Romero hurts Lopez badly in the fifth before the challenger regains command behind his jab and body attack.
Teofimo Lopez became a three-division world champion Saturday night in Las Vegas after defeating Rolando “Rolly” Romero by majority decision. Judges scored the WBA welterweight title fight 116-112 and 115-113 for Lopez, with the third producing a 114-114 draw.
Yoenli Hernandez Defeats Francisco Veron
Yoenli Hernandez powered past Francisco Daniel Veron by majority decision, earning 99-91 and 98-92 cards while a third judge scored it 95-95. Hernandez attacked the body and landed the cleaner, heavier punches, although Veron’s check hook badly shook him in the fifth. Hernandez recovered and took command again down the stretch.
Gary Antonio Russell Dominates Victor Santillan
Gary Antonio Russell seized the interim WBA super bantamweight title with a commanding unanimous decision over Victor Santillan. Russell’s faster hands, jab and combinations controlled the fight before he dropped Santillan in the 12th. The judges scored it 119-108 twice and 118-109.
Carlos Utria Edges Israel Mercado
Carlos Utria survived a demanding U.S. debut and defeated Israel Mercado by split decision. Mercado pressed and disrupted Utria’s rhythm, but Utria’s body attack and short combinations secured 97-93 and 96-94 cards, while Mercado took the third 96-94.
Marco Romero Blasts Out Kahlil Mitchell
Marco Romero overwhelmed Kahlil Mitchell with heavy combinations and forced the stoppage at 2:33 of the opening round. Mitchell never established his stance before Romero closed the show.
Benjamin Johnson Outpoints Jose Gabriel Rodriguez
Benjamin Johnson controlled Jose Gabriel Rodriguez over six rounds behind his height and reach to secure a unanimous decision. Rodriguez became the first professional opponent to take Johnson to the final bell.
Joseph Brown Sweeps Alton Wiggins
Joseph Brown shut out Alton Wiggins over six junior middleweight rounds, using his height and reach to dictate the distance. All three judges scored the fight 60-54.
Aldo Blancas Drops Ricky Mamone, Takes Decision
Aldo Blancas dropped Ricky Mamone with a left to the body in the second and controlled the remaining rounds to secure a unanimous decision. The judges scored it 40-35 and 39-36 twice.