Pedraza snatches the WBO title away from Beltran via unanimous decision
In a Mexico vs Puerto Rico battle, WBO lightweight champion Ray Beltran was looking to make his first title defense against former IBF 130 pound champion Jorge Pedraza.
In the early goings, the challenger came out much sharper than the champion. A fast, crisp jab was the weapon of choice used to keep the champion at bay.
Pedraza would switch from the orthodox stance to southpaw, where he would have a lot of success.
Beltran suffered a cut in the second round; his sixth in his last seven fights.
The champion would begin finding his rhythm in round four as he was able to cut-off the ring. The Pedraza’s jab started gradually disappearing, allowing for Beltran to come in and land some powerful shots.
As the fight continued on, it became a battle of attrition with rounds becoming harder to score. Then came the eleventh round, where Pedraza would drop Beltran with a nicely placed left uppercut.
Pedraza finished the fight and final round strong as he battered a cut and bloody Ray Beltran.
Eventually, the challenger would win by unanimous decision; 2 cards of 117-110, and one of 115-112.
This victory will likely lead to a unification showdown with WBA lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko or WBC/IBF champion Mikey Garcia!
By: Jerrell Fletcher
