John Booz
By Jacob Chavez at ringside
In an all-Chicago showdown between former lightweight world champions, David Diaz (35-2-1, 17 KOs) won a majority decision over Jesus Chavez (44-6, 30 KOs) on Saturday night at the UIC Pavilion. It was a very good action fight from start to finish with the fighters often trading shots in the center of the ring. Diaz seemed a little sharper and won 97-93, 96-94 on two cards. The third card was 95-95. It was Diaz’ first fight since losing his WBC belt to Manny Pacquiao 15 months ago. Chavez was returning after a seventh round TKO loss to Michael Katsidis in April.
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Jr lightweight Juan Carlos “El Pez” Martinez (18-11-1, 7 KOs) won an upset ten round unanimous decision over Jose Hernandez (22-6, 14 KOS) by scores of 97-93, 98-92, 98-92.
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Undefeated junior welterweight prospect Ivan Popoca (12-0-1, 8 KOs) scored an impressive six round beatdown of Mike Gonzalez (10-7-1, 9 KOs). Gonzalez fell to the deck just as referee Geno Rodriguez waved it off. Time was 1:34.
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Lightweight Jaime “Superfly” Sandoval (16-4-1, 12 KOs), brother of Jesus Chavez, survived a first round knockdown to edge Oscar De La Cruz (5-8, 2 KOs) by scores of 57-56 on all cards.
