Ringside report – Cave (Rome)
Last night at the Palasport in Cave (Rome), ahead of the vacant EBU Silver Flyweight title bout between Manuel Rizzieri and France’s Rakyb Mohamed Radji, A&B Events – Team Magnesi put together an entertaining undercard for the large crowd in attendance.
The evening opened with light heavyweight Ahmed Boughriba, in his third professional fight, taking on Moldovan Cristi Baluta over six rounds.
After a cautious start, Boughriba stepped on the gas, landing with ease to both head and body. Baluta was immediately in trouble and, before the end of the first round, was given a standing count by the referee.
In the second round, the Moldovan showed he did not have the tools to match his opponent. He tried an extreme defensive approach, circling along the ropes, but could not avoid the punches. At the two-minute mark he collapsed to the canvas.
Ahmed Boughriba won by knockout.
The second bout featured featherweights Gian Marco Caratelli of Cori (Latina), in his fourth professional fight, against Colombian southpaw Jeison Cervantes, now based in Valencia.
In the first round, Caratelli easily took center ring. Under constant pressure, Cervantes was forced to look for escape routes.
In the second, Cervantes used his mobility and experience to slip Caratelli’s attacks and attempted counter combinations, yet he still had to absorb the steady pressure of the Italian.
In the third, both fighters tried to break through each other’s guard, but Caratelli appeared sharper. He increased the pressure, attempting to cut off the ring and trap Cervantes on the ropes.
In the fourth, Cervantes tried to showcase his repertoire but lacked accuracy. Fatigue began to show, with frequent clinches and limited excitement.
The fifth round mirrored the fourth for the first minute. Then a sudden burst from Caratelli forced the Colombian onto the ropes, where he absorbed a powerful left hook. It was only a flare-up, however, as Cervantes managed to slip away—though moments later he had to endure another assault on the ropes, saved by the bell.
In the final round, the pace slowed. Confident he had built a sufficient lead, Caratelli controlled the center of the ring while Cervantes struggled to find solutions.
Victory on points for the fighter from Cori.
In the super lightweight division, Charlemagne “Charly” Metonyekpon, based in Castelfidardo and awaiting the date of his official EBU European title challenge, faced Colombian Andres Perez in the third bout of the night. “Charly” was returning to the ring after winning the IBF International Super Lightweight title by unanimous decision last November 8, defeating Venezuelan José Rivas in Osimo.
In the first round, Perez, unfazed, tried to claim center ring, working behind the jab and throwing combinations. Metonyekpon maintained a solid guard. Round to Perez.
In the second, Perez continued to press, but his efforts were neutralized by “Charly’s” defense, while the Italian was sharper in his counters. Round to Metonyekpon.
In the third, though lacking his usual explosiveness, Metonyekpon looked more determined. He landed first to the liver, then with precise shots to the head. Perez became more static—clear signs that the punches had taken effect. Another round for “Charly,” who continued his wearing-down work in the fourth. Perez appeared tested.
At the start of the penultimate round, Perez seemed rejuvenated and came out determined. He tried to pierce “Charly’s” guard but lacked accuracy. Round to him for heart and effort.
In the sixth, despite visible fatigue, both fighters tried to honor the ring. We scored it even.
In the end, a narrow but deserved points victory for Charlemagne “Charly” Metonyekpon.
The crowd buzzed in anticipation of the co-main event. The arena erupted when the ring announcer called the event’s promoter and WBC number one contender at super featherweight, Michael “Lone Wolf” Magnesi (26-2-0). He faced Argentina’s tough Marcos Gabriel “La Maquinita” Martinez (23-7-0) in an eight-round intercontinental bout. In Magnesi’s corner was coach Gesumino Aglioti. Applause also accompanied Martinez’s entrance, with the crowd standing during the Argentine national anthem.
Round One
Magnesi immediately hunted his man, pressing from the opening bell. Martinez sought refuge on the ropes, where he displayed solid defensive skills. In exchanges at center ring, however, the Argentine paid the price, absorbing clean shots to the face. (10–9 Magnesi)
Round Two
“Lone Wolf” followed the same strategy, targeting the body more frequently. Martinez refused to retreat and tried to answer back. (20–18 Magnesi)
Round Three
Martinez was quickly driven to the ropes, though both worked well at close range. Mid-round, the Argentine managed to bring the fight back to center ring. Magnesi appeared more efficient. (30–27 Magnesi)
Round Four
Constant pressure from “Lone Wolf,” looking to trap Martinez and unleash combinations. The Argentine remained reactive and defensively sharp. Limited thrills. (40–36 Magnesi)
Round Five
A carbon copy of the fourth. (50–45 Magnesi)
Round Six
Low-paced round with only sporadic attacks from both sides. We scored it even. (60–55 Magnesi)
Round Seven
Relentless pressure from Magnesi, but Martinez stayed alert. Pressure versus vigilance. (70–64 Magnesi)
Final Three Minutes
Mutual respect and caution prevailed. Few risks were taken, with isolated punches. Defensive awareness reduced the spectacle and the excitement. (80–73 Magnesi)
Michael “Lone Wolf” Magnesi won by unanimous decision.
Martinez, a reactive fighter with excellent defensive skills, proved a solid test for Magnesi, who is steadily moving closer to his big day—the world title opportunity.