By Ian S Palmer
Puerto Rico’s Angel Acosta will be putting his WBO Light Flyweight Title on the line again this Friday, June 21st when he takes on Elwin Soto of Mexico. The 12-round bout can be seen live from the fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California in North America on DAZN. Acosta last fought in March when he stopped Ganigan Lopez in the eighth round. Soto fought on May 4th when he stopped Joel Castro Cano in the fourth round.
The 28-year-old Acosta turned pro back in 2012 and has compiled a fine record so far at 20-1 along with 20 big. He’s obviously known as a big hitter with a current knockout ratio of 95 per cent and all of his victories coming by way of stoppage. The champion stands 5-feet-4-inches tall with a reach of 63.5 inches. He’s boxed a total of 94 rounds since turning pro and this will be the fourth defence of his title. He’s displayed a solid chin so far as well as good boxing skills and has proven to be a handful for everybody he’s faced.
Acosta’s only pro defeat came at the hands of Kosei Tanaka of Japan in May of 2017 by unanimous decision in a shot at Tanaka’s WBO Light Flyweight Title. Tanaka then vacated the belt and moved up in weight while Acosta took on Juan Alejo for the crown. He stopped Alejo in the 10th round and then defended the title with a 12th-round TKO over Carlos Buitrago last June and then against Rodriguez four months later. He’s also beaten Victor Ruiz, Armando Vazquez, Juan Guzman, Luis Ceja and Japhet Uutoni.
The 22-year-old Soto also has power and a solid chin with a mark of 14-1 along with 10 Kos. He’s boxed 56 rounds since turning pro in 2016 with a current knockout ratio of 67 per cent. He’s been brought along quite slowly which is understandable for his age and has fought in the USA just once with the rest of his bouts coming in his homeland. He’s taking a huge step up in class here though since just three if his 15 opponents have had winning records and his last two were a combined 3-27.
Soto stands 5-feet-3-inches tall with an unlisted reach so he gives up an inch in height to Acosta. It’s not really clear how Soto has earned a shot at a world title since he has never faced anybody of note let alone beaten them. He does have decent skills and power but is untested. Still, he has a puncher’s chance and could go a few rounds if his chin can withstand Acosta’s power.
Prediction…
This contest looks to be an easy one on paper for Acosta but you just never know. He’s knocked out all opponents in his 20 wins but will also need to display some boxing skills if Soto’s chin holds up. Either way, I’m expecting Acosta to retain his title.
