In a somewhat controversial ending, former two-division world champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley, Jr. (32-1-1, 12 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over WBA super lightweight world champion Jessie Vargas (26-1, 9 KOs), to claim the interim WBO welterweight title on Saturday night at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
Bradley was the aggressor but it was a back and forth battle for most of the fight until Vargas landed a big right hand to Bradley’s chin at the end of round twelve. Timothy was visibly hurt but found a way to hold on without falling to the canvas. Referee Pat Russell thought that he heard the final bell and stopped the fight with ten seconds left. Vargas did not get his chance to capitalize on his last opportunity to close the deal because of the referee’ s mistake. Scores from the judges were 116-112, 117-111, 115-112 in favor of Timothy Bradley.
Undefeated featherweight Oscar Valdez (17-0, 14 KOs) won a ten round unanimous decision over veteran Ruben “Canelito” Tamayo (23-6-4, 15 KOs) on Saturday night at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. Tamayo dropped Valdez in the first round but Valdez dominated every round after that. The referee took a point away from Tamayo for continuous low blows in the seventh round. The judges scored the fight 98-90, 98-90, 99-90 in favor of Oscar Valdez
