The predictions came true in a night of boxing that left controversy on one side and conformity on the other. Teófimo López prevailed in New York and Terence Crawford did the same in Omaha, but their respective victories will be viewed differently, especially the former.
The fighter with Honduran roots knew that the mission would be very difficult against Sandor Martín, but he didn’t imagine it would be so difficult and in the end a split decision left almost everyone dissatisfied and in doubt about López’s future in the 140 division . lb.
The first sign of trouble came in the second round when López fell under the effect of a blow from Martín, who arrived at Madison Square Garden with the credentials of having retired Mikey García and confident of giving the big surprise, something that is was very close to happening.
Despite dealing with a swollen and bloody nose from a head butt in the same first round, Martín continued to fight disciplined throughout the bout, landing right handed regularly as López threw wild punches.
The fight was close, with moments for both, but when the final bell rang Martin believed he had done enough to win against a Lopez who certainly hasn’t been the same since his loss to George Kambosos at the same time. place.
One of the official judges agreed and gave the victory to Martín 95-94, but the others opted for López 96-93 and 97-92, something that was criticized in social network circles, especially this last ballot which it didn’t reflect what happened in the ring.
Doubts remain about the future of López, who is now expected to face some of the greats of the division, from José Carlos Ramírez to Regis Prograis or Josh Taylor, but it is clear that he will have to work much harder if he is to recover his best form.
CRAWFORD WITHOUT NEWS OR FEAR
In Omaha, Crawford defended his World Boxing Organization welterweight title against David Avanesyan and, after a close first half of the bout, finished the show in round six with a heart-stopping right hand that delighted his thousands of fan. .
Before the knockout, Avanesyan put Crawford in place, constantly putting pressure on him and forcing him to keep his distance with his jab. After a close first three rounds, Crawford began to loosen up with more combinations, often landing cleanly.
As Avanesyan’s pressure wore off, he was determined to do something to change the dynamic. It was in one of those moments that Crawford was able to counter a jab with a right hand and knock Avanesyan out for the count.
Boxing fans are now hoping he can step into the ring with Errol Spence Jr. in 2023. The two elite welterweights were negotiating a fight earlier this year when things fell apart and Crawford fought Avanesyan to get a time in the ring in 2022.
