Carson, California - Ronny Rios (31-3, 15 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. defeated Diego De La Hoya (21-1, 10 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico via upset, sixth-round technical knockout in a battle originally scheduled 12 rounds. (photo by Tom Hogan)

Rios, who captured the NABF and WBA gold super bantamweight titles, won the fight with time of 1:17 of the aforementioned round.





"I feel great. It is an unbelievable feeling," said Ronny Rios. "Especially winning in front of my friends and family who came out here to support me - I want to thank you guys from the bottom of my heart. I did this for me, but I dedicate this victory to you guys."



"To be honest with you, I think a lot of fighters tend not to focus too much on the mental side. I think this time, I felt very hungry and mentally focused. With other fights, I think I would overthink it and let it get to my head."



"I was in a dark place. It was very hard to come back but thanks to my team, especially Hector Lopez who pushed me. He got me mad, he got me irritated at times. But man, he inspired me to come back and not for anyone else, but for myself. I am proof to fighters all around the world: no matter how many times you lose, you can still come back as long as you believe in yourself. No matter what - boxing, your career - just go for it man. I am not done. I still have a lot more years left. This was a hard camp, I pushed them. They told me to ease up. I would tell them that my opponent was outworking us and I kept pushing."



"I saw a lot of tape and noticed that [De La Hoya] has a really high guard. It leaves him open to the body. We were working on that in the gym a lot. Honestly, it was shock. I didn't know he was going down. I know Diego, he is a warrior and he's never been down."

De La Hoya told the referee he was unable to continue, which prompted the stoppage.



"I told the referee that I didn't feel good," said Diego De La Hoya. "I don't know what it was. I was hurt in my head. I didn't feel well. I didn't feel right. I did my best camp possible and I didn't do that in the ring. You have to accept the losses just like you accept the wins."