Photos: Jessie Vargas Stops Humberto Soto in Slugfest

It was a thrilling night of action at The Forum in Inglewood, California, and around the world on DAZN. Pound-for-pound star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Juan Francisco Estrada met at the site of their first fight, which was a leading contender for “Fight of the Year” in 2018, and continued their tremendous ring rivalry with an action-filled fight. Estrada (39-3, 26KOs) exacted revenge in the rematch and claimed the WBC and Ring Magazine Super Flyweight World titles from Rungvisai (47-5-1, 41KOs) via unanimous decision in the main event of the evening. (photos by Ed Mulholland).

In the co-main event of the evening, Daniel Roman (27-2-1, 10KOs) and TJ Doheny (21-1, 15KOs) put on a show with a thrilling back-and-forth bout at 122 pounds. Roman bested Doheny en route to a close majority decision to unify the WBA and IBF Super Bantamweight World titles, scoring two knockdowns, one in the second round and another in the seventh round.

Opening the main card of DAZN’s stacked fight night, former two-division World Champion Jessie Vargas (29-2-2, 10KOs) made an impressive debut in the super welterweight division with an impressive sixth round TKO victory against veteran Humberto Soto (69-10-2, 37KOs).

JESSIE VARGAS - On his performance: “Honestly, I was looking for the big shots, looking for body shots. But he is a crafty veteran and he proved that tonight. I just tried to dictate the pace but he was fighting in spurts and he would put together combos.”

On the accidental head butt and ensuing cut in the first round:“It was really frustrating. It’s the first round, it’s very frustrating. I get headbutt and get a cut. So then I am thinking constantly about his head movement and where he is at because I didn’t want another cut. And listen, I’m not saying it’s his fault or anything like that. I am scarred for life again but it’s because of this beautiful sport.”

On what is next for him: “I am ready for whatever is next. I am ready for anyone. I want a world championship. I will let Eddie find the right opponent. But man, I haven’t had a KO in almost three years and I got it. It feels great and it is a credit to Freddie Roach and the great three month camp we had out here in Los Angeles.”