Elwin Soto
{{short description|Mexican boxer}}
{{Infobox boxer
|name=Elwin Soto
|image=
|image_size=
|caption=
|realname=Elwin Soto Castro
|nickname=La Pulga
|weight={{plainlist|
}}
|height=5 ft 3 in
|reach=
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1996|12|23|mf=y}}
|birth_place=San Felipe, Mexico
|style=Orthodox
|total=24
|wins=21
|KO=13
|losses=3
|draws=
|no contests=
}}
Elwin Soto Castro (born December 23, 1996) is a Mexican professional boxer who held the WBO junior flyweight title from 2019 to 2021.
Professional career
=WBO junior flyweight champion=
==Soto vs. Acosta==
Soto was scheduled to fight the reigning WBO light flyweight champion Ángel Acosta on June 21, 2019, in Acosta's fourth title defense. Soto was at the time the #15 ranked WBO light flyweight contender, and was considered a significant underdog going into the Acosta fight.{{cite web |last1=Donovan |first1=Jake |title=Angel Acosta To Face Elwin Soto on 6/21 Cancio-Machado II |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/angel-acosta-face-elwin-soto-on-621-cancio-machado-ii--139893 |website=boxingscene.com |access-date=11 June 2021}} Going into the twelfth round, Acosta was leading on the scorecards by 105-103, 106-102 and 107-101, while Soto managed to knock the champion down in the third round. Soto staggered Acosta with a left hook in the last round, and piled on volume, before referee Thomas Taylor abruptly stopped the fight at 23 seconds.{{cite web |last1=Salazar |first1=Francisco |title=Elwin Soto scores come from behind 12th round TKO of Angel Acosta, wins WBO 108 title |url=https://www.ringtv.com/568947-elwin-soto-scores-come-from-behind-12th-round-tko-of-angel-acosta-wins-wbo-108-title/ |website=ringtv.com |access-date=11 June 2021}} The stoppage was considered controversial, as Acosta immediately protested the stoppage and didn't seem to be visibly hurt.{{cite web |last1=Christ |first1=Scott |title=Acosta vs Soto results: Elwin Soto stuns Angel Acosta to win WBO 108-pound title |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2019/6/21/18712983/acosta-vs-soto-results-cancio-machado-2-dazn-boxing-elwin-stoppage-tko-highlights-controversy |website=badlefthook.com |access-date=11 June 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Michael |title=Elwin Soto Stops Angel Acosta in Controversial Fashion! |url=https://3kingsboxing.com/soto-stops-acosta/ |website=3kingsboxing.com |access-date=11 June 2021}}
==Soto vs. Heno==
Soto was scheduled to make his first title defense against Edward Heno on October 24, 2019.{{cite web |last1=Salazar |first1=Francisco |title=Elwin Soto faces Edward Heno in first defense of junior flyweight belt |url=https://www.ringtv.com/578460-elwin-soto-faces-edward-heno-in-first-defense-of-junior-flyweight-belt/ |website=ringtv.com |access-date=11 June 2021}} The fight was set as the main event of the Golden Boy DAZN Thursday Night Fights.{{cite web |last1=Random Hits |title=Elwin Soto vs. Edward Heno Tops Golden Boy Card, Oct. 24 |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/elwin-soto-vs-edward-heno-tops-golden-boy-card-oct-24--142906 |website=boxingscene.com |access-date=11 June 2021}} Soto won the closely contested fight, during which he was knocked down in the third round, by unanimous decision. The judges' scorecards reflected the close nature of the bout, with scores of 114-113, 115-112, and 115-112.{{cite web |last1=Christ |first1=Scott |title=Thursday Night Fights results: Elwin Soto retains WBO title via close decision over Edward Heno |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2019/10/25/20931526/thursday-night-fights-results-elwin-soto-retains-wbo-title-via-close-decision-over-edward-heno-dazn |website=badlefthook.com |access-date=11 June 2021}}
