THE CLINCH REPORT

By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Inside the confines o f a steel cage, anything can, and often does happen. Knockouts appear out of no where, submissions transition with blinding speed, and many times the impossible happens. When the cage door closes, all talk and hype is removed and all that is left is the purity of two combatants. Two fighters entered the King of The Cage last night. One left with the belt, the other left disappointed; however everyone else bore witness to an amazing fight.

Former King of The Cage welterweight Champion Joshua ‘El Rey’ Aveles has been on the bottom before. Loss is something that Aveles not only understands, but he literally wears it. On his arm is a tattoo that pays tribute to his brother Stephen who passed away a few years ago. The loss is something that clearly still festers, like an open wound that just wont heal.

The loss of his brother devastated Joshua, but that devastation soon transformed into motivation. Aveles rededicated himself to his craft, and began training full time with renewed inspiration. Then a funny thing happened. He started winning! After losing 7 of his first 10 fights (mostly by decision except for 1 stoppage), Aveles rattled of 10 wins in 12 total fights.

During that span he KO’d 185 lbs stalwart Johnny Cisneros, and also knocked out Sam Liera to capture the KOTC welterweight title. Then Aveles ran into David Gomez for the first time. Gomez the former champion was looking to regain his title, and did so by squeaking out a highly controversial split decision win in April.

Aveles then defeated Carlos Ortega by decision last month, solidifying his #1 contender spot, and setting up the rematch: “Gomez v Aveles II”, which did not disappoint.

Much like the first fight, David Gomez utilized his superior wrestling to control the smaller Aveles for most of the fight. Gomez was able to take his opponent down at will, however once there he had problems landing any effective strikes. A credit to Aveles jujitsu game. Using his closed guard, Aveles was able to stifle the attacks of Gomez, prompting several stand ups form referee Mike Beltran.

At the end of the third round, Aveles was able to rock the champion with a combination to the body. However again, Gomez grabbed a hold of Aveles and was able to finish the round pressing Aveles into the fence.

When the fourth round started Gomez appeared to be fading. He looked for a take down, but unlike every earlier attempt, Aveles was able to avoid the shot, and kept the fight standing. Then he landed a cirrhosis inducing liver shot, followed by an I.Q. changing uppercut that left  Gomez asleep, supine, and once again a former champion.

For Aveles the celebration will be a short one. His next challenger has been named and was on hand to watch the title change hands. Josh Hinkle will be the next to challenge for the belt in October. For Aveles, though the win is another slap in the face of those who doubt him. A group that after last nights nasty KO, will most certainly be dwindling in numbers.