In the co-feature of the Vergil Ortiz Jr-Fredrick Lawson event, 40-year-old Ismael Barroso proved he deserves a rematch against Rolly Romero by scoring a first round stoppage against British boxer Ohara Davies.
(Credit: Cris Esqueda / Golden Boy Promotions)
It was a quick night of work as Ismael Barroso displayed his punching power and showed why he is a legitimate threat in the 140-pound division. Ohara Davies (25-3, 18 KOs ) made a crucial tactical error that prevented him from being competitive in this particular fight.
Ten months ago, Barroso was robbed of his opportunity to become a super-lightweight world champion when referee Tony Weeks gifted the WBA title to Rolly Romero by prematurely stopping the fight. Barroso was awarded the opportunity to earn a rematch by way of an Interim title bout.
Prior to Saturday night, Ohara Davies only had two career losses. He suffered his first loss to Josh Taylor back in 2017 and his second career loss to Jack Catterall a year later. Since the Catterall fight, Davies managed to stay undefeated for the next five years.
The Hackney, London native Ohara Davies had always dreamed of fighting in Las Vegas. On Saturday night at The Theater in the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada, Davies’ dream turned into a total disaster.
In the opening round of the bout, Davies was aggressive as he pressed forward and attempted to land a punch to the body.
Barroso voluntarily fought off the back foot due to the fact that part of his game plan was based on him being a counterpuncher.
With 1:50 left to go in the opening round, the southpaw Ismael Barroso landed a hard counter left-hand shot that staggered Davies. Barroso proceeded to land another left hand that sent Davies down to the canvas.
Davies was able to get up, and as the bout continued, Barroso landed a flurry of shots that sent Davies back down to the canvas. Davies looked dazed, and after failing to comply with the referee’s request, the referee decided to put a halt to the contest.
Ohara Davies made a crucial tactical error when he decided to be overly aggressive against a power puncher like Barroso. With the first round stoppage victory, Ismael Barroso (25-4-2, 23 KOs) won the WBA super-lightweight Interim title. During his post-fight interview, Barroso called out the boxer he wanted to fight next.
“The people have been asking for Rolly and Barroso again. Romero, I’m right here!”
Back in July 2023, Ohara Davies signed a promotional deal with Golden Boy. Davies’ plan was to defeat Barroso and then fight Rolando “Rolly” Romero, but after Saturday night, Davies and his team will have to go back to the drawing board.
During a post-fight interview, Ismael Barroso acknowledged the fact that he ruined Ohara Davies’ plans, and he’s ready for a rematch with Romero if it happens. If, for some reason, Barroso can’t get a rematch with Rolly, he wants to fight Ryan Garcia.
