Photo credited Clarissa Noyola Martinez
Two undefeated prospects continued their winning ways in San Antonio this past weekend. Javier Fernandez, of San Antonio, moved his perfect record to 11-0 (7), scoring a third-round TKO of tough veteran Rafael Reyes of New Mexico. Fernandez patiently stalked forward from his traditional wide base. He successfully forced Reyes backward and was able to find the distance, and began attacking the body. The Alamo City native stayed downstairs to the body, breaking Reyes down. By round two the body shots were taking their toll and the New Mexican began to slow. Fernandez started unleashing heavy shots on Reyes to the head and body. One particular uppercut caught his attention, and it became obvious that the veteran was breaking down. The San Antonian kept pressuring and digging body shots. One after another landed on the body of Reyes who was badly hurt and later deducted a point for holding. Fernadez put together another extended rally moments later that left Reyes unable to answer. Referee Gregorio Alvarez finally came in and waved off the bout giving Fernandez a 3rd TKO victory and extending his winning streak to 11.
On the undercard was 17-year-old featherweight phenome "Gatito" Felix Garcia of Laredo boxed beautifully in shutting out an overmatch Alexis Cardona. The Laredoan worked behind a quick and accurate jab. He was able to force Cardona backward and work on the inside. Scoring power shots that affected Cardona. Garcia mixed up head and body shots to perfection. He seamlessly cut off the ring, keeping his man backed up against the ropes. When he had his man's back to the ropes, he unleashed right hands and left hooks to the body of Cardona. "Gatito" gave his opponent no time to breathe or relax as stayed on the attack throughout the four-round affair. Garcia continued unleashing heavy artillery that had his opponents backed into the ropes and slowing down from the collection of body shots. One left hook in particular, in the third round, staggered Cardona. Leaving him defenseless as Garcia teed off with a whirlwind of power shots and gunned for a stoppage. Cardona survived the moment, but the writing was on the wall. Cardona, however, refused to go quietly and had his best moment just as the fourth round began. A left hook caught Garcia flush on the chain. However, the success was short-lived, as Garcia walked right through the shot and was unphased. The Laredo native stayed aggressive and continued coming forward. Closing the show like a seasoned veteran, the teenage sensation stayed on top of Cardona and buckled him with an uppercut in the corner. That led to another prolonged rally, as Garcia rolled to the UD victory, winning every round on every card, 40-36 x3. Moving his record to 4-0 (1).