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Steve KimESPN
Clay Collard handed David Kaminsky his first professional loss with a split decision by the scores of 58-56, 56-58 and 58-56 in a fast-paced super middleweight contest on the Gabriel Flores Jr.-Josec Ruiz undercard at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.
But while it looked close on the judges’ cards, in reality, it was Collard (7-2-3, 2 KOs) who was clearly in control of things with his determination and activity. From the start of the fight Collard was able to back up Kaminsky (6-1, 3 KOs), who was never able to keep up with Collard’s work rate or land that particular punch that would blunt his aggression.
Kaminsky, a southpaw, did land his share of punches and a few body shots seemed to affect Collard. But he was unable to get out of the way of the punches of Collard, a fighter who just keeps coming. Kaminsky is the third consecutive undefeated fighter Collard has defeated recently.
“The key to victory is to keep pushing, will to win,” said Collard, 27, who has a deep MMA background. “Just get after him, stay after him, don’t show that you’re hurt, don’t show that you’re tired, don’t show nothing. Show up, and will that win.”
Which is precisely what he did.
Kaminski was taken to a local hospital after the fight for precautionary reasons.
“He is fine,” Egis Klimas, Kaminski’s manager said via text. “Head scan done at UMC [Universal Medical Center], no blood no hematoma. He’s all right.”
According to ESPN reporter Bernardo Osuna, “Kaminski remains under observation while his facial lacerations are being tended to.”
Frevian Gonzalez wins unanimous decision over Jose Martinez
Junior lightweight Frevian Gonzalez (3-0, 1 KO) remained undefeated by scoring a four-round unanimous decision against Jose Martinez (2-1, 1 KO) in a close fight that seemed to be up for grabs going into the final round. But it was Gonzalez, who boxed from both the orthodox and southpaw stance throughout the bout, who pulled away in the fourth round, as he landed clean right hands from the outside.
After the final bell, it was Gonzalez on top by the scores of 39-37 (twice) and 40-36.
Robert Rodriguez stops Adrian Servin
Bantamweight Robert Rodriguez scored an impressive second-round stoppage of Adrian Servin in a matchup of two undefeated boxers. Rodriguez (8-0-1, 4 KOs), a southpaw trained by Robert Garcia, got going in the second round after a relatively subdued beginning in the opening stanza. He first floored Servin (9-1-1, 3 KOs) with a right hook to the head, which was set up by a straight left to the body.
After Servin took the mandatory eight count, he was then struck by another barrage of punches from Rodriguez against the ropes, forcing referee Robert Hoyle to stop the fight at 2:48 of the round.
Victor Rodriguez dominates Justin Horsley
Junior welterweight Victor Rodriguez defeated Justin Horsley over four rounds to remain undefeated. Rodriguez (3-0, 1 KOs) a tall right hander, had the superior technique and was able to land his right hand more consistently as the night went on. While Horsley (0-2) gave an honest effort, he simply didn’t have the skills to challenge Rodriguez, who won by the scores of 40-36 on all three cards.