By Gabriel F. Cordero

A former world champion, a female boxing legend, a beloved local favorite and a 2016 Olympic hero all entered the ring on Saturday night at the remodeled Oasis Arena in Cancun. Not all emerged on a winning note.

Former IBF jr middleweight world champion Carlos “King” Molina (28-6-2, 8 KOs) defeated Diego “Demoledor” Cruz (17-4-1, 13 KOs) by unanimous eight round decision in a bout fought at welterweight. All three judges had it 80-72. The 33-year-old Molina, who is currently rated WBC #9, finished 2016 with a record of 5-0. He is unbeaten in six fights since losing his world title to Cornelius Bundrage at this same resort 26 months ago.

Unheralded lightweight Cristian Palancarez (2-1-1, 2 KOs) silenced the crowd with a shocking third round KO over former world title challenger and local favorite Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson (30-5, 26 KOs). A body shot finished Thompson, who was making a comeback after a two-year layoff.

2016 Rio Olympian Joselito “Huracán” Velazquez debuted successfully against Eduardo “Chiquilín” Casimero (5-4, 0 KOs) in a flyweight clash. A powerful hook to the liver in the first round gave Velazquez an impressive knockout.

Female star Mariana “Barby” Juárez (44-9-4, 17 KOs) defeated Irma “Torbellino” Garcia (16-2-1, 3 KOs) by ten round split decision for the WBC International bantamweight title. At the end of the ten rounds, judges had it 96-93, 95-94 for Juarez, 95-94 for Garcia and 95-95. The WBC used four judges for this fight.

Photos: Pepe Rodriguez