Cayo outpoints Baez in Santo Domingo

Cayo outpoints Baez

By Robert Coster

Dominican boxing fans flocked to the Dominican Fiesta Hotel in Santo Domingo see IBF#7 Victor Cayo continue on his path to rehabilitate his career with a well-earned unanimous decision over previously unbeaten but untested countryman Vladimir Baez with the IBF Latin and Dominican titles 140lbs at stake. Cayo (31-3, 22 KOs ) used a powerful jab and good body shots to pile up points against the inexperienced Baez (17-1-2, 15 KOs) who headhunted too much and lacked combination punching. Baez landed with some success at times but the more pedigreed Cayo just scored more often and with more eye-catching punches. All 3 judges had Cayo winning 98-91. Fightnews had it closer at 96-92. The fight was hard-fought and entertaining and both boxers received a good round of applause.

The co-feature saw IBF featherweight champion Dahianna Santana (31-6, 14 KOs) retain her title with a unanimous decision over very game Helen Joseph (11-2-1, 6 KOs) of Ghana. Santana had her hands full with the rugged visitor and both contestants knocked each other down (Joseph visited the mat in the 1st round and Santana in the 5th). Santana had more skills and faster hands but Joseph had the strength and the power. It was a thrilling, give-and-take combat that finally saw the champion prevail with a 96-92, 96-92, 98-91 nod. Fightnews had it 95-93 for Santana.

The card was promoted by Manguita Promotions and Sampson Boxing.

Lin with Photos