The Armory in Minneapolis - Brian Mendoza (21-2, 15 KOs) seized his opportunity and delivered a stunning fifth-round KO over former unified world champion Jeison Rosario (23-4-1, 17 KOs) in a performance that Mendoza described as career-altering. The 27-year-old Rosario announced his retirement following the fight.
Thirty-five seconds into the fifth stanza, Mendoza landed a vicious right uppercut that sent Rosario to the canvas for the second time in the fight. Rosario stumbled when attempting to rise, prompting referee Mark Calo-Oy to put a stop to the action.
In just five rounds of work, Mendoza was able to land 25 punches to the susceptible body of Rosario. In the second round, Mendoza landed a left hook to the body, causing Rosario to belatedly drop to a knee. This was the fourth time in Rosario’s career that he was dropped with a body shot.
Tonight’s defeat marked the end of a splendid career for Rosario, who captured the WBA and IBF 154-pound belts by stopping Julian Williams in one of 2020’s biggest upsets.
“I think it’s time to say goodbye,” Rosario said. “I’m not fighting anymore. I’m going to retire. I have accomplished a lot, and it was good, but my career stops here. The most important thing is that I’m still healthy. I feel bad that I couldn’t give the Dominican people the result they hoped for, but I love you all and I thank you for all the support through the years.”
Jeison Rosario: Time To Say Goodbye, I'm Not Fighting Anymore, Time To Retire
By BoxingScene StaffPublished
Comments
Slip jabSun Nov 6, 2022, 9:57 PM
I agree but with careful matchmaking he can do something. Imagine if haymon protected him like charlo or Spence. , I’d welcome HBO coming back to resuscitate an identical agenda but applied to white fighters like haymon treat’s black fighters
SweetPbfAliSun Nov 6, 2022, 9:34 PM
The way he reacted from that jab to the stomach from Jermell was enough for me. Did we ever get an actual explanation for that?
Afi23Sun Nov 6, 2022, 9:30 PM
He probably could have benefited from "milking" the belts a bit. In retrospect, Haymon/his team did him wrong throwing him to Charlo right after his win over J-Rock and right back to Lubin after.
Boricua181Sun Nov 6, 2022, 9:18 PM
Jeison Rosario your decision to retire is the best thing that you can do for your health.:boxing:
Cash inSun Nov 6, 2022, 7:49 PM
He could have made major money, but he knew. He can say what he wants after the event, but it was a man vs a boy vs he faced Barrera. Cash in
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