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Sensational win for Holt

Challenger walks off with WBO title

Last updated: 7th July 2008

Torres: Careless

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Kendall Holt came from off the canvas to claim a thrilling first round victory over Ricardo Torres and claim the WBO light-welterweight title in Las Vegas.

Holt was on his pants after just 20 seconds when a right hand from Torres hit the spot, and he went down a second time moments later with Torres moving in for the kill.

The champion was fortunate not to be deducted a point for attempting to hit Holt as he tried to stand up, but it would hardly have mattered.

Holt managed to regroup and a fierce left to the body opened up the careless Torres, who found himself sprawling between the ropes after his opponent followed up with a looping right hand that had referee Jay Nady calling an abrupt end to the contest.

Torres had lost to then-champion Miguel Cotto three years ago but has held the title since 2006 and had stopped Holt late on in his most recent defence last September.

But it was payback time for the American, who was ahead on two of the scorecards in Torres' hometown of Barranquilla when he suffered a controversial technical knockout in the 11th round of their opening match.

Holt's victory takes him to a record of 24-2 with Torres now 32-2.