Alejandro Paulino scores majority decision win over Toka Kahn

Alejandro Paulino continues to climb the ladder in the direction of contender standing at light-weight.

Paulino remained unbeaten this previous Saturday night time, defeating former featherweight contender Toka Kahn by majority determination on the Mohegan Solar On line casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. One choose scored the bout 95-95, whereas the opposite two judges submitted scorecards of 96-94 and 97-93 for Paulino, who improved to 19-0, 14 knockouts.

In a conflict between fighters who reside within the New England space, an nearly sell-out crowd witnessed stable exchanges between the 2, however Paulino was the more practical fighter. Kahn did nicely in spots, connecting with a number of left fingers to the top, however Paulino blended his assault to the top and physique behind a constant and efficient jab.

Roland Estrada, who trains and manages Paulino, was impressed in how Paulino caught to and carried out an efficient game-plan till the ultimate bell sounded.

“The sport-plan was at all times to begin sturdy,” Estrada informed The Ring Sunday night. “I knew what their game-plan was and it was to take (Alejandro) into the later rounds and get him drained. Alejandro was in nice form for this struggle. Our plan was to power Toka to go backwards, since he’s more practical shifting ahead. We did that each one night time. We out-jabbed him and have been conscious of the left hand he throws, however in the direction of the tip, he was doing all of the veteran methods, like clenching on the within and speaking.

“I disagree with that 95-95 scorecard. I assumed 98-92 was extra correct, may agree with that 97-93 scorecard. Toka gave Alejandro the expertise of going 10 rounds. I didn’t need Alejandro to go in there and take him out early after which individuals would say Toka shouldn’t have been in there.”

Paulino, who resides in close by New London, beforehand fought on September 7, knocking out Luis Porozo within the opening spherical. On March 23, Paulino overcame a flash knockdown within the opening spherical to knock Estivan Falcao down in spherical eight en path to a unanimous determination victory.

The 26-year-old, who’s initially from the Dominican Republic, fought 15 instances this yr for the Boston Butchers of the Group Fight League (TCL), which resulted in late July. Paulino would go on to solely lose one struggle for the Butchers.

Paulino took up boxing on the age of 18 and received 4 fights this yr. So far as what’s subsequent, Estrada will sit down with promoter Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. and description a plan for 2025.

“We’re not prepared for these massive fights but,” stated Estrada. “We aren’t prepared for (Gervonta) ‘Tank’ Davis. However I’m positive individuals are actually keeping track of Alejandro, particularly from the TCL. If there’s one factor he’s achieved higher this yr is that he’s improved his protection rather a lot. His fingers are up and he has method higher head motion. It’s a big enchancment since he began.

“I’m going to take a seat down with Jimmy. I’m listening to he might need struggle playing cards lined up in February. If it’s February and March, I would like March due to the rigorous coaching camps we’ve. But when there are playing cards lined up for February and April, I’d need to have Alejandro struggle in February. April is just too far out.”

Kahn, 32, initially from Monrovia, Liberia and now resides in Windfall, Rhode Island, fell to 29-4, 19 KOs. Kahn has not fought since a Nov. 2022 unanimous determination win over former title challenger Jonathan Oquendo. In December 2020, Kahn misplaced a one-sided determination to Shakur Stevenson.

The 32-year-old was as soon as a staple on a number of High Rank playing cards earlier than shedding by knockout to Jhon Gemino in September 2016. He received his subsequent six bouts earlier than shedding by determination to Galahad, a former featherweight titleholder.

Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has lined boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He may be reached at [email protected]

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