By: Matthew N. Becher
Live from the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts, Premier Boxing Champions presents its latest installment on NBC Sports Network. With two fights, one in the Super Bantamweight division against the heavy handed Jonathan Guzman (19-0 19 KO) who has won all of his professional fights by knockout and has yet to be taken passed the 6th round by any of his opponents will take on the strong chinned Danny Aquino (17-2 10KO), who has never been knocked out in a fight and will look to push Guzman to his limit.
The Main event is a rematch. Taking place in the Welterweight division, Gabriel Bracero (23-2 4KO) is a 34 year old veteran who gave his opponent Danny O’Connor (26-2 10 KO) his first professional loss by Unanimous Decision in April of 2011 in Laredo, Texas. O’Connor, a Massachusetts born boy, will look to use the hometown advantage to avenge a loss that has bothered him so much, he has the date and name of Bracero tattooed onto his arm, a reminder of business he has to finish.
Jonathan Guzman (19-0 19KO) vs. Danny Aquino (17-2 10KO): Super Bantamweight
Danny Aquino was supposed to be the toughest test of Jonathan Guzman’s early career. And as far as we were concerned, he certainly was. Guzman was in control for the entire fight, but Aquino showed great will and heart, and continued to come forward and try and fight back.
Guzman used a counter left that put Aquino on the canvas with about 2 minutes left in the second round. Aquino jumped up quickly at the 3 count and was able to stave off a Guzman attack that would have put many of his former foes out on their feet. Aquino was knocked down for a second time later in the round, but eventually was able to make it to the bell.
Aquino continued to try and be aggressive, but he just did not have the power to compete with Guzman. Guzman was very patient and his shots were powerful and precise.
Guzman was taken into the 6th round for the first time in his career and it did not seem to bother him at all. He stayed the course and was able to land a straight right that staggered Aquino and then a follow up right that put Aquino down in the ninth round, and the ref had seen enough, waiving of the fight without even bothering to count.
1:19 9th round Guzman TKO
Danny O’Connor (26-2 10KO) vs. Gabriel Bracero (23-2 4KO): Welterweight
This fight was a rematch that wasn’t supposed to be a rematch. Bracero beat O’Connor 4 years ago in a one sided unanimous decision. O’Connor was the favorite now, bringing in the man who gave him his first professional loss to exact revenge, and prove that he is a different man, and a different fighter.
As soon as the bell rang, Danny O’Connor came out quickly pumping out his jab. But in an instant, 41 seconds into the fight, Bracero, the man with only 4 Knockouts in his career landed an overhand right that caught O’Connor directly on the chin, knocking O’Connor unconscious, laying on the canvas.
No count was needed. No rematch will be needed. And quite possible Bracero has revamped his career with a knockout of the year candidate.
0:41 KO1 Bracero