Arely Mucino Wins Split Decision Over IBF Champion Leonela Yudica!
In women’s boxing, the champions are taking on all comers, and things are no different for IBF flyweight champion Leonela Yudica (18-1-3, 1KO). The champ waged a high stakes bout against three-time champion Arely Mucino (32-3-2, 11KO).
Mucino entered the ring as the more experienced fighter, competing at a high level for fourteen years. She scored a second-round stoppage against Marisol Molina Sanchez on February 19.
Yudica put a lot on the line in this contest, with two big unifications looming against unified champion Marlen Esparza and WBO champion Gabriela Celeste Alaniz. Equally important, she is the longest-reigning champion, having held the title since 2014.
THE FIREWORKS STARTED EARLY
These two women let the leather fly from the moment the bell sounded. Mucino used intelligent pressure to get at the body of the champion with the left hook and right hooks on the Argentinian’s chin. Yudica fought relaxed while under pressured from Mucino. She was landing those counter-overhand rights and scoring at will with a jab/left hook combination.
As the fight continued, Mucino kept up the pressure and landed the overhand right at close range. However, the champion fought back landing several right hands and good footwork in spurts.
BOTH FIGHTERS FOUGHT STRONG DOWN THE STRETCH
Down the stretch, both women fought at a furious pace. Yudica found a rhythm with her jab while avoiding the challenger’s pressure. Mucino fought with true Mexican grit and marched forward while attacking the body. However, her face built up damage from taking too many right hands.
The fans gave a standing ovation after witnessing an incredible tenth and final round where both fighters fought in a phonebooth. Mucino kept the fight exciting by coming forward and landing hurtful body shots. Yudica continued to land her overhand right and left hook counters while fighting on the inside.
In such a close contest, it came down to the judges. One judge gave it to Yudica (96-94), and the other two scored in favor of Mucino (97-93, 96-94). Unified champion Esparza was commentating on the fight and immediately called to fight Mucino next.
By: Garrisson Bland
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