NEW YORK — The Takeover has conquered a second division.
Former unified and lineal light-weight king Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) captured the WBO and Ring Journal junior welterweight world titles with a 12-round unanimous choice win in opposition to former undisputed champion Josh Taylor (19-1, 13 KOs) Saturday night at The Theater at Madison Sq. Backyard.
Within the opening two rounds, Taylor related with straight left palms and counterpunches to the physique. However by rounds three and 4, the 32-year-Scotsman started feeling the sting of Lopez’s energy.
Consequently, his offense grew to become extra tentative and the tempo of the combat decelerated, permitting Lopez to land his signature energy photographs. By rounds 5 and 6, Lopez took a commanding lead as a confused Taylor struggled to discover his punching vary.
Lopez punctuated his victory within the remaining rounds with explosive bursts of offense, shades of the classic ‘Teo’ who had dominated his adversaries as a light-weight.
With scores of 115-113 2x and 117-111, the 25-year outdated Brooklyn native is now a lineal world champion in two divisions. “Josh Taylor is a troublesome dude,” stated Lopez. “I can see why he beat so many fighters. However you’ve obtained to counter the counterpuncher. You’ve obtained to outsmart the person and get in there. And I did that. I feel I did sufficient.That is what it’s all about.”
“I questioned myself for an excellent motive. You guys don’t perceive. I’ve at all times been my worst critic. And also you guys obtained a bit glimpse of it. However I’ve simply obtained to ask you one factor, and one factor solely. Do I nonetheless obtained it?” “I’m so grateful. This was a bout fixing what we wanted to. That’s why I don’t go away my coach. I belief in him so much. “No excuses,” stated Taylor. “It wasn’t my greatest. The higher man received tonight. I’ve obtained no excuses. I fought to the perfect of my skill. He was higher than me tonight. It’s what it’s. Congratulations to Teofimo. “I believed it was a detailed combat. I’d like to do it once more. I undoubtedly know I’m higher than that, and I do know I can beat him nonetheless. I’d like to do it once more. However he’s the champ, so the ball is in his court docket.”
Zayas Coasts Previous Cruz
Junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas (16-0, 10 KOs) kicked off the Puerto Rican Day Parade festivities and not using a hitch. The 20-year-old scored a dominant eight-round unanimous choice in opposition to California-born veteran Ronald “Diablo” Cruz (18-3-1, 12 KOs) to defend his NABF and NABO belts
Within the opening stanza, Zayas landed a counter proper hand that floored Cruz. Zayas maintained his composure and started boxing off his jab, stopping solely to land two and three-punch combos.
Cruz, who has by no means been stopped, resorted to a excessive guard to keep away from punishment, and he managed to attach with an occasional proper hand. Nonetheless, Zayas’ versatility made it nearly inconceivable for Cruz to land as he was outgunned each on the within and the surface.
With three scores of 80-71, Zayas takes dwelling the second annual Miguel Cotto Award.
“It is a dream come true,” stated Zayas. “I’m very completely happy to have fought throughout Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. He was a troublesome man. I used to be hitting him with the whole lot. He didn’t need to go down. He was right here to combat. He was motivated. He was powerful. However we handed with flying colours. Unanimous choice. And we made the changes we wanted to do.
“He introduced out the canine in me. I needed to dig deep. I needed to keep targeted. I needed to take heed to my nook. And most significantly I needed to have enjoyable, which was an important half. I had the group right here cheering for me, so I used to be making an attempt to remain as targeted as potential.”Junior Light-weight: Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceicao (17-2, 8 KOs) was simply starting to heat up in his scheduled 10-rounder in opposition to Nicolas Polanco (20-4-1, 11 KOs), however an unintended headbutt within the second spherical compelled the referee to cease the combat. The bout was dominated a no contest.
Junior Welterweight:Omar Rosario (11-0, 3 KOs), the preventing pleasure of Caguas, Puerto Rico, tallied a workmanlike eight-round unanimous choice victory in opposition to countryman Jan Carlos Rivera (8-2, 6 KOs). Rosario’s aggression and quick counterpunches had been simply sufficient to beat Rivera’s free-swinging type. Scores: 77-75 3x.
Heavyweight: Undefeated Polish prospect Damian Knyba (12-0, 7 KOs) defeated Mexico’s Helaman Olguin (9-6-1, 4 KOs) by way of eight-round unanimous choice. Knyba, a 6-foot-7 behemoth with an 86-inch attain, obtained off to a powerful begin, touchdown proper palms that despatched Olguin reeling to the ropes. Scores: 79-73 3x.
Featherweight: Brooklyn-born phenom Bruce Carrington (8-0, 5 KOs) defeated Luis Porozo (16-7, 9 KOs) by way of eighth-round TKO. Carrington fought at a detailed distance, mixing in jabs with energy photographs round Porozo’s guard. Time of stoppage: 2:17.
Junior Light-weight: In a battle of southpaws, Puerto Rican standout Henry Lebron (18-0, 10 KOs) scored a 10-round unanimous choice win over Spanish veteran Carlos Ramos (17-3, 10 KOs). After just a few feel-out rounds, Lebron’s expertise started to beat Ramos, as he dropped him within the eighth and tenth with proper hooks. Scores: 97-91 and 98-90 2x.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Government Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and likewise a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
