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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
