Bachkov Imposes His Will, Stops Luis Arcón in Four

In a display of precision and punching power, Armenia’s Hovhannes Bachkov successfully defended his WBA Continental super lightweight title with a fourth-round TKO victory over Venezuela’s Luis Arcón. The bout, held in Dubai, marked a reunion between two former Olympic circuit rivals, with the European once again asserting his dominance.

From the opening bell, Bachkov (9-0, 8 KOs) controlled center ring, using his polished technique to break down Arcón’s guard as the Venezuelan attempted to answer back with his trademark aggression. However, the Tokyo Olympic medalist’s hand speed proved decisive, as he fired off sharp combinations that quickly began to wear down the “Llanero de Oro.”

The end came in the fourth round. Following a sustained barrage capped by a powerful combination to the head, Arcón was sent to the canvas. Though he tried to beat the count, the accumulated punishment and Bachkov’s clear superiority prompted the referee to wave it off, awarding the Armenian his ninth professional victory.

With the win, Bachkov further solidifies his standing as one of the most dangerous punchers in the 140-pound division, maintaining an impressive knockout ratio. For Arcón (16-1-1, 12 KOs), the loss marks the first defeat of his professional career, in a bout where Bachkov’s technical edge ultimately proved decisive—echoing their meeting a decade ago on the road to Rio 2016, where the Armenian prevailed by split decision.




Lara Decisions Vendetti; Retains Super Welterweight title

Erislandy Lara retained his WBA Super Welterweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Greg Vendetti at The Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Lara landed 161 of 658 punches; Vendetti was 88 of 439.

Lara, 153 lbs of Cuba won by scores of 117-111 twice and 116-112 to raise his mark to 27-3-3. Vendetti, 152.4 lbs of Stoneham, MA is 22-4-1.

“Tonight, I dominated the fight,” said Lara. “After this performance, I’m looking to step in the ring with any of the other champions.

“I definitely want the winner of Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario. If that fight can be made, I’ll be ready to go.”

Hernandez Decisions Angulo

Late-Replacement Vladimir Hernandez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Alfredo Angulo in a super middleweight fight.

Both guys stood toe-to-toe with each throwing over 1,000 punches, with Hernandez building up a big early lead and winning by 98-92 scores on all cards.

Angulo landed 351 of 1134 punches. Hernandez was 306 of 1003.

The 2137 punches were the most in super middleweight history complied bu CompuBox.

Hernandez, who replaced Caleb Truax who fell ill on Thursday is now 12-4. Angulo, 167.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 26-8.

Martinez and Arcon Battle to Draw

Abraham Martinez and Luis Arcon battled to an eight-round split draw in a super lightweight bout.

In round three, Martinez landed a big left hook that put Arcon on his back.

In the final seconds of the fight, Arcon dropped Martinez with a left hook to the head.

Each fighter took a card 76-74 and a third card was even at 75-75.

Martinez landed 73 of 270 punches; Arcon was 69 of 276.

Martinez, 141 lbs of Dallas, TX is 8-0-1. Acone, 139.4 lbs of San Juan De Los Morron, VEN is 10-0-1.

Despite being outlanded, Brian Mendoza won a 10-round unanimous decision over Thomas LaManna in a super welterweight fight.

At the end of round three, LaManna hurt Mendoza with a hard right to the side of the head.

In round four, Mendoza was cut over the left eye from an accidental headbutt.

LaManna seemed to have banked some early rounds, but Mendoza came on in the final rounds.

In round nine, LaManna was cut over his right eye from a punch.

LaManna landed 189 of 704 punches; Mendoza was 171 of 539.

Mendoza, 153.8 lbs of Albuquerque, NM won by scores of 98-92 twice and 96-94 and is now 19-1. LaManna, 153.8 lbs of Millville, NJ is 28-4-1.

Justin Pauldo won a eight-round unanimous decision over Josec Ruiz in a super lightweight fight.

Pauldo landed 139 of 443 punches; Ruiz was 89 of 333.

Pauldo, 138.2 lbs of Orlando, FL won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice, and is now 14-1. Ruiz, 137.8 lbs of Miami, FL is 21-4-3.