Richard Torrez Jr. Resumes KO Success, Stopping Tomas Salek in One
After eight months of waiting, Richard Torrez Jr. showcased his KO prowess once again, making quick work of Tomas Salek in their heavyweight bout. The 2020 Olympic silver medalist dominated the Czech Republic’s Salek, stopping him in just 2 minutes and 45 seconds of the opening round. This victory marked Torrez’s 13th professional win, with 11 of those coming by way of knockout.
The fight was a mismatch from the start, as Salek, with a record of 23-8 (14 KOs), struggled to find his rhythm. Torrez, a measured and powerful southpaw from Tulare, California, showcased his skill and precision, landing alarming regularity with his power shots. A sweeping right hook proved to be the most damaging blow, drawing blood from Salek’s nose and prompting the referee to stop the fight.
This victory marked Torrez’s first stoppage since December 7, 2023, when he needed just 139 seconds to defeat Donald Haynesworth. It was also his shortest fight since December 2023, further solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.
In other action, Julian Montalvo made a strong impression, stopping Nicolas Patron in just 2 minutes and 2 seconds of the first round. Montalvo, a 17-year-old Las Vegas native, showcased his speed and power, knocking Patron down twice with a right hand and follow-up left hook. This victory marked Montalvo’s fifth win since turning pro in March.
The evening’s action also featured Jorge Ascanio, who picked up his fourth win of the year with a split decision over Jose Amaro. Ascanio, a San Luis Postol fighter, now has eight consecutive wins under his belt, solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport.
All three fights served as undercards to the highly anticipated Rafael Espinoza-Arnold Khegai WBO featherweight title fight, providing a thrilling night of boxing action.