Greatest Boxing

In a highly anticipated showdown at the Fox Theatre on Saturday night, Luis Nery emerged victorious in a thrilling 11th-round knockout against Azat Hovhannisyan. The bout, a WBC junior featherweight title elimination clash, exceeded the high expectations set by fans and media alike, delivering relentless action from start to finish.

Nery, hailing from Tijuana, Mexico, improved his record to 34-1 with 26 knockouts, methodically breaking down Hovhannisyan before a lively and supportive crowd. The fight’s intense pace was evident from the second round, as both fighters unleashed a flurry of punches, setting the tone for the high-volume exchanges that followed.

By the third round, Nery’s relentless offense began to show its effects on Hovhannisyan, causing noticeable swelling around both of his eyes. Despite the damage, Hovhannisyan fought back valiantly, connecting with punches that Nery quickly countered with sharp combinations. The battle continued with Hovhannisyan pressing Nery against the ropes in the fourth round, landing a barrage of punches to the head. Hovhannisyan was so eager to fight in round five he forgot his mouthpiece.

As the fight progressed into the middle rounds, Nery’s accuracy and power began to take a toll on Hovhannisyan. A cut opened up along Hovhannisyan’s right eye, and blood started trickling from his nose. Despite the injuries, Hovhannisyan continued to press forward, targeting Nery’s body with powerful shots.

The seventh round featured electrifying exchanges, but Nery’s punches seemed more effective, gradually wearing down his resilient opponent. In the eighth round, Hovhannisyan briefly regained momentum with a series of right hands that caught Nery’s attention.

However, the punishment accumulated by Hovhannisyan began to show. Late in the 10th round, Nery dropped Hovhannisyan with a combination, though he managed to beat the count and continued fighting until the bell.

The 11th round saw Hovhannisyan launching an aggressive attack, but Nery responded with a sudden barrage that stunned his opponent. Referee Ray Corona stepped in to halt the bout at 1:51, securing Nery’s knockout victory.

Hovhannisyan, originally from Yerevan, Armenia, and now residing in Los Angeles, saw his record fall to 21-4 with 17 knockouts. The 34-year-old fighter had previously won seven consecutive fights before Saturday’s bout.

This victory solidifies Nery’s status as a top contender, setting the stage for an exciting future in the 122-pound division.

The fight was worthy of the Ring Magazine’s Fight of the Year.