Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas - Alberto "Explosivo" Machado (20-0, 16 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, retained his WBA super featherweight world title by beating previously undefeated Rafael "Sweet Pea" Mensah (31-1, 23 KOs) of Accra, Ghana via 10-round unanimous decision.
Machado dropped Mensah with a hard right hook in the first round and hurt him several times en route to earning three scores of 120-107.
It was the first defense for Machado after capturing the world title.
Mensah was designated as the mandatory challenger by the World Boxing Association.
"Though I couldn't finish him, I'm happy I went all the rounds because it was an experience I hadn't had before," said Machado.
"I hurt my left hand early, so that's why I stopped throwing the left hand to the body. But I kept to the game plan that Freddie Roach had for me and used the jab and worked from a distance."
Next up? Machado wants former world champion Francisco Vargas (25-1-2, 18 KOs).
"I'd fight anyone. I have to talk with my promoter first, but I would like fight Francisco Vargas," Machado said
For his part, Mensah had no excuses for the loss.
"I got hurt early with a shot," said Rafael Mensah."It took four or five rounds for me to come back. He's a tall and lanky fighter and made it tough to come back."
Also on the card, Yamagucho Falcao (16-0, 6 KOs) of Sao Paolo, Brazil scored a 10-round unanimous decision victory against Elias Espadas (17-4, 12 KOs) of Merida, Mexico in a middleweight bout. In what was very controversial battle, Falcao won with scores of 96-92, 96-92, and 95-93.
"We're very happy for the victory," said Falcao.
"My opponent was very tough. We appreciate the opportunity with Golden Boy Promotions. There were several stoppages by the official that we feel were not warranted because Espadas was ducking and coming with his head down. We look forward to the next opportunity.
