At the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, boxing enthusiasts were treated to a riveting spectacle broadcasted over ESPN and ESPN+. Promoted by the esteemed Bob Arum of Top Rank, the night was headlined by IBF World Featherweight champion Louis “El Vanado” Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs) defending his title against the formidable WBO No. 1 ranked Joet Gonzalez (26-4, 15 KOs).
Gonzalez began with a promising lead in the first round, but the subsequent rounds saw Lopez, the reigning champion, clawing back and outworking his opponent. The match was filled with twists and turns, from warnings issued to Gonzalez to moments of sheer showmanship from Lopez. As the twelfth round concluded, many believed Gonzalez might have done enough to secure the title on his third attempt. However, the judges’ scorecards read differently: 118-110, 117-111, and 116-112 for Lopez, with a lone score of 115-113 favoring Gonzalez.
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In the co-main event, the prodigious 21-year-old NABF and WBO NABO Super Welterweight champion Xander Zayas (17-0, 11 KOs) showcased his prowess against Roberto “El Viejo Jr” Valenzuela (25-5, 23 KOs). Zayas asserted his dominance early on, flooring Valenzuela in the first round. Despite some contentious decisions by the referee, Zayas maintained his momentum, culminating in the fight's stoppage in the fifth round due to Valenzuela's sustained injuries.
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One of the standout bouts of the evening was between Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs) and Antonio “Tono” Moran (29-5-1, 20 KOs). The ten-round contest was a display of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower. Ortiz faced a significant challenge in Moran, who managed to land a powerful left hook in the second round, momentarily staggering Ortiz. However, as the rounds progressed, Ortiz adapted, even switching to a southpaw stance to counter Moran’s advances. Both fighters had their moments of dominance, with Ortiz’s agility and Moran’s aggressive approach keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The final scores reflected a hard-fought victory for Ortiz, but both fighters left the ring with their reputations enhanced. The undercard was equally enthralling. Omar “Pollo” Alejandro Aguilar (25-2, 24 KOs) squared off against Julia “Canelito” Luna (21-1-2, 11 KOs) in a gripping contest for the vacant WBC USA Welterweight title, with Luna emerging as the victor. Featherweight southpaw Ruben “Drac” Villa IV (21-1, 7 KOs) secured a win against Brandon Valdes (15-4, 7 KOs) in an action-packed eight-round duel. The evening also featured commendable performances from Delante “Tiger” Johnson (10-0, 5 KOs), John Rincon (8-0, 2 KOs), and Emiliano Vargas (7-0, 6 KOs), each solidifying their standing in the boxing world.
Image Credit: Sky Sports