RINGSIDE REPORT: Gervonta Davis Brutalizes Hugo Ruiz

On a very chilly night at Dignity Health Sports Park (formerly known as the StubHub Center), Premier Boxing Champions and TGB Promotions made every effort to give fans their money worth since the main event that was originally billed was changed due to a last minute injury to Abner Mares.

The main event was between Gervonta “Tank” Davis (20-0) and Hugo “Cuatito” Ruiz (39-4) for the WBA Super Featherweight title.

Ten months ago, Davis beat Jesus Cuellar in the third round by TKO which earned him the Super version of the WBA Super Featherweight title.

Hugo Ruiz was seen less than a month ago fighting on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs Adrian Broner. When the opportunity came up for someone to fill in for the injured Mares, Ruiz did not hesitate at all and jumped on the world title opportunity.

Gervonta “Tank” Davis (20-0) vs. Hugo Ruiz (39-4)

Davis started the round with a straight right jab to Ruiz’s stomach. Davis kept touching him to the body and when it was the right time, unleashed serious combinations to the head while still being smart enough to take a step back and not get caught with a counter. Davis landed a big right hook that sent Ruiz to the canvas and when he got up, he was in no condition to continue and the referee, Jack Reiss, stopped the fight. Gervonta “Tank” Davis wins by knockout with a Grammy award type of performance.

Co-Main: Mario Barrios (22-0) vs. Richard Zamora (19-2)

Barrios started with a good lead left jab in the first round that followed with a overhand right. In the second round, Barrios was landing a hard right hand upstairs but Zamora was trying to time him with a counter right of his own. In the third, it was Barrios’ left uppercut followed by the straight right hand that dominated the round. Barrios continued with that combination in the fourth which led to a knockout in the fourth round. Mario Barrios is a guy that gained some fans tonight with that performance.

Javier Fortuna (33-2-1) vs. Sharif Bogere (32-1)

To open the showtime telecast, Javier Fortuna battled with Sharif Bogere. The fight was a bit underwhelming as both men had a hard time to get going. In round six, Fortuna scored a knockdown but was unable to close the show. The fight continued with Fortuna having more moments leading with the jab and countering with his right. The fight went to the scorecards and Javier Fortuna won by unanimous decision. (96-93,96-93,96-93)

Erickson Lubin (19-1) vs. Ishe Smith (29-10) 

This one started out really slow as Lubin was touching Ishe with the right jab throughout the round. In the second, it was the left hook to the ear that sent Ishe Smith to the canvas. This knockdown was followed by two other knockdowns in the same round. In the third round, Lubin caught Smith with a right hand for the knockdown towards the end of the round. Ishe Smith did not come back out for the fourth as the referee called a halt to the fight giving Erickson Lubin the knockout victory. Ishe said afterwards on social he was retiring.

This evening was filled with good action fights that would quench the thirst of any boxing fan. Although the event was outside and the temperature dipped into the low 40’s, the action in the ring was enough to generate enough heat to warm up the very electric crowd this Saturday night.

You can follow me on twitter @abeg718 for ringside coverage of club shows and main events along with interviews with prospects and world champions.