by James Slater: Last night in his native Argentina, powerhouse 140-pounder Marcos Maidana made relatively short work of Spanish-based Russian
Petr Petrov. “El Chino,” happy to be fighting in front of a noisy, appreciative crowd, sent Petrov down three times in all, getting the TKO win in the 4th-round when the ref had seen enough.
Maidana, now hoping for bigger fights, improved to 31-2(28) with the win. Petrov, who gave it a go but was totaly out-gunned, falls to 29-3-2(13).
Maidana, clearly looking for the KO, scored a flash knockdown in the opening round, as Petrov’s glove touched the canvas after a punch connected. Unhurt, the Russian was still content to fight a defensive fight in the 2nd and 3rd-rounds. Maidana was the boss throughout, yet he was at times overanxious and he missed with wild swings.
The local hero got his bombs on target in the 4th, however, sending his opponent down twice in the session. The ref began a count after the second, hurtful knockdown, but soon dispensed with the count and waved the fight off. Petrov compalined, but to no avail.
It will be interesting to see who Maidana fights next. The big puncher was set to face the talented Robert Guererro, but “The Ghost” needed shoulder surgery. Former former foe Erik Morales, who is set to fight again in December, could be another future possibility for the all-action Argentine, with both men expressing a desire to engage in a rematch of their thrilling April battle.
“El Terrible,” has of course, just picked up his fourth “world” title. Maybe the Mexian great will look to finish off his storied career with a second fight with Miadana.
Of course, the main man Maidan wants is Amir Khan. Ever since losing on points to Khan last year, Maidana has craved a second go at the Brit. His hopes look to go unfulfilled, however, as Khan is soon to move up to welterweight. Still, whoever he does fight next, Maidana can be sure of plenty of fan interest.