Sadam Ali (21-0, KO’s 13) delivered a good performance against Luis Carlos Abregu, by displaying boxing skills, ring intelligence, and patience, but still needs room for improvement to compete with the elite fighters in the welterweight division. Nonetheless, he managed to score a 9th round TKO victory over Abregu.
From the opening bell Ali established his jab, and used lateral movement to maintain distance. Despite not being hit, Ali was out of reach to land his own shots. There was very minimal action between the two combatants in the first half of the fight. The difference in punches landed was minuscule but Ali was slightly outpointing Abregu to win the majority of the rounds.
In the sixth round Ali came out of his stool in a slightly more aggressive manner. His punch output began to increase, as he was willing to take more risk. Abregu finally found the opportunity to be within reach of Ali, but ended up being knocked down by a flush right hand. Then the roles reversed and Ali became the stalker. Ali never rushed in, and took his time trying to break down his opponent. Abregu managed to get his senses back, and finished the round.
Then in the 7th and 8th rounds, Abregu began to retake his role as the aggressor. Ali was being swarmed by a multitude of shots, and his posture indicated he was extremely uncomfortable despite not being hit. Ali’s punch output began to decrease and was forced to use his legs more.
In the 9th round, Abregu, knowing he’s far behind in the scorecards with 2 rounds left, increased his pressure furthermore. Ali was slowly losing momentum in the fight, until he began counterpunching more. Then Ali was able to surprise Abregu with a straight right, followed by a left hook and knocked him down. Abregu managed to beat the count, but Ali kept on the attack. Abregu was being swarmed by a multitude of punches, and the referee stepped in and stopped the fight. Ali scored a 9th round TKO victory.
Ali now improves to a record of 21-0 with 13 knockouts. With his win over Abregu, he has now positioned himself for bigger opportunities in the stacked welterweight division. At age 26, boxing fans can reassure themselves to see Ali be put against stiffer competition very soon.
