PBC on ESPN Results: Lara defends title with 3rd round TKO

By: Matthew N. Becher

From the famed Hialeah Park Race Track in Hialeah, Florida, Premier Boxing Champions presented a pre-thanksgiving fight card on a terribly windy and rainy day from the open/outdoor boxing venue.

Due to dreadful weather conditions, the ring has been covered with a giant blue tarp. It was covered for over 45 minutes and only removed when the ok was given by the athletic commission. The Main event was broadcast first due to ongoing weather concerns.

The main event showcased the WBA Jr. Middleweight champion Erislandy Lara (21-2-2 12KO), Lara has been in the ring with the likes of Paul Williams, Canelo Alvarez, Austin Trout and most recently defeating Delvin Rodriguez and Ishe Smith. His opponent, Jan Zaveck (35-3 19KO) is a former IBF welterweight champion who is just recently moving up in weight to the 154 pound division and is most likely on the way out of the sport. He has two recent losses to top 147lb contenders in Keith Thurman and Andre Berto.

Erislandy Lara (21-2-2 12KO) vs. Jan Zaveck (35-3 19KO): WBA Jr. Middleweight

Lara came out not to do his normal “Cuban School of Boxing” routine tonight. He knew that Zaveck was completely outclassed in every way. Lara was able to use his 5 inch reach advantage to keep Zaveck at a distance, covered up whenever Zaveck threw wildly and used his quick, accurate punches to stun the smaller, older fighter.

In the third round, Lara attacked Zaveck with a flurry of punches, hurting Zaveck. Zaveck then went on to move away, put out his glove to touch gloves with Lara. Zaveck then turned, almost as he was quitting the fight. Lara continued to box, landing a couple of heavy shots on an unprotected Zaveck. The ref quickly jumped in and stopped the fight after seeing Zaveck in trouble. Zaveck may have severely hurt his right shoulder at the time of the stoppage.

Lara TKO3 0:41

Emmanuel Rodriguez (13-0 9KO) vs. Eliecer Aquino (17-1-1 11KO): Bantamweight

When this fight started, the skies opened and the rain started to pour down. The arena emptied out and the edges of the ring were becoming soaked.

Rodriguez, who claims to have power in both hands was looking for the quick knockout punch. Aquino, who was eating a lot of heavy shots, did not go down without a fight.

Rodriguez had the age and reach advantage, and was able to use his power to his advantage landing the heavier body and uppercuts at will.

Even though Rodriguez had the reach advantage, he decided to fight a toe to toe fight. In the third he was able to land a big right hand that put Aquino to the canvas with about 30 seconds left in the round.

In the end, Aquino just didn’t have enough power to ever get the respect from Rodriguez. His mouthpiece was knocked out 5 times before a point was eventually taken away from Aquino in the 7th round.

After a beating, Aquino could no longer defend himself. Rodriguez landed a huge right hand to the head of Aquino in the 7th round. The ref had seen enough and stopped the fight. Something Aquino’s corner may have wanted to do a couple rounds earlier.

Rodriguez TKO7 2:44