Elwin Soto Successfully Defends Flyweight Title Against Veteran Katsunari Takayama

The Mexican flyweight boxer, Elwin Soto, is still the champion of the world. The 24-year-old successfully defended his belt against the veteran Japanese fighter, Katsunari Takayama, via a round 9 stoppage. Here’s how the fight panned out.

The two fought as the co-main event of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders event. Soto went into the bout as the firm favorite; Takayama came into the bout to prove a point at 37. Ultimately, the Mexican boxer was too much for his Japanese opponent and extended his record to 19-1.

How did the Elwin Soto vs. Katsunari Takayama fight pan out?

Both fighters came out all guns blazing and threw bombs right away for three rounds straight. The champion got the better of the early exchanges and hurt Takayama on multiple occasions. He almost had Takayama out at the end of all three rounds.

The fourth and fifth rounds brought more of the same as Takayama was the busier of the two, but Soto was a class apart, landing more power punches and getting control of the fight. By the sixth and seventh rounds, Takayama grew into the fight and started enjoying himself with little more theatrics in the ring.

How did the fight end?

Round eight brought a fresh approach from both fighters. Takayama tried to land more power shots. However, Soto maintained his superiority with a few more power shots, hurting the veteran.

READ MORE: Billy Joe Saunders and Deontay Wilder Rivalry: What Happened Between the Two?

The fight ended in the ninth round as Soto followed his corner’s advice and started teeing off on the Japanese boxer. He landed a flurry of punches to which Takayama had no answer.

As a result, the referee stepped in and waved the fight off before the veteran got dropped. So although the 37-year-old gave a good account of himself, he struggled with the Mexican’s power and eventually lost.

READ MORE: Mind Games: Is Billy Joe Saunders in Canelo Alvarez’s Head?

What did you make of the Elwin Soto vs. Katsunari Takayama? Do you think the referee was right to stop the fight?