In the action-packed main event on HBO, Miguel Roman (58-12, 45 KOs) dropped Orlando Salido (44-14-4, 31 KOs) three times to win by nine-round TKO at Mandalay Bay on Saturday night in Las Vegas.
Roman backed Salido into the ropes and unloaded a barrage of punches before referee Robert Byrd stopped the bout at 1:43 of Round 9.
“It was an honor to fight a great champion like Orlando Salido tonight,” said Roman. “If I would’ve lost tonight, I would’ve retired.”
The seasoned veteran has never disappointed in the ring and this bout was another mexican-style brawl. Salido started fast, rocking Roman in the first round with a right cross.
With a willing to trade blows, both fighters landed good exchanges through three rounds. Salido hit the canvas in the fourth round on a counter right hand by Roman.
While each fighter controlled the action at times, Roman seemed to be landing the harder punches. Salido’s punches didn’t have the same pop as they used to. A three-punch combination sent Salido to the canvas in the eighth round.
“I’ve beaten great prospects many times before but it was a matter of age, time takes its toll,” said Salido. “This is my last fight.”
Salido ends a 21-year career with another epic battle in the ring. The Mexican brawler will go down as all-action, former two-time division champion.
Roman said he felt everyone was against him and he wants to fight for the title.
“This is my moment,” said Roman. “I want to fight any champion.”
All photos by Ed Mulholland/HBO
