Photos by Chris Cozzone
As the sun set and the temperature dropped inside the seaside venue, the fireworks began inside the ring in the supporting bouts as Humberto “Zorrita” Soto (47-7-2, 30 KOs) defended for the first time his WBC super featherweight title with a fourth round TKO over the previously unstopped Antonio Davis (26-5, 13 KOs), of Atlanta, Ga.
A tentative Davis walked into very hostile territory as he met Soto in the first round very fearful of what was to come. Barely committing to his punches, Davis tried to land a jabs from too far a range, prompting him to dip his head low. Soto attacked quickly landing a straight right hand that wobbled Davis. Later in the round, Soto connected with a left hook to the top the head of Davis which dropped the shorter fighter to the canvas. Davis was able to beat the count before the end of the round.
In the second, Davis began to let his hands go and began to crowd Soto towards the ropes. Soto tried to regain his distance and throw fast and hard combinations that seem to hurt Davis enough to put him on shaky legs but not enough to drop.
In the third, Davis’ strategy comes to light as his intention was to crowd Soto enough so that the champion could not extend his punches tothe fullest, therefore minimizing his power. Soto began to seem frustrated as he was not able to give the zealous Mexican crowd want it wanted-a quick and impressive knock out.
The beginning of the fourth brought a jab contest for the first half of the round. That was all Soto needed to land a devastating right hand that diminished Davis into a heap on the canvas. Davis was able to get to his feet but only to meet another over hand right that sent him to the same destination.
The game Davis reached his feet again but only to be beaten by a flurry of punches that prompted referee Roberto
Ramirez Jr. to step in between the fighters and wave off the bout.
Official time was 2:38 of the fourth round.
Recent Comments