Anaheim, California Oscar Duarte did what no one had done before: Stop 26-year-old Miguel Madueño in the seventh round. As Oscar de la Hoya pointed out, the newly crowned WBO lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis could stop Madueño in July last year.
It is a newly renewed Duarte, who, along with world -renowned coach Robert Garcia, was on a steady ascension to a world title. He cast the fans in the Honda Center with his actions. Duarte offered a show from start to finish. His ring Walk contains the Mexican singers Miguel Cornejo and Juan Freer, who sang the song “Yo Vengo de la Nada”. Inside the ring, he used the first round to feel his opponent.
As soon as he felt Madueño’s power, he was confident that he could withstand his blows. Duarte was able to dominate the exchanges because he was faster and stronger than Madueño. Duarte landed 121 power bumps in seven rounds and connected to 39 percent of his power punch (121 of 310). Madueño had a healthy work rate, but could not find the target, and only 20.7 of his total push (Compubox) ended up.
After the match, Duarte told the media that he wanted to become world champion, possibly a match with Arnold Barboza jr. Set up or even avenge his loss of Ryan Garcia. For the latter, this would probably happen later in the future, because Garcia said he couldn’t earn 140 pounds. A match with Barboza would be easier to make because both share the same promoter in Golden Boy.
Barboza chalked up Jack Catterall earlier in the day by a split decision and became the compulsory challenger to WBO champion TheOFIMO Lopez. Duarte would like to encounter any of the champions in his division and declare that he is ready for them. He can be worthy of a resume for a title shot if he continues on this track. He fits well against WBA champion Jose Valenzuela, but they share the same coach, Robert Garcia. With a stablemate it is not possible in the cards.
Another potential option could be the WBC Championship, Alberto Puello will face Sandor Martin on March 1 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Duarte seems determined to put in the job needed to become a champion. He said he would take a few days off to rest and then go back to the gym to train. He wants to be ready for whom De la Hoya matches him by the next.
Regis Prograis was the original opponent, but was unable to compete due to an injury he sustained in the camp. Duarte looked a lot of prepared, and he would have beaten if he faced him in the ring. Robert Garcia knows how to get the best out of his fighters and make them better. Duarte will only improve with Robert, and a championship match appears on the horizon.
Last updated on 02/16/2025
