Mendez impressive, controversial stoppage not
By John J. Raspanti, Doghouse Boxing (Sept 24, 2012) Doghouse Boxing
-  
Paul Mendez
Paul Mendez (10-2, 4 KOs) used a combination of jabbing and right hands to stop Donyil Livingston (8-2-1, 4 KOs) 43 seconds into round seven Saturday night at the Woodland Community Center in Woodland, Calif.

But as they say, not so fast.

Livingston was dropped by a left hook that was good six inches below the belt. The Palmdale, Calif. resident writhed in pain as referee Don Collins picked up the count. Collins reached the fatal 10 with Livingston unable to stand. As the crowd roared, Livingston’s corner screamed in disbelief. They jumped in the ring to help their fighter, but also to complain to the referee.

From this writers vantage point the blow was obviously low. Collins was out of position and couldn’t see the punch. The procedure is to ask for help from the ringside judges. Collins questioned judge Kermit Bayless. Unfortunately Bayless, on the other side of the ring, was unable to see the low blow. Why Collins didn’t ask for a second opinion is unknown. As of this writing, Livingston’s team was preparing to file a protest with the California State Athletic Commission.

At the time of the stoppage, Mendez’s performance was sharp and efficient. He was constantly able to beat the aggressive Livingstone to the punch. It’s likely he was on his way to a victory.

All three judges had Mendez ahead at the time of the stoppage. This writer concured, giving Mendez the edge 58-56. Livingston’s intensity had increased in the previous round, but Mendez was still connecting with cutting right hands.

Manuel “Tino” Avila (10-0, 3 KOs) dominated 35-year-old Jhon Molina (32-20-3, 19 KOs) over eight rounds to win a unanimous decision. The judges had Avila winning 79-73.

Avila’s quickness was immediately evident as he outworked Molina. The veteran from Cartagena, Columbia, stalked Avila, but found himself outmaneuvered throughout the bout. Avila’s quicker hands peppered Molina with combinations. When Molina pushed, Avila cracked him with right hands that stung.

Avila, 20, like Mendez, has showed steady improvement in his last few fights.

Entertaining Guy Robb (9-1, 4 KOs) and journeyman Jonathan Ancantara (6-9-2, 1 KO) battled over six rounds with Robb winning by a unanimous decision. The scoring was 6-54, three times.

After a quiet opening minute, Robb and Ancantara met in the center of the ring and went toe to toe. Robb knocked Ancantara down with a beautiful left - right combination in round three.

Jonathan Chicas (7-0, 3 KOs) outworked Jorge Mendoza (7-7, 3 KOs) over five rounds. All three judges had the San Francisco native winning every round. Chicas worked the head and body extensively.

Follow and visit John on Twitter: twitter.com/#!/johnboxing1

-- Questions/comments johnboxing1@hotmail.com

For much more boxng headlines and videos, visit the homepage at DoghouseBoxing.

Write for Doghouse Boxing: anthonyc1974@gmail.com.



NEW: Follow Doghouse Boxing on FaceBook!
For more Boxing News 24/7 and so much more... 
visit our homepage now!


© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing Inc. 1998-2012