Photos: Luis Alberto Lopez Tops Josh Warrington, Captures IBF Title

Leeds - In a mandatory showdown for the IBF featherweight title, Luis Alberto Lopez (27-2, 15 KOs) pulled off a twelve round majority decision over Josh Warrington (31-2-1, 8 KOs) to become a world champion. (photos by Mark Robinson)

The scores were 114-114 for the draw, 115-113, 115-113 for Lopez.

A very fast start in the first, with both throwing a lot of punches. Lopez was very aggressive and taking the fight to Warrington, who was bleeding from the nose from an uppercut. Warrington was looking for counters when Lopez came in, landing solid shots in the closing moments.

Lopez was very aggressive in the second as well. There was a clash of heads, with Lopez suffering a cut above hie left eye. A give and take round in the third. Both were landing solid punches. The fourth saw Lopez pounding away with a lot of heavy punches to nullify the workrate of Warrington. 

Warrington was having issued with Lopez's aggression and power during the fifth. He was hesitant with his attacks and allowing Lopez to go after him. They were fighting on the inside during the final minute. The sixth was another bruising round, with Lopez having the edge with the bigger punches connecting. The seventh saw a surge from Lopez with his activity, as Warrington appeared to be a bit worn down.

Lopez was connecting with heavy blows to the head and body during the eight round action. The ninth was Warrington come out looking to rally with combinations. Warrington was on the move and boxing, making Lopez give chase. Warrington rallied with more combinations during the final minute. During the tenth, it was give and take once again in a close round. Lopez was doing more damage with the bigger punches. 

In the eleventh, Warrington was getting off with very good punches to the head and body as the workrate of Lopez seemed to slow down. The twelfth and final round saw a lot of holding at the start. Warrington was pressing and throwing punches to turn the tide. He was connecting well and close strong as Lopez seemed to be tired and doing a lot of holding.