Arnold Khegai vs. Belmar Preciado: Live round-by-round updates
Top-ranked featherweight Arnold Khegai takes on Belmar Preciado on Aug. 10 at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico as part of the Luis Alberto Lopez vs Angelo Leo undercard.
Khegai has packed a stellar run since the unanimous decision loss to Stephen Fulton, where he lost the chance to grab the vacant WBO Inter-Continental super bantamweight title. He has rattled off five straight wins over formidable names like Jon Martinez and Freddy Lainez. The Ukrainian power puncher packs a 61.9% finish rate which will come in handy when he takes on Preciado.
His rival, Preciado, has been enduring a spell of dipping form, losing four fights in the last five outings. The once-undefeated boxer holds a 22-7-1 record and will be keen on rekindling his former explosive prowess.
The main card of the event is set to go down at 10 p.m. ET. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live results and play-by-play updates of the Khegai vs. Preciado clash:
Round 1:
Khegai starts as the aggressor, opening with jabs and circling his opponent. Preciado seems flat-footed as he tries to cut through Khegai's defense. Khegai doubles on his jab and diversifies his offense with good shots to the body. The 32-year-old's jab has been on point as he continues to use angles to avoid any serious damage. Solid start for Khegai.
Our Score: 10-9 Khegai
Round 2:
Khegai continues to press the action as he mixes up body shots to slow down Preciado. Preciado tries to keep his opponent at bay but Khegai's pressure and crisp counterpunching have put him in cruise control. A solid overhand right from Preciado momentarily stops Khegai's advances but he resumes attack quickly.
Our Score: 10-9 Khegai
Round 3:
Preciado starts the round fresh landing a few clean shots but Khegai brushes them off. Khegai steps into the pocket and lands powerful hooks to the body. The consistent attack seems to taking a toll and Preciado seems to be fading away. Khegai capitalizes on it to land a series of sharp combinations.
Our Score: 10-9 Khegai
Round 4:
Khegai continues to dictate the tempo and uses angles effectively to land the overhand right. Preciado seems to be fading and the body shots are showing its effect. He is largely on the defense and Khegai continues to pour the onslaught.
Our Score: 10-9 Khegai
Round 5:
This has been a stellar display by Khegai so far. His pressure is relentless as he lands a thudding uppercut behind the jab that backs his opponent against the ropes. Khegaie continues to target the body slowing down his rival further. Preciado is struggling to keep up with Khegai's pace and tempo.
Our Score: 10-9 Khegai
Round 6:
Khegai senses Preciado's diminishing stature but remains patient on the attack. He lands several hard shots to the head and body, scoring away at ease by this point. The round ends with Preciado on the back foot smothering Khegai's attack.
Our Score: 10-9 Khegai
Round 7
Preciado's corner urging him to show more urgency but he seems to have taken more damage than he had anticipated. Khegai lands an overhand right that wobbles his opponent. Fatigue takes over to add to the woes of Preciado. Khegai finishes the round strong, landing a flush combination that has his opponent reeling.
Our Score: 10-9 Khegai
Round 8:
Khegai pressing forward with confidence now as he smells blood. He lands a stifling overhand right catching his opponent in full retreat. Khegai stays hard on his opponent and lands a flurry of combinations. Preciado's corner has seen enough as they signal the referee to stop the fight.
Official Result: Arnold Khegai defeats Belmar Preciado by TKO in the eighth round