Rodriguez’s Triumphant Return to Glory – Gary Antuanne Russell and Gabriel Maestre Score Victories in Televised Undercard Bouts – Emmanuel Rodriguez didn’t just box; he danced, weaved, and punched his way back to the IBF bantamweight crown on Saturday night. Battling it out at the iconic MGM National Harbor in Maryland, Rodriguez’s determination shone through.
A swelling right eye could’ve been Rodriguez’s downfall from the second round, but he turned it into his battle scar. With each round, his dominance (22-2, 13 KOs) was evident, leaving no room for doubt in the judges’ minds – a clear 120-105 victory. As for the breathtaking climax? Rodriguez knocked Melvin Lopez (29-2, 19 KOs) to the canvas, not once, not twice, but three heart-stopping times in the final round. Lopez, ever the sportsman, tipped his hat to the champ’s brilliance post-match.
Other Noteworthy Matches:
- Russell’s Swift Victory: Maryland’s pride, Gary Antuanne Russell (17-0, 17 KOs) was a force of nature. In a breathtaking fight he stopped Kent Cruz (16-1-3, 10 KOs) in the first round. That lethal combination of a left uppercut followed by a body shot? Poetry in motion.
- Maestre’s Fireworks: The telecast kicked off with fireworks, courtesy of Gabriel Maestre (6-0-1, 5 KOs). The double Olympian, “El Capitan,” was in a league of his own, sending Travon Marshall (8-1, 7 KOs) reeling, twice, wrapping up with a second-round TKO.
- Benavidez Jr. Commands the Ring: Jose Benavidez Jr. (28-2-1, 19 KOs) put on a masterclass against Sladan Janjanin (36-16). With knockdowns aplenty, Janjanin’s team had seen enough by the fifth round, throwing in the towel.
- Vazquez’s Star Rises: Opening act, Damien Vazquez (17-3-1, 10 KOs) gave fans a taste of what was to come. His duel with Jeronil Borres (12-9-2) ended with an emphatic statement – a left that convinced referee Sharon Sands to call time on the bout.