Andres Cortes did not do his job on the scales however was finally rewarded within the ring.
The domestically based mostly junior light-weight prospect was credited with extra correct punching in a choice win over Abraham Nova. Scores had been 97-93, 97-93 and 96-94 for Cortes, regardless of Nova’s excessive octane assault Friday on ESPN+ from BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Cortes jumped out to a robust begin. It was in keeping with his preventing model, although one thing he owed after blowing weight on Thursday. The unbeaten North Las Vegas native was 0.8 kilos over the junior light-weight restrict and by no means bothered to shed the surplus weight. The opening spherical noticed each boxers have their moments. Cortes was the extra correct and efficient of the 2, although Nova was at all times within the battle.
The second was by far essentially the most dominant of the battle for Cortes. Nova entered the battle as a bona fide contender, as he fell simply brief to WBC 130-pound titlist O’Shaquie Foster (22-2, 12 KOs) earlier this 12 months. Nonetheless, he struggled to defend in opposition to the uppercut, which Cortes landed just about at will with each fingers.
A shift in momentum got here within the third. Nova linked with digging physique photographs and all however dulled Cortes’ prior potent assault. It was Nova who was all of the sudden the busier fighter after Cortes dictated the tempo early.
Concern grew within the Cortes nook by 5 rounds. Luis Cortes, Andres’ older brother and head coach, was frightened that Nova was stealing rounds and would run away with the choice.
Cortes tried to take the lead within the second half however was usually compelled to clinch. Nova continued to come back ahead however wasn’t almost as efficient as he was within the earlier rounds. Cortes used protection to arrange his offense. Wild photographs by Nova had been ducked by Cortes, who responded with an overhand proper. Nonetheless, Nova was by far the busier fighter as he threw 99 punches within the spherical.
Nova tightened up his offense within the eighth, whilst he threw 113 punches. Cortes spent a lot of the spherical backed into the ropes or on the defensive. He had a short second of success with a pair of counter rights. Nova shook off the blows and unloaded in the course of the ultimate minute.
Fatigue clearly set in for Cortes, the consequences of a nasty weight minimize and failure to make 130. Nova slammed dwelling one-twos down the center. Cortes as soon as once more discovered his again in opposition to the ropes, the place he allowed Nova to let his fingers go in hopes he would make a mistake. It wouldn’t occur, as Nova persistently scored together with his proper hand.
Motion understandably slowed within the tenth and ultimate spherical. Nova unloaded 120 punches within the ninth and was extra selective down the stretch. Cortes tried to shut the hole however was picked off by proper fingers each time. An adjustment was made as Cortes stepped again after which jabbed his means inside. Cortes landed a left hook within the ultimate ten seconds to seal the win.
Cortes superior to 22-0 (12 KOs) with the win, although he should resolve his weight division shifting ahead. He insisted a title battle is in his sights however nonetheless has to show he can correctly make 130.
Nova fell to 23-3 (16 KOs). The loss is his second straight, although weirdly he as soon as once more left with a extra favorable response to his profession. He was dealt the loss regardless of throwing and touchdown extra punches, 198-of-763 in comparison with 172-of-497 for Cortes. Nonetheless, it was Cortes’ considerably sharper punching (34.6%, in comparison with 25% for Nova) which swayed the judges.
Headlining, WBO featherweight titlist Rafael Espinoza (24-0, 20 KOs), No. 6 at 126 by The Ring, defends versus countryman Sergio Chirino (22-1, 13 KOs).
