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Juan Diaz, right, lands a right to the head of Randy Suico of the Philippines, during their WBA lightweight world championship boxing match at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 15, 2006.
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Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz overwhelms Randy Suico
By Paul Upham, Secondsout.com
July 17, 2006
WBA lightweight world champion Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz powered over the top of challenger Randy Suico from the Philippines to retain his title belt by 9th round TKO on Saturday night on the Mosley-Vargas II card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, USA.
The 22 year-old University student from Houston, Texas who is promoted by Main Events, took the next step to being considered one of the best boxers in the world with an impressive and powerful performance.
Both men came out and went to the body early in round 1. A series of heavy left hooks from Diaz 30-0 (15) in light blue trunks, forced 26 year-old Suico back into the ropes momentarily, before he replied with his own left hands.
There were some strong jabs from Diaz in round 2, neither man using much foot movement. It was a fast pace from Diaz who was throwing his punches with all of his might. Suico 24-3 (21) in white trunks, replied with his own body shots, but with nowhere near the same force as Diaz. Two more strong right hands from Diaz in round 3 were impressive. He was relentless to the body in round 4. Referee Joe Cortez going to Suico's corner at the end of round 4, telling him that he was taking too many headshots. "You better show me something," he said.
The much taller Suico tried to land some uppercuts after withstanding Diaz' opening assault in round 5, but it did little damage. A beautifully timed right uppercut in round 6 from Diaz rocked Suico.
Taking the directions of trainer Ronnie Shields, Diaz changed tactics and used some more movement and boxed on the outside in round 7. This allowed Suico to work more comfortable and land some nice hooks to win his only round.
The two stood toe to toe in round 8, trading body shots. A series of heavy punches forced Suico onto the back foot. Three left hooks snaps Suico's head back and he looked unsteady on his feet momentarily in round 9. A follow up right hand from Diaz saw referee Cortez jump in and wave off the fight at the 2:06 minute mark with Suico back up against the ropes. It was Diaz' fourth successful world title defence.
Also on the card, Rock Allen W4 Henry Mitchell at junior welterweight, Ben "Wonder" Tackie TKO9 Wilfredo Negron at welterweight, Anthony Salcido D6 Enrique Colin at junior welterweight, Jonathan Oquendo TKO3 Arturo Bracamontes at junior featherweight and Eudi Gonzalez TKO2 Cesar Valentin at junior middleweight.
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