Pedraza, Ajagba triumph in Vegas
Former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (28-3, 13 KOs) won a ten round unanimous decision over 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina (22-3, 9 KOs) in a junior welterweight bout on Saturday night inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas “Bubble.” Pedraza pretty much controlled the whole fight. Scores were 99-91, 98-02, 98-92.
“They do name me the ‘Sniper,’ and that means I have to be patient, and when my moment comes, I have to take advantage of it,” said Pedraza. “That’s what I did tonight because I was able to wear him down, break him down and make him fight my fight. It was the experience that I’ve had at the top level that helped me finally put it together. I’ve had the experience. I’ve had the talent, and it’s just on a night like this that I’m happy I could put it all together.”
“I do believe I’m ready for a world title opportunity. Whoever it happens to be between Josh Taylor and Jose Ramirez, I want the winner of that fight. If for some reason I can’t get a world title shot against them, I do want to respectfully ask Jose Zepeda for the rematch.”
In his Top Rank debut, unbeaten heavyweight Efe Ajagba (14-0, 11 KOs) took a workmanlike ten round unanimous decision over Jonnie Rice (13-6-1, 9 KOs). Ajagba got the win (98-92, 99-91, 99-91), but didn’t impress. He may have suffered a hand injury.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez (5-1, 3 KOs) cruised past Felix Caraballo (13-3-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder at featherweight. Ramirez, who avenged his lone pro defeat on July 2, won by scores of 80-72, 80-72, 79-73.
Undefeated junior middleweight Leo Ruiz (8-0, 5 KOs) punished game Rodrigo Solis (4-5-1, 2 KOs) for six rounds en route to a 58-54, 59-53, 59-53 unanimous decision. Both fighters were deducted points in round five. Ruiz for a low blow and Solis for spitting out his mouthpiece.
Unbeaten super middleweight Christian Montano (10-0, 7 KOs) had to work hard for a six round unanimous decision over Ryan Adams (7-3-1, 6 KOs). Scores were 58-56, 60-54, 60-54..
Undefeated lightweight Bryan Lua (6-0, 3 KOs) fighting for the first time in more than two years, knocked out Luis Norambuena (4-7-1, 0 KOs) in the second round. A left hook laid out Norambuena at 2:27. Nice KO.
17-year-old welterweight Jahi Tucker won his professional debut with a first round TKO over Deandre Anderson (1-2, 0 KOs). Time was 2:56.
17-year-old welterweight Kasir “Mazzi” Goldston won his professional debut with a four round unanimous decision over Isaiah Varnell (3-3, 2 KOs). Scores were 40-36, 39-37, 39-37.
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