Former world champion and featherweight contender Jessie Magdaleno (28-1, 18 KOs) won by tenth round disqualification against Yenifel Vicente (36-5-2, 28 KOs) on Thursday night inside “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Magdaleno started fast dropping Vicente in round one.
In round four, Vicente hit Magdaleno with a low blow, then dropped him with a flush right hand to the head. After some minutes on the canvas, Magdaleno was able to continue and Vicente was deducted two points by referee Robert Byrd. Vicente was deducted a third point for a low blow later in the round.
Magdaleno dropped Vicente again in round five. In the tenth and final round, Vicente was deducted a fourth point for a low blow. Later Byrd finally disqualified following another low blow. Time was 1:38.
Featherweight Adam “Bluenose” Lopez (14-2, 6 KOs) won a close ten round majority decision over Louie Coria (12-3, 7 KOs) to claim the vacant NABF title. Scores were 95-95, 96-94, 96-94. In his last fight, Lopez fought unbeaten former world champion Oscar Valdez last November on a day’s notice after Valdez’s original opponent missed weight.
In a battle of unbeaten California-based lightweights, Eric Mondragon (3-0-1, 2 KOs) and Mike Sanchez (6-0-1, 2 KOs) battled to an entertaining four round majority draw. Great opening round as both fighters traded knockdowns. Scores were 39-37 Mondragon, 38-38, 38-38.
Unbeaten bantamweight Gabriel Muratalla (3-0, 3 KOs) scored a first round KO against Fernando Robles (2-3, 0 KOs). Time was 2:33.
Ugly fight, Magdaleno didn’t look like a #1 contender, he has no chance against Gary Russell.
No chance against Russell or Stevenson!
Lopez got a gift in a great fight. Being interviewed afterwards his swollen face and what he said about his opponent told it all. Robert Byrd should be retired by the Nevada commission. He is the slowest to react of any ref in the business. He ruined the fight backing up when Jesse got hit low instead of immediately coming forward. The late stoppage after the fourth low blow was unbelievable. Did someone from the commission tell him to stop it and it took him seconds later to act?
Magdaleno was unimpressive in this fight. He allowed Vicente to bully him around the ring and spent too much time on the ropes trying to counter Vicente’s right hand. He didn’t throw combinations often, but when he did he landed solidly. He was much too quick for Vicente, but didn’t dominate a fighter with basically just a big right hand. By staying on the ropes often, he gave Vicente too many opportunities to land his right hand.
Jessie got knocked cold with that right hand following the low blow. I really think it was unwise for him to continue especially if he suffered a concussion. He should be thoroughly checked out before his next fight.
Is he ready for a title shot? Not based on this fight. He’s a long way from being ready from Gary Russell, Jr.
The fight of the night was the Lopez-Coria fight. A lot of action with Coria being the relentless attacker and Lopez trying to discourage him with multiple jabs. Lopez started slowly, rallied in the middle rounds, but faded when Coria stepped it up in the later rounds. It was a very close fight and probably should have been declared a draw but Lopez got the decision. There should be a rematch to settle matters, but Lopez was the battered fighter with both eyes swollen at the end of the fight.
It’s good to read your analysis of fights again!
It’s great to have fights to watch again. Not megafights, but well-matched fighters in competitive matches. I look forward to other promoters getting involved.