April 29, 2006 - Silver Reef Casino, Ferndale, Washington
Melissa Hernandez (2-0-0 1KO) faced Merced Nunez (pro debut). The four round super featherweight bout was easily one of the favorites of the night. The difference was experience. Hernandez, though she only has two professional fights, had sixteen amateur bouts. Nunez had only two amateur bouts. Nonetheless, the fight was action packed. Though Nunez stood taller, she had some trouble making contact with the elusive Hernandez. Hernandez was clever enough to move in close, throw a jab or a shot to the body, then retreat just out of range. Nunez possesses some good skills, and once she learns to throw her jab straight instead of looping it, she will be dangerous. She is certainly a tough young fighter. She showed no signs of tiring at the end of the four round fight, but it looked like Hernandez had the stamina to go another four quite easily. All three judges scored the fight 40-36. Once Nunez gets a few more fights under her belt, it would be nice to see these two face each other again. Both are bell to bell fighters, and they don't lack confidence either. ©Photos by Mike Blair