TUCSON, AZ – It was a night full of knockouts at the Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater. In the main event, Welterweight prospect Emanuel Robles (15-0, 5 KOs) kept his undefeated record in tact when he prompted a referee stoppage against his opponent, Pipino Cuevas Jr. Robles was in control from the start of the bout and did everything he needed to keep Cuevas at bay. In the third round, a devastating overhand left dropped Cuevas. Many of us ringside observers were surprised he was able to get up from that shot as he was barely able to get to his feet at the count of nine. Immediately following that, his nose bled profusely and he was on wobbly legs in survival mode for the duration of the round. It only took 25 seconds into the fourth round for Robles to finish things off after a barrage of unanswered punches to Cuevas.

The co-main event was also another KO treat for the fans. Phoenix native Keenan Carbajal (11-2-1, 6 KOs) picked up an impressive third round stoppage victory over Lorenzo Trejo of Sonora, Mexico. Trejo is a veteran of almost 70 professional fights and was in Carbajal’s face the entire time. To Carbajal’s credit, he was never flustered in the ring and maintained his composure and control of the fight. Trejo’s small body frame did not allow Carbajal to land as easily as he would have liked due to the constant smothering and shell like defense from Trejo. However, Carbajal adapted quickly and a left hook landed on the top of Trejo’s head the moment he dropped his gloves and the end was near. Moments after the first knock down Trejo complained about a low-blow and was able to shake off some of the effects of the big hook he just took. The time also allowed Carbajal to freshen up a bit, not that he needed it, and was able to drop Trejo two more times in the round before referee Rocky Burke waived off the action.

Also on the card, Randy Moreno of Las Vegas, NV., made his professional debut in the Lightweight division against a very awkward and wild Christopher Turton. Moreno showed a lot of poise in his pro debut against the wild swinging Turton and stuck to his game plan. A hook mid-way through the round dropped Turton, but it was officially ruled a slip. A lot of heavy shots landed near the end of the round and many thought Turton would go down. Before the second round could continue, Turton’s team decided enough was enough and they did not answer the bell for the second round, awarding Moreno with a 1st round TKO victory.

Edgar Ramirez of Mexico made quick work in the heavyweight division with a first round knockout victory over local Tucson fighter, Jesus Santamaria.

The show opened up with a very good battle between Elihu Soto and Yezber Romero. Soto picked up a unanimous decision victory with scores of 40-36 on all three cards. I personally gave the last round to Romero, and the fight was fought at a very good pace with a lot of good exchanges. The tone of the night was definitely set with this one as both men seemed to mirror each other at times with vicious body shots and both having moments of success with their foe against the ropes.

Over all this was another very fun and exciting night at the Casino Del Sol. Much thanks goes to the returning Roy Jones Jr Boxing Promotions, and James Toney Promotions. Both legends also made appearances, playing host to the evening’s action and received a very warm welcome from the Tucson fight fans. The AVA Amphitheater was jam packed, having worked previous events here, this was the biggest crowd I have witnessed in recent years. Speaking with a few local fans in the crowd after the show was over, the excitement level was very high and the demand for another show is definitely apparent.