Teofimo Lopez W12 Masayoshi Nakatani... Masayoshi Nakatani’s (18-1, 12 KOs) awkward and gangly style presented some early issues for Teofimo Lopez through three rounds, making Lopez look rather human comparative to his recent fights. But if Nakatani didn’t receive the memo regarding Lopez’s “Takeover” through three, then it was read to him at the beginning of round 4. Lopez’s patience, precision, and power punches were the difference makers thru 6. Yet round 7 saw a determined Nakatani who refused to lie down from the crisp and powerful combinations from Lopez. The Japanese fighter’s chin proved durable enough to apply the pressure necessary to land some significant shots on Lopez, even if it wasn’t enough to win any of the middle rounds. While still in control of the fight, the reality was clear for the young star: he was being tested tonight. The final seconds of round 10 had a nice display of power combinations from both men, each landing on the other, setting the stage for what promised to be highly entertaining championship rounds. Rounds 11 and 12 were highly competitive, yet ultimately controlled by Lopez, who wins his first twelve round decision by scores of 119-109 and 118-110 twice. The disparity in the scorecards was not a direct representation of the action, however; this was a competitive fight, albeit won comfortably by Teofimo. The question tonight was, which test was Lopez taking? If it was the test of proving he could go twelve hard rounds against a durable and skilled fighter, then he passes with flying colors. But if it was the test to prove he could beat Vasily Lomachenko, then he didn’t pass that one…not tonight at least. Alas, he emerges victorious in a solid performance (though coined “horrible” by Lopez in his post fight interview) and now improves to 14-0 with 11 KOs. He appears to now have a stiffer test lined up against the IBF Champion, Richard Commey (29-2, 26 KOs).
**update on Maxim Dadashev: according to reports supplied by Dadashev's manager Egis Klemas, he has since lost consciousness, has been transferred to a trauma unit, and is currently undergoing emergency surgery in hopes of alleviating swelling on the brain.
Source: ESPN+
