“When you’re on top for a long time, it’s hard to keep pushing yourself because you’re always on top,” Torres said after Brain Bowles snapped his 17-fight winning streak en route to capturing the title. “I’ve got to get back on the bottom because he’s on top, and I have something to work for now. It will be a good challenge for me.”

Although Bowles held a perfect 7-0 record and cemented his top contender status awhile back, Torres entered Sunday’s title fight as a heavy favorite to retain his crown.

“In this sport, one shot can change everything,” Torres said. “There’s no excuses for what happened. Brian hits really hard. I saw his shot coming, but I couldn’t get out of the way of it – a big overhand right. He put it away. He’s a real aggressive young guy. He’s going to be a good champion.

“It’s going to be fun to get my belt back from him.”