By Jake Donovan
Any aspirations Juan Carlos Salgado had of becoming a three-time titlist were dramatically dashed in a major upset Saturday evening in Coacalco, Mexico. The former two-division champ was stopped in 11 rounds by durable trialhorse Miguel Roman in their Televisa-televised main event.
Roman vowed not only a win but guaranteed a knockout performance to anyone who would dare listen. Five days shy of his 28th birthday, the 10-year ring veteran made good on his word, swooping in at the right time of Salgado's suddenly rapidly declining career.
The win is by far Roman's best since turning pro in 2003, often coming up way short whenever stepping up in competition. The Mexican ring warrior suffered his lone stoppage loss in a failed bid against then lightweight titlist Antonio DeMarco last March. The bout was one of two attempts at a major title, also dropping a decision loss to Jonathan Barros a year prior to falling to DeMarco.
Saturday's career-best performance could result in a third title shot. For now, it's good enough for his sixth straight win as he improves to 44-11 (33KO).
Salgado is now at a major crossroads in his career. The former 126 lb. and 130 lb. titlist has now suffered back-to-back stoppage defeats as he falls to 26-3-1 (16KO). Saturday's bout was his first since losing his 130 lb. belt to Argenis Mendez this past March, suffering a 4th round knockout loss in a rematch to his title-winning effort over the Dominican in Sept. '11.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com, as well as the Records Keeper for the Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and a member of Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
