Favorites Win at MarvNation Pomona Fights

By Lauren Rodriguez

(Photos by Al Applerose)

POMONA, CA- Although a brisk Saturday night, the boxing ring was hot as MarvrvNation Promotions hosted their second “Box Fest.” Held at the Derby Room in Pomona, CA the sold-out event included 11 action packed bouts as well as a Shakira cover singer.

In the main event of the night, Colombian fighter Santander Silgado (30-11) faced Trent Rawlins (13-2-1) in a heavyweight clash.

Rawlins, Australian bred and fighting out of Long Beach’s infamous Jack Rabbit Boxing, was a force to be reckoned with. Immediately, Rawlins' heavy and speedy body punches dropped Silgado to the floor, creating a loud thud and commotion in the crowd.

A slower Silgado rose again as Rawlins continued to lead in the first round.

In the second round, Silgado charged up and returned the favor as Rawlins was unexpectedly knocked over. The third round became interesting as Silgado began calculating his shots and became better at dodging his opponent. Rawlins maintained his tactics as he continued working on the Colombian fighter’s body. The foreshadowing of an early knockout was long gone by the sixth round while the two filled the last seconds getting as many points as their bodies could allow.

The bout was scored 56-56, 58-54 in favor of Rawlins

Co-Main event

The co-main event of the night was a featherweight battle between Aldimar Silva (22-19) and Ashton “H20” Sylve (6-0,6 KOs).

Sylve, fighting out of Long Beach’s infamous Jack Rabbit Boxing was accompanied by what felt like all of Long Beach, an enormous crowd cheering him on.

Long Beach’s Sylve instantly led the round as it was apparent Silva was not confident in his approach. The second round was instantly over as Sylve’s heavy left hook knocked down his opponent.

The bout was brought to an end at 32 seconds of the second round, a knockout victory for Sylve. Sylve remains undefeated with 6 victories, all by way of knockout.

In the welterweight division, Daniel Perales Osorio (12-22-2) went against Mylik Roashun Birdsong (13-0-1).

Within seconds of the first round’s commencement, Osorio came out of his corner ready as he instantly knocked Mylik through the rings ropes. After seconds of a brawl, Osorio began to lose his touch. Mylik had length to his advantage, making it easier to strike his opponent and swiftly retreat.

Osorio struggled to get back into his groove, looking for an opening into his opponent's body but not quite able to connect. By the third round, the two fighters were doing way less than they were capable of, with fans yelling at the two to stop pausing between striking.

Mylik was unaware he was on the verge of a knockout, missing the opportunities to take down his doubtful opponent. Osorio began shaking his head after every attempt, psyching himself out of a better performance. The fourth round intensified as Osorio amped up his power and had Mylik flying toward the ropes of the ring. The last round, the two went jab for jab as they attempted to gain as many last possible points. The bout was scored a unanimous decision of 58-55, Roashun as winner. Roashun remains undefeated with 13 victories to his name.

In the middleweight division Jeremy Ramos (11-12) faced Raul Salomon (9-1).

Although Ramos was a veteran in boxing compared to his opponent, it was Solomon who was a fan favorite of the crowd.

Ramos proved to be a brawler as he slammed overhand blows into Solomon. Salomon began relying on his left hand as the fighter's corner could be heard yelling,“ a dos manos.”

Raul took his corners criticism into account as he uppercutted his opponent and braced for rebuttals from heavy hitter Ramos. By the third round, it became a test of who could endure more striking without tiring out first as the two began taking turns resting on the other between attacks. Ramos began dribbling with his mitts as Salomon countered with his own heavy hitters. The bout was scored 59-55, 60-54, a unanimous decision for Raul Salomon as winner.

In the super featherweight division, Alen Dudo faced a difficult battle as he debuted against Ruben “El Gallaito” Islas (4-0). Islas, fighting under Ben Lira, was quick to attack a hesitant Dudo. Islas threw quick combos at his opponent who aimed to score but couldn’t quite overtake the battle. The third round, it was clear Dudo was learning from his mistakes as he began countering and dodging strikes from El Gallito. Dudo began retaliation and increased work on his opponent's body. The bout was scored a unanimous decision of 40-36, Islas as winner. Islas remains undefeated with 4 wins to his name.

In the welterweight division, veteran fighter Martin Martinez Perez (21-20-1) faced a heavy hitter Saul Bustos (15-0-1) in an 8-round bout. Bustos proved to be a stronger fighter than his experienced opponent as Martinez-Perez, a boxing veteran, lacked impact and power in his punches.

In the fourth round, Bustos’ left side of his face was covered in blood as it appeared to be stemming from his left eye. The blood couldn’t deter an explosive Bustos who continued slamming Martinez- Perez. By the 6h round, it was clear Martinez- Perez had lost power in not only his arms but his legs, as he struggled to stay up.

The bout was scored a unanimous decision of 80-72, Bustos as victor.

In the lightweight division, Lucas Mignoni (14-4) went against Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (5-0). Garcia, fighting out of East Los Angeles, displayed one of the quickest pair of hands of the night. Garcia’s pairing of speed and power was led by his female trainer Coach G who could be heard yelling plays from his corner.

Coach G screamed praises and comments of assurance for her fighter,“take your time, pick your shot, fill the gap and don’t waste anything.”

It was in the second round that a left uppercut to the body, dropped Mignoni to his knees, bringing the bout to an end. The match ended at 38 seconds of the second round, a knockout victory for Garcia. Garcia remains undefeated with 5 wins to his name, 4 by way of knockout.

In the super middleweight division, Lawrence King (11-1) faced Abel Nicolas Adriel (25-22-3). King lacked focus to the body, relying on face jabs and neglecting open areas on Adriel. Adriel coasted, neglecting to score in the first few rounds. Although a stronger fighter, King lacked impressive combinations, intention and impact with his punches. The 6-round bout was scored 60-54 a unanimous decision with King as winner.

In the welterweight division, the son of Abel Sanchez, Juan Sanchez (2-0) faced Javier Labra (2-1). Sanchez quickly proved boxing to be in his blood by bringing a knockout in the first round. Sanchez is undefeated with 2 victories to his name.

In the super lightweight Sincere Brooks (2-0) faced Andres Abarca (2-8). Brooks, fighting out of Long Beach’s Jack Rabbit Boxing, proved to be impressive as he won his second victory.

The first fight of the night was a lightweight bout between William King (2-0) and Michael Mendez (0-3). King, fighting out of the Inland Empire, was named winner by unanimous decision.

Marvnation promotions proves to be gaining traction as they continue to sell out events lined with exciting bouts. It appears the promotional company has been on the upward climb, packing their shows with happy fans, action packed matches and influential boxers who are all eager for the next box fest.