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Echevarria
(30), who has fought his way out of
drug-addiction and homelessness, beat former IBF
World Champion Rodrigo “Gatito”
Guerrero by
close but
deserved unanimous
decision at
the World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
In a tough and
competitive fight, Echevarria was sharper and
busier than the
veteran
Mexican,
but Guerrero
never stopped trying.
Referee Brian
Stutts deducted points
from Guerreo
for low-blows
in rounds two
and three, which ended up costing him a majority
draw, as judges
Rick Sells and
Edward Kanner both scored it 114-112
for
Echevarria.
Judge
Troyce Stamey
had it 116-111.
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“I
am so happy to have achieved my dream of
becoming a world champion”, said Echevarria
after the fight. “It was a good, tough fight,
but I don't feel it was as close as two of the
judges scored it. But never mind, the right guy
won.”
“I
want to thank God for unlocking the door for me
to walk through and get this opportunity, and I
want to thank the UBO for allowing me the
opportunity.”
“I
want to thank my team, my wife, my dad, my coach
and my mentor, everyone has made such a huge
impact for me to be in this position. And of
course my sponsors, fans and family, thank you
so much to everyone.”
With his
eighth win in his last nine bouts, Puerto
Rican-born Echevarria, who came off winning the
UBO International title last June, improved his
professional ledger to 19-7 (12). Guerrero (33)
falls to 26-13-2 (16).
“Battle
of the South 2”, headlined by the Echevarria vs.
Guerrero UBO World Lightweight title fight, was
promoted by EMPreus Promotions and broadcast
live on Pay-Per-View by Babydon.tv
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