Argentine Alberto Palmetta, an 2016 Rio Olympian, became the WBA international welterweight champion (the belt was vacant) after defeating Tre’Sean Wiggins by technical knockout in the sixth round of a fight agreed upon for the ten round distance. The fight took place at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The evening was held with the public present, although under strict health protocols. Only 480 spectators were allowed, distributed over 20 tables of four and 400 seats.
Buenos Aires’ Palmetta, 30-years-old, put his rival in a corner until he knocked him down with a left-handed attack.
“I showed an intelligent style of boxing, looking for the opportune moments to change the rhythm. Thank you Argentina and all the Latinos who accompanied me. To my family who was watching. To my friends, my physical trainer,” he declared in the ring after the victory.
A native of San Isidro and a Florida resident, Palmetta, raised his record to 14 wins (10 KO) and 1 loss, while Wiggins, also 30, of Newburgh, New York, saw his record go down to a mark of 11 wins (6 KOs), 5 losses and 3 draws.
Also on the card, Francisco Torres, 30-years-old and born in the San Martín province of Buenos Aires (although based in Florida), won the Fedecaribe super welterweight title of the WBA by beating Cleotis Pendarvis. With this victory he reached a record of 15 wins and three losses.