Friday night at the Capital Gym in Beijing, China, Jason Sosa (19-1-4, 15 KOs), ranked #8 by the WBA, made the long and arduous journey from Camden, New Jersey, all the way to the other side of the world to dethrone unbeaten Javier Fortuna (29-1-1, 21 KOs), from the Dominican Republic, at 0:25 of the 11th round, to win the WBA World super featherweight title.
With upset in mind, Sosa was confident coming in, and that confidence paid off big time with a come-from-behind victory when all appeared to be lost.
Fortuna is skilled. He’s a veteran. He knows every trick in the book. For most of the fight he made Sosa look like an amateur. And while boxing is a skill and not a strength sport, it’s a game where power rules.
Round 10 was a thing of beauty. With Sosa way behind on points, he dropped the champ. Fortuna was dazed. He beat the count, but he spat out his mouthpiece and lost a point as the round ended.
Entering the championship rounds, Fortuna’s Waterloo was just around the corner. Sosa smelled blood. He could taste victory. He dropped Fortuna a second time. The Dominican fighter again got to his feet, the heart of a champion beats strong, but he was hurt and the referee, Raul Caiz Jr., wisely waved it off.
Photos by Sumio Yamada
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.
