CARDBOARD CROWN

THAT’S how we referred to the WBO light-flyweight title Michael Carbajal won with a unanimous decision over Puerto Rico’s “pale, spindly” Josue Camacho.

Usually wildly popular at the gate, Carbajal could only draw a crowd of around 5,000 to his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. We felt this was down to the fact Camacho was a 20-1 underdog and that Carbajal would not be considered a true champion until he defeated Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez again (Gonzalez had gained revenge earlier that year). We even dubbed the WBO strap as “the discount bin of pro boxing.”

Carbajal neglected his jab and fought Camacho up close instead. Michael had him hurt in the seventh, but Camacho bravely fought back. However, Carbajal was always on top.

Carbajal fought Gonzalez again in November, but lost on points.