Soto moved up to flyweight for his next fight, being scheduled to fight Javier Alejandro Rendon in a non-title bout.{{cite web |last1=Donovan |first1=Jake |title=Elwin Soto Returns Home To Mexicali For Non-Title Fight |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/elwin-soto-returns-home-mexicali-non-title-fight--146650 |website=boxingscene.com |access-date=11 June 2021}} Rendon's last three fights were at bantamweight, so the fight represented a move in weight for both fighters.{{cite web |last1=Salazar |first1=Francisco |title=Elwin Soto stays busy with non-title fight in Mexico |url=https://www.ringtv.com/591744-elwin-soto-stays-busy-with-non-title-fight-in-mexico/ |website=ringtv.com |access-date=11 June 2021}} Soto made quick work of his opponent, knocking him out with a body shot near the end of the first round.{{cite web |last1=Soto |first1=Rafael |title=Elwin Soto Destroys Javier Rendon in The First Round |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/elwin-soto-destroys-javier-rendon-first-results--146799 |website=boxingscene.com |access-date=11 June 2021}}
==Soto vs. Buitrago==
For his second title defense, Soto was scheduled to fight the three-time world title challenger Carlos Buitrago, on October 30, 2020.{{cite web |last1=Montoya |first1=Érika |title=Elwin Soto regresa al boxeo para defender su título ante Carlos Buitrago |url=https://www.milenio.com/deportes/boxeo/elwin-soto-regresa-boxeo-defender-titulo-carlos-buitrago |website=milenio.com |access-date=11 June 2021}} Soto won the fight by a competitive unanimous decision, keeping his opponent at bay with his jab and power. Although one judge scored the bout 119-109, media outlets found the scores of 117-111 and 115-113 as more reflective of the contest.{{cite web |last1=Donovan |first1=Jake |title=Elwin Soto Boxes Past Carlos Buitrago To Retain Title |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/elwin-soto-boxes-past-carlos-buitrago-results--152874 |website=boxingscene.com |access-date=11 June 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Michael |title=Elwin Soto Successfully Makes 2nd title Defense With Wide Decision |url=https://3kingsboxing.com/soto-defeats-buitrago/ |website=3kingsboxing.com |access-date=11 June 2021}}
His victory against Buitrago was Soto’s final fight under contract with Golden Boy Promotions, after which he signed with Matchroom Boxing USA.{{cite web |last1=Esco |first1=Wil |title=Elwin Soto signs promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2021/4/9/22376582/elwin-soto-signs-promotional-deal-matchroom-dazn-boxing-news-2021 |website=badlefthook.com |access-date=11 June 2021}} His signature with Matchroom opened the road to a title unification bout with Hiroto Kyoguchi, who was likewise under contract with Matchroom Boxing.{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Michael |title=Elwin Soto: "I'm Excited To Unify The Division Under Matchroom" |url=https://3kingsboxing.com/soto-signs-matchroom/ |website=3kingsboxing.com |access-date=11 June 2021}}
==Soto vs. Takayama==
