In front of a sold out crowd, and the third consecutive sold out show for Golden Boy Promotions, Mexicali’s Diego De La Hoya (14-0, 8 KOs) scored a stellar victory over Arturo “Fuerte” Badillo (20-10, 18 KOs) showing his speed and power in a 4th round victory in the second installment of the popular Los Angeles staple, LA Fight Club
Owner of five wins in 2015, including a 10-round victory over Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz that earned him the WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight title, the 21-year-old phenom has passed all his tests thus far as a professional. Tonight’s face-off against Badillo was no exception as De La Hoya showed his quick hand speed that had his opponent cornered throughout the fight resulting in a shocking left hook body shot in this heavy hitting headliner knock out. By the 4th round, both fighters exchanged celebratory glove bumps in a great display of sportsmanship.
“At first, the excitement got the best of me and I was trying to look for a knockout but in the second round I realized I was going to play in to his game,” said de la Hoya of his big win. “I decided to change the pace and take my time and just play to safe. By the third round, I realized he was getting tired and that’s when I decided to take advantage and dedicate the third round to knocking him out.”
“I knew about Diego de la Hoya’s fighting style, and I was prepared to fight a very tough opponent,” said Badillo. “I felt comfortable in the ring in the first couple of rounds. I don’t feel hurt, but that shot in the liver really harmed me. Unfortunately, those things happen and all I can do is go back to the gym and train for my next fight.”
Los Angeles local Carlos “The Solution” Morales (13-1-3, 6 KOs) faced experienced fighter Omar “Heroe” Tienda (14-3, 8 KOs) of Nuevo Leon, Mexico in an exciting 10-round super featherweight bout. The heavy-hitting match, kept both fighters busy throughout the fight that went the scheduled 10-rounds. In the end it was Morales’ precise power-punches that secured him the victory by unanimous decision.
“I was hoping to knock him out in the 5th round but he proved to be a tough fighter and I had to outbox him,” said Carlos Morales. “Even though he cut me up, I knew I was being affected with my punches and was breaking him down slowly. I know 2016 will bring opportunities for me in the ring.”
“I first came here expecting a different outcome,” said Omar Tienda. “One thing I can say is that we were both warriors in the ring. He’s a strong fighter and I know that we will be able to develop a friendship outside the ring.”
With no signs of slowing down, local Los Angeles native and fan favorite Nick Arce (7-0, 6 KOs) brought his high energy in to the ring and defended his winning steak by staying light on his feet and blocking punches from opponent Luis “Lichito” Lizarraga Jr. (5-8-1, 2 KOs). Lizarraga Jr. held his own until the end when Arce’s swift punches proved too much to handle in their six-round bout, and Arce was declared the winner by unanimous decision.
“My opponent was well trained and came out to fight with his high endurance. I came for the KO but I’ll settle for the unanimous delicious. This is motivation to keep on training to win those big victories,” said Arce of his win. “My fans love coming to see me fight because they can tell in my style that I love life and think it is too beautiful and too short to waste.”
Oscar Duarte (4-0-1, 2 KOs) of Parral, Mexico was triumphant against Georgia’s Archie Weah (1-5) in their scheduled four round super featherweight face off. Duarte showed his power with a hard-hitting right that knocked down Weah in the first round. The fight went the distance as Duarte was claimed the winner by unanimous decision in his debut as a Golden Boy Promotions fighter.
“I was really excited to knock down my opponent in the first round, but I felt I needed keep my pace” said Duarte. “My strategy for the fight was to show my strength and keep my composure. I’m looking forward to getting back in to the gym and getting ready for my next fight.”
Las Vegas’ Francisco Esparza (3-0), Fernando Vargas’ protégé, defended his undefeated record with a bout against Antonio Martinez (3-6, 3 KOs) of Durango, MEX. Punches were flying as the fight went the scheduled four rounds with Esparza delivering the final winning blows to a unanimous decision victory.
“I’m feeling great now that I’ve got another big win,” said Esparza. “My strategy is all in staying low so my opponent can’t catch me. I’ll be back in the gym ASAP working hard and hopefully moving on up on 6 rounder’s.”
