Alberto Puello Calderón (born 22 July 1994) is a Dominican professional boxer who held the World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight title from 2022 to 2023 and has held the World Boxing Council (WBC) super lightweight title since June 2024. On April 19 Puello tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance and was handed a six-month suspension on June 22 2023.

Alberto Puello
Born
Alberto Puello Calderón

(1994-07-22) 22 July 1994 (age 30)
San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic
Other namesLa Avispa ("The Wasp")
Statistics
Weight(s)Light welterweight
Height5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Reach71 in (180 cm)
StanceSouthpaw
Boxing record
Total fights23
Wins23
Wins by KO10

Professional career

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Early career

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Puello made his professional debut against Marcos Hernandez on 7 March 2015. He won the fight by a first-round technical knockout. Puello amassed a 10–0 record during the next 18 months, before being scheduled to fight for his first title.[1]

Puello faced Abrahan Peralta for the vacant WBA Fedelatin and WBC Latino super-lightweight titles on 24 February 2017.[2] He captured his first professional title by an eight-round stoppage, as Peralta retired from the fight at the end of the eight round. After beating Patrick López by a seventh-round technical knockout on 24 June 2017,[3] Puello was booked to make his first WBA Fedelatin and Latino title defenses against Ricardo Gutierrez on 18 November 2017.[4] He made quick work of his opponent, winning the fight by a first-round knockout.[5] Puello beat Francisco Contreras Lopez by unanimous decision on 22 December 2017, in another stay-busy non-title fight,[6] before being scheduled to face Erick Lopez in his second WBA Fedelatin title defense. He won the fight by unanimous decision.[7]

Puello was booked to face the undefeated Jonathan Alonso for the WBA interim super-lightweight title. The bout was scheduled as the main event of a card which took place at the Coliseo Carlos 'Teo' Cruz in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on 27 July 2019.[8] Puello won the fight by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 115–113 in his favor.[9] Puello made his first WBA interim title defense against Cristian Rafael Coria on 17 December 2020, following a seventeen-month absence from the sport.[10] He justified his role as the favorite,[11] winning the fight by a seventh-round stoppage, as Coria retired from the bout at the end of the round.[12] Puello made his second and final title defense against Jesus Antonio Rubio on 21 July 2021. The fight was booked as the co-headliner to the WBA interim minimumweight title bout between Erick Rosa and Ricardo Astuvilca.[13] Puello won the fight by unanimous decision, with all three judges awarding him a 120–107 scorecard.[14] On 25 August 2021, Puello was stripped of his interim title, as the WBA eliminated their interim champion designations.[15]

Puello was booked to face Ve Shawn Owens on 18 December 2021, in a 143 pounds catchweight bout, on the undercard of the WBA super middleweight title bout between David Morrell and Alantez Fox. The fight represented Puello's United States debut, as it took place at the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.[16] Puello won the bout by unanimous decision, with scores of 98–92, 100–90 and 99–91.[17]

WBA super lightweight champion

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Puello vs. Akhmedov

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On March 9, 2022, the undisputed light welterweight champion Josh Taylor was ordered by the WBA to make a mandatory title defense against Puello.[18] As the pair failed to come to terms, a purse bid was called by the WBA for April 22. The bid was won by TGB Promotions, with an offer of $200,000, with a 55/45 split in favor of Taylor.[19] Taylor failed to proceed with the mandatory title defense, and was stripped of his light-welterweight belt as a result.[20] On June 11, 2022, the WBA ordered Puello to face the one-time WBA (Regular) super-lightweight title challenger Batyr Akhmedov for the vacant light-welterweight championship.[21] The fight was scheduled for August 20, 2022, and was set to take place on the undercard of the Adrien Broner and Omar Figueroa Jr. welterweight bout.[22] Puello won the fight by split decision. Two judges scored the fight 117–111 for Puello, while the third judge scored the fight 115–113.[23] Puello became the first super lightweight champion from the Dominican Republic.[24]

PED suspension

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It was revealed on February 8, 2023, that Puello would make his maiden title defense against the one-time WBA lightweight title challenger Rolando Romero.[25] The championship bout was expected to take place on May 13, 2023, in the main event of a Showtime broadcast card.[26] Puello tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance on April 19.[27] He was named champion-in-recess on May 10, 2023,[28] and was handed a six-month suspension on June 22.[29]

WBC super lightweight champion

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Puello vs. Russell

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Puello is scheduled to face Gary Antuanne Russell for the interim WBC super lightweight title at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on June 15, 2024. Puello defeated Russell by decision after 12 rounds. [30] On June 24, 2024 it was announced that Devin Haney was declared "WBC World Champion in Recess", and Puello was elevated to a full champion.[31][32]

