Andrew Cancio takes the WBA regular title from Alberto Machado
In what can only be described as a Rocky-like story, Andrew Cancio (20-4-2, 15KO) shocked Alberto Machado (21-1, 17KO) to win the WBA regular junior lightweight title. This upset is an early candidate for Fight Of The Year.
In round one, Machado, the heavy betting favorite, looked as if he was headed to another knockout win. He put Cancio on the deck early in the first round via a counter-left uppercut. From that moment on, Cancio got up, dusted himself off and gave Machado pure hell!
The Turning Point
After getting knocked down, Cancio came forward fighting aggressively and attacking Machado throughout the first round.
From the second round on, the challenger was in control! The fighter from Blythe, California came out blazing; fighting as if his hair was on fire. He repeatedly landed hard power-punches to the head and body of Machado, who was forced on the back foot.
Machado was outside of his comfort zone, completely forgetting the jab; instead choosing to stand and fight. As a result, Cancio swarmed and won the second round.
The momentum continued as he hurt the defending champion on several occasions in a huge third round. At this point, the Indio crowd was on its feet roaring.
In the fourth round Cancio went for it. Smelling blood, the challenger continued his attack, hurting and putting Machado down with a body-shot early in the round.
The champion got up, but the effects from the damage was evident. Cancio poured it on, scoring two more knockdowns by way of body-punches before referee Raul Caiz stepped in and called a halt to the contest at the 2:16 mark of the round.
Sweet Victory
The crowd went wild and Cancio dropped to his knees in tears. The challenger, who has a full time job and briefly retired before his family urged him to return to the sport, has fulfilled his dream of becoming a world champion.
Up next for Cancio may probably be a fight against Rene Alvarado, the WBA’s #1 contender who sat ringside.
For the time being, however, Cancio can rejoice in achieving his dream. When asked after the fight whether he has to return to his job on Monday, Cancio said he has the day off!
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
