Andrew Cancio disposes of Alberto Machado in round 3 of rematch

Andrew Cancio was a heavy underdog against Alberto Machado in their first fight. In the rematch, he proved that his win was no fluke.

In February, Andrew Cancio was widely an unknown boxer going into his title bout against then-champion Alberto Machado. He opened a lot of peoples eyes when he knocked out Machado in four rounds to win the WBA super featherweight title. On Friday, June 21, he proved that he’s the real deal.

After their first fight, Machado blamed his loss to Cancio on poor weight management. It’s an excuse that’s becoming increasingly popular for Machado.

Cancio’s win over Machado is the stuff that dreams are made of. It’s almost too perfect dramatically. He’s a full-time employee of a gas company who runs early in the morning and trains late into the night while balancing fatherhood and family. Cancio’s backstory makes him an immediate hit with anyone who hears his story.

In his rematch with Machado, Canio was determined to prove that he wasn’t lucky in their first fight. He was also driven by his boxing dream to be a champion and fight for a better life for his family. As it turns out, all the stars are aligning for Cancio.

Cancio charged out of the corner in the first round and immediately threw punches to Machado’s body. Machado was intent on keeping his distance and tried to use the jab. It didn’t do much to keep Cancio away at the start. Machado let his hands go down the stretch and showed his speed. Machado was uneasy to begin the round but closed it well.

Machado’s left hand opened up a cut on the inside of Cancio’s left eye early in round 2. The blood impacted his vision, but he dug to Machado’s body as his hometown crowd cheered him on. The cut woke Cancio up, and he pummeled Machado with hooks to the head and body. He mauled Machado and broke his spirit throughout the round. Machado barely finished the round stumbling backward. He looked like a deer in the headlights.

In round 3, Cancio tried to pick up where he left off in the previous round. Machado got on his toes and circled away, but ate a ferocious left hook to the body that dropped him to one knee. He tried to beat the count but failed. Machado was hurt, spent, and dejected. He had nothing left to give. Cancio beat the spirit and confidence out of him with both fists. It was an epic performance.

Before the bout, Cancio told FanSided, “I don’t think it’s going to last as long. I’m still digging to the body harder than ever. I’m feeling more comfortable with my combinations, and this is back to back camps with southpaws.”

Cancio proved to be a man of his word. He bested his previous performance by a full round. After the fight, Cancio said he would like to avenge his 2016 loss to Jojo Diaz. Whoever fights Cancio next better be careful. Over the last year, he’s proving to actualize whatever he speaks into fruition.