For his third title defense, Soto was scheduled to fight the former five-time minimumweight world champion Katsunari Takayama, on May 8, 2021. Takuyama was ranked #11 by the IBF.{{Cite web |title=Soto vs Takayama - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets |url=https://box.live/fights/soto-vs-takayama/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Box.Live |language=en-US}} The fight was set as the co-main event to the super middleweight title unification bout between Canelo Álvarez and Billy Joe Saunders.{{cite web |last1=Wainwright |first1=Anson |title=Katsunari Takayama: I am looking forward to demolishing Elwin Soto |url=https://www.ringtv.com/621406-katsunari-takayama-i-am-looking-forward-to-demolishing-elwin-soto/ |website=ringtv.com |access-date=11 June 2021}} The fight was competitive throughout the first eight rounds, before Soto upped the volume in the ninth. The fight was stopped near the end of the round, despite Takayama returning shots and not being visibly hurt. The stoppage was considered highly controversial and referee Laurence Cole came under severe criticism.{{cite web |last1=Herriges |first1=Jeremy |title=Elwin Soto defeats Katsunari Takayama after horrible referee stoppage (Video) |url=https://fansided.com/2021/05/08/elwin-soto-defeats-katsunari-takayama-horrible-referee-stoppage-video/ |website=fansided.com |access-date=11 June 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Idec |first1=Keith |title=Elwin Soto Secures Controversial Stoppage of Takayama in Ninth |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/elwin-soto-secures-controversial-stoppage-takayama-ninth-results--157509 |website=boxingscene.com |access-date=11 June 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Simpson |first1=Bakari |title=Elwin Soto Remains Champion After Extremely Premature Stoppage! |url=https://3kingsboxing.com/elwin-soto-remains-champion-defeats-takayama/ |website=3kingsboxing.com |access-date=11 June 2021}}
==Soto vs. Gonzalez==
Soto was ordered to face the WBO junior flyweight mandatory title challenger Jonathan 'Bomba' Gonzalez on July 9, 2021. WBO gave the two of them a 20-day negotiation period in order to work out terms.{{cite web |last1=Donovan |first1=Jake |title=Elwin Soto-Jonathan Gonzalez: WBO Orders Status Update on Negotiations For Title Fight |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/elwin-soto-jonathan-gonzalez-wbo-orders-status-update-on-negotiations-title-fight--159480 |website=boxingscene.com |access-date=10 August 2021}} As the two sides were unable to work out a deal, WBO extended the negotiation period to August 9, before the fight would go into an $80,000-minimum purse bid.{{cite web |last1=Stumberg |first1=Patrick L. |title=WBO sends Elwin Soto vs Jonathan Gonzalez to purse bid |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2021/8/3/22608573/wbo-sends-elwin-soto-vs-jonathan-gonzalez-purse-bid-boxing-news-2021 |website=badlefthook.com |access-date=10 August 2021}} All Star Boxing (Gonzalez’s promoter) and Matchroom Boxing (Soto’s promoter) came to an agreement on August 8, therefore avoiding the purse bid.{{cite web |last1=Donovan |first1=Jake |title=Elwin Soto, Jonathan Gonzalez Reach Terms For WBO Title Fight, Eyed For September 18 In U.S. |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/elwin-soto-jonathan-gonzalez-reach-terms-wbo-title-fight-eyed-september-18-us--159767 |website=boxingscene.com |access-date=10 August 2021}} The fight was officially announced for October 16, 2021, to be fought on the undercard of the Mikey Garcia versus Sandor Martin catchweight bout.{{cite web |last1=Idec |first1=Keith |title=Mikey Garcia-Sandor Martin, Two 108-Pound Title Fights October 16 On DAZN |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/mikey-garcia-sandor-martin-two-108-pound-title-fights-october-16-on-dazn--160608 |website=boxingscene.com |access-date=16 September 2021}} Soto lost the fight by split decision, with two judges awarding Gonzalez a 116-112 scorecard, while the third judge scored the fight 116-112 for Soto. Soto was unable to successfully pressure and land on the outfighting Gonzalez, who appeared out of danger for the majority of the bout.{{cite web |last1=O'Hara |first1=Ryan |title=Jonathan Gonzalez upsets Elwin Soto via decision, claims WBO 108-pound title |url=https://www.ringtv.com/628660-jonathan-gonzalez-upsets-elwin-soto-via-decision-claims-wbo-108-pound-title/ |website=ringtv.com |access-date=17 October 2021}}
