LAS VEGAS – Ismael Barroso (25-4-2, 23 KOs) was all smiles on Saturday night after capturing the WBA interim super lightweight title.
The 40-year-old proved he still has much to give by stopping Ohara “Two Tanks” Davies (25-3, 18 KOs) at 1:33 of the first round at The Theatre inside Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas.
Davies came out very aggressive, stalking Barroso, but that proved to be his demise. A big hook rocked him and moments later he would be sent to the canvas. A second knockdown would follow and even though Davies beat the count, the ref deemed he was unfit to continue.
This result was in stark contrast to last May when he was controversially stopped by WBA super lightweight champion Rolando “Rollies” Romero (15-1). The two fighter squared off at the Cosmopolitan in a battle for the then vacant title.
Barroso was ahead on all three scorecards when referee Tony Weeks waved off the fight in the 9th round after a flurry of punches thrown by Romero that all appeared to miss.
“Yes, this victory is even sweeter,” Barroso told BoxingScene.com.
“Now I have a chance to get back what was taken from me. I am now the mandatory after the injustice that happened to me last year. Thanks to God I am back in this position. It took a lot of hard work but here we are, ready to fight for a world title again.”
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