Rios Retains Title in Stunner
By Dave McKee
July 10, 2011 Photo: Mary Ann Owen
Brandon “Bam-Bam” Rios (28-0-1, 20 KOs)
of Oxnard, California defended his WBA world lightweight title for the
first time in a heavy hitting battle with Urbano Antillon (28-3, 20
KOs). The Home Depot Center in Carson, California hosted the SoCal turf
war following a protracted war of words. Leading up to the fight Rios
had become angry at a perceived slight directed toward his wife at a
press conference. Once the opening bell rang, there was precious little
time for words.
Any casual boxing fan who has wondered what it means to box ‘like a
Mexican fighter’ should take notice. This contest is a template.
According to Showtime’s Punch Stats Rios connected with 34 of 88 jabs
and 55 of 111 power shots. Antillon landed 17 of 43 jabs and 65 of 146
power punches. One can be forgiven for failing to notice the jabs.
From the beginning both punchers rained hooks and uppercuts on one
another, engaging in a battle of attrition that retained enough art to
avoid being a simple slugfest. Overwhelming offense served for defense,
and it was clear that both fighters were at risk this night.
In round one Rios and Antillon met in the center of the ring and began
the dangerous dance that would last less than three full rounds. Leaning
in, Antillon suffered from Rios’ uppercuts, and both fighters took
damage from hooks flying in from all directions. By the end of the round
Antillon had blood dripping from the bridge of his nose.
In the second round the intensity
increased, and Antillon’s right eye began to visibly swell. Though
Antillon seemed to be taking slightly the worse for it, he ended the
period well, landing a powerful right and two left hooks, and appeared
confident as he and Rios faced off before returning to their corners.
Rios was not content to allow Antillon any confidence from this
exchange, as he dropped Antillon fifteen seconds into the third round.
When he stood, blood dripped from a cut in the corner of Antillon’s left
eye. He valiantly re-engaged with Rios, but in his own words after the
fight he admitted, “That left hook caught me on the top of the head and
it devastated me. I was never the same after the first knock down. Rios
punches very hard. I just got caught, and I was never able to recover.”
Suffering from the first knockdown Antillon was dropped again. He was
able to stand, but on unsteady legs he was unable to continue. Referee
David Mendoza called an end to the fight at 2:39 of the third.
Rios later conceded that, “We knew going in that whoever could take the
best punch would win. Tonight I was faster and tougher for the couple of
rounds we had. I had power in both hands.” One wonders who can challenge
the champion, given the toughness and power he has demonstrated tonight
and throughout his career.
