1, 3 KO’s) by Majority Decision