Photo by Stephanie Trapp/Showtime Sports
On Saturday, April 16, 2016, Jose Pedraza (22-0, 12 KOs) defended his IBF Junior Lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory against Stephen Smith (23-2, 12 KOs) at the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
The fight was the co-main event of the Featherweight title fight between Gary Russell Jr. and Patrick Hyland, which was televised on Showtime Sports in the U.S.
Pedraza, of Puerto Rico, brought an unorthodox style and great timing to his title defense tonight, which allowed him to split the guard of Smith several times during the fight. Indeed, Pedraza landed his right hand throughout the entire fight.
Smith, of England, showed good technique, but he often admired his work too much, which allowed Pedraza to land counter shots throughout the fight.
Indeed, this had habit caught up to smith by Round 9, when he was dropped by a hard counter right hook.
Smith fought hard for the rest of the fight, but did not have the power to be any kind of threat to Pedraza.
Pedraza dominated into the 12th and final round, winning with scores of 117-110, 116-111, and 116-111.
What do you think is next for Pedraza? Check out the knockdown below and let us know.
