LAS VEGAS, NV — Last Saturday’s most dramatic boxing moment was unquestionably the 12th round between Sergio Martinez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., but the “Fight of the Night” happened at MGM Grand courtesy of the brutal slugfest between Marcos Maidana and Jesus Soto Karass.
Maidana, who was considered dead in the water at welterweight after losing badly to Devon Alexander earlier this year, looked rejuvenated under new trainer Robert Garcia. Maidana sported an effective jab (!), a compact right hand (!!) and even slipped punches instead of relying on toe to toe exchanges (!!!).
Karass, who’s fought as high as junior middleweight, had the size and durability to withstand some vicious flush shots and stay in the bout. And make no mistake, Karass landed his own powerful blows downstairs that gave Maidana pause.
The fight quickly became a grudge match with hitting after the bell, trash talk and low blows. Maidana was docked two points and Soto Karass lost one as well. And even with that, the fight never been a clinchfest. Each man was in seek and destroy mode the entire contest.
Make sure you find time to watch this one in full.
PART 2
PART 3
