By Richard Cloutier

At the Claude-Robillard Center in Montreal, Ali Nestor Charles (11-5-2) scored a knockout victory at 3:00 of the fifth round over Californian Edgar Ruiz (22-10-1). Charles, although overwhelmed a few times, took the time to settle himself into the fight and got rid of his rival in a big way, which allowed him to get his hands on the vacant WBC Latino middleweight title.

In the main supporting bout, lightweight Arash Usmanee (14-0-0) was busy dealing with Argentinian opponent Sergio Javier Escobar (14-12-2), who proved to be a very tough opponent. Usmanee finished strong and won by unanimous decision.

Junior welterweight Tony Luis (12-0-0) dominated his opponent, Argentine Miguel Dario Lombardo (15-11-1). The latter bowed out by TKO at 1:28 of the fourth round after getting dropped several times.

"He showed great heart and courage," said Tony Luis to BoxingScene.com/Netboxe.com, following his victory. "I am very happy with my fight, but I was out of the ring for too long. Six months is too long."

Asked about his future plans, Tony Luis clearly showed his colors: "I should be fighting again in September on the upcoming event organized for Ali Nestor, probably for a North American title. I'd fight for the national title, if we could find a Canadian opponent who is willing to climb in the ring against me. What I would love is to face the winner of the fight between Benoit Gaudet and Logan McGuinness, who are fighting in August in Toronto."

As for the preliminary, the young junior welterweight prospect Roody Pierre-Paul (3-0-0) had a violent KO victory over veteran Victor Daniel Zampatti (5-18-2) of Argentina in the second round. However, it was surprising that in the first he found himself on the mat the end of round.

"I tried to get him with a combination, but he hit me on the temple with a hook. So I lost my legs. After five seconds, everything came back to me, but it could have been dangerous," recounted the young boxer to BoxingScene.com/Netboxe.com following the fight.

"Fortunately, the guys in my corner made me refocus. They told me what to do, I did it  and he finished the fight on the floor. But it was a dangerous fight. he hit really hard! His jabs hurt. In fact, all of his punches hurt me. Except he had no stamina. It was a good learning experience for me. I am proud to have made this fight!"