Torres takes care of business, Cabral win UBO intercontinental title

Josh “Pitbull” Torres closed out Legacy Promotions’ “Summer Heat” card with a dominant eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Jose Valenzuela Alvarado Friday night at Embassy Suites.

Torres improved to 31-7 with two draws by sweeping the scorecards, 80-72 on all three judges’ cards.

The Albuquerque fan favorite showcased his veteran poise against the unorthodox Alvarado, who entered the bout as a late replacement. While Torres controlled the action from start to finish, Alvarado’s awkward style and remarkable durability made him a difficult opponent to look impressive against. Entering the fight, Alvarado had been stopped just once in his 34-fight professional career, and once again proved to be as tough as they come.

“I knew I had to use my experience against a veteran like Alvarado,” Torres said after the fight. “There were a few times I got frustrated, but I couldn’t let it show.”

Torres said he hopes the victory leads to a major fight with Legacy Promotions before the end of the year, with December being his target.

In the co-main event, Cristian Cabral captured the vacant UBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship with an eight-round unanimous decision over Martin Solano.

Cabral controlled much of the bout behind relentless pressure and a steady attack. However, he was forced to overcome adversity in the fourth round when Solano landed a quick right hand that scored a knockdown. Cabral quickly regained control and continued pressing the action for the remainder of the contest. Solano fought courageously and showed plenty of heart but lacked the power to keep Cabral from coming forward.

The judges scored the bout 76-75, 77-74 and 77-74, all in favor of Cabral. With the victory, Cabral improved to 12-2 with five knockouts and two draws, while Solano fell to 6-1 with two knockouts.

Clinton Chavez earned a hard-fought six-round unanimous decision over Wesley Vanderlinden.

The fight was competitive throughout, but three point deductions against Vanderlinden proved costly on the scorecards. Chavez remained composed and did enough to secure the victory as the judges scored the bout 58-54, 57-55 and 59-53, all for Chavez.

German Ponce earned a dominant four-round unanimous decision over the durable David Quiros.

Ponce controlled the action from the outset, landing crisp combinations and dictating the pace throughout the fight. Quiros showed plenty of toughness by going the distance but was unable to generate enough offense to slow Ponce’s attack. The judges awarded Ponce the unanimous decision by scores of 40-35, 40-35 and 40-36.

Opening the card, Shaun Henson made a successful return to the ring after an extended layoff, stopping Jovan Salcida at the 2:33 mark of the second round.

Henson (3-6, 2 KOs) used his size advantage over the pro debuting Salcida from the opening bell. He controlled the first round with heavy right hands and body shots before ending the bout in the second with a crushing right hand that prompted the referee to stop the contest.

The event was promoted by Legacy Promotions, the Hall of Fame promoters, who once again showcased Albuquerque’s boxing talent. Following another successful night of professional boxing, Legacy Promotions looks forward to returning with another event in the future to continue highlighting the city’s deep pool of local talent.

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