Gustavo Lemos Wins IBF Lightweight Mandatory Position Over Lee Selby!
Emotions were overflowing at the famed Luna Park Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina as local hero Gustavo “El Electrico” Lemos (28-0, 18 KOs) faced former IBF featherweight champ Lee Selby (28-4, 9 KOs) in an IBF lightweight world title eliminator. Fighting in front of an adoring hometown crowd, you could tell the setting for a special night was in order as Lemos was led to the ring by the Argentinian national anthem along with a song honoring the late Diego Maradona.
THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM
Usually fiery and uber-aggressive from the opening bell, the 26-year-old Lemos showed patience to start matters. Ranked third by the IBF at 135 pounds, it was unusual to see “El Electrico” so calm in demeanor as he let Selby move around and box. But, that didn’t last long.
Starting in round two, Lemos went on pure attack mode. Known in his home country for his endless punch rate, he swarmed and buzzed Selby in round two. The all-out assault continued in the third. Even though Lemos suffered a cut in that round, Selby was being overwhelmed. By the end of the third, the IBF’s fourth-ranked lightweight had the look of a defeated man. The former champ had no answers, lacking the physical strength or power to combat what was in front of him.
GETTING BOMBARDED
After trying to stand his ground early in the fourth, Selby was forced to backpedal. Sensing a wounded warrior, Lemos chased him all over the ring like a bloodhound. An onslaught of shots put Selby down at the ten-second warning of the fourth. You could tell the end was soon to come.
It came just one round later. Early in the fifth, Selby went down for the second time in the fight. Moments later, while helpless in his corner, he was put down again. Referee Mario Gonzalez wisely stepped in to wave off the fight.
This was a dominant win for Lemos, the kind of performance that will make worldwide observers stand up and take note. With the victory, he is now the IBF mandatory lightweight contender. As for Selby, he was dog-walked and pummeled. At age 35 and having lost his previous bout to current unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr, it is time for him to look in the mirror and contemplate if he should continue fighting.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
Be the first to comment