Puerto Rico’s Edwin Rodriguez Upsets Saul Sanchez in Corona

CORONA, Calif.-Despite a nickname that drew cackles and taunts Puerto Rico’s Edwin “El Puto” Rodriguez toppled Southern California’s Saul Sanchez from the ranks of the undefeated to win the WBC Latino bantamweight title by split decision on Friday.

Fighting outdoors in perfect summer weather, Rodriguez (11-5-1, 5 KOs) rallied to defeat Sanchez (12-1, 7 KOs) with a smart box and move strategy at Omega Products International. It was the first time the Pacoima fighter had tasted defeat as a professional.

Sanchez, 22, knocked out three previous opponents at the outdoor venue that belongs to Thompson Boxing Promotions president Kenny Thompson. It was usually a source of triumph but not on this night before 800 fans.

Early on it was evident that Rodriguez could take punishment and deal out his own. Despite facing five undefeated foes in the past, the Puerto Rican had never lost by knockout and showed a chin made of granite. Sanchez tried and tried to put him out but never could find the finishing blow.

Maybe Sanchez lacked respect for the fighter with a derisive nickname or maybe he felt if he continued to pound away, the Puerto Rican would eventually crack. But it never happened, though it looked close to occurring on several occasions.

During the first half of the fight, Sanchez was the sharper fighter on both offense and defense. But Rodriguez employed a box and move strategy that enabled him to rally in the second half of the 10-round title fight. Sanchez seemingly dispensed with defense and allowed Rodriguez to land clean blows. It proved to be a fatal mistake that allowed the visiting Puerto Rican fighter to convince two of the judges he was the winner at 96-94, with the other favoring Sanchez.

Other Bouts

Corona’s Luis Lopez (7-0-1, 3 KOs) kept his undefeated record with a majority draw against Arkansas welterweight Demarcus Layton (7-1-1, 4 KOs). It was a battle of contrasting styles, as the shorter Lopez was effective fighting inside and landing multiple combinations against the tall, long-armed Layton. But when the Arkansas fighter had distance, he was extremely effective with the jab.

Both fighters showed speed and resiliency and started quickly. At least four more rounds were needed to differentiate the two prizefighters who fought on equal terms.

Rialto’s Oscar Torrez (7-0, 4 KOs) floored Mexico’s Miguel Cubos (13-21,1, 10 KOs) in the fourth and ended the fight by knockout in the fifth round in a heavyweight clash set for six rounds. Torrez was the bigger, faster and more accurate fighter and had few problems with Cubos who was willing, but out-gunned. A left cross from a southpaw stance floored Cubos both times, with the end coming at 1:49 of round five. Referee Ray Corona stopped the fight at the request of Cubos’ corner.

Gabriel Hernandez (10-0, 9 KOs) got his knockout streak snapped by Mexico’s Daniel Najera (9—1, 4 KOs) but still won every round in winning by unanimous decision. Hernandez was the better conditioned fighter in a fight matching equal skills. Left hooks to the body were the favorite weapon of San Diego’s Hernandez. Scores were 59-55 twice and 60-54 for Hernandez.

Texas lightweight Sebastian Salinas (2-0) dominated Modesto’s Michael Gaxiola (4-17) in all four rounds of their fight with multiple combinations. Gaxiola had one good moment in the second round with his own flurries, but never matched the output of the Texan who is trained by the brothers Joel and Antonio Diaz in Indio, California.

Photo credit: Al Applerose

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