Boxing: In a solid, workmanlike performance devoid of fireworks, Irish featherweight Bernard Dunne rolled to his 11th professional win in as many fights when he outpointed Panamanian veteran Evangelino Perez over six rounds on Friday night at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.
While demonstrating a clear advantage in fistic skills, Dunne was careful to leave a reservoir in his tank, as he was already on the books to fight the more formidable Mexican Angel Torres in Los Angeles two weeks hence.
"We wanted Ben to take it easy," said Dunne's manager, Brian Peters, after what amounted to a six-round sparring session.
"He just boxed and didn't really commit himself. He probably could have stepped it up a bit, but we didn't want to take chances.
"The kid (Perez is 35 years of age) he was up against was tough enough, but Ben won every round."
Peters was not exaggerating on this point. Dunne didn't lose a round on the scorecards of any of the three judges, who all scored the bout 60-54.
Dunne's fight, a supporting act to a main event in which Puerto Rican junior lightweight Daniel Seda dominated Californian Anthony Martinez, was promoted by Sugar Ray Leonard Promotions and televised nationally by ESPN2.
One-sided though it might have been, "it was no cake-walk", said Peters.
Perez continued to fight back, and even tagged Dunne with a few overhand rights along the way.
Perez is a durable veteran who brought a record of 25-16-1 to the engagement with young Dunne. His record is somewhat misleading, in that most of his wins were accomplished in his native country, where he is 24-1. But he had previously faced three world champions (Johnny Bredhal, Jose Bonilla and Saen Sor Ploenchit).
Dunne's trainer, Freddie Roach, flew directly back to Los Angeles on Saturday morning. Dunne will rejoin him there this morning to initiate preparations for the Torres fight.
Roach, who formerly trained Steve Collins, will be honoured in New York next month at the annual dinner of the Boxing Writers Association of America, who recently voted him "Trainer of the Year" for 2003.
