TEOFIMO Lopez successfully defended his WBO super-lightweight title with a 12-round decision win over Steve Claggett in the James L. Knight Center, Miami Beach, Florida, last night. Judges Lisa Giampa and Efrain Lebron awarded Lopez every round, while Steve Weisfeld sent Claggett back up north at least with a single session, scoring it 119-109.
While Lopez got the job done, it was hardly a display that would have any rivals in and around the weight tossing and turning in their sleep. That said, the 26-year-old champion has a history of turning up at the right times against the biggest names.
Canada’s Claggett, 35, arrived as a dependable fringe world-level operator with a style expected to be made to order for Teo, who struggled with the constant movement of Jamaine Ortiz in February. Instead, Lopez churned out a consistent, workmanlike performance that lacked any serious spark.
Claggett needed little invitation to press forward, mostly in straight lines, and while there was never any doubt over who the winner would be, he managed to cause some damage to Teofimo’s face. Lopez later bemoaned the weight cut and hinted at a possible move up to 147.
Another fight without a KO for Lopez, now 21-1 with 13 KOs. Steve Claggett suffered his eighth career loss, sliding to 38-8-2 (26 KOs). However, his story is a positive one.
Bouncing back from so many defeats to finally land a world title opportunity, the Calgary native, a staple of the ‘Eye of the Tiger’ promotions in his native land, has only been stopped once, so it was perhaps fanciful expecting him to merely fold under Lopez’s advances.
ESPN analyst Mark Kriegel scored it 119-109 to the defending belt holder and said he was “curious” about Lopez’s power. The winner celebrated with his customary backflip and even a few snow angels to exhibit the kind of athleticism he lacked at times during the fight.
“He’s a tough fighter, I don’t think anyone should overlook him,” growled Lopez after the contest.
On the main portion of the undercard, Robeisy Ramirez stopped Brandon Leon Benitez in round seven of their 10-rounder. The former WBO featherweight champion rebounded after losing his title to Rafael Espinoza and is now primed for a rematch with the Mexican.
Nico Ali Walsh avenged his only career loss by beating Sona Akale over six rounds. Walsh dropped by Akale in round three and needed the knockdown benefits, winning by a single point on two of the cards.
