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By Thomas Gerbasi - NEW YORK – Rock legends KISS may have been headlining Madison Square Garden Saturday night, but it was the super bantamweight tandem of Juan Manuel Lopez and Rogers Mtagwa who stole the thunder from Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley in the Garden’s small room, the WaMu Theater, providing an array of fireworks and explosive action that almost guarantees Lopez’s 12 round unanimous decision win over Mtagwa will receive strong consideration for 2009 Fight of The Year.
Scores were 114-113, 115-111, and 116-111 for Lopez, who made the fifth successful defense of his WBO super bantamweight title.
As the fight began, Mtagwa came out fast, but it was Lopez’ first chopping right hand making an immediate impression as it forced the off balance challenger’s gloves to touch the canvas. Referee Eddie Cotton didn’t rule it a knockdown, but Lopez was un-rattled as he drilled his foe with accurate power shots that thrilled the packed house. Just before the bell, Cotton refused to call another knockdown as Mtagwa went down after taking a right, but the round went to Lopez regardless. [details]
Scores were 114-113, 115-111, and 116-111 for Lopez, who made the fifth successful defense of his WBO super bantamweight title.
As the fight began, Mtagwa came out fast, but it was Lopez’ first chopping right hand making an immediate impression as it forced the off balance challenger’s gloves to touch the canvas. Referee Eddie Cotton didn’t rule it a knockdown, but Lopez was un-rattled as he drilled his foe with accurate power shots that thrilled the packed house. Just before the bell, Cotton refused to call another knockdown as Mtagwa went down after taking a right, but the round went to Lopez regardless. [details]
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