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Jessie Magdaleno overcomes low blows in Las Vegas, calls out Gary Russell Jr

Written by Boxing Social Staff on 12th June 2020.

In an eventful encounter, former WBO 122lbs champion Jessie Magdaleno scored two knockdowns and withstood numerous fouls before roughhouse opponent Yenifel Vicente was finally disqualified in the 10th round at the MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom in Las Vegas on Thursday night.

Now campaigning at featherweight, Magdaleno (28-1, 18 KOs) scored knockdowns in the first and fifth rounds while Vicente (36-5-2, 28 KOs) had three points taken away for low blows in the fourth and another in the 10th before referee Robert Byrd disqualified the Dominican due to repeated infringements.

“He was a rugged fighter. He was a tough veteran. I tip my hat off to him. He knew what he was doing. His way was to get me low,” said Magdaleno. “Gary Russell [Jr], I’m coming for you. But like I’ve said before, I want any of the champions at 126 pounds. I want to be a two-division world champion. Simple as that.”

Magdaleno floors Vicente en route to a hard-earned victory. Photo Mikey Williams, Top Rank.

Coming off a commendable performance against Oscar Valdez in November, Adam ‘Blunose’ Lopez impressed again to win the vacant NABF featherweight crown with a last-ditch rally.

The all-action Lopez (14-2, 6 KOs) won a 10-round majority decision over Robert Garcia-trained Louie Coria (12-3, 7 KOs) in a battle of California natives. Lopez snatched the last two rounds on two of the judges’ scorecards to pull out the win. Scores were 96-94 (twice) and 95-95.

“That was my toughest fight to date. I used to say my fight with Jean Carlos Rivera was my toughest fight, but this one was definitely my toughest fight,” said Lopez.  “Listen, I want to fight anyone Top Rank puts in front of me. This was a great, close fight, and I have the utmost respect for Louie Coria.”

The all-action Lopez (right) pulled out a big win against Louie Coria.
Photo: Mikey Williams, Top Rank.

In other action, Gabriel Muratalla (3-0, 3 KOs) needed only 2:33 to knock out Fernando Robles (2-3, 0 KOs) in a scheduled four-round bantamweight bout. “It’s wild. It was an experience and I’m happy I did my thing,” said Muratalla.

Meanwhile, lightweight prospects Mike Sanchez (6-0-1, 2 KOs) and Eric Mondragon (3-0-1, 2 KOs) traded knockdowns in the first round and fought to a four-round majority draw. Scores were 39-37 Mondragon and 38-38 (twice).