Fernando Montiel was a big hit in Ixtapa, Mexico, catering to the people all through fight week and then taking care of business in the ring on fight night. The former three-division titlist picked up his fourth straight win, stopping Jaderes Padua of the Philippines in the third round of their Televisa-televised main event.
A packed house of 4,500 was on hand to witness the 34-year old Montiel as he continues his dream of winning a belt in a fourth weight class. He looked the part, albeit against a relative ring novice. Padua entered the fight on the heels of a 6th round knockout loss to Tomas Rojas just two months ago, thought the Filipino was anxious to return to Mexico for the second time in as many fights.
Montiel welcomed him with open arms, and then flattened him with a single punch. A right hand left Padua shook, with the 22-year old on the canvas as the ten-count was reached at 1:12 of round three.
The win is Montiel's fourth straight and the 50th overall of his impressive career.
Padua falls to 8-3-1 (5KO), suffering his second straight defeat.
On the undercard, Arturo Santos - who suffered a controversial split decision loss to Montiel just over a year ago - picked up his third win in the span of his past four contests with a six-round decision over Carlos Rodriguez. Scores were 58-56 (twice) and 59-55 in their super bantamweight preliminary bout.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board, Yahoo Boxing Ratings Panel and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
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