Lightweight Alejandro Paulino went back to what had worked for him.
After notching decision wins in back-to-back fights, the unbeaten Paulino stopped Luis Porozo in the opening round. Their Swerve TV main event lasted just 57 seconds Saturday night at Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Moments into the opening round, a right cross dropped Porozo to the canvas. Porozo beat the count, but was met with a barrage of punches that would eventually drop him to the canvas. Referee Joey Lupino waved off the contest.
Paulino (18-0, 14 knockouts), a Dominican Republic native now based in New London, Connecticut, came off a unanimous decision win over Estivan Falcao on March 23. Paulino was dropped early in the fight, but dominated the rest of the way, even scoring a knockdown during the final round.
After the win over Falcao, Paulino, 26, participated in the Team Combat League this year. He won all but one of his 15 one-round fights.
Rolando Estrada, who manages and trains Paulino, has been impressed with the development of Paulino over the last several months. He is confident the young fighter will continue to excel and eventually become a legit contender at 135 pounds.
“People forget Alejandro began boxing at the age of 18,” Estrada told The Ring. “He had a bad habit of not keeping his hands up after he threw punches. He had to be careful not to fall in love with his power. The work we did in the gym and in the Combat League helped correct those mistakes he was making. What was great was seeing and fighting against different styles. He also has more confidence in himself and to always have that reminder of keeping his hands up.”
“I think we’re in a position to face the top guys at 135 pounds next year. I don’t know about a title shot now, but I think Alejandro will be ready for a world title shot at the end of 2025. He’s consistently in the gym and wants to work to get better.”
Estrada informed The Ring that Paulino could return to action on November 2.
Porozo, who resides in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, falls to 17-11, 9 KOs. In his previous fight on May 11, Porozo lost to unbeaten prospect Iman Lee by unanimous decision.
The 34-year-old Porozo has lost nine of his last 11 bouts, including losses to Orlando Gonzalez, Henry Lebron, Raymond Muratalla, and Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington, amongst others.
In undercard action:
Junior lightweight Kevin Walsh of Brockton, Massachusetts improved to 14-0, 7 KOs, stopping Venezuela’s Yeifer Valencia (6-3, 5 KOs) in the opening round.
Francis Hogan of Weymouth, Massachusetts also scored a first round knockout win over Venezuela’s Heber Rondon (20-7, 13 KOs) in their super middleweihgt bout. Hogan improved to 17-0, 15 KOs.
Paulino, Walsh, and Hogan are all promoted by Jimmy Burchfield.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached at santio89@yahoo.com
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