By Rick Reeno

Arena Mexico, Mexico City - Juan Manuel Marquez (54-6-1, 39KOs) won a twelve round unanimous decision over Sergey Fedchenko (30-2, 13KOs) to win the WBO's interim-junior welterweight title. The scores were 119-109, 118-110 and 118-110.

In an obvious clash of styles, Marquez had some trouble with Fedchenko's style, but he managed to clearly win the rounds. Fedchenko did not throw enough and he played it safe. Fedchenko kept his distance, which prevented Marquez from landing too many of his signature hooks to the body. Marquez pressed forward, throwing and landing more punches. Fedchenko took damage in the final two rounds and appeared to be in trouble, but he managed to survive until the bell.

Undercard Results By James Blears

Alonso Lopez looks like his famous Dad, Ricardo Lopez. As a flyweight, he's a tad bigger, but he doesn't carry the same punch or the 17 years of undefeated ring generalship. Alonso, also has the same nickname of Finito, but tonight at least it didn't fit at all. Alonso (12-0-1, 5KOs) lost a majority decison to Luis "Bailarina" Vazquez (6-2-2, 2KOs).

 

In the first round, Alonso showed a good left jab, solid defensive skills and slick movement. But Vazquez upped the two step and started to stalk him connecting to the body and bullying him around the ring. Alonso then went on the rin and threw less punches. Right at the end of the fourth and final round, Alonso connected with a superb right uppercut, which wobbled and stunned Vazquez. But the lights came on and the bell saved him. The two exchanged a brief moment of snap and snarl, which would have been more welcome in the actual fight.

 

Welterweight Saul Roman (34-9,29 KO's) from Culican, hit Colombian Richard Gutierrez ( 26-8-1, 16KO's) with everything, but the kitchen sink to win a lopsided majority decison over ten rounds. Saul connected numerous times to head and body, but the tough as nails Colombian Gutierrez absorbed everything, throwing occasional flurries, especially to the body. By round eight the Colombian's face was swelling and plastered with vasoline. But he showed heart and continued to the final bell. Saul could have finished it in the last thirty seconds of round two when he let his hands go and had Gutierrez reeling on the ropes. But the Colombian's durability prevented a stoppage that the crowed was urging.