Alex ``Ali'' Baba took no chances.
Nearly a year after losing out on an opportunity at the flyweight title because of a loss, Baba got back on track to fighting for the WBC crown with a fourth-round technical knockout of Mexico's Javier Varquez on Saturday night at Miccosukee Indian Gaming.
Baba's combinations wore down Varquez, forcing his corner to stop the bout after the third round, when Varquez was suffering from bruised ribs.
The victory sets up Baba's challenge of WBC champion Wongjongkam Pongsaklek in October.
``This is the new Ali,'' Baba said. ``I've been waiting to long for my chance and I'm not going to make the same mistake.''
In May 2000, Baba, of Ghana and now living in Miami, earned a mandatory title shot. But a split-decision loss to Panama's Leopoldo Arrocha in the interim knocked him out of the top spot in the rankings.
``I learned a lot from that fight, I was not prepared, but now I'm totally focused to pursue the title,'' Baba said.
And Baba (18-1, 14 KOs) proved it against Varquez.
After testing Varquez's power in the first round, when Varquez (41-24-1) was successful with rights to the body, Baba began to press the attack in the second.
