Fidel Monterrosa Pushed Humberto Soto Through Two Demanding Fights
Fidel Monterrosa Muñoz challenged Humberto Soto for the WBC lightweight championship in Culiacán, Mexico, on September 18, 2010. Soto retained the title by unanimous decision after twelve rounds, but Monterrosa’s resistance helped bring the pair back together for a rematch the following year.
Career highlights
The Colombian challenger traded with Soto in an active opening round. The champion then increased his pressure with combinations to the head and body. A contemporary report by Rafael Soto describes Monterrosa absorbing difficult stretches while still producing moments of resistance.
One of those came in round seven, when Monterrosa landed a right hand that forced Soto toward the ropes. The champion recovered his control, and the bout continued to the final bell. The judges scored it 115–112, 115–112 and 118–109 for Soto.
The rematch in Tepic
Soto and Monterrosa met again on March 5, 2011, in Tepic. Their return bout was scheduled for ten rounds at a contracted limit of 140 pounds, and Soto’s 135-pound WBC championship was not at stake.
Soto again won by unanimous decision. The two meetings give Monterrosa’s career a clear sequence: first a twelve-round world-title challenge in Culiacán, then a ten-round rematch at a higher contracted weight. His strongest moments in the first bout help explain why a second contest attracted interest.
Sources
- Rafael Soto / SpaceBoxing: Soto–Monterrosa title-fight report
- Antena 2: March 2011 rematch terms and preview
- BoxerList: Humberto Soto bout chronology
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Fidel Monterrosa Pushed Humberto Soto Through Two Demanding Fights, Boxing, Combat sports
