Lopez Defends Light-Welterweight Title With Controversial Points Win
Light-welterweight title with a controversial unanimous points win over compatriot Jamaine Ortiz in Las Vegas.
Lopez, 26, was seemingly outboxed over 12 rounds as two judges scored it 115-113 with one highly contentious scorecard of 117-111.
The decision was booed by fans inside the Michelob Ultra Arena.
“You all could boo all you want,” Lopez said before directing a homophobic slur towards the crowd.
He called out American unified welterweight champion Terence Crawford for a catchweight bout.
“I’m here, I’m ready. I’m hungry, I’m younger, I’m prettier,” he said.
The agile and more elusive Ortiz – fighting in a southpaw stance – made use of his reach advantage and quick feet to frustrate Lopez.
Ortiz, 27, circled around the ring on the back foot as Lopez struggled to find any real rhythm.
“I stuck to the game plan, I listened to my corner, my team. I thought I was winning,” Ortiz said.
“I think I won the fight. What can I say? He couldn’t hit me, I was making him miss all night. 117-111 is just ridiculous.”
But two-weight world champion Lopez blamed his opponent for fighting too defensively.
“We cannot, for one second, claim these people, these fighters, that don’t wanna come and fight,” Lopez said.
BBC/Jamiu Ogunshe
