“Pantera” Nery defends WBC Silver title with a rib tickling  body of work

Undefeated WBC Silver bantam champion Luis “Pantera” Nery knocked out former Dominican world champion Juan Carlos Payano in the ninth round at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada with a crunching left hook to the ribcage.

Nery had some nagging weight problems on Friday. He was half a pound above the official limit, but within one hour he was able to shed it and comply with the weight limit requirements.

Hard punching southpaw Nery started to take control after the half way mark attacking to the body and landing effectively to the head. Payano, also a southpaw started to stick and move, but was getting increasingly tagged and his nose was bleeding.

In the ninth Nery backed him into the ropes unleashing a combination flurry.  As Payano raised his hands to protect his head, Nery landed a huge left to the body, and down went The Dominican who was in too much discomfort to beat the count.

With this victory, Nery improves his record to 30-0, with 24 knockouts, while Payano left the ring with a record of 21-3, with 9 knockouts. By beating Payano, Nery is still WBC’s No. 1 contender for the bantamweight title, currently held by Frenchman Nordine Oubaali (16-0, 12 knockouts).