Sunday, April 29, 2012

Spectacular action at Pure Pride

Pure Pride/Puro Orgullo was a spectacular show in Houston, Texas that featured the successful debuts of Regis Prograis and Pablo Cruz. Three of the scheduled six bouts ended in first round devastating knockouts that excited the sold-out crowd.

Regis Prograis, the 2010 Southeast Texas Champion made easy work of his opponent Carl Almirol in the opening round. Progrias was originally scheduled to fight Rovert Lujon for his debut until it was discovered that Lujon was over the Junior Welterweight limit and not allowed by the commission. Almirol a late substitution came prepared and landed two effective hand rights before Prograis was able to quickly adjust and Knockout Almirol by a counter over hand right.

Cruz before opening bell

Pablo Cruz also making his pro debut made very easy work of Daniel Sanchez by opening the first round with a strong left hook to the temple of Sanchez that stunned him. Cruz followed up with a strong right and left hook and was able to dismantle Sanchez with in the opening round.

The co-main event Kimo Rigmaiden of Katy, Texas was upset by Houston local Tyrone Shelders when he was dropped twice in the opening round by two hook-upper cut combinations that left Rigmaiden dazed and unable to continue in the first round. Shelders improved to 9-2 with 6 KOs.

Hernandez and Cruz


In the main event of the evening, Steve Collins (25-2, 18) of Katy Texas when he fought Californian Eric Hernandez (8-5-1) to a controversial draw. Hernandez 6’6 was able to keep Collins at bay with excellent jabs and counter rights. Collins who was able to land hooks to the body, was frustrated by the taller Hernandez who had a substantial reach and picked from the outside. Many in the attendance felt that Hernandez was a victim of robbery and deserved the victory.

In attendance as special guest were Heavyweight boxer Dominick Guinn, Rocky Juarez and 2-time champion Frank Tate.

Puro Orgullo/Pure Pride was promoted by I-Entertainment in Association with O.Z.Productions and ATR Boxing.