'EL GUERRERO' ORTEGA MAKES ERIC REGAN QUIT AFTER 9 By Elisa Harrison

Proving once again that boxing is like a box of chocolates, Pedro "El Guerrero" Ortega steals a page from the Carlos Maussa vs Jeffrey Resto's book, upsetting much touted 'prospect' Eric Regan, who opted to quit on the stool at the end of 9 punishing rounds this Friday night at the Radisson Hotel in Sacramento, California.

Prior to meeting Ortega, Regan's opponents' combined record stood at 183-177, and between 1998 and June of 2001, Regan had never fought an opponent who had more wins than losses on his record. Having faced such unheralded competition one can't help but wonder how did Regan rate worthy of a shot at even a minor title such as the IBA Continental Middleweight belt.

Ortega came into this fight having lost 8 of his last 9. However, the level of his competition was far more impressive than Regan's. Among Ortega's former foes: Tito "El Misil" Mendoza, Kassim "The Dream" Ouma, Shibata Flores, Yory Boy Campas and Fernando Zuniga.

The Tijuana hombre leaves this bout with Regan's IBA middleweight continental belt, and improves his record to 30-12-1, 19 KOs. As for the 6' 4" Regan, well, I think it's fair to say that his protected days are now over.

11-28-2003