By Mike Coppinger
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- In the main event of Top Rank Live (Fox Sports Net) from Bally's Atlantic City, Alejandro Lopez (22-2, 7 KOs) upset previously-undefeated Teon “The Technician” Kennedy (17-1-1, 7 Kos) via 12 round unanimous decision in a junior featherweight contest.
Scores were 117-111 twice and 115-113. BoxingScene.com scored it 116-112 for Lopez.
The bout started out slowly as both fighters sought to find range, but the action really picked up in round three, as the 24-year-old Lopez poured it on the undefeated Kennedy, landing with sharp one-twos down the pipe before escaping from harm’s way.
In round four, Kennedy, 25, began to commit to the body, leading with hooks to Lopez’s mid-section as the Tijuana, Mexico native circled around the ring.
Lopez displayed an effective stick, keeping the Philadelphian at bay as he danced around the squared-circle. Kennedy was ineffective at cutting off the ring, following Lopez but unable to trap him along the ropes.
In round six, Lopez began to take over, landing a beautiful bolo punch that seemed to stun Kennedy, much to the dismay of Kennedy’s hometown crowd. Lopez’s lateral movement gave Kennedy fits throughout the contest.
Lopez dominated the second half of the bout, fighting superbly off his back foot while picking off Kennedy’s shots.
In the 12th, Kennedy began to pour blood from the nose and left eye, as both eyes closed shut.
All-in-all, Kennedy simply couldn’t close distance, and when he was able to, was largely ineffective on the inside.
The loss is a big setback for Kennedy, as he was coming off a win over previously-undefeated Jorge Diaz in a slugfest.
Lopez, who also fought Diaz but lost, sets himself up nicely going forward in the 122 pound division.
