Matthysse stops Kiram in 8 to win welterweight crown

Lucas Matthysse stopped Tewa Kiram to win the WBA Welterweight title at the Forum in Inglewood, California.

Matthysse suffered an abrasion over his left eye in round five of a fight that lacked action over the first seven rounds.

In round eight, Matthysse dropped Kiram with a hard left hand,  It was another left hand that sent Kiram on his back for a second and final time and the bout was stopped at 1:21.

Matthysse, 147 lbs of Chubut, ARG is now 39-4 with 36 knockouts.  Kiram, 146.4 lbs of Buriram, THA is now 37-1.

“I’m really happy,” said Lucas Matthysse. “He [Kiram] moved really well, and he was really big. That’s why it was hard to cut the distance. I didn’t feel his power, but he felt mine, so that’s why I was able to find him later and stop him. I’m here for the best and biggest names. I want the rematch with Danny Garcia or Manny Pacquiao. Those are the big fights I want, though of course that will be up to Mario Arano and Golden Boy Promotions to figure that out.”

Jorge Linares retained the WBA Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Mercito Gesta.

In round eight, Linares was cut over his right eye.

Linares outlanded Gesta 171-120.

Linares, 135 lbs of Barinas, VEN won by scores of 118-110 twice and 117-111, and is now 44-3.  Gesta, 134.8 lbs of San Diego is now 31-2-2.

“I didn’t really feel his [Gesta’s] power, though I hurt my hand in the fourth or fifth round,” said Jorge Linares. “I threw my right hand without really putting too much power into it. I was just touching him. There wasn’t a knockout because he was well prepared. Like I said to Oscar De La Hoya, I don’t want to mention names for my next opponent. You know what’s nice? That people mention my name [as a possible opponent]. That’s fine that they mention my name, but let’s get them in the ring. Let them get in the ring with me.”

“I fought against a world champion, and that was a great privilege,” said Mercito Gesta. “He [Linares] adjusted well to my style after the first couple of rounds. Overall, I am proud of myself for taking this tough fight, and I know me and coach Freddie Roach came in with the best game plan. We just fell a little short.”