LOS ANGELES.- Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez will have to wait to star in a big pay per view event in Las Vegas; at least that's what people are saying after Josesito López (30-4, 18 KO's) gave the shock of the year by knocking favorite Víctor Ortiz (29-4-2, 22 KO's) during the fight's 9th round.

Not only did Ortiz have to let go of a great opportunity, he also ended up with a broken jaw.

López got on the ring ready to put up a great battle, from the first round at the Staples Center of Los Ángeles he showed the world he was going to give it his all. Every attack by Ortiz was countered with his fists shaking the Kansas' fighter more than once.

As the brawl went on, the weight of "Vicious"' punches was becoming more evident on López's face, he tried and tried but could not knock Ortiz down even if he his combinations were hitting him right. Ortiz seemed to be in control of the match but could never make it really evident.

It was on the 5th round of an even fight when Ortiz hit López on the back of the head throwing him to the floor. López got up, nevertheless, and boldly resumed the match earning the approval of the audience.

As the rounds went on, Josesito was looking better and better; he courageously gave everything he had and then, with a powerful right punch he broke Ortiz's jaw. Victor, visibly hurt, backed to his corner at the end of the 9th round.

Finally, unable to close his mouth, Ortiz's corner decided to stop the fight giving an unexpected victory to Josesito who immediately stated he was ready to face "Canelo" if promoters chose to face them in Las Vegas next September 15.

Even so, it seems that the night will go to the anticipated match between Julio César Chávez Jr. and Sergio Martínez, an arrangement to be announced in Los Ángeles on the 10th of July.

"Canelo" Álvarez, who was watching the battle, looked shocked; though he was smiling, he didn't seem very happy; again his rival-to-be fell before getting to him.

His awaited fight is looking further away every time.

editorial@sandiegored.com

Translation by Karen Balderas Licea