Cuello strikes again in Mexico

MANILA, Philippines - There’s no stopping Iloilo fireball Denver Cuello in his climb to the top. Last Saturday night, Cuello disposed of WBC No. 5 contender Carlos Perez at 2:31 of the first round to annex the WBC Silver minimumweight crown at the Central Internacional de Convenciones in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and clinch a shot at the soon-to-be-vacated WBC throne in a likely showdown with Ganigan Lopez late this year or early the next.

It was Cuello’s second straight abbreviated win in Mexico, coming on the heels of a third round stoppage of Sebastian Arcos in the same venue only three weeks ago.

Cuello’s manager Aljoe Jaro said fans are raving over the 5-3 fighter, nicknamed “The Animal” by Canelo Promotions, the Mexican outfit owned by Eddy Reynoso and WBC lightmiddleweight champion Saul Alvarez. Jaro recently signed up Canelo as Cuello’s co-promoter in his Mexican campaign. Jaro’s other partner in promoting Cuello is Thai impresario Naris Singwancha.

Cuello said the WBC 105-pound title will be relinquished by Japanese champion Kazuto Ioka after his next defense on Dec. 13. Ioka is expected to retain the crown and move up to the lightflyweight division, paving the way for No. 1 Lopez and No. 2 Cuello to dispute the vacant throne.

A left uppercut to the body sent Perez down on the canvas and the Mexican was through for the night. Cuello started his attack with a three-punch combination that staggered Perez. The Mexican retaliated with a counter straight but Cuello walked through it to finish him off with a body blow.

“Eddy told me it’s the first time he has seen a 105-pounder hit like a 135-pounder,” said Jaro.  “According to Eddy, Denver is like an animal in the ring, showing no fear and no mercy. Luis Medina, the WBC supervisor at ringside, commented that Denver should’ve won the world title long ago but was robbed in the (Juan) Hernandez fight.”

Last year, Cuello lost to Hernandez on a highly controversial third round disqualification in a WBC title eliminator in Mexico City. A bloodied and battered Hernandez was down on one knee, nearly out of it, when Cuello, unable to restrain his momentum, blasted a shot to the side of the body. Referee Gerardo Venzor initially declared Cuello the winner then reversed himself to award the victory to Hernandez instead. Hernandez went on to challenge Ioka for the WBC title and lost on points.

Jaro said there’s no way Ioka will lose in his coming defense and even if he does, Cuello won’t be denied his shot at the title.

“Denver is next in line because he’s the mandatory challenger for being the WBC International and Silver champion even if Lopez is ranked No. 1,” said Jaro. “But just to be sure, I’m attending the WBC convention in Las Vegas from Dec. 11 to 17 with Mr. Reynoso to confirm Denver’s title shot. There is talk that Lopez might move up to lightflyweight because he’s afraid of Denver. Besides, Ioka won’t lose in his title defense because they’re bringing in a tricycle driver as an opponent in Japan. Whatever happens, Denver will get his title crack.”

Cuello said Cuello’s title fight will be in December or early next year.

“I wanted to make sure I wouldn’t be cheated so I went for the early knockout,” said Cuello, referring to his quick kill of Perez. “I came prepared to win and I didn’t want to disappoint my Mexican fans and Mr. Reynoso.”

Jaro worked Cuello’s corner with US Army veteran Carlos Vasquez and Hector Zapari of Canelo. Both Jaro and Cuello will return to Manila next Thursday on Philippine Airlines flight No. 107 from Las Vegas.

Cuello’s knockout over Perez was the most impressive showing by a Filipino in Mexico since WBC featherweight champion Luisito Espinosa halted Alejandro Gonzalez in the fourth round in Guadalajara in 1996. The win improved Cuello’s record to 29-4-6, with 19 KOs. He has now won seven in a row since the Hernandez debacle. Perez had won four straight before facing Cuello and his record fell to 12-4-3, with eight KOs. Lopez, 29, will be a tougher foe and has a 19-4 record, with 13 KOs. His four losses were all on points, two by split decision.

Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao’s sparmate Jorge Linares of Venezuela blew an early lead on points and was stopped by Mexico’s Antonio De Marco in the 11th round for the vacant WBC lightweight title at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Referee Raul Caiz Jr. stepped in to halt the carnage as Linares, his face a bloody mess, was in no condition to continue.