Disaster Down Under for Aussie Paul Fleming as Suarez stuns with final round TKO
Undefeated Filipino Charly Suarez (15-0,9KO) came from behind to score a stunning TKO win against unbeaten Australian indigenous super featherweight boxer Paul Fleming (28-1-1, 18KO) at the halfway mark of the 12th round at the St Marys Sydney stadium on March 15.
Trailing on all judges’ score cards going into the final round, Suarez delivered a superb right uppercut to the jaw that rocked the local star. Ceasing the moment the challenger followed up with a hard left cross that decked the Australian superstar, and referee Patrick O’Connor stopped the contest at the 1.58 minute of the last round.
Going into the 12th round, all three judges had Fleming ahead 108-101, 107-102 and 106-103.
Southpaw Fleming stood 4 inches higher than Suarez and – with a much longer reach – kept Suarez at distance to build up a comfortable lead heading into the 8th round.
After cutting Fleming above his left eye with a solid punch in round 2, 34-year-old 'King's Warrior' Suarez had difficulty fighting in close as the Australian displayed quick movement and effectively scored with counter punches.
With the fight in the balance, and with just two rounds remaining, Suarez launched several desperate attacks and, finally, stopped his tiring opponent to end Fleming and his 29-fight winning streak.
Suarez extended his unbeaten record to 15-0 and earned his shot at the IBO World title next.
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