In what many suspected would a competitive matchup of female Super Middleweights, Franchon Crews (4-1, 1 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland made easy work of Maricela Cornejo (12-3, 5 KOs) in 10 rounds. Crews came out with guns blazing after the opening bell and wasted no time forcing Cornejo into an uncomfortable fight.
Cornejo, a tall and rangy fighter, struggled to find a good fighting distance to keep Crews at bay and Crews took full advantage of the moment. Crews quickly found a home for a stiff overhand right that landed almost at will throughout the fight. Cornejo landed pop shots here and there towards the middle rounds but never caused any damage to Crews by any means.
As the rounds progressed, Crews began to follow up her strong jab with great combinations that at times snapped Cornejo’s head back with force. In the eighth, Crews landed an overhand right that really wobbled Cornejo and the crowd at reacted accordingly.
Heading into the championship rounds, the pro-Cornejo crowd cheered their fighter on, hoping to see some sort of contingency plan take effect but that just wasn’t the case.
Crews continued her pace and Cornejo had no answers as the fight went into the judge’s hands. After a long wait, the final scorecards read 95-95, 99-91, and 99-91 respectively, giving Franchon Crews the majority decision and the women’s WBC Super Middleweight championship.
“This was my first time going 10 rounds,” said Crews. “I just knew that her will and determination wasn’t stronger than mine.”
Cornejo never really found her stride in this fight and it appeared that weight and size seemed to be the issue. “I found that I’m too light for this division,” said Cornejo. “It’s an excuse, but I tried to get something out and I just couldn’t.”
It was clear that a life goal had finally come true for Crews and she rejoiced in the center of the ring as the new champion.
“Everything happens for a reason,” said Crews. “My journey is already written so I’m just living in the moment.”
.@TheHHDiva defeats @maricelaladiva by majority decision to become the first @WBCBoxing super middleweight champion of the world! #GBPonESPN pic.twitter.com/H3SSSdQmT3
— Golden Boy Boxing (@GoldenBoyBoxing) September 14, 2018
