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Salinas needs 5 for latest victory
By Greg Gulas
CAMPBELL
Alejandro “Popo” Salinas did not disappoint local fans during trainer Jack Loew’s annual “Seasons Beatings” fight card at St. Lucy’s Palermo Banquet Center.
He scored a fifth-round TKO over James Lester (10-11-1) of Michigan in Saturday’s main event, one of five professional pairings.
Scheduled for six rounds and originally paired against Fidel Navarette of Chicago, the last-minute change to Lester didn’t seem to bother Salinas, who was in control from the opening bell.
“I know that the fans wanted an early knockout, but I fought a seasoned veteran and he took me to a round where I had never fought before,” Salinas said.
“James was a tough opponent, but in the end I felt that my power and speed were a little too much for him to overcome.”
Salinas won for the fourth consecutive time and improved to 7-1 professionally, all wins by TKO.
Loew was pleased with not only Salinas and his outcome, but all 12 pairings on the card.
“Hats off to my son, John, because the card was practically [non-existent] earlier in the week,” Loew said. “He saved not only this show, but a few others as well.
“The crowd was absolutely great and both professional and amateur fighters were evenly matched.”
Cleveland’s Fred Wilson (3-0-0) scored a third-round TKO (2:14) in his 155-pound meeting with Wes Hanson of Columbus, who was making his professional debut.
Also at 155 pounds, Chicago’s Lavelle Hadley (2-2-0) dropped a majority decision to Marcus Washington (2-1-0) of Cleveland.
Ardreal Holmes (4-0-0) of Michigan remained undefeated with his unanimous decision over Jeffery Wright (4-5-1) of Milwaukee.
Rounding out the pro slate, Isaiah Steen (5-0-0) of Cleveland kept his record unblemished when he posted a unanimous decision over Hakeem Atkinson (2-7-0) of Georgia at 165 pounds.
Amateur Juan Juan of Chicago defeated Ryan Williams of Youngstown by split decision at 130 pounds.
At 155 pounds, Youngstown’s Brian Sims earned a split decision over Tesean Mitchell of South Side Boxing Club.