“Amazing” Layla McCarter Wins Again in Mexico

By David A. Avila

Seeking to brush off a year of cobwebs, American Layla McCarter dominated Brazil’s Halanna Leoparda Dos Santos by unanimous decision in a welterweight fight held near Mexico City on Friday.

“I wanted to have fun,” said McCarter.

McCarter (46-13-5, 11 Kos) fought and defeated the much taller Dos Santos (14-9, 9 Kos) in front of a sleepy crowd late at Xochitepic, Mexico in a 10-round welterweight fight at Salon Santosha.

Over the years, the Las Vegas, Nevada resident has built a solid following in Mexico. The country has long been known for its appreciation of prizefighters and especially recognizes skill. It’s what separates her unimposing appearance from other fighters.

Many casual fans see McCarter’s 13 losses and immediately deem her an opponent. When in fact, she is one of the best female fighters of all time and among the best pound for pound today. She just needs an opportunity to prove it.

As soon as the fight between McCarter and Dos Santos began, their physical disparity was obvious. The Brazilian fighter easily had four inches in height advantage and a very long reach.

No matter. In the opening round Dos Santos attempted to establish the jab and was immediately countered by an overhand right. The jab was quickly eliminated.

From the first round onward Dos Santos was in immediate retreat after tasting counter rights and jabs through the guard from McCarter. The American fighter seldom expresses emotion and wastes little motion. Against the Brazilian she was in constant stalking mode.

“I was surprised she moved,” said McCarter. “I followed her around the whole fight instead of cutting her off. I know how to do these things.”

Still, her abundance of skills and knowledge left few openings for Dos Santos who always tried for the big counter shots. Very few landed.

After 10 rounds of McCarter stalking, parrying and countering with overhand rights and left jabs, all three judges awarded the fight to her. No surprise.

Now McCarter awaits to see which champion if any dares fight her. She has said on numerous occasions that from lightweight to welterweight she will accept a challenge from any of the champions. McCarter is ranked number 2 by the WBC. Number 5 by IBF, and number 3 by the WBA. The WBO does not have rankings.

“Being active helps a lot,” said McCarter.