At the University of Bolton Stadium, Ricardo Sandoval stopped Jay Harris to win their IBF flyweight title final eliminator after a fast-paced, non-stop back and forth battle.
Sandoval (19-1, 14 KOs) started the fight well, but Harris (18-2, 9 KOs) came back into it as the midway stage approached, and it looked like it would be an extremely close contest between the two men.
It all changed in round eight though, when Sandoval landed a massive body shot that crumpled Harris and sent him crashing to the canvas, but the Welshman was able to show incredible heart and bravery to get back to his feet.
Sandoval smelt blood though, and he continued to rain down more big body shots, with another vicious left hook sending Harris down again, and this time he was unable to get back to his feet before the count of 10.
It meant that Sandoval earned an impressive knockout win, and IBF champion Sunny Edwards was watching at ringside as he witnessed a potential future opponent.
Sandoval: "I always have confidence in myself. A lot of people doubted me but I trained hard. I have a lot of experience from the amateurs and I have had some good sparring out in California.
"I have been learning in my other fights and that's what helped me a lot in this. We started working the body a lot and that was the plan. We knew from the fight he had with Julio Cesar Martinez that the body work would be key, and that showed in the ring today.
"Sunny Edwards is the champion and I'd love that fight. He moves well and has nice combinations and punches, but that would be a good fight. I've enjoyed this whole experience and enjoyed it a lot. Thank you to everybody who has supported me."
ADD COMMENT VIEW COMMENTS (7)