CONCHO, Okla. (May 5, 2006) – SHOWTIME kicked off its Cinco de Mayo celebration with two action- packed fights Friday on “ShoBox.” In the main event, late substitute Glenn Donaire captured the North American Boxing Association (NABA)/North American Boxing Organization (NABO) flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Cesar Lopez. In the co feature, undefeated Juan Manuel Buendia remained perfect by scoring a fourth-round knockout over Alexis Divison..
The doubleheader at the Lucky Star Casino in Concho, Okla., was promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, in association with Tony Holden Productions, and aired at 11 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast represented the 76th in the popular “ShoBox” series, which debuted on SHOWTIME in July 2001.
Tomorrow evening on Saturday, May 6, the 20th anniversary celebration of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will continue with a world title doubleheader from Worcester, Mass. Alejandro “Terra” Garcia will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight belt against former WBA welterweight champion Jose Antonio Rivera. In the other world title fight, Luis Perez will defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight crown against IBF No. 1 contender Dimitri Kirillov.
Donaire (16-2-1, nine KOs), of San Leandro, Calif, proved to be a worthy substitute for his brother, Nonito, who suffered a jaw injury during a sparring session between the siblings. Against Lopez, Donaire utilized an arsenal of body shots, jabs and head shots to wear his opponent down. The judges scored the bout 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112. With the victory, Donaire won Lopez’ NABA flyweight belt and claimed the vacant NABO title.
“I felt Lopez losing his steam in the sixth round,” Donaire said. “My left hand started to hurt, but I kept at it. He was not as fast as I thought he would be. Sparring with my brother really helped me prepare for this fight. My brother is faster than him.”
Lopez (18-3, four KOs) of El Paso, Texas, stuck to his game plan for the first three rounds and appeared to have matters under control until late in the bout when he appeared to abandon his earlier strategy. Lopez received a one-point deduction for a low blow in the 12th round.
The Texas native captured the NABA title on Jan. 24, 2004, and made two successful defenses, the last coming on a 10-round decision over Alejandro Moreno on Dec. 10, 2004, in Albuquerque, N.M.
Buendia (13-0, eight KOs), of Durango, Mexico, made hamburger out of Divison. After struggling early, Buendia began to break Divison down with strong body shots and shots to the liver in the third round. Buendia ended matters with a solid right hand to the body that brought his opponent to his knees at 1:02 the fourth round.
“Divison was tougher than I expected,” Buendia said. “He was strong. I felt I gained control of the fight in the second round. My corner told me to work his body, so I started to hit him with body shots. He made a big mistake by leaving himself open.
Buendia captured the Illinois State welterweight title with a crowd-pleasing eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Luciano Perez (9-0, eight KOs going in) on Aug. 13, 2004, in Cicero, Ill.
Divison (16-3, 13 KOs), of Miami, dropped his third consecutive contest despite sporting a five-inch reach advantage. After starting off strong by connecting with solid body shots, Divison appeared to lose his steam by the third round.
A prominent amateur in his homeland, Division turned pro on Nov. 29, 2001, and won his first 16 professional fights before heading to the United States.
“ShoBox: The New Generation,” which debuted on SHOWTIME in July 2001, features up-and-coming prospects determined to make a mark and eventually fight for a chance at a world title. A number of fighters who have appeared on the series have gone on to become world champions, including Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Juan Diaz, Leonard Dorin, Joan Guzman and Scott Harrison.
Nick Charles called Friday’s action from ringside, with Farhood serving as expert analyst. The executive producer of the telecast was Gordon Hall, with Richard Gaughan producing.
For information on “ShoBox: The New Generation” and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts, including complete fighter bios, records, related stories and more, please go the SHOWTIME website at http://www.sho.com/boxing