In a hotly anticipated battle of light welterweights, Argentina's Marcos Rene Maidana upset top American prospect Victor Ortiz in a fiery explosion of power punches that exceeded expectations at Staples Center in Los Angeles for the Interim WBA title.

Both boxers were coming off high profile bouts with Ortiz seeming to have the momentum following his second round stoppage of highly touted Mike Arnaoutis for the NABO and USBA crowns while Maidana had narrowly missed knocking off WBA titlist Andriy Kotelnik.

The initial round was torrid as the big punchers left caution to the wind and let go with all they had. Southpaw Ortiz struck paydirt first, hammering his Argentine opponent to the floor with a perfect right hook, but Maidana beat the count and returned the favor, dropping Ortiz with a full blooded right hand.

Both men survived the first frame to go back to the tooth and nail exchanges in an equally furious second round. More...

The Interim WBA light welter strap is up for grabs tonight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles as native son Victor Ortiz is in the spotlight against Marcos Renee Maidana.

Both guys can bang and aren't used to losing so the contest should be a superb fight for as long as it lasts.

Southpaw Ortiz, 24-1-1 (19), has rubbed out eight opponents in a row including former world champ Carlos Maussa and highly regarded contender Mike Arnaoutis, proving his power and abilities at a very high level.

Committed body puncher Maidana, 25-1 (24), pounded his way out of Argentina to land in Germany where he has been based for the last two years.

Maidana took a big leap in competition to contend for the WBA title in February but Ukrainian stylist Andriy Kotelnik turned him back. The 25 year old from Santa Fe now gets to once again go for the WBA bauble tonight. More...

Prior to the boxing show tonight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA, the principal fighters all weighed in yesterday.

Interim Vacant WBA Super Lightweight Title, 12 rounds
Victor Ortiz: 139.75 lb
Marcos Maidana: 140 lb More...

In preparation to Golden Boy Promotions annual "Fight Night At Sundance Square" in Ft Worth, TX tonight, the principal fighters weighed in yesterday.

10 rounds, middleweights
Craig McEwan: 162.5 lb
Brian Vera: 163 lb More...

Click for larger image © Hoganphotos / Golden Boy Promotions

Ahead of the fight card tonight at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the principal fighters stepped to the scales yesterday.

12 rounds, middleweights
Winky Wright: 159 lb
Paul Williams: 157 lb More...

Former World Champion Jhonny Gonzalez returns to Southern California to headline Golden Boy Promotions' card on Friday, November 21 at Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon, California. Local rising star Nestor Rocha will be the co-featured bout of the televised fights on Telefutura's 'Solo Boxeo'. More...

Double power-charged bouts at middleweight with Enrique Ornelas and Daryl Salmon in the main event

Cerveza Tecate and the boxing power arrive to Texas this week in an exhilarating fight between Enrique Ornelas and Daryl Salmon with Solo Boxeo Tecate. The encounter will take place this Friday, July 4 at Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, TX. Fans across the nation will have the chance to enjoy it live as it will be broadcasted by Telefutura. More...