Pablo Cesar Cano stops Jorge Linares in one round demolition

Pablo Cesar Cano destroyed the highly favorite Jorge Linares in the very first round of their super lightweight title at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

Cano, (32-7-1, 22 KOs) was all over Linares from the beginning of the fight. It is obvious that Cano was the bigger fighter and so he imposed his advantage early on resulting in three knockdowns and thereafter the referee stopped the fight.

The official time of the stoppage was 2:48 seconds of the opening round.

The first knockdown was a result of a clean right that landed on the neck of Linares as Cano was swinging hard at Linares.

Linares (45-5, 28 KOs) managed to beat the count and went on to fight. Cano was determined to finish the fight early sensing the vulnerability of Linares at that point.

Cano then landed a two-punch combo with the last one landed on Linares' jaw that sent him hard to the floor. The second knockdown really raises the alarm for Linares.

Linares got back up and traded punches with the very determined challenger and then boom! A loaded big right hand landed on Linares' ear that sent him back again to the floor for the third time.

Since the three-knockdown rule isn't in effect the referee let the fight continue as Linares was able to bet the count.

Cano yet again landed a clean shot that staggered Linares to the ropes prompting the referee to step in and stopped the contest.

“He surprised me with the big right hand. He had power in his punch.
It was so different. Five pounds is so different. But before at 135, I was feeling better but I moved to 140 because it was too hard to make. The weight is hard. His body is bigger. He has an amazing punch.”

“I’ve got to think about it. I have to take some time and talk to my team to see if I should go back down to 135 lbs. or stay at 140 lbs. But most important is my health so I will take time and decide where to go next.”

Cano was happy and contended about his upset victory over Linares.

“I am happy, I am very content. All of my career I have wanted a victory of this magnitude against a fighter of this caliber like Jorge Linares. And what better way to win it than in this fashion. Today in the best moment of my life and career, it was an honor to fight a three-time champion in Jorge Linares.”