On a recent Saturday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, light welterweight contender Oscar Duarte demonstrated his prowess by securing a seventh-round knockout against substitute opponent Miguel Madueno. Promoter Oscar De La Hoya expressed satisfaction with Duarte's performance, noting that it surpassed previous efforts against Madueno. This victory not only highlighted Duarte's skill but also set the stage for future challenges, including a potential match with Arnold Barboza Jr.

In an intense battle, Duarte showcased his resilience and power during the seventh round. The 29-year-old fighter managed to land a decisive right hand followed by a left that pinned Madueno against the ropes. Duarte then unleashed several powerful blows, compelling referee Thomas Taylor to halt the fight. This outcome was particularly noteworthy given that Keyshawn Davis, who won the WBO lightweight title just days earlier, could not achieve a knockout against Madueno in their bout last year. Instead, Davis had to settle for a unanimous decision over ten rounds.

The contrast between Duarte's and Davis's approaches was striking. While Davis chose to maintain distance and avoid direct exchanges due to Madueno's punching power, Duarte demonstrated courage by engaging in close combat. He willingly traded punches to wear down Madueno and ultimately secure the knockout. De La Hoya praised Duarte's bravery, emphasizing that Madueno had previously proven difficult to stop, even for a newly crowned world champion like Davis.

Madueno entered this fight under challenging circumstances, replacing the injured Regis Prograis on short notice. Despite having only one week to prepare, Madueno put up a strong resistance. However, he faced setbacks, including cuts from head clashes and punches, which further complicated his defense. In the fourth round, a clash of heads left him with a cut on his nose, and by the sixth round, a right hand from Duarte opened another cut above his left eye. These injuries undoubtedly contributed to Madueno's eventual defeat.

Following his impressive win, Duarte expressed interest in facing Arnold Barboza Jr., who recently captured the WBO interim light welterweight title. This call-out suggests that Duarte is eager to test himself against top competition and continue his ascent in the division. The victory over Madueno has undoubtedly bolstered Duarte's confidence and reputation, setting the stage for what could be an exciting next chapter in his career.