MOHAMMED Alakel secured a shutout points victory against Nicaraguan veteran Engel Gomez in the second bout of Saturday’s historic card in Riyadh.
The height difference between Alakel and Gomez was evident at the start of the first round, with the Saudi Arabian prospect the far bigger man. A solid and accurate jab was successful for Alakel in the opener, who boxed well and targeted the head and body with a lot of punch variety.
Gomez began the second round far more aggressively than the previous round, landing an overhand right on Alakel’s head. However, the Saudi boxer asserted his class throughout the rest of the round, having great success from range against the shorter opponent. The most eye-catching punch came as Alakel landed a powerful right uppercut on the Nicaraguan journeyman.
In the third round, Alakel maintained the distance, popping out his efficient jab, measuring the range and following it with the straight right hand. He landed multiple power punches in the third, but the tough Gomez remained unfazed.
However, the Nicaraguan had to weather the storm at the start of the fourth, facing an accurate flurry of power punches against the ropes from the undefeated Alakel.
The remainder of the round was comfortable for the Joe Gallagher-trained Saudi boxer, who used his slick movement to see it out in impressive style.
A few eye-catching chopping right hands were enough to secure the fifth for Alakel, who rounded off an impressive performance in round six, catching Gomez on multiple occasions with solid accuracy and power.
The referee scored the bout 60-54 in favour of Alakel, who maintained his undefeated record and moved to 3-0.
