After a flash and unsuccessful 2-month campaign in Europe, in which he lost 3 fights, 2 of them by knockout, Panamanian welterweight Samir Cuentas (5-7, 0 KOs) was barely accepted as an opponent for Mexican-American Abram “El Colorado” Martinez (12-3-1, 10 KOs) for the vacant Central American title of the World Boxing Association (FedeCentro).
The Boxing Commission of Colón, Cuentas’ hometown, approved the fight for 8 rounds as the main event of the entertaining six bout Zona de Guerra card, promoted by Roberto Duran’s son, Victor Roberto “Brambri” Duran on Friday night at the historic “Panama” Al Brown Arena.
As expected, Martinez, the favorite, looked powerful, moving forward from the start, while Samir retreated very cautiously during rounds one and two, until he gradually gained confidence to turn the fight into a very competitive one, pleasing the audience which was 99% in his favor.
In the seventh round Cuentas knocked the Mexican down with a straight right punch. The crowd exploded in support, giving him enough energy to also dominate the 8th and win by split decision. One judge scored 76-75 for Martinez but the other two were closer to reality and gave the fight to Samir Cuentas 77-74.
In a rematch fight, Marvin “La Mole” Mendoza (7-2-2, 1 KO) successfully defended his Panamanian heavyweight title by unanimous decision over Abdiel Matute 3-3, 1 KO) The judges scored 78-72, 77-73, 76-74.
Lightweights Tony “El Patriota” Gomez (14-12-3, 7 KOs), from Venezuela and local Ernesto “The Problem” Marin (9-2-1, 5 KOs), fought to a 6-round draw. (59-55, 55-59, 57-57).
In a fight between welterweight debutants, Jasem “El Educado” Bustamante, from Colon, defeated Gregorio Ayarza from Veracruz, West Panama, by unanimous decision (40-36, 39-37, 39-37).
Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran and current WBA welterweight champion Rolando Romero in attendance.
