by Rick Reeno

MGM Grand, Las Vegas - Miguel Vazquez (28-3, 12KOs) retained his IBF lightweight title with a well earned twelve round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Lenny "Lenny Z" Zappavigna (25-0, 17KOs). The scores were 117-111, 118-110 and 118-110.

The action was fought at a much faster, and much more physical pace than expected. Vazquez was doing more fighting than boxing. Lenny Z appeared to have a significant amount of swelling building up on the left side of his face. In the fifth, Vazquez was landing some very sneaky punches and countering almost every shot from Zappavigna. Also in the fifth, a cut opened up above the right eye of Zappavigna.

Zappavigna mouth was wide open by the tenth round, while Vazquez was still looking strong and full of energy. In the tenth, a very bad cut opened up above the left eye of Zappavigna. Too difficult to tell if Zappavigna's cut was the result of a clash of heads, and there were many, or a punch. Zappavigna was vey strong for the first half of the fight. That power would fade by the second half. Vazquez used his legs, a stiff jab and clever defense to outbox the limited Australian fighter.