Fighter of the Week (5/29-6/4): Steve Claggett

On a relatively quiet weekend for the sweet science, it was a showdown between two veterans who each needed desperately to pull out a win, that produced the most fireworks. Canadian fan-favorite Steve Claggett, hailing from Calgary, Alberta, put forth what was perhaps a career-best performance in absolutely blowing away former 130-pound world champ Alberto Machado, of Puerto Rico, over three one-sided rounds. Claggett picked up the win, his 35th, 25th knockout of the vacant NABF 140-pound strap, the best win of his career, our Fighter of the Week award for the first time, and at 33 years old may have gotten himself back into the world title picture at 140 pounds.

The Canadian got a huge roar from his countrymen as he entered the ring at the Montreal Casino in Montreal, in what was a do-or-die fight for each man. The contest, however, was never in question. Claggett was dominant from the opening bell on. After the Candian dominated his man in the opening round. He dropped the Puerto Rican in the second and twice more in the third before the bout was finally waved off at the 2:29 mark. The final knockdown was brutal. The ending came via a left hook, uppercut two-piece that put his man down. Referee Steve St. Germain gave the Puerto Rican the count who reached his feet just at the count of 10. However, St. Germain had decided the beaten former world champ had seen enough, and Claggett officially got the stoppage victory. The re-emergent Claggett, now extends his win streak to six and puts Machado's future in great disarray.

This was a massive win for the Canadian. It makes him relevant again in a loaded and wide-open 140-pound division. With Josh Taylor either winning and vacating his belt and moving up to 147 or losing and likely moving up to 147, this is probably Taylor's last fight at 140. That will vacate one belt and Claggett is on the right side of the street to get in line for the WBO or a possible fight with Teofimo Lopez, should he win. If not, perhaps a scrap with one of the many, many prospects at 140 in a crossroads fight. A fight with Omar Juarez or Pierce O'Leary would be an intriguing test. Another do-or-die showdown with someone like Kendo Castaneda would also be automatic fireworks.