Former two division world champion Jose Pedraza (26-2, 13 KOs) got back to his winning ways as he was taking on upset minded Ines Antonio Lozada Torres (40-3-1, 34 KOs) at the Osceola Heritage Park, in Kissimmeee, Florida.
Pedraza dominated the action from start to finish.
For Pedraza, this was his first return to action since suffering a decision loss at the hands of Vasly Lomachenko in his last outing. Pedraza started off fast. His right hand found a home throughout the opening rounds. It wasn’t just the former champions punch output, but it was his ability to switch stances that confused his man.
Torres, who was riding a nine fight win streak coming in, just had no answers for his opponents. As the rounds continued the beating dished out by Pedraza only got worse. In the eighth round Torres was seemingly hurt to the body. This was the beginning of the end.
Pedraza followed up his momentum with a jaw dropping left hand in the ninth round. Once it connected Torres hit the deck. He managed to beat the count but, Pedraza gave his man no chance to compose himself, as he landed a series of shots that forced the referee to step in and put an end to the contest.
This was a much needed win for Pedraza who, although he lost his last outing, gave a very good account for himself against arguably the best fighter in the world. There is no doubt that Pedraza will be looking to parlay this big win into another title shot.
As for Torres, this was the biggest fight of his career and he was thoroughly dominated. With the win, Pedraza also picked up the vacant WBO Latino Lightweight title in the process.
It is a meaningless trinket. However, with Pedraza looking impressive he has positioned himself for a big fight later this year.
