This past Friday, August 19, a delirious crowd of more than 3,000 people watched an exciting night of Universal Promotions, in association with Gary Shaw Productions, boxing at the Juan “Pachin” Vicens Auditorium in Ponce.
In the main event, former world title challenger and Team Puerto Rico’s most experienced member, Cesar “Junito” Seda, Jr. (21-1, 15 KO’s) put on a strong display of boxing skill against Mexico’s Jose Silveira, dominating over 10 rounds of by scores of 100-90 in a 10-round bout.
Seda had control at all times. He imposed pressure, used his lateral movement and connected with heavy combinations to the face and liver of the Mexican. Silveira showed his manhood and sporadically attacked Seda, but without success because of Seda’s excellent lateral movement.
This was the Seda’s first fight Seda at 120 pounds.
“I felt good.This was a good fight for me because I stayed active and worked for 10 rounds, with a strong opponent,” said Seda, post-fight. “The next step is to follow the path that leads me to become a world champion at 115 lbs.I’m ready for big challenges.”
The co-feature of the night was surprisingly action-packed as rising star José “Sniper” Pedraza (4-0, 3 KOs) scored an exciting, but dominant six-round decision over Pedro Salcedo (4-4, 2KO’s).
The judges saw Pedraza win, unanimously, by scores of 60-54 x3.
Pedraza hit Salcedo with strong combinations to the body and face.Salcedo showed his skills and heart by attacking Pedraza, but found little success against his superior foe.
The final round was particularly exciting, as Pedraza fired heavy combinations and wounded Salcedo repeatedly.
“I’m very happy for this achievement.Thank God we reap victories in professional boxing.Salcedo was a strong opponent who showed his skill and worked hard.This fight was great for me because I work six rounds for the first time.That experience helps me for future fights,” said Pedraza after the battle.
In other undercard fights, Josean “Pride of Ponce” Serra improved his record to (7-0, 5 KO’s) by knocking out a game Alberto Medina (0-7) in the fifth with a body shot.
In addition, Edgardo Rivera (6-1, 5 KOs) defeated Kelvin Galarza (5-2, 1KO) by TKO in the fifth round of their lightweight bout.
Bayamon’s Hector Rosario (7-1-2, 5 KO’s) won by TKO in the third (1:08) over Daniel Rodriguez (0-3). This fight was at a catch weight at 162 pounds.
In a fight at lightweight, rookie Alberto Candelario (1-0, 1 KO) won by knockout over Jensen juanadino Cruz, who drops to (1-1, 1KO).In a fight at 122 pounds, Edgar Laboy (1-0, 1KO) knocked out Victor Montes (0-1).
The next show scheduled by Universal Promotions, in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions, will be on October 29 at the Convention Center Guayama, when Fernando Torres (17-1, 10 KO’s) takes on Olympian Abner Cotto (11-0, 5KO’s).
