Josesito Lopez showed amazing bravely in Las Vegas last night
but was ultimately outgunned by Mexican star Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez
inside five rounds.
Lopez earned a shot at the unbeaten WBC light-middleweight king
when he defeated Victor Ortiz against the odds this summer.
But it was clear from the opening round that he was pitting
himself against a man that was leagues above his level.
12 months ago, Lopez, 28, was boxing as a light-welterweight so
it was always going to be a herculean task to beat a man who is
massive in the weight category 14lbs north.
However, the Californian gave it his best effort and at times
managed to double up his right hand with Alvarez backed up against
the ropes.
The difference between the two combatants, though, was in the
speed and power compartments.
Alvarez's solid punches had already started to cause swelling
around Lopez's left eye before a crunching body shot dropped the
challenger just before the end of the second round.
After that it was merely a matter of time before the flame
haired Mexican scored the 30th inside the distance win
of his 42 fight pro career.
In the third, another left hand to the ribcage forced Lopez to
seek the sanctuary of the canvas and rapid combinations upstairs
and downstairs meant that the smaller man was grateful to hear the
bell toll for the end of the round.
Towards the end of the fourth, Alvarez ratcheted up his assault
yet again and a series of blows sent Lopez down for the third
time.
And when the fusillade continued a round later, veteran referee
Joe Cortez elected to step in and stop the fight. The time was
2.55.
"Josesito has a big heart and is very brave, but I came in and
did what I had to do and finished business. I'm not usually looking
for the knockout, but tonight it was perfect," Alvarez said
afterwards.
16/09/2012 15:40:24