The unbeaten WBC minimumweight champion overwhelmed the dangerous Thai challenger in two rounds, adding another statement victory to one of boxing’s greatest championship reigns
Ricardo “Finito” Lopez barely gave Saman Sorjaturong a chance to settle into the fight on July 3, 1993. The unbeaten Mexican champion broke the challenger down in less than two rounds, delivering another performance that showcased the precision, timing and ring IQ that defined his Hall of Fame career.
Entering the bout, Lopez carried a perfect 33-0 record with 24 knockouts. Sorjaturong was 15-1-1 with 13 knockouts and had developed a reputation as a dangerous puncher, but the Thai challenger was outmatched from the opening bell.
Lopez took control immediately, landing his jab and straight right while preventing Sorjaturong from getting his offense going. Midway through the opening round, a jab followed by a straight right hand dropped the challenger to the canvas. Sorjaturong beat the count, but Lopez remained in control for the rest of the round.
The second round followed a similar pattern. Lopez scored another knockdown with a combination about halfway through the round. Although Sorjaturong got back to his feet, he was still hurt.
Moments later, Lopez landed a left uppercut that dropped Sorjaturong for the third time. The challenger rose again, but referee Vince Delgado immediately stopped the fight at 2:45 of the second round without issuing another count.
The victory was another dominant performance by ‘Finito’ Lopez, who continued building a championship reign that would become one of the greatest in minimumweight history. The defeat was the first knockout loss of Sorjaturong’s professional career, but it did not derail him. He later moved up to light flyweight, captured a world title, and earned recognition for his memorable 1995 victory over Humberto Gonzalez.
Lopez continued adding to one of boxing’s finest unbeaten records. He retired at 51-0-1 (38 KOs) after winning world titles in two weight classes and never suffering a defeat. More than three decades after stopping Sorjaturong, “Finito” remains one of the greatest technicians the sport has produced.
