Andrew Cancio stops Alberto Machado a second time in the same fashion!
When Andrew Cancio (21-4-2, 16 KO’s) upset Alberto Machado (21-2, 17 KO’s) to win the WBA super featherweight title on February 9, 2019, it was considered the upset of the year so far in boxing.
Many considered the win a fluke. Well, four months later, Cancio proved he’s the real deal as he overcame a cut to stop Machado in the third round of their highly anticipated rematch.
The key to his win the first time these two fought was getting inside the long reach of the former champion and hurt him with body shots.
That was how Cancio started this rematch; marching forward and looking to land to the body. Machado looked to stay disciplined behind a high guard intent on countering.
Cancio was cut early over his left eye in the second, but from then on, really opened up and went to work.
Putting more of an emphasis on the body, he had the eye of the tiger and went on a vicious assault; landing savage shots to the head and body that clearly had Machado weakened.
A Case of Deja Vu?
The defending champion continued the pressure in round three. A mean left hook to the ribs badly hurt the now challenger who went down from the shot. This was the same punch that stopped the former champion in the first fight!
Machado got up from the punch at nine, but referee Raul Caiz Sr had seen enough and called a halt to the contest with 1:59 left in the round.
This fight proved that Cancio’s first fight was no fluke! Just like before, the champion was too strong for Machado who once again withered from the body work.
When asked what’s next, the champion said that WBA #1 super featherweight contender Rene Alvarado (who was ringside) has been long waiting and deserving of an opportunity.
Cancio also said he would love to avenge a loss to Jo Jo Diaz.
As for Machado, he said the effort to make super featherweight has become too much of a struggle and will continue his career in the lightweight division.
Given what we witnessed tonight, Cancio proved to be one of the better fighters in the division!
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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