Carina Moreno to defend her title

By DANIEL CÁSAREZ / Vida En El Valle
(Published Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 09:05AM)

LEMOORE -- Top-ranked straw-weight female boxer Carina Moreno promises a return to her fans at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino.

Moreno watched the main event as Lowell Brownfield impressed spectators after 10 rounds against favored Don Juan Futrell for the World Boxing Council USNBC junior welterweight title. Judges ended the lightweight bout at a draw, keeping the title vacant.

Eager boxing fans were hoping to see Moreno defend her WBC straw-weight title, but promoter Christian Printup thought it best that she rest due to a recent defense.

"I just fought two weeks ago," said Moreno, who lives in Watsonville. "I thought I was ready, but Christian said to just wait until August."

Moreno won a unanimous decision over Eileen Olszewski in a June 13 pay-per-view televised event at the Isleta Casino in Albuquerque, New México.

"It was my first time on television and it was real exciting. It was an all-female card and a great show," added Moreno. "I wanted to be here tonight to fight, but we couldn't take a chance just in case of injuries."

Moreno will defend her IBF straw-weight title against challenger Yahaira Martínez of Puerto Rico on Aug. 21.

Other fight cards

Ana Julation improved to 3-0 and 1 KO after Salina Jordan's (2-5) corner threw in the towel after just 37 seconds of the first round in their super bantamweight bout.

Dewey Cooper (16-1-3) and Terrence Smith (5-6-2) fought to the evening's second draw in their cruiserweight bout.

Tony Hirsch (6-1-1 and 3 KOs) dropped Musapha Johnson (5-5-1) at 2:42 of the second round of their middleweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

Mike Dallas (3-0) defeated Christopher Finley (0-1) in a welterweight bout.

Rico Ramos (4-0, 3 KOs) defeated Harvey Phillips (0-5) by way of a technical knockout after the first round of their scheduled four-round super bantamweight bout.

James Ventry (6-4-1) won by unanimous decision over Kelly Wright (4-6) after six rounds of their welterweight bout.

Send e-mail to: dcasarez@vidaenelvalle.com