A brand new champion will probably be topped on the highest stage of boxing tonight. The vacant IBF Bantamweight Championship will probably be up for grabs when former IBF Bantamweight Champion Emmanuel Rodriguez (21-2-(1), 13 KOs) meets IBF’s #4 ranked Melvin Lopez (29-1, 19 KOs) on the MGM Nationwide Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
Showtime Championship Boxing: Rodriguez vs Lopez LIVE Principal Card Outcomes
Rodriguez was initially ordered to battle Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant 118-lbs. title by the IBF, however after Astrolabio pursued a WBO title battle with Jason Moloney, the battle was scrapped. Rodriguez would then be ordered to face Lopez.
As a former IBF title holder and WBO title challenger, Rodriguez has been right here earlier than. Now driving a two-fight win streak, the 31-year-old goals to realize championship gold as soon as once more.
Lopez has developed into severely harmful contender since his sole profession blemish in 2019. Since then, Lopez has gone 8-0 with seven finishes.
This matchup ought to show to be an intense battle of wills, as Lopez is an aggressive, forward-pushing fighter and Rodriguez is a tactician behind the jab.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Kent Cruz
In a 10-round Tremendous Light-weight bout, the undefeated southpaw Gary Antuanne Russell (16-0, 16 KOs) will meet the undefeated orthodox fighter Kent Cruz (16-0-3, 10 KOs). This battle of American bombers has already began with a confrontation. As dangerous blood has boiled to its restrict, somebody’s 0 has to go within the 140-lbs. division. This battle might simply form as much as be the battle of the evening as followers shouldn’t count on this one to go all ten rounds.
Travon Marshall vs Gabriel Maestre
To open the principle card, Travon Marshall (9-0, 9 KOs) will share the ring with Gabriel Maestre (5-0-1, 4 KOs). On this 10-round Welterweight bout, each males enter with comparatively little professional expertise. Marshall will play the position of hometown hero, because the 22-year-old was born lower than an hour from the three,000 seat MGM Nationwide Harbor. Maestre will look to play spoiler.
SBC: Rodriguez vs Lopez Official Principal Card Outcomes
Emmanuel Rodriguez vs Melvin Lopez for the vacant IBF Bantamweight Championship
Gary Antuanne Russell defeats Kent Cruz by way of KO at 2:39 of Spherical 1
Gabriel Maestre defeats Travon Marshall by way of TKO at 2:06 of Spherical 2
