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Undercard Recap: Cuello Pulls Out Win, Moton Shines
Seven undercard fights supporting Saturday’s Benavidez vs. Morrell Jr. card in Las Vegas are in the books, with several prospects showing off the talents they hope will put them in the main event someday. The fights aired as part of a free preview prior to the four-fight card available on Prime Video and PPV.com
Cuello Digs Down To Remain Undefeated
Undefeated Argentine Olympian Mirco Cuello (15-0, 13 KOs) got a serious scare from Mexican contender Christian Olivo of San Diego via Hermosillo (22-2, 9 KOs). Cuello dug down with the fight slipping through his hands to score a TKO win in the tenth and final round of the featherweight matchup.
Olivo, who calls countryman Juan Manuel Marquez his role model, got out to a swift start as the more aggressive fighter. He caught and dropped Olivo in the third round, the first knockdown of Cuello’s career. Olivo continued to fight aggressively behind classic Marquez-style counterpunching and accurate jabs.
Cuello fought from behind and stayed competitive every round but was seriously outworked by Olivo. In a fight that was surely close on the cards, both corners urged the fighters to win the final round.
With his status as a top prospect in the division on the line, Cuello took a page from Olivo’s playbook and landed a hard right hook to the body. Olivo got to his feet, only to get dropped by the same punch seconds later. Olivo rose again, but referee Chris Flores waved off the fight at 2:01 of the 12th round.
Hernandez Cruises To Victory
WBA top-ranked middleweight contender Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez of Providence via Cuba (7-0, 7 KOs) took care of business against all-action contender Angel Ruiz of Mexico (18-4-1, 13 KOs) with a seventh-round TKO. Hernandez, a talented Cuban amateur, pummeled Ruiz behind an uppercut that couldn’t miss. Referee Allen Huggins finally decided Ruiz had taken enough for one day. He hadn’t won a round.
This was Hernandez’s fifth fight in a year since turning pro. He’s on the fast track in a middleweight division crying for someone with talent to turn into a star.
Curmel Moton Continues His Rise
Sensational top prospect Curmel Moton of Las Vegas (7-0, 6 KOs) was a late addition to Saturday’s card. In the opening fight on the Prime Video streaming lineup, Moton scored a third-round TKO against Frank Zaldivar of Miami (5-2, 3 KOs).
Moton, promoted by Floyd Mayweather, is still just 18 years old. His talents are already apparent and the upside for Moton is massive as long as he stays on track and stays focused. Previous problems making weight are the only warning sign flashing.
Additional Undercard Results
Jose Benavidez Jr. of Phoenix (29-3-1, 20 KOs) got Team Benavidez off to a good start with a fifth-round TKO win over journeyman Danny Rosenberger of Youngstown, Ohio (20-10-4, 10 KOs). Benavidez Jr., who’s better known for his on-screen roles, was well ahead on the cards when the fight was stopped.
Super middleweight John Easter of Las Vegas (8-0, 7 KOs) made his hometown fans happy with a decision win over Joseph Aguilar of Portland, Oregon (6-3-1, 3 KOs). “The Candyman” Easter is starting to get attention as a promising talent in the competitive super middleweight division.
Super middleweight Daniel Blancas of Milwaukee (12-0, 5 KOs) handed Juan Barajas of Victorville, California (11-1-2, 7 KOs) his first defeat via a lopsided unanimous decision. Scores were 80-72, 80-72, and 79-73.
Super featherweight prospect Gabriella Tellez of San Antonio (4-0, 1 KOs) stays undefeated with a majority decision over fellow Texan Abril Anguiano (4-1, 2 KOs).
