In a matchup of two young and hungry Light Welterweights, Amir Imam (16-0, 14 KOs) knocked out Fidel Maldonado Jr. (19-3, 16 KOs) in the fifth round of a scheduled 10-round fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The fight was televised on Showtime Sports in the U.S. on a card jointly promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions.
In the opening rounds, Imam, 24, of Albany, New York, had some trouble with Maldonado, who picked his shots and landed right hand to the body and head before moving out of range.
Maldonado, 23, was smart with his pressure until suddenly being dropped by a thunderous right hand at the end of Round 2.
Maldonado was clearly hurt and was definitely saved by the bell. He was able to recover on his stool between rounds.
At the beginning of Round 3, when it seemed as if Maldonado would be stopped, the native of of Albuquerque, New Mexico suddenly dropped Imam with a straight left hand.
Then, in yet another sudden turn of events, Imam dropped Maldonado for a second and third times. At this point, it was clear that Imam’s length and power were too punch for Maldonado.
After taking too much punishment and being knocked down for a fourth time in Round 5, referee Robert Byrd put an end to the fight.
Imam would end the night by stating that he’s ready for top-ten 140-pounders including Danny Garcia and Adrien Broner.
