Ringside Report By: Ricardo Castineyra – WBO Light Flyweight Edwin ‘La Pulga’ Soto (16-1, 11 KOs) defended his title successfully on Thursday night, defeating Filipino Edward Heno (14-0-5) via decision at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio.
Goldenboy Promotions brought a full fight card to California which didn’t disappoint, The Main event especially serving up a brilliant spectacle which had spectators on their feet throughout. Soto on the night held off the advances of Heno, albeit after visiting the canvas in the third from a questionable call but was able to regain composure to close out the bout to retain his title via scores of 114-113, 115-112 and 115-112.
“I felt I need to throw more punches,” said Elwin Soto. “I won the early rounds, and I won the later rounds. But there were some rounds in the middle where he beat me. Either way, I won the fight, and I’m ready for anyone. I just want to keep fighting, no matter who it is.”
“I’m happy that I did well,” said Edward Heno.“But I won this fight. My whole team knows I won this fight. We’re ready for anything these throw at us, but I want a rematch.”
In the co-main event, Angel “Tito” Acosta (21-2, 21 KOs) scored a fifth round knockout over Raymond Tabugon (22-11-1, 11 KOs) to capture the vacant WBO International Flyweight Title. Time of Stoppage was 1:05.
Acosta controversially was relieved of his title by the guy he shared the main event with (Soto), the loss prompting a move to the 112-pound division. Acosta looked good at the weight, able to control the pace of the bout, showing once more his famed power in the fifth, dropping Tabugon before a left hook signalled the end of the contest.
“I felt strong in my first fight at 112 pounds,” said Angel Acosta. “I now want to fight against the best fighters in this new weight class. With this title, I’m now ranked in the top five, so I want any of the top fighters.”
Photo by Tom Hogan / HoganPhotos / Goldenboy
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