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Saturday, November 10, 2012

Wohlman Suffers First Career Defeat

Zachary "Kid Yamaka" Wohlman's undefeated record went by the wayside after being stopped in the fourth round against journeyman Alonso Loeza at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California tonight. The loss is a significant setback for the popular Californian's career.

Stamina issues were the major reason for the loss. Wohlman told The Jewish Boxing Blog in October that he had been running, but the aftermath of the nasty cut on his forehead, which he sustained in his last fight in September, possibly played a role in Wohlman's lack of endurance. It not only limited certain training activities, but it likely informed Wohlman's strategy for this fight, causing him to engage more rather than box in order to get rid of a lesser opponent before an accidental headbutt could occur.

The first round started well enough. Wohlman was able to box effectively and land several uppercuts, earning him a point on the cards. But Loeza is not a man who relents. In the second, the match turned into a bit of a brawl, which favored the less-skilled Loeza.

In the third, Wohlman was unable to avoid Loeza's clubbing rights. In his previous five fights, Zac's chin had never been questioned. The decorated amateur fell towards the end of that round, but, to his credit, managed to stand up, albeit on shaky legs. Loeza, who continues throws punches whether he or his opponent is hurt, opened the fourth round with a flurry. Wohlman had not recovered fully from the knockdown and didn't have an answer. Referee Tom Taylor waved off the fight, which wiped away Wohlman's undefeated mark, seventeen seconds into the round.

Loeza is now 3-7-1 with three KOs. While that is far from stellar, Loeza is legitimately better than his record suggests. Last year, he gave undefeated prospect Terron Grant a competitive fight. Wohlman, who falls to 4-1-1 with one KO, must return to the drawing board. Loeza has an incredible heart and motor, but does not have the talent or technique that Kid Yamaka possesses. It's a fight Wohlman needed to win.

This loss marks a new low in Wohlman's professional career. But the affable and skilled boxer will be back if he's able to learn from this stoppage. Kid Yamaka represents a time when one loss did not define a career, but this result will certainly challenge his hunger and his desire to succeed in the sport.

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