Carlos Palomino vs Ryu Sorimachi

Carlos Palomino defended his WBC World Welterweight Title in Las Vegas against Ryu Sorimachi on February 11, 1978. The venue was the Hilton Hotel, and it was clear from the opening rounds that Palomino, the reigning champion, had control. Both fighters weighed in at 147 lbs, but Palomino's strategy centred on a relentless body attack, which soon paid dividends.

Throughout the early rounds, Palomino steadily worked the body, targeting Sorimachi's ribs with powerful hooks. These shots started to take their toll by the sixth round, during which Sorimachi began showing signs of distress. Blood appeared from the Japanese contender's mouth, and he struggled to maintain his footing. The bell ending the sixth was a lifeline for Sorimachi, who staggered back to his corner in visible discomfort.

The seventh round brought the decisive moment. Palomino didn't let up; he opened with a heavy right to Sorimachi's body, continuing his calculated pressure. A left hook followed to the side of Sorimachi's head, disorienting him, and then Palomino delivered the final blow — a left hook that landed flush on Sorimachi's chin. Referee Ferd Hernandez counted out the challenger at 2:03 of the round. At the time of the knockout, all three judges had Palomino well ahead, scoring 59-55. Palomino's calculated approach, emphasizing body shots, was the key to the knockout. This victory marked another successful defence of his title and highlighted his reputation for combining tactical precision with power.

The financial stakes were clear: Palomino earned $125,000, while Sorimachi took home $20,000 for his efforts. Palomino's post-fight comment summed up his confidence, "When I hit him with the left hook, I knew it was over. When it landed, I felt it. My reaction was he wouldn't get up."