Tiger Johnson overpowered Sebastian Gabriel Chaves on Saturday.- The former US Olympian is rising at a rapid pace after reaching the quarterfinals of the 2021 Games.
LAS VEGAS — Ringside footage shows Sebastian Gabriel Chaves looking dazed, confused, and beaten after taking a thunderous finishing punch from Tiger Johnson flush to his face.
Johnson dazzled Saturday at a Top Rank boxing show broadcast on ESPN that took place at Resorts World on the Las Vegas strip.
Representing Team USA at the 2021 Olympics, Johnson reached the quarterfinals in Tokyo before turning pro later in the year, beating Antonius Grable by knockout in the fourth round on his debut in November.
His fight this weekend was his third in four months as he looks to make a bigger impression in the pro game than he did in the amateur scene.
Should he jab, punch as crisp, and deliver damaging blows with the accuracy that he did against Chaves, then he'll go far.
Johnson barely celebrated his knockout win as he nonchalantly turned away while Chaves crumpled to the floor after getting hit with a technically-adept straight right and left hook combination.
Insider sat on press row and were left impressed by the 23-year-old's abilities.
Shakur Stevenson, another former US Olympian who has performed magically in the pro game, occupied a temporary seat in the media section as he lent support to Johnson.
"Touch him low, Tiger!" Stevenson could be heard screaming, as he attempted to encourage his friend to throw shots to the body.
Stevenson is not the only influential figure Johnson can call on as he is represented promotionally by Top Rank and its powerful founder and CEO Bob Arum.
The company's Twitter account posted footage of Johnson's finish, and captioned it: "Put him on your radar," if you had not already done so.
Watch the knockout right here:
—Top RankBoxing (@trboxing) March 27, 2022
One camera honed in on the effect Johnson's knockout shot had on Chaves.
Johnson, a welterweight, thumped Chaves so hard the sound the shot made may make those who watch at home wince in sympathy.
Chaves remained on his knees as his eyes wandered listlessly. He appeared unfocused, and so it was no surprise to see the referee storm in to wave the fight off, rather than administer a 10-count.
—Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) March 27, 2022
Victory advanced Johnson's pro record to three wins (two knockouts). He remains undefeated.
Earlier in the evening, Nicolas Demario scored two knockdowns in his super lightweight bout against Josue Vargas, but risked disqualification when he bit his opponent for no apparent reason at all.
Vargas, who battled hard throughout, earned a unanimous decision win.