Photos courtesy of Steve Claggett.
Calgary boxer Steve “The Dragon” Claggett made quick work of former World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion Alberto Machado in Montreal on Thursday, June 1st.
Claggett sent Machado to the canvas three times by the third round, enroute to the 25th technical knockout (TKO) of his career.
Keith Idec of BoxingScene reported on the bout:
“Canadian junior welterweight Steve Claggett dropped Machado three times, once in the second round and twice in the third round, before their scheduled 10-round bout was stopped at Casino de Montreal in Montreal. Referee Steve St. Germain officially halted the action at 2:29 of the third round,” wrote Idec.
“A left hook to the body by Claggett knocked Machado to his gloves and knees for the second time in as many rounds with 1:32 to go in the third round. Machado again beat the count, but he looked like a battered and beaten man.”
You can read Idec’s full story here: https://www.boxingscene.com/steve-claggett-drops-alberto-machado-three-times-beats-him-by-3rd-round-tko-montreal–175060
Reporter Anson Wainwright also covered the fight for The Ring and described it as “arguably the best win” of Claggett’s career.
“There was no feeling-out process and both men went straight to it, which suited Claggett, who landed several clean left hooks and straight right hands that snapped the visitor’s head back. The 33-year-old ended the opening round with an exclamation point when he landed a big uppercut on the bell. The second round continued in a similar vein. Claggett’s cleaner work started to wilt Machado, who eventually touched down after receiving a clubbing right hand late in the round. He was able to carry on and was saved by the bell. However, it was a mere stay of execution,” wrote Wainwright.
“Claggett, a 15-year veteran, looked very fresh and, despite his time in the sport, looks to have improved. If anyone deserves a big fight, it’s Claggett.”
Wainwright’s coverage of the boxing match can be read here: https://www.ringtv.com/653878-erik-bazinyan-steve-claggett-emerge-victorious-in-montreal/
Claggett’s record has now improved to 35-7-2, with 25 KOs, and he’s won six straight fights.
Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Booster Club did an extensive feature on Claggett last year to mark the boxer’s 40th fight.
That article can be viewed here: https://calgaryboosterclub.com/2022/04/26/reaching-40-fights-claggett-going-strong/.