Yoel Romero showcased his explosive power, needing almost the entire fight to overcome the towering Ras Hylton at the inaugural Dirty Boxing Championship event.
In an event promoted by Jon Jones and Mike Perry, Romero, a former UFC middleweight contender, faced a significant size disadvantage against the 6'6 heavyweight Hylton in Miami.
Romero, weighing in at 225lbs, was considerably heavier than his middleweight days but still lighter than Hylton, who tipped the scales at 256lbs. The size difference played a role as Romero worked to break down his larger opponent throughout the fight.
Yoel Romero Secures Vicious Knockout in Dirty Boxing Ring
Despite being the favorite, Yoel Romero had to navigate the significant size and reach of Ras Hylton. Hylton used his jab effectively, forcing Romero to attempt power shots, including a Superman punch.
Romero strategically targeted the body in the second round and by the third, began to increase the pressure.
In a decisive moment, Romero landed a powerful two-punch combination, culminating in a hook that sent Hylton crashing to the canvas. The referee immediately stopped the fight, declaring Romero the winner by knockout.
Jon Jones and Celebrities Attend Dirty Boxing Championship Launch
The Dirty Boxing Championship debut attracted a star-studded audience, including co-owner Jon Jones.
Jones was present from the beginning, supporting his teammate Maurice Greene earlier in the card. He was also featured in promotional material and joined Romero in the ring after the main event.
Other notable attendees included influencers Adin Ross and Patrick Bet-David, as well as prominent NFL players and former UFC figures like Mark Coleman.
