After a tumultuous lead-in to the bout with lots of negative press, boxing fans were hoping the Adonis “Superman” Stevenson vs. Jesus “El Martillo” Gonzales fight at the Bell Centre on Saturday night would live up to the promised drama. It didn’t, but that’s only because it didn’t last very long. Stevenson made quick work of Gonzales to score a dramatic first round KO victory, and launch himself into the title picture at 168 lbs.
Stevenson tagged Gonzales with a straight left hand to the head at 1:39 of the 1st round that sent Gonzales sprawling to the canvas where he lay motionless until he was taken out of the ring and into a waiting ambulance. The 27 year old Phoenix, Arizona native was kept overnight at a nearby Montreal Hospital as a precaution.
In victory, Stevenson (17-1-14 knockouts) retained his IBF Inter-Continental Super Middleweight Title and earned a right to challenge Lucian Bute for his IBF Super Middleweight Crown. Whether or not he gets his date with Bute is anybody’s guess, but considering the draw it would be Canada, it’s a good bet to happen.
Stevenson looks primed to take on the best in the division, and if you want to believe the words of his new trainer Emmanuel Steward, he’ll take home a world title for sure when he gets his shot.
For Gonzales (27-2), the loss could mean an end to a boxing career that began with great promise but never delivered a world championship. If he does decide to retire, “El Martillo” can take great pride in his work in the Phoenix community where he is well respected for donating time, money and energy to help the less fortunate.
