Parker Beats Poll, but Fans Not Impressed : Boxing: Ruelas remains undefeated by beating Gomez in 10-round decision.

Edward Parker of Houston scored a unanimous decision victory over Jesus Poll of Los Angeles at the Forum Monday night, in a featherweight main event that had many in the crowd of 6,012 booing the lack of action throughout.

Poll (21-4-3) seemed to win the early rounds, rocking Parker (21-4-2) several times, but faded in the stretch. All three judges had Parker a 115-112 winner.

They were fighting for an all-but-meaningless championship, the International Boxing Council featherweight title. The IBC, pro boxing’s fifth governing group, was formed two months ago.

In the co-feature, 19-year-old Reseda featherweight prospect Rafael Ruelas raised his record to 18-0 by earning a 10-round decision over Abe Gomez of Pacoima.

Ruelas, younger brother of junior-lightweight prospect Gabriel Ruelas, struggled after the early rounds, and afterward blamed sore hands. Ruelas nearly knocked out Gomez in the first round--he had him down twice. But after the fourth round his punches seemed to lose their snap. “I had problems with my hands in training, they were sore . . . and (Gomez) took everything I threw, so they’re really sore now,” he said. “I could have taken him out if my hands had been OK.”

In Ruelas’ dressing room afterward, California Athletic Commission physician Dr. Robert Karns examined Ruelas’ hands, and said the bursa membrane over several knuckles appeared to be inflamed.

“There isn’t a fighter in the world who doesn’t have sore hands,” said Ruelas’ trainer, Joe Goossen, when asked why a postponement wasn’t sought.

Ruelas (126 pounds) dropped Gomez (125) twice in a wild first round, the first time with a right and the second time with a left hook, midway through the round. Gomez arose quickly each time.

Three times in the fourth Gomez seemed on the way down, but he battled back each time.

After that, the steam went out of Ruelas’ blows. The judges had him a runaway winner, nonetheless, 99-90, 100-87 and 100-89.

Afterward, Ruelas’ manager, Dan Goossen, suggested Parker might be a logical next step.