'Magic Man' Salas wins 2018 Contender Series title

Mexican-born Canadian Ricardo ‘Magic Man’ Salas is the 2018 Wray and Nephew Contender Series champion. The 19 year old emerged winner by unanimous decision over three-time finalist Richard ‘Frog’ Holmes in Wednesday night’s final which turned out to be a highly entertaining and explosive contest from the opening bell at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

The judges scored the fight 96-93; 95-93 and 96-92 all in favour of Salas who knocked down Holmes twice during the 10-round contest for the welterweight title. Salas earned $2 million for his victory while Holmes took home $500,000. Third placed Devon ‘Concrete’ Moncriffe received $250,000.

Salas became the first Canadian and only the second overseas fighter to win the title in the eight year history of the competition following the victory by American DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley in 2016.