MATTYHYSSE STOPS KIRAM IN ROUND 8 TO WIN VACANT WBA WORLD TITLE

By JOSE MONTY FLORES

LUCAS Martin “La Máquina” Matthysse of Argentina knocked out Tewa Kiram of Thailand in the 8th round to capture the vacant WBA World Welterweight title on Saturday night at The Forum in Inglewood, California.
Matthysse struggled in the early rounds as Kiram was landing his power jabs as the Argentian’s face turned red already after three rounds. At Kiram’s corner was his Filipino trainer JJ Jorda who was assisted by former world champion Rodel Mayol.
Kiram was dominating the fight with his quick jabs to keep Matthysse at the bay. But Matthysse had finally caught Kiram with an overhand right cross for the first knockdown in the 8th round.
The 25-year old Kiram, a former PABA welterweight champion managed to stand up but was again caught by another powerful jab for the knockout. Referee Raul Caiz Jr. finally stopped the fight in 1:21.
It was only Kiram’s first loss after 38 straight wins with 28 knockouts and no draw.
The 35-year old Matthysse improved his record to 39 wins with 36 knockouts against four losses and no draw.
The fight was promoted by Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions and Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions.