Canizales Has to Work Hard to Keep Title
Orlando Canizales successfully defended his International Boxing Federation bantamweight title Saturday at Laredo, Tex., with an eighth-round knockout of Billy Hardy of Sunderland, England.
Canizales (28-1-1) has held the IBF title since 1988. It was his 23rd knockout in 30 pro bouts. Hardy (25-6-1), the British bantamweight champion since 1987, was bleeding from the eyebrows throughout much of the fight.
Fighting in 100-degree heat before his hometown crowd, Canizales dominated the early rounds and knocked Hardy down in the third round. Hardy appeared unhurt and came on strong as he began to take control of the fight.
After appearing to lose the sixth and seventh rounds, Canizales landed a left hook that sent Hardy to the canvas, where he was counted out at 1:08.
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