Ukrainian fighter Vasiliy Lomachenko unified the titles of the lightweight division, versions of the World Association of Boxing (WBA) and the World Organization (OMB) by defeating Puerto Rican José Pedraza by way of a unanimous decision.
In a match held at Madison Square Garden’s “Hulu Theater,” Lomachenko scored 119-107 from one judge, and 117-109 from each of the remaining two.
The Ukrainian champion had managed in his first dozen professional fights to win world titles in three weight classes and establish a variety of record marks. boxing of all times, but it was not until today that he was able to unify scepters.
The 5,312 attendees who witnessed the fight always gave the majority support to the actions of Lomachenko, who dominated almost the entire fight.
In addition, he closed with a flourish by sending Pedraza, 29, to the canvas on two occasions in the eleventh round of the fight agreed to 12, which were the ones that definitely put the balance on the side of the European champion.
“I have been the best in the ring and I am happy with the way I finally got the victory,” said Lomachenko, 30, who like Pedraza was making his first defense of the title. “Pedraza has been a great rival, but I have always been in control of the fight.”
The victory allowed Lomachenko to leave his mark at 12-1, with nine knockouts, while Pedraza brought it down to 25-2, 12 fast-track wins.
Pedraza’s great triumph was moral as he overcame the two falls in the eleventh round and endured the last of the fight to hear the final bell of the fight standing up, although before that happened it was already known who was the winner and the new champion with unified titles .EFE