Two-division world champion Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza (27-3, 13 KOs) scored a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over former 140-pound world title challenger Mikkel LesPierre (22-2-1, 10 KOs) in a junior welterweight bout on Thursday night inside “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. LesPierre was on the canvas in round five and round ten. Scores were 100-88, 99-89, 99-89.
In round five, LesPierre was credited with a knockdown against Pedraza, then moments later Pedraza dropped LesPierre. After the round, instant replay was used and officials ruled the knockdown LesPierre scored was a trip.
“Mikkel was a tough,opponent, but I stuck to my game plan. I wanted the knockout, but he stayed strong in there. I give him a lot of credit,” said Pedraza afterward.
“I would like to fight any of the world champions, but we have to see what happens next. I proved I belong with the top guys in the 140-pound division. I want to become the next three-division world champion from Puerto Rico. That’s my goal. That’s what I’m striving for.”
Get a better trainer
It was an easy win for Pedraza, but with a more consistent attack, he could have stopped Lespierre. He unexplicably took the 4th round off after doing well the first three rounds. He really had LesPierre going at times and could have knocked him out before the final bell.
Pedraza may have been concerned with his conditioning and paced himself throughout the fight. LesPierre was a tough guy and survived some rough moments. However, Pedraza was too mobile and sharp for him tonight.
There are some mountains ahead of Pedraza if he wants to be on top of the 140 lb division. That division is one of the deepest in boxing with Ramirez, Taylor and Prograis well ahead of him. A Ramirez-Taylor fight would be an attractive match to make. So would a Prograis-Broner fight. There’s a lot to look forward to in boxing if matches like those could be made.
Spot on APDuenas.. except the Prograis- Boner match.. Prograis would shut Broner down form the 1st round on.. Broner would fight in 25 second spurts between holding his guard high and shaking his head no in denial of being hurt. Prograis UD Broner, 8 rounds to 2.