=Post-championship career=
Soto was scheduled to face Hekkie Budler in the main event of a TV Azteca broadcast card on June 25, 2022, at the Palenque del FEX in Mexicali, Mexico in a WBC light flyweight title eliminator.{{cite web |last1=Salazar |first1=Francisco |title=Elwin Soto To Face Hekkie Budler In WBC Eliminator On June 25 |url=https://www.ringtv.com/639069-elwin-soto-to-face-hekkie-budler-in-wbc-eliminator-on-june-25/ |website=ringtv.com |access-date=12 May 2022 |date=11 May 2022}} Soto lost the fight by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 114–113 for Budler. Budler created a lot of problems for Soto with his boxing ability. Soto was knocked down in the twelfth round, which proved crucial on the official scorecards.{{cite web |last1=Boxingscene Staff |title=Hekkie Budler Drops, Shocks Elwin Soto For Unanimous Decision Win |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/hekkie-budler-drops-shocks-elwin-soto-unanimous-decision-results--167242 |website=boxingscene.com |access-date=26 June 2022 |date=26 June 2022}}
Soto is scheduled to face Moises Caro for WBO Latino light flyweight title in Mexicali, Mexico on November 23, 2024.{{cite news |last1=Iskenderov |first1=Parviz |title=Elwin Soto vs Moises Caro joins Saturday fights live from Mexicali |url=https://www.fightmag.com/elwin-soto-vs-moises-caro-joins-saturday-fights-live-from-mexicali/ |work=FIGHTMAG |date=20 November 2024}}
Professional boxing record
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=
|nc=
|ko-wins=13
|ko-losses=
|dec-wins=8
|dec-losses=3
|dq-wins=
|dq-losses=
}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| {{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result !Record !Opponent !Type !Round, time !Date !Location !Notes |
|---|
| 24
|{{yes2}}Win |21–3 |align=left|Jose Armenta |UD |10 |Nov 11, 2023 |align=left|{{small|San Felipe, Mexico}} | |
| 23
|{{yes2}}Win |20–3 |align=left|Brian Mosinos |SD |10 |May 13, 2023 |align=left|{{small|Durango, Mexico}} | |
| 22
|{{no2}}Loss |19–3 |align=left|Hekkie Budler |UD |12 |Jun 25, 2022 |align=left|{{small|Palenque del FEX, Mexicali, Mexico}} | |
| 21
|{{no2}}Loss |19–2 |align=left|Jonathan González |{{abbr|SD|Split decision}} |12 |Oct 16, 2021 |align=left|{{small|Chukchansi Park, Fresno, California, US}} |align=left|{{small|Lost WBO junior flyweight title}} |
| 20
|{{yes2}}Win |19–1 |align=left|Katsunari Takayama |TKO |9 (12), {{small|2:44}} |align=left|{{small|AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, US}} |align=left|{{small|Retained WBO junior flyweight title}} |
| 19
|{{yes2}}Win |18–1 |align=left|Carlos Buitrago |UD |12 |Oct 30, 2020 |align=left|{{small|Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, US}} |align=left|{{small|Retained WBO junior flyweight title}} |
| 18
|{{yes2}}Win |17–1 |align=left|Javier Alejandro Rendon |KO |1 (10), {{small|2:41}} |Feb 15, 2020 |align=left|{{small|Auditorio del Estado, Mexicali, Mexico}} | |
| 17
|{{yes2}}Win |16–1 |align=left|Edward Heno |UD |12 |Oct 24, 2019 |align=left|{{small|Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, US}} |align=left|{{small|Retained WBO junior flyweight title}} |
