Cristofer Rosales successfully makes his first defense of the WBC flyweight title
Many fans had questions about the legitimacy of Rosales’ champion status. He defeated an overweight and under-trained Daigo Higa to become champion in April.
Paddy Barnes entered the professional ranks as one of the most respected amateurs to come out of Ireland. He was ready to put the question of Rosales’ champion status to sleep with a win in just his sixth professional bout.
Barnes took absolutely no time getting off in this fight. He stayed in Rosales’ face and was determined to keep the fight on the inside.
The game-plan was successful for two rounds. However, it became clear the professional experience of Rosales was going to be a problem for Barnes.
The champion started to create distance for himself with ease. Going into the fourth, he began beating the challenger at his own strategy.
It seemed that Rosales had figured out that Barnes was one-dimensional and he capitalized on it. Barnes would need to make the necessary adjustments and possibly move to a plan B.
However, he never got the chance. Sitting on the inside of the fifth round, he left himself open to a right hook straight into the solar plexus.
The challenger crumpled to the canvas and the fight was immediately waved off; knock out.
Rosales improves to 28-3 with 19 knockouts. The questions regarding the legitimacy of his ability to compete at the top level as a champion may have found answers tonight!
By: EJ Williams
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