BOXING AT THE IRVINE MARRIOTT : Unbeaten Chavez Knocks Out Gonzalez in Sixth Round

Ernie Chavez ended a frustrating streak when he scored a sixth-round knockout of Carlos Gonzalez Thursday night in the main event of the monthly boxing program in front of 1,153 at the Irvine Marriott.

Chavez (8-0) of Westminster had knocked out his first three opponents, but then had to fight the distance his next four bouts, including two main events at Irvine this year.

Thursday, the welterweight dominated four of the first five rounds with a sharp left jab and a solid right hook.

In the sixth, Chavez landed a powerful combination at the start and continued his attack.

He had Gonzalez ready to fall about 30 seconds into the round, but Gonzalez ducked out of the corner to escape. But Chavez soon trapped Gonzalez in the same corner.

After taking several punches, Gonzalez (7-6) of Los Angeles slipped away but stumbled and looked ready to fall.

He was then easy prey for Chavez, who trapped him again. After a series of powerful combinations, referee Lou Filippo stopped the fight 1:21 into the sixth round.

Gonzalez was a late replacement for Sammy Ray Taylor of San Diego, who dropped out Tuesday because his wife was ill.

“I didn’t put enough pressure on him,” Chavez said about the early rounds. “He took the fight on late notice, so I figured he would be tired.”

Two other local fighters won Thursday night.

Mike Samaza (3-0-1) of Villa Park won a five-round decision over Victor Flores (6-7) of Culver City at 124 pounds. Samaza dominated the final round to win, 48-47, on all three judges’ cards.

Ernie Madgalena of Westminster won a four-round unanimous decision over Steve Montoya of Colton.