Medzhid Bektemirov Breaks Down Johnson in Three

By Peter Lim

Light heavyweight Medzhid Bektemirov (13-0, 10 KOs) methodically broke down a survival-minded William Johnson (10-33-2, 3 KOs) and stopped him in the third round. Johnson fought most of the bout with his gloves glued to his cheeks and elbows tucked in. Bektemirov did the only thing he could and that was pummel away at the fortification until it cracked.
 
For three rounds the Russian slammed short, compact punches from both sides into Johnson's arms, gloves and elbows that created openings for vicious shots to the ribcage. The attrition got to Williams in the third round when he crumpled to the canvass after a particularly punishing barrage. His corner stepped onto the apron to capitulate while the count was being administered.
 
The fight was staged by Savarese Boxing Promotions.
 
Lightweight Omar Tello (4-0, 3 KOs) went the distance for the first time, winning a four-round decision over Wilbert Mitchell (1-10).
 
Welterweight Rogelio de la Torre (11-4, 5 KOs) dropped Khalik Memminger (6-12-3, 3 KOs) in the first round en route to a six round unanimous decision.
 
Southpaw Jon Baladez (3-0, 1 KO) outpointed Rogelio Moreno (1-2) over four rounds in a featherweight bout.
 
Featherweight Marc Torres (2-0, 2 KOs) dropped Gervacia Cotton (0-1) for the full count with a flurry of punches in the first round.
 
Junior middleweight Rocky Rico (1-0, 1 KO) deployed a combination to the head and body to stop Shyheen Davenport (0-1) in the first round.
 
And southpaw Josue Morales (1-0-1) outpointed Robert Ledesma (0-3) over four rounds in a junior featherweight bout.