Boxing
Alan Chaves issues this Knockout of the Year candidate in scintillating finish
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Alan Chaves wanted to make his United States' debut special.
Not only did the Argentinian boxer do just that, but he put the entire lightweight division on notice of his nightmarish power and skills. That's because, Chaves unloaded a left hook for a scintillating third-round stoppage of Miguel Madueno in an instant Knockout of the Year candidate.
As impressive and eye-popping as Chaves' power was on the shot, his setup of the blow was really what boxing fans should hone in on.
"A huge puncher, but got the skills with it," Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn said of Chaves. "You saw the power, but what you also saw was the way he set the shot up, his footwork, everything that came with it. It wasn't crude, it was really smart.
"This young man," he added, "is a serious problem."
Chaves was getting to Madueno in the opening round, touching the Mexican fighter with a series of shots. That momentum increased in the second, before Chaves took his opening and detonated that raucous left hook that had him changing levels, loading up and exploding upwards with a bang.
Madueno was knocked out on his feet with his head bouncing off the mat. He was motionless for a tense moment before making it back to his feet. Considering Madueno is a veteran, who went the distance with Keyshawn Davis, Chaves' knockout was definitely a warning shot to the lightweight division.
