Kerman Lejarraga made another defence of his title to remain undefeated.
The Bilbao man moved to 27-0 (22 KO’s) as he kept hold of the European welterweight crown.
Lejarraga, who knocked out Britain’s former domestic champion Bradley Skeete back in April, inflicted the same punishment on ex-world amateur king Frankie Gavin at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre in Baracaldo – with the fight lasting until just before the bell to signal the end of the fourth round.
Gavin, who weighed in just shy of five pounds over the championship limit on the scales on Friday, was boxing well through three rounds.
However, Lejarraga, who stopped the aforementioned Skeete inside just two rounds, crippled the Birmingham man with a body shot –– after he was already hurt –– which forced him to the canvas, writhing around in agony.
It was a patient-yet-potent performance from the rat-tailed puncher, whose fan-friendly style has seen him become something of a cult figure in his homeland. Boasting heavy hands and a vociferous following, Lejarraga could well develop into a capable competitor on the world scene.
Details regarding the next move for the 33-year-old former British and Commonwealth welterweight champion will be revealed in due course.
Article by: Elliot Foster