By Jeff Zimmerman and Byron Spurlock at ringside: Edwin Valero (25-0, 25 KOs) claimed the vacant WBC lightweight title with a second round annihilation of Antonio Pitalua (46-4, 40 KOs) on Saturday night at the Frank Erwin Center, in Austin, Texas. After a quiet first round, Valero dropped Pitalua three times in round two before referee Laurence Cole ended it at the: 49 mark. Photo by Chris Cozzone
Former WBO interim lightweight champion Michael Katsidis (25-2, 21 KOs) stopped former super featherweight titleist Jesus Chavez (44-5, 30 KOs) after seven hard fought rounds. Hometown favorite Chavez came out aggressively as usual, but the rugged Katsidis simply beat him up until Chavez finally quit in his corner before round eight.
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Lightweight Vicente Escobedo (20-1 12 KOs) dropped former world champion Carlos Hernandez (43-8-1 24 KOs) in rounds one and two, but was forced to go the route in an action-packed fight. Hernandez was credited with a knockdown in round six, but it wasn’t enough as Escobedo prevailed 96-91, 94-93, 95-91.
In a stunning upset, lightweight Rolando Reyes (31-4-2, 20 KOs) knocked out former two-time IBF champion Julio Diaz (36-5, 26 KOs) in round five. Reyes suddenly ended a very technical fight to that point by dropping Diaz twice in the fifth before the bout was waved off. Time was 2:17.
Photos by Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions
Valero is a monster…I am not sure if anyone can stand up to his power at lightweight.
I am really looking forward to Valero vs. Marquez.
One of the best cards if not the best this year, great action great KOs I just wish we would get more boxing cards like this!
Valero is in town now, I think Marquez is in big trouble. It was only 2 rounds long but like Valero said: if he connects against anyone they will go down just like Pitalua did and with Marquez chin I’m not sure how he will get out of that one.
Now I can only imagine Valero Vs Pacquiao next year or so.
But first thing first, lets hope he can get a license to fight in Vegas or NY and I hope Marquez can keep it up.
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