Maidana continues devastating knockout form
Heading into last night's interim WBA light-welterweight title defense against Victor Cayo, once-beaten Marcos Maidana was still an enigma to many in the sport. Maidana's 27-1 record with 26 knockouts was a testament to his power inside of the ring but nearly all of his fights had taken place in Germany and his native Argentina.
On June 27th of last year Maidana was able to give fans a taste of his abilities as a fighter as he scored a stunning upset over hot prospect Victor Ortiz at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Maidana survived three early knockdowns on his way to eventually turning the tide of the fight and halting the highly touted prospect in the sixth round. It was a victory that was impressive and it left fans wanting more.
Maidana's assignment at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas last weekend was no easy task as Cayo's confident swagger had been on display all week leading up to the bout. The Dominican fighter insisted that his speed and ability would be enough to overcome Maidana's brute strength and crippling power but as the fight wore on those words seemed to carry less weight.
The bout was wild from the get-go as Cayo got off to a fast start, beating Maidana to the punch and controlling the contest with his quickness. Maidana turned up the intensity late in the contest as he landed well and it was obvious something had to give. In the second round Cayo again got off to a fine start but he suffered a late round knockdown just as the bell sounded, showing his susceptibility to Maidana's power.
As the fight pressed forward the bout had its share of riveting action and shifts in momentum. It was a battle of Cayo's elusiveness and speed against Maidana's pressure and sustained power. At the end of the 5th the contest seemed to be up in the air and it was at this moment when Maidana seemed to make the decision that he was going to lay everything on the line in the sixth.
In this round the champion stormed out began recklessly attacking his foe to the body and head. Cayo was in full retreat mode and he had no answer for the heat the Maidana was brining. The action shifted to the corner of the ropes and this is when Maidana really began punishing his 25-year old foe. Cayo pivoted off of the ropes but seconds later he was greeted with an excellent shot to the body that floored him for the count. Just like that Maidana had produced a brilliant ending to a great fight.
With the win Maidana moves to 28-1 with 27 knockouts with yet another win that showed his resolve and dangerous capabilities. Maidana will surely have his sights on the May 15th clash between WBA champion Amir Khan and Paulie Malignaggi in New York but also mentioned he is open to all comers in the light-welterweight division.
Whatever direction his career goes, Marcos Maidana certainly won't go away quietly.