Teofimo Lopez couldn't look the way he wanted. However, on Saturday night in New York, despite a knockdown, he managed to go up and save a split-decision victory over Spain's Sandor Martin.
The former 135-pound world champion found it very difficult to get into his opponent, but in the end, he managed to win on the judges' scorecards with 96-93 and 97-92 for Lopez and the third for Martin with 95-94.
"It's hard to fight with a guy running all the time. I apologize because it wasn't my best performance. I felt very good, he was always on his back foot, and that's why he kept running. I have to adjust a lot of things", was the first reaction from Teofimo, who at the end of the contest argued with Martin about the way the fight played out.
Since the first round, Teofimo managed to set the rhythm, but Sandor didn't want t to let the victory go easily, and with counter-punches with speed began to push Teofimo back.
After his fall to the canvas, Teofimo showed a lack of confidence and tried to avoid his opponent's punishment by punching him in the middle distance. While Sandor increased his defense to the maximum by covering his body with his gloves.
An unintentional clash of heads caused a cut on Sandor's nose and although the bleeding was significant, it didn't prevent him from going the remaining rounds.
True to form when he comes to America, Sandor didn't let his opponent show off, and he pushed the scorecards to such an extent that boos were heard throughout the fight. Still, despite the effort, Sandor left Madison Square Garden with the third loss of his career.
Relive the fight here in minute-by-minute action: