Quezada loses WBC Carribbean belt at Tachi Palace
Sorry, no photos due to technical problems. I’ll add a photo gallery of the entire evening soon.
The worst thing that could have happened to Manuel Quezada did happen Thursday at the Tachi Palace when the 18-bout win streak he carried for nearly five years ended. Quezada failed to defend his WBC CABOFE Heavyweight title against Jason Gavern of Kissimmee, Florida.
Quezada thought, as did most of his fans, that another victory was likely, but the smiling and cocky Gavern had other plans. Gavern “The Sensation” confidently and even smiling through many of the 10 rounds, successfully traded punches with Quezada.
Gavern finished on top, winning the bout on a split decision despite losing a point in the second round for a headbutt. According to WBC rules, a headbutt is charged to the fighter who caused the incident. Two ringside judges scored in favor of Gavern 95-94, while the third scored 95-94 for Quezada.
Quezada’s No. 8 ranking in the WBC is certain to be affected.
Gavern, a former police officer, improves to 19-7-3, 8 KOs with the victory; Quezada got his fifth defeat of his career (29-5, 18 KOs).
“My stock went through the roof! I wasn’t supposed to win this fight! Who knew? A huge upset,” Gavern told reporters after the bout.
“It’s sportsmanship. He gave me the opportunity, and I got to give him the opportunity back,” said Gavern about a rematch.
Quezada says his fall in the sixth round was nothing more than a slip. The referee agreed to Gavern’s dismay.
“I knew he was going to be slick boxer. I don’t take nothing away from the guy,” said Quezada.
