The World Boxing Federation women’s world flyweight championship bout between co-challengers Irma ”La Guerita” Sanchez of Mexico and Carlota Santos of Panama in Guadalajara, Mexico on Saturday (July 23) before a packed house of enthusiastic fans was broadcast across Mexico and the United States on the Televisa Network.
Both fighters weighed in at 49,4 kg and both fighters came to fight!
The taller Sanchez obviously was the crowd favorite as soon as she stepped into the ring and did not disappoint. Taking control of the fight from the opening bell, the 23-year-old Sanchez displayed a good jab and top-notch boxing skills.
Santos, although outclassed, proved to be a worthy and competitive world title contender.
The fifth started slowly with the action building about the middle of the round with both fighters landing telling blows. This stanza ended with Sanchez pulling ahead with some very solid punches and crisp combinations to the body and head of the Panamanian girl.
The sixth stanza was clearly the most entertaining with neither boxer giving an inch. As the round wore on the harder blows landed by Sanchez became more apparent and although the round continued at a furious pace Santos suffered a cut on her left eye and seemed weary. The contest was stopped between rounds with Sanchez awarded a seven round TKO when Santos corner decided that the cut was beyond reasonable and deemed her unable to continue.
The look of defeat on Santos’ face said it all as she sat in her corner watching “La Guerita” jumping with joy at her victory and becoming the new WBF women’s world flyweight champion. WBF Latin American Coordinator and Supervisor, Sergio Sotelo, awarded the championship belt to Sanchez. Alan Santana, the WBF’s representative on the US west coast stated, “Overall, I’d have to say it was a good night for women’s boxing, promoter Hector Garcia of HG Boxing, and the World Boxing Federation.” Irma “La Guerita” Sanchez, now 20-5-1 (6), deservedly, wore her newly won belt with the pride of a true champion.
