(All photos by Joseph Gibson) ABOVE, Larry Gomez (in front) and Christian Aguirre embrace after their boxing match in Layton, Utah on May 26, 2018. Gomez captured the regional American Boxing Organization middleweight title via unanimous decision.
Recap by Doug Gibson
Larry Gomez, 7-0, used strong body- and counter-punching skills to take a unanimous six-round decision over Christian Aguirre, 7-1, to earn the American Boxing Organization's regional Middleweight Championship Saturday, May 26, 2018, at the Davis County Conference Center in Layton, Utah.
However, the resilient Aguirre denied Gomez a knockout win, becoming the first opponent to last the distance against the former amateur star and current Utah junior-middleweight champion. Aguirre, who has three KOs, is the state super-middleweight champion. Both fighters are based in Salt Lake City.
The fight between two of the state's top prospects almost ended early. In round one Gomez hurt the aggressive Aguirre with a body shot and then dropped him late in the round with a counter punch.
(Late in round one, Gomez dropped Aguirre to the canvas.)
Aguirre survived more pressure from Gomez in round two and then rallied in rounds three and four, occasionally driving Gomez backwards with his aggression. However, Gomez seized back control of the fight in round five, hurting Aguirre twice during the round and moving the usually-forward-moving fighter backwards.
The less-experienced Aguirre, who only had one amateur fight, showed tremendous heart in the bout, never going down after the first round knockdown despite taking heavy punishment from Gomez. In the sixth round Aguirre survived a final assault from Gomez, who clearly wanted a knockout.
There has been squabbling between both camps as the bout neared but the fighters embraced after the final bell. Although they are unlikely to ever become friends, Gomez did acknowledge Aguirre's heart in the post-fight interview. The judges scorecards were 59-54 twice and 60-53. The blog scored the bout 59-55 for Gomez.
The future looks bright for both these boxers. Gomez appears ready to seek opportunities on the West or East coasts, or Las Vegas or other major fight venues. This blog hopes he gets the chance. Aguirre fought aggressively and rallied several times during the fight. As his career matures, he'll certainly receive other opportunities.
Here are a few more photos from the bout, Aguirre in white trunks:
JUSTIN MORALES SCORES QUICK KO
In the co-main bout, Imperial-managed 147-pound pro prospect Justin Morales scored a quick KO over badly outclassed Anthony Ayala. The fight lasted less than 90 seconds and ended with Ayala, of Pocatello, Idaho, who was making his pro debut, prone on the canvas, where he stayed for a few minutes before rising. At one point Morales went over to check on his opponent.
(Above Top) The ring doctor works over Anthony Ayala after he was stopped in the first round by undefeated Justin Morales. ... Morales, (right) lands a right hand punch against Ayala.)
Morales, who lives in Las Vegas by way of Clinton, Utah, is now 2-0, both KOs. It was announced on Saturday night that he will meet MMA professional-turned boxer James Francis in an Imperial card scheduled for July. Both Morales and Francis met in the ring after Morales' bout.
MARTINEZ DECISIONS NAVA
In a pro preliminary bout over four rounds, 122-pounder Julio Martinez, of Salt Lake City, won via unanimous decision his pro debut over Ogden's Jair Nava, 0-2. Martinez appeared tight the first round, allowing Nava to dictate the pace. But Martinez swept the final three rounds, using his hand speed and well-placed hooks to stun Nava a few times. The judges scored the bout 40-36 twice and 39-37. The blog had it for Martinez 39-37. In the post-fight interview, Martinez said that "next time will be a knockout."
AMATEUR RESULTS:
In amateur bouts, Mateo Holt, 117 pounds, from Louie's Gym in Salt Lake City, used ring generalship to take a decision over Utah's Sergio Ramirez. Tre McCoy, 138 pounds, of Midvale decisioned Utah's Elbert Paul; Elvis Castello, 190 pounds, outboxed Carter Christensen, Louie's Gym, to get the decision; and in a heavyweight, 220 pounds, match, Bishop Lee, West Valley, scored a third-round knockdown en route to winning a decision over West Jordan's Jared Manning.
MORE FROM FIGHT NIGHT:
In a no-decision exhibition amateur boxing bout of three two-minute rounds, Jon Bryant, of Lights Out Gym in Clearfield, met Nate Owens of Ogden. Bryant recently won the Rocky Mountain open Golden Gloves titles. Owens is a regional amateur MMA champion, although he has boxing experience. The pair's three rounds were entertaining with both acquitting themselves well. Bryant, who controlled the majority of the action with boxing skills and a longer reach, received a "win" after fans' opinions were solicited by ring announcer Brad Davidson.
... West Jordan's Jose Haro, the United States Boxing Association professional featherweight champion, told fans that there's a good chance he'll defend his title in New Orleans on an ESPN card. We certainly hope that occurs. No one merits a big fight more than Jose. Haro also told the fans he hopes to eventually fight on another Imperial card.
... Boxer Francisco Alcantara was scheduled to fight on Saturday. But his opponent fell through. It was announced on Saturday that Alcantara will box on the Imperial card in July against Top of Utah's Sean Powers. It will be Powers first boxing match. Both he and Alcantara are well known as MMA pros.
Several hundred fans filled a ballroom at the conference center. More details on the planned July Imperial card will likely be revealed in June.
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