Diego Magdaleno knocks out Davis, eyes bigger game

Diego Magdaleno might not be fighting in ballrooms any longer.

The unbeaten NABF super featherweight champion from Las Vegas appears ready to graduate to bigger venues after retaining his title with a fourth-round technical knockout over Antonio Davis on Saturday at Texas Station.

Magdaleno, the No. 2-ranked fighter in his division by the WBC and the WBA, is seeking a world title shot this year. If he gets it, it won't be in a 1,500-seat room. Instead, look for him at the MGM Grand Garden, perhaps in November against the winner of the Sept. 15 WBO title fight between Rocky Martinez and Miguel Beltran.

"Let's go to the MGM," Magdaleno said after raising his record to 23-0.

Magdaleno had already hurt Davis and was all over him again late in the fourth round, smothering him with shots from every angle. Davis' corner had seen enough and was on the apron trying to get referee Joe Cortez to stop the fight.

Cortez was on top of the situation and stepped in at 2:59.

"The plan was to attack, keep the pressure on, go to the body and break him down," Magdaleno said. "I wanted a knockout win. But he surprised me with how awkward he was. He didn't really show any offense."

Magdaleno stalked Davis (29-8) from the start and hurt him late in the first round with a double left to the body and head. He did an excellent job of cutting off the ring and then landing effective combinations with both hands.

In the third round, Magdaleno hurt the 36-year-old Davis with a solid right to the body that had Davis wincing. Magdaleno looked to end it right there, but Davis managed to remain upright.

Early in the fourth, Magdaleno rocked Davis with a right uppercut that marked the beginning of the end.

"He buzzed me real good. He got me with a really good shot," Davis said.

Magdaleno's trainer, Pat Barry, was satisfied with his fighter's performance.

"He was on top of his game, and he knew exactly what he needed to do to finish his guy off," Barry said. "We didn't want to take any backward steps, so this was an important win."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.