Professional boxing record

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23 fights 23 wins 0 losses
By knockout 10 0
By decision 13 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
23 Win 23–0 Gary Antuanne Russell SD 12 15 Jun 2024 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won vacant WBC interim super lightweight title
22 Win 22–0 Ector Madera UD 8 16 Dec 2023 Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
21 Win 21–0 Batyr Akhmedov SD 12 20 Aug 2022 Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida, U.S. Won vacant WBA super lightweight title
20 Win 20–0 Ve Shawn Owens UD 10 18 Dec 2021 Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
19 Win 19–0 Jesus Antonio Rubio UD 12 21 Jul 2021 Pabellon de Boleibol, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Retained WBA interim super lightweight title
18 Win 18–0 Cristian Rafael Coria RTD 6 (12), 3:00 17 Dec 2020 Hotel Catalonia Malecon Center, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Retained WBA interim super lightweight title
17 Win 17–0 Jonathan Alonso UD 12 27 Jul 2019 Coliseo Carlos 'Teo' Cruz, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Won WBA interim super lightweight title
16 Win 16–0 David Bency TKO 3 (10) 10 Nov 2018 Hotel Jaragua, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
15 Win 15–0 Erick Lopez UD 11 17 Mar 2018 Hotel Jaragua, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Retained WBA Fedelatin super lightweight title
14 Win 14–0 Francisco Contreras Lopez UD 10 22 Dec 2017 Los Prados Social Club, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
13 Win 13–0 Ricardo Gutierrez KO 1 (11), 1:28 18 Nov 2017 Hotel Jaragua, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Retained WBA Fedelatin and WBC Latino super lightweight titles
12 Win 12–0 Patrick López TKO 7 (8), 2:08 24 Jun 2017 Hotel Jaragua, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
11 Win 11–0 Abrahan Peralta RTD 8 (11), 3:00 24 Feb 2017 Maunoloa Night Club y Casino, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Won vacant WBA Fedelatin and WBC Latino super lightweight titles
10 Win 10–0 Kelvin Toribio UD 10 16 Dec 2016 Maunoloa Night Club y Casino, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
9 Win 9–0 Edward Diaz KO 4 (10) 16 Sep 2016 Hotel Jaragua, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
8 Win 8–0 Kelly Figueroa UD 8 16 Jul 2016 Club el Millon, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
7 Win 7–0 Pedro Verdu UD 6 6 Feb 2016 Hotel Jaragua, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
6 Win 6–0 Ramon De la Cruz UD 8 19 Nov 2015 Salón la Fiesta, Hotel Jaragua, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
5 Win 5–0 Luis Ernesto José TKO 4 (8), 1:39 22 Oct 2015 Casa de los Clubes, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
4 Win 4–0 Jose Vidal Soto UD 6 29 Aug 2015 Club Rubén Espino, Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
3 Win 3–0 Isidro Acosta KO 1 (6), 1:03 5 Jun 2015 Casa de los Clubes, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
2 Win 2–0 Juan Carlos Santos Guillen RTD 4 (6), 3:00 18 Apr 2015 Coliseo Carlos 'Teo' Cruz, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
1 Win 1–0 Marcos Hernandez TKO 1 (6), 2:53 7 Mar 2015 Casa de los Clubes, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Salazar, Francisco (17 December 2016). "Felix Diaz Defeats Levis Morales On Friday Night". ringtv.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  2. ^ El Deporte (10 February 2017). "Alberto Puello y Peralta se disputarán el título Latino". listindiario.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  3. ^ Salazar, Francisco (24 June 2017). "Javier Fortuna Stays Busy With Santo Domingo Return". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  4. ^ Mota Nina, Alipio (18 November 2017). "«La Avispa" Puello y Ricardo Gutiérrez en peso para su combate de hoy". eldia.com.do. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  5. ^ Libre, Diario (19 October 2017). "Alberto " La Avispa " Puello en dura prueba ante mexicano Ricardo Gutiérrez". diariolibre.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  6. ^ frasesdeboxeo (24 December 2017). "Alberto «La Avispa» Puello se anota importante victoria". fdbplus.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  7. ^ "Alberto Puello v Erick Lopez". boxrec.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  8. ^ Santana, Nicolle (13 June 2019). "Alberto Puello Y Jonathan Alonso Por El Título Mundial Interino De La Amb". fdbplus.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  9. ^ Espabox (28 July 2019). "Jonathan Alonso No Pudo Con Alberto Puello". espabox.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  10. ^ Random Hits (26 November 2020). "Alberto Puello To Defend WBA-Interim Against Coria on December 17". