Soto, (69-9-2, 37 KOs) looking sharp with his combination punching was able to pull a unanimous decision victory over Brandon Rios for the junior middleweight contest.
The scores were 119-111, 118-112, and 118-112.
It was a fun fight, watching two former lightweight titlists fighting far way north from their best division and fast their prime too. But the entertainment value never faded as the two were battle-tested warriors on their rights.
In the end, it was Soto who got the nod of three judges. He was able to bank the first few early rounds of the fight. He utilized his experience well throwing uppercuts that connected at will to a surging and leaning forward march of Rios.
The combination punching of Soto was effective as Rios looking for an opportunity to counter moving forward. Soto fired combinations ranging from 3 to 5 punch combo and then disengage. His strategy would force Rios to reset, move again forward, met again with combination, and then Soto disengage.
To his credit, Rios (35-5-1, 26 KOs) never back down, continued to surge forward. He absorbed the best shots Soto can muster and had some few moments in the ring in the later rounds. He was very game to match Soto in a toe-to-toe action. He was in the pocket all night to engage but came up short.
Rios had great plans for his return as he had his eye on another world title. He promised her daughter to bring another title belt. But for now, he has to go back to square one and check what are his options.
Rios was successful at the lightweight division where he used to bully opponents. As he climbed north of the lightweight division his power was simply not there.
With the win, Soto at 38 years old could be somehow got some boost in this stage of his boxing career, but of course, he's really on the other side of the hill. And could probably have few fights left. With his performance, could probably pull one big fight before really calling it a day, depending on the outcome.
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