(18-0, 8 KOs) heated up after a slow start to stop Dave Apolinario in the sixth round to earn the IBF featherweight title Saturday night in Mexico City. Two knockdowns by body shots created the stoppage victory.
Apolinario (20-1, 14 KOs) won the first round as Ayala did very little against the southpaw from the Philippines. Rounds two and three were closer but it was in round four when Ayala mounted an attack in earnest and slowed Apolinario’s momentum.
Round six saw a delayed reaction from a body shot put Apolinario down and Ayala finished the job moments later with brutal punches to the mid section. Ayala now wears the belt vacated by Bam Rodriguez when he moved up to 116 earlier this year.
