Former WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (23-0-1, 16 KOs), of the Dominican Republic, scored a third-round TKO over Mexico’s Manuel Castro (12-3, 11 KOs) last Saturday (November 16) on the undercard of the Arce vs. Carmona event at the Domo of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
With Fortuna in complete control throughout, the referee finally stopped the fight after an unanswered barrage. Unfortunately, seconds before the action was halted, Fortuna was cut for nine stitches by a head butt.
Fortuna’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, says his 24-year-old fighter has found new focus, working with new trainer Hector Bermudez in Troy, New York.
“Javier looked very sharp in his first fight with Bermudez. He is ready to challenge anyone in the world at 126 or 130. With his new training techniques, he can do either division easily.”
Also on the undercard that night, fellow Dominican super featherweight Braulio “El Chavo” Rodriguez moved to 15-0, 15 KOs when Mexico’s Oscar Arenas (26-8, 23 KOs) did not answer the bell for the fourth round.
It was truly a breakthrough performance for Rodriquez in Mexico, as he won over the Mexican fans with his showmanship and power-punching fists. Entering the ring to boos, he left to chants of “You are Mexican. You are Mexican.”
“Braulio Rodriguez is a future star in boxing,” continued Lewkowicz. “He has the kind of TV-friendly, unorthodox style that people appreciate, even ones who don’t know him yet. He won that crowd over with his unique ability.”