By Gareth A Davies, Telegraph.co.uk
After losing the opening four rounds, Munroe, a binman in Leicester by day, and enjoying popular local support, wore the South American down, trapping Terrazas on the ropes until, in the ninth round, referee John Keane stopped the contest after he had seen the exhausted visiting fighter barely respond with a punch for almost two rounds.
South paw Munroe - 21 wins, one loss - may now have to go to Japan to face champion Nishioka. He looked very strong at the 8st 10lb weight limit, and looked very powerful in the second third of the fight, dominating the Mexican.
Terrazas, ranked No 3 in the world, and No 9 on the WBC rankings, had not lost for seven years, in a 26-fight unbeaten run. It was his first fight outside South America.
The Mexican, from Guadalajara, who had endured a torturous 96-hour journey by air and road, chauffeur-driven from Madrid, due to the volcanic eruption last week in Iceland, looked slick in the early rounds of the fight, showing a great command of range, and speed with his jab and straight tight.
However, strength, determination, and focus from the honest professional Munroe — who had taken six weeks away from his bin round in preparation for this fight — won him the second third of the 12-round contest, his power and stamina eventually wearing his victim down in the ninth round.
A great victory which sets up the prospect of Munroe becoming another world champion from Britain.
Round-by-round: How Munroe-Terrazas unfolded:
(1) Terrazas's round. Bit busier 10-9.
(2) Munroe lands good left, Terrazas gets off a one-two and a clutch of clean shots. Munroe needs to step in more. Terrazas's round 10-9
(3) Munroe lacking belief, showing his opponent too much respect. Terrazas looking looser, gets more punches off. Terrazas's round again 10-9.
(4) Much livelier start to the round, Munroe steps in more, good arcing right hook from the Mexican. Terrazas hit on the back of the head, complains, fight is stopped. I have Terrazas winning the round again. 10-9. Between rounds Mike Shinfield, Munroe’s trainer, tells him to break the Mexican’s heart.
(5) Munroe looking stronger, six left hands land. Munroe caught by a left hand. Heavy left hand to the head from Munroe, then a body shot. The Mexican looks tired. Munroe’s round, Terrazas blowing 10-9.
(6) Munroe now dictating the fight, on the ropes, chipping away at the South American’s head and body. Terrazas comes back with upper cut and body shot. Munroe 10-9.
(7) Terrazas tries to stand off again, not dictating any longer. Backing off more. Munroe lands with a right. Terrazas glances at his corner. Munroe’s strength beginning to tell. Munroe walking through the Mexican’s punches. Munroe again 10-9.
(8) Munroe pressing again, working his opponent on the ropes, imposing himself. Munroe has the bit between his teeth, alternates between head and body, the Mexican is slowing, Terrazas gulping for air, no longer throwing.
Terrazas now exhausted, just hanging on, throws his first punch for two minutes. Munroe 10-9. Mike Shinfield tells Munroe he is even in the fight. Spot on. Completely agree. First four Terrazas, second four Munroe.
(9) Terrazas warned for holding. Munroe has the Mexican back on the ropes, then down. John Keane says he has seen enough. Arguably a tad premature but Terrazas looked like he had nothing left TKO win for Munroe, who will now get a WBC world title shot.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
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