Ex-champ Sosa stops Rhodes in seven

Fightnews.com

By Kurt Wolfheimer at ringside

Former WBA super featherweight champion Jason “El Canito” Sosa (23-3-4, 16 KOs) continued on his quest for another world title shot, dropping “The Hackman” Haskell Lydell Rhodes (27-4-1, 13 KOs) three times en-route to a seventh round stoppage Saturday night at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA on the card promoted by Top Rank, Raging Babe Promotions and Peltz Boxing.

Jason Sosa Vs Lydell Rhodes Knockdown — Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Sosa took control late in the third with constant pressure, which forced Rhodes to be on the defensive. The constant pressure from the man nicknamed El Canito continued throughout the fourth round. Sosa finally sent Rhodes to the canvas with left hook. Rhodes rose to his feet and Sosa continued to batter him around the ring. Rhodes was sent to the canvas again with a counter right.

Rhodes tried to turn the tide in the sixth as both traded big shots. A cut opened on Sosa’s left eye in what appeared to be an accidental clash of heads.

Sosa dropped him for the third time in the seventh. Rhodes got up and Sosa continued to batter him. His corner had seen enough and stepped onto the ring apron telling Referee Benjy Esteves Jr to waive the fight off at one minute and eight seconds of the seventh round, giving Jason Sosa the TKO victory.

“I think we did everything we came to do,” said Sosa afterward. “I want to get a title fight again. I want to call out Berchelt!”