Erika Cruz Sweeps Jelena Mrdjenovich in Successful Title Defense!
In their latest tour of duty, female featherweight fighters Jelena Mrdjenovich (41-12-2, 19 KO’s) and WBA featherweight champion Erika “Dinamita” Cruz (15-1, 3 KO’s) went to war in a significant rematch.
The two first collided back on April 22, 2021 in a contest that Cruz won by technical decision to usurp Mrdjenovish’s title. This is because, after suffering a cut as the result of an accidental headbutt, Mrdjenovich was unable to continue. Dinamita would stage one more bout with Melissa Esquivel, which she won by split decision, before trading leather with Mrdjenovich.
For her part, Canadian boxer Jelena Mrdjenovich is something like women’s boxing royalty. This is due to enjoying a nineteen-year boxing career that has seen her collect titles at feather and super featherweight. Along with this, Mrdjenovich has competed with impressive opposition such as: Fujin Raika, Mia St. John, Layla Carter, Selina Barrios and three memorable battles with Melissa Hernandez.
ONE-WAY ACTION
The match opened in respectful fashion as both women felt one another out. Mrdjenovich pressed forward with her jab while searching for the follow-up right. The southpaw champion returned fire and connected to Mrdjenovich’s body well. In the closing moments of the second period, Cruz struck the Canadian with a heavy left hook that certainly got her attention. In the fourth, Mrdjenovich was warned for hitting behind the head.
By the conclusion of the fifth, the WBA champion appeared to be in control of the action. While the Canadian was still pressing forward, Dinamita was presenting a very mobile and counterpunching well. Mrdjenovich continued to be consistently warned by referee Melva Santos for holding and other various infractions.
ON TO THE NEXT ONE
The valiant females fought ferociously down the stretch to the final bell. Despite the determination displayed by both, it was Cruz who came out on top. When the scorecards were read, Dinamita got the nod by the judges with the final verdict being 100-90 on all three cards. Now Cruz will look to unify her title with fellow champions Amanda Serrano (WBA, WBC) or Sarah Mafoud (IBF).
By: Bakari Simpson
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