Boxing In Mexico: Keb Baas Shocks Romero For WBC Title

ByAlejandro Tostado

In a stunning upset, Gilberto Keb Baas ripped the WBC light flyweight crown from Omar Nino Romero in a rematch last night at Poliforum Zamna in Merida, Mexico.

Over the course of an up and down 15 year pro run, Keb Baas had unsuccessfully contended for a world title on two previous occasions and was not expected to unseat Romero, despite knocking out his rival 12 years ago in an early career bout for both.

Romero had won the WBC belt by defeating Brain Viloria in 2006 only to lose it in the rematch after reportedly failing a post fight test.

In January of this year, Romero drew with Rodel Mayol for the same title, winning it in the rematch four months later and then making a defense against Ronald Barrera in August.

Keb Bass had gone 6-0-1 over the last year and his steak continued last night as he floored the champion in the very first round. The challenger won countless exchanges with Romero and canvassed his adversary once more in the eighth.

The dominance continued through the twelfth round, after which Keb Baas was awarded a majority decision on scores of 116-112, 115-111 and a surprisingly close 113-113.

Keb Baas wins his first world title, improving to 34-20-4 (21), while Romero drops to 30-4-2 (12).

On the undercard, Ana Marie Torres, 23-3-2 ((14), halted Hollie Dunaway, 23-9-1 (10), in six to retain the WBC Female super flyweight belt.