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On a very rainy night in
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico,
Jose “Piston” Lopez became the
new World Boxing Federation
World Welterweight Champion by
defeating countryman Jose Emilio
Perea by majority decision on a
show promoted by HG Boxing and
Promociones Del Pueblo at the
legendary Jalisco Arena.
With the victory, televised in
Mexico by Cadena 3, the
21-year-old Lopez realized his
dream of becoming a World
Champion only two and a half
years after turning
professional, and improved his
record to17-2-1 (10). Perea
dropped to 21-2 (13).
Lopez, the younger man by eight
years, showed more determination
from the start, and it was
obvious that he had his mind
firmly set on being victorious.
While the first three rounds
were more or less fought on even
terms, Lopez started to take
over from the fourth.
As the bout entered the
championship rounds it was clear
that Perea needed a knockout to
win, but Lopez proved too smart
and skilled to give his opponent
any opportunities to catch him
clean. Perea tried his best, but
Lopez countered effectively and
it showed in the marked face of
Perea after the final bell.
Judges Erika Contreras,
Guillermo Sandoval and Carlos
Ruiz scored the bout 118-110,
116-112 and a too close 114-114,
and a jubilant Jose Lopez was
declared a deserved winner and
cheered by the enthusiastic
crowd. Referee was Jesus Salcedo.
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