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  11. ^ Fulcrum (17 December 2020). "Alberto Puello versus Cristian Rafael Coria breakdown". boxingfulcrum.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  12. ^ "Alberto Puello KOs Cristian Coria & Results From The Dominican Republic". boxen247.com. 18 December 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  13. ^ Salazar, Francisco (21 July 2021). "Alberto Puello Faces Jesus Antonio Rubio Tonight In Dominican Republic". ringtv.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  14. ^ "Alberto Puello defeats Jesus Rubio in Santo Domingo". boxen247.com. 22 July 2021. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  15. ^ Rodríguez, Salvador (25 August 2021). "WBA eliminates all of its interim champion designations". espn.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  16. ^ Newswire (14 December 2021). "Morrell vs Fox undercard: Richardson Hitchins faces Malik Hawkins, plus more". fightmag.com.au. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  17. ^ Akopyan, Manouk (18 December 2021). "Alberto Puello Keeps Mandatory Position, Decisions Ve Shawn Owens In US Debut". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  18. ^ Donovan, Jake (9 March 2022). "Josh Taylor-Alberto Puello Mandatory Title Fight Ordered By WBA". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  19. ^ Idec, Keith (22 April 2022). "Taylor-Puello: TGB Promotions Wins WBA Purse Bid; Could Force Taylor To Vacate". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  20. ^ Coppinger, Mike (15 May 2022). "Josh Taylor stripped of 140-pound WBA title after refusing mandatory defense". espn.com. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  21. ^ Donovan, Jake (11 June 2022). "Alberto Puello-Batyr Akhmedov Vacant Title Fight Ordered By WBA; Ismael Barroso To Face Winner". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  22. ^ Idec, Keith (7 July 2022). "Broner-Figueroa, Gutierrez-Garcia, Puello-Akhmedov : Showtime Tripleheader August 20". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  23. ^ Rosenthal, Michael (20 August 2022). "Alberto Puello outlasts Batyr Akhmedov to win vacant 140-pound title". boxingjunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 21 August 2022.
  24. ^ "Alberto Puello becomes first world champ from Dominican Republic in 140-pound division". ouresquina.com. 21 August 2022. Retrieved 21 August 2022.
  25. ^ Christ, Scott (8 February 2023). "Alberto Puello vs Rolando Romero WBA title fight coming in spring". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  26. ^ Idec, Keith (28 February 2023). "Alberto Puello-Rolly Romero Main Event Of Showtime Telecast May 13; Venue TBD". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  27. ^ Idec, Keith (19 April 2023). "Puello Tests Positive For Banned Substance; Romero To Box Barroso For Vacant WBA Belt 5/13". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  28. ^ Idec, Keith (10 May 2023). "Puello Named WBA 140-Pound Champ In Recess; Romero, Barroso To Fight For Vacant Title". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  29. ^ Donovan, Jake (20 June 2023). "Alberto Puello Suspended Six Months By Nevada Commission For Prior Drug Testing Infraction". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  30. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (20 May 2024). "Gary Antuanne Russell vs Alberto Puello joins Davis-Martin undercard". FIGHTMAG.
  31. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (24 June 2024). "Devin Haney declared 'WBC World Champion in Recess', Puello vs Martin ordered". FIGHTMAG.
  32. ^ Holland, Jesse (24 June 2024). "Devin Haney vacates title, Alberto Puello named WBC Super Lightweight Champion". MMAmania.com.
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Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Brian Nahuel Zarza
WBA Fedelatin
light-welterweight champion

February 24, 2017 – July 27, 2019
Won interim title
Vacant
Title next held by
Jovanie Santiago
WBC Latino
light-welterweight champion

February 24, 2017 – 2019
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Cesar Soriano Lozada
World boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
José Benavidez Jr.
WBA light-welterweight champion
Interim title

July 27, 2019 – August 25, 2021
Stripped
Vacant
Title next held by
Ismael Barroso
Vacant
Title last held by
Gervonta Davis
as Regular champion
WBA light-welterweight champion
August 20, 2022 – May 10, 2023
Status changed
Vacant
Title next held by
Rolando Romero
Vacant
Title last held by
Regis Prograis
WBC light-welterweight champion
Interim title

June 15, 2024 – June 24, 2024
Promoted
Vacant
Preceded by
Devin Haney
Status changed
WBC light-welterweight champion
June 24, 2024 – present
Incumbent
Honorary boxing titles
New title WBA light-welterweight champion
In recess

May 10, 2023 – July, 2023
Designation removed
Vacant