Photos: Alberto Machado Demolishes Juan Jose Martinez in One

By Reynaldo "El Papi Chulo" Sanchez, Photos by Jose Ramos

PONCE, PUERTO RICO - Alberto 'El Explosivo' Machado staked his NABO world title, the regional organization affiliated with the WBO, in the stellar clash presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions at the modern Ponce Feria Complex on Saturday night as part of Cotto's series on DIRECTV channel 161.

The Puerto Rican knockout artist raised his record to 17-0 and 15 KOs, with a first round knockout of experienced Mexican fighter Juan Jose 'Piquet' Martinez (26-4 and 18 KO's). The ten round bout was part of a co-promotion with H2 Entertainment, that will be part of the DIRECTV Boxing Nights series.

The Mexican boxer Martinez visited the canvas twice before the referee of the match Jose H. Rivera decided to stop the fight.  

Machado is viewed as a serious contender to the super featherweight title. And with each presentation Machado comes out showing great skills and a powerful punch. His opponent, Martinez, led another Puerto Rican fighter, Félix Verdejo, to the fifth round before getting stopped in a June 2016 clash.

"This fight is extremely important for Machado, not only for his hand to get raised high but also his NABO crown and he is classified within the first ten in the world at 130 pounds. We know that Machado has the potential and the skills," said promoter Héctor Soto.

IN OTHER NEWS: PHILADELPHIA-South Philadelphia heavyweight Sonny Conto was named the Stan Hochman Most Outstanding Boxer at the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves 
 
Conto, who trains out of Marian Anderson Recreation Center, dominated Adrian Washington of Finefrock & Stumpf Golden Gloves Center at the 2300 Arena to win his first open-class regional championship. The 21-year old Conto will go on to the state championships on Saturday in Harrisburg.

Defending 114-pound state champion Rasheen Brown of James Shuler's Gym in West Philadelphia won his second straight regional title by defeating Jonathan Torres of Indio's Boxing Club. His teammate, Douglas Northern, also defended his regional championship at 141 pounds by beating Andy Bueno of Lincolnway Boxing Club.

The event was hosted for the 21st year by the Joe Hand Boxing Gym and Computer Lab.