| 16
|{{yes2}}Win |15–1 |align=left|Ángel Acosta |KO |12 (12), {{small|0:23}} |Jun 21, 2019 |align=left|{{small|Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, US}} |align=left|{{small|Won WBO junior flyweight title}} |
| 15
|{{yes2}}Win |14–1 |align=left|Joel Castro Cano |KO |4 (10), {{small|1:37}} |May 4, 2019 |align=left|{{small|Salon de Eventos del Hotel Posada del Sol, San Felipe, Mexico}} | |
| 14
|{{yes2}}Win |13–1 |align=left|Edgar Ornelas |TKO |1 (8), {{small|3:00}} |Feb 16, 2019 |align=left|{{small|Salon de Eventos del Hotel Posada del Sol, San Felipe, Mexico}} | |
| 13
|{{yes2}}Win |12–1 |align=left|Erick Gonzalez Hernandez |KO |6 (6), {{small|1:10}} |Dec 22, 2018 |align=left|{{small|Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, Mexico}} | |
| 12
|{{yes2}}Win |11–1 |align=left|Omar Martinez Hernandez |UD |6 |Oct 6, 2018 |align=left|{{small|Gasmart Stadium, Tijuana, Mexico}} | |
| 11
|{{yes2}}Win |10–1 |align=left|Mario Rodriguez |UD |8 |Jul 28, 2018 |align=left|{{small|Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, Mexico}} | |
| 10
|{{yes2}}Win |9–1 |align=left|Jorge Miguel Hernandez |TKO |2 (6), {{small|1:56}} |Jun 9, 2018 |align=left|{{small|Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, Mexico}} | |
| 9
|{{yes2}}Win |8–1 |align=left|Wilfredo Guerrero |{{abbr|KO|Knockout}} |2 (6), {{small|1:07}} |Jun 2, 2018 |align=left|{{small|Hotel Posada del Mar, San Felipe, Mexico}} | |
| 8
|{{yes2}}Win |7–1 |align=left|Jesus Hernandez Sierra |TKO |4 (10), {{small|2:47}} |Feb 17, 2018 |align=left|{{small|Domo del Parque San Rafael, Guadalajara, Mexico}} | |
| 7
|{{yes2}}Win |6–1 |align=left|Pedro Verdin |TKO |4 (6), {{small|2:41}} |Oct 14, 2017 |align=left|{{small|Salon de Eventos del Hotel Posada del Sol, San Felipe, Mexico}} | |
| 6
|{{yes2}}Win |5–1 |align=left|Bryan Hernandez |TKO |1 (6), {{small|0:32}} |May 13, 2017 |align=left|{{small|Hotel Posada del Mar, San Felipe, Mexico}} | |
| 5
|{{yes2}}Win |4–1 |align=left|Jesus Hernandez Sierra |{{abbr|PTS|Points decision}} |6 |Apr 7, 2017 |align=left|{{small|Gimnasio Usos Múltiples UdeG, Guadalajara, Mexico}} | |
| 4
|{{yes2}}Win |3–1 |align=left|Alejandro Esqueda |TKO |1 (6), {{small|0:48}} |Mar 25, 2017 |align=left|{{small|Gimnasio Usos Múltiples UdeG, Guadalajara, Mexico}} | |
| 3
|{{no2}}Loss |2–1 |align=left|Danny Andujo |UD |4 |Feb 11, 2017 |align=left|{{small|Renaissance Hotel, Palm Springs, California, US}} | |
| 2
|{{yes2}}Win |2–0 |align=left|Erick Jovani Negrete |{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}} |1 (4), {{small|0:41}} |Nov 19, 2016 |align=left|{{small|Salon de Eventos del Hotel Posada del Sol, San Felipe, Mexico}} | |
| 1
|{{yes2}}Win |1–0 |align=left|Efrain Gonzalez |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}} |6 |Oct 15, 2016 |align=left|{{small|Salón Social Posada del Mar, San Felipe, Mexico}} | |
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{boxrec|id=778096}}
- [https://box.live/boxers/elwin-soto/ Elwin Soto - Profile, News Archive & Current Rankings] at [https://Box.Live Box.Live]
{{s-start}}
{{s-sport}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=World boxing titles}}
{{s-bef|before=Ángel Acosta}}
{{s-ttl|title=WBO light flyweight champion
|years=June 21, 2019 – Oct 16, 2021}}
{{s-aft|after=Jonathan González}}
{{s-end}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Soto, Elwin}}
Category:Boxers from Baja California
Category:Light-flyweight boxers
Category:World light-flyweight boxing champions
Category:World Boxing Organization champions
Category:People from San Felipe Municipality, Baja California