Della maddalena devastated: prates crushes former champ in brutal perth ko
Jack Della Maddalena’s championship dreams were brutally extinguished in Perth on Saturday night, a one-sided defeat to Carlos Prates that left the West Australian veteran a bloody, broken mess.
A night of pain: prates dominates from start to finish
The atmosphere at RAC Arena was electric, anticipating a thrilling clash between the former welterweight king and a rising contender. Instead, it became a demonstration of Prates’ striking power and relentless aggression. From the opening bell, Della Maddalena was under sustained pressure, his right leg absorbing a punishing barrage.
Early in the fight, a sickening blow landed on Della Maddalena’s leg, but a brief flicker of hope ignited when he secured a takedown in the final seconds of the first round. The opportunity, however, vanished as quickly as it appeared. Prates unleashed a torrent of knees to the face, followed by calculated jabs and elbows that visibly stunned the champion.
The second round proved decisive. A perfectly timed kick to Della Maddalena’s lead leg left him crippled, unable to defend himself against a relentless onslaught. He was taken down twice more in the third, each time Prates gesturing emphatically, a clear signal of impending doom. The fight was ultimately stopped, leaving Della Maddalena a shadow of his former self.
‘I was really scared about his hands,’ Prates admitted post-fight, a clear acknowledgment of the tactical battle he’d waged. ‘I believed I’m a better striker. I can punch, I can knee, I can kick. So I’m better, and now I’m the No 1 contender, and I can’t wait to see Makhachev-Machado, and then I’m going to fight the winner. Brazil has never had a champion in the welterweight division. I will be the first.’
Meanwhile, Quillan Salkilld delivered a stunning first-round knockout victory over Beneil Dariush, showcasing his explosive power. Erceg secured a unanimous decision win against Tim Elliott, demonstrating a superior striking style.
But Saturday belonged to Prates. Della Maddalena’s performance was a stark reminder of the brutal realities of professional fighting – a devastating defeat, a painful lesson, and a long road to recovery. The odds are stacked against him, but the fire to return is undoubtedly still burning.