Casal sets Torrevieja boxing fans alight

Sport » Boxing

Kevin Reardon / 2005-06-30 16:13:22

Friday evening saw probably the biggest boxing bonanza that Torrevieja has ever seen. Boxers from all over Spain and the rest of Europe competed in what can only be described as a fantastic night of fighting. The competition was promoted by Canal + TV in conjunction with Puccini, the Italian Affair, La Cantina and Grupo Rubio and was held at the Torrevieja Sports Palace. The majority of the 4,000 fans had turned up to support local boxer, Emiliano Casal. This was a fight of major importance for Emiliano which, if he won, would pave the way to a pro career. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd awaited the first bout of the evening.

It featured Gustava Arariei against an opponent from Alicante, Sergio Candel. Candel set out his intentions from the start. He commanded the centre of the ring and was always in control with Arariei defending well but not well enough to stop the telling body shots which rocked him back on his heels on a number of occasions in the first few seconds of the first round. It only took until the second minute until Arariei had to take a standing count after a good right hook from Candel. The second round saw the Alicante champion coming out strongly to continue with the good work. He was not having it all his own way though, Arariei fought back well using the jab, jab cross combination to such an effect that the fight was stopped in the second minute to tend to the cut that had appeared over Candel's left eye. His corner worked frantically to repair the damage and to allow the fight to continue. Patched up and ready to go again the round continued to be closely fought with each man landing a barrage of effective shots to both the head and body. In the third round Candel's rib crunching body shots were taking their toll on Arariei. The round had to be stopped to treat the cut over Candel's eye as it had opened up from a number of shots that Arariei had landed to Candel's head. The fourth and final three minutes saw both men come out with only one thing on their mind and that was winning the fight with a knock out. However, after a barrage of shots from Candel which nearly took Arariei's head off his shoulders, the fight had to be stopped with only 38 seconds on the clock because Arariei had developed a cut just below his left eye. He was treated and returned to the round. After a blistering assault from Candel, the ref jumped in to give Arariei a standing count of eight before allowing him to continue. The forth round finished as it had started with both men giving one hundred percent to try and finish the match before the bell, but that was not going to be the case. The bell rang with both athletes exhausted from the efforts. The judges' cards in, the champion from Alicante, Candel was named as the victor.

A superb start to the night's entertainment. Then the roof came off. The next fight up was Emiliano Casal against his opponent Valencino. The first few minutes of the first round saw a cautious start from both men trying to find their range. Emiliano had the height, and reach advantage over his shorter smaller opponent. Emiliano landed a number a left jabs to his opponents head but none of which were enough to trouble the strong boxer from Holland. The first round finished with both men having connected with a number of good shots. The second round saw Valencino on the attack straight away Valencino, being the smaller of the two boxers started to find his way inside Emiliano's guard and delivered a number of blows to the body, but Casal started to get the jab, jab cross combination which was having it's effect on the head of Valencino. Casal had started to work out how to keep Valencino out at arms reach and not allow him inside. A good second round for the local man after a slow start, but his opponent was certainly not making it an easy match. The third round started with punishing body shots from Valencino. Casal's corner was encouraging him to use the jab, cross combination to better effect. Casal continued to toil with the difficult bobbing and weaving of Valencino which did on occasion cause Casal's some difficulties and at one point saw him with his back to the ropes desperately trying to protect him and move out of a difficult few seconds. He managed to break free with a number of punishing shots to the side of Valencino's body.

The forth round started with both men stringing together a volley of punches but Casal's left jab and right cross combination served him well and saw him take the majority of points in the last round. The judges' cards in, saw Casal crowned as the winner over his opponent. The place erupted as local man leapt about the ring in sheer delight. After the match I asked Emiliano how he felt. He said "I feel fantastic, how could I not, all these people here to support me, my friends and family. It's just a fantastic feeling". "I'm now looking forward to my next fight". Casal's coach, Ulf Johansson said, "It was a difficult fight for Emil. He had to overcome a very talented boxer. I'm very pleased he has won. We can now concentrate on his next fight in Norway on the 18th December.

The quickest fight of the night took place between Antinio Silva and Sergio Karchinko from Alicante. Karchinko knocked his opponent down twice within the first few minutes of the opening round after blistering combinations. Silva showed he had bounce back ability and the round started again only to be stopped by the ref seconds later after a stunning display of power and accurate punching from Karchinko. Karchinko was crowned champion.

Probably the best fight of the night came when Thinga and Santos (El Tigre de Benidorm) took to the ring. Both athletes looked in superb condition. The first round saw the Cameroon born boxer Thinga prove that he was certainly not going to be a push over for the very popular Santos. Thinga's right hooks and jabs to the body of Santos were hit with deadly accuracy but Santos was giving as good as he was getting. The second round saw the Benidorm fighter with his back to the ropes on a number of occasions taking blistering shots from Thinga but he always had an answer fighting his way back into contention in the round. So far it was difficult to score with both boxers exchanging bow for blow. The third round saw both fighters coming out as if they had had enough and wanted it over and done with as early as possible. Thinga was working the body shots and Santos counter punching to move about the ring. A superb round from both boxers again. The start of the fourth round saw Santos land a left hand jab on the chin of Thinga. The momentarily rocked him back but he was soon proving that he could take a big hit by coming back fighting and landing a number of telling blows. A fantastic match between two superb fighters it was a tough decision for the judges to make. With the entire judge's cards in the match was called a draw.

A fantastic night's entertainment for all. The promoters have another boxing bonanza planned for the future which should include British fighters. So if you enjoy boxing, don't miss the next one!