38-year-old Paul Spadafora (48-1-1, 19 KOs) failed to match Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 unbeaten record as he was outworked and outpointed in a twelve round majority decision loss to Johan Perez (18-1-1, 12 KOs) in a fight for the vacant WBA interim super lightweight championship on Saturday night at the Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort, Chester, West Virginia.
In his first world title fight in over a decade, Spadafora got off to a good start displaying the nifty boxing style he is known for. Perez cut Spadafora over the left eye in round four and also won round five. Spadafora cut Perez over the right eye in round six, but Perez continued to be busier. “The Pittsburgh Kid” was often beaten to the punch in the middle rounds, however Spadafora rallied late. Scores were 115-113 Perez, 114-114, 117-111 Perez.