1.
SV INTERIOR: World Boxing Council's light heavyweight title fight in progress with Miguel Cuello of Argentina (dark shorts) and Jesse Burnett of the United States.
0.31

2.
CU AND SV: Cuello on ropes turns his opponent and scores heavily with punches to head and body.
1.00

3.
SV: Prince Rainier of Monaco in audience.
1.04

4.
SV: Jesse Burnett mounts attack but Cuello, gains initiative with punches to body and head.
1.34

5.
SV: crowd
1.36

6.
SV: Cuello catches Burnett with two good left hooks, knocking Burnett to canvas, he is counted out by referee. Cuello supporters rush into ring and embrace him.
2.00



Initials RH/MF/MR/2201


SPORTS: BOXING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Miguel Angel Cuello of Argentina won the world Boxing Council's light-heavyweight title in Monte Carlo on Saturday night (21 May) when he knocked out Jesse Burnett of the United States.

SYNOPSIS: Burnett was a late replacement for John Conteh of Britain in the bout against Cuello. Conteh announced only three days before the scheduled ??? contest that he would not fight Cuello. The WBC then stripped the British boxer of the light-heavyweight title. Jesse Burnett was then announced as Cuello's new opponent, and he arrived in Monte Carlo less than 48 hours before the fight started.

The two fighters, both aged 31, treated the crowd of less than, 1,000 people to a thrilling battle. Despite his lack of preparation, Burnett worried the Argentinian boxer and put him on the canvas for a count of five in the fourth round. However, Cuello rushed back into the attack and staggered Burnett with some powerful lefts to the head and body.

Among those watching the world title-bout, was Prince Ranier of Monaco. The American boxer continued to give a good account of himself, but was gradually being worn down by the Argentinian's heavy punching.

By the end of the eighth round the combination of lack of preparation and Cuello's punches began to tell, and Burnett's legs started to give out on him.

The end came late in the ninth round when a furious battery of punches sent Burnett to the canvas for the count. The victory took Cuello's unbeaten run to 21 fights, with all but two of his opponents filing to stay t he distance. Cuello must now defend his new title against Mate Parlov of Yugoslavia within 90 days.