FORMER world title challenger Jonas Sultan had another impressive showing on American soil after a convincing unanimous decision over highly-regarded Puerto Rican prospect Carlos Caraballo on Oct. 31, 2021 (PH time) at the Hulu Theater of Madison Square Garden in New York.
Sultan dropped Caraballo four times en route to a unanimous decision win with scores of 94-93 from all three judges.
The 29-year-old Sultan, a former ALA Boy, sent Caraballo to the canvass in the second round with a thunderous right. He knocked him down again in the third round with a vicious left.
Caraballo fought back and knocked down Sultan late in the third round. He gained some momentum in the fourth round and wobbled Sultan in the following round.
Sultan, however, took back the momentum and dropped Caraballo for the third time in the fight in the sixth stanza.
Sultan yet again dropped Caraballo in the eighth round with a left hook.
Sultan was the aggressor in the final round and forced the 25-year-old Caraballo to just defend himself.
Sultan was a heavy underdog against Caraballo, a protégé of former world champion Miguel Cotto and winner of his first 14 fights as a pro all by way of knockout.
But the native of Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte proved to be a tough cookie as he unleashed power blows and engaged toe-to-toe with the Puerto Rican KO artist.
Sultan snagged the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental bantamweight belt after his win over Caraballo, and won his second straight fight in the US following the win over Sharone Carter back in August.
Sultan is now 18-5 with 11 knockouts, while Caraballo suffered his first career loss and dropped to 14-1 with 14 knockouts.
Sultan should break into the WBO bantamweight ratings, wherein compatriot and former foe Johnriel Casimero is the current titleholder. He’s currently rated No. 9 by the World Boxing Association (WBA).