Tonight at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions’undefeated IBO super featherweight champion, Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (19-0, 12 KOs) dazzled his hometown fans winning an astounding 12-round unanimous decision against top Philippine contender Michael Farenas (39-5-4, 31 KOs). With the win, Pedraza moves into the mandatory position to fight IBF world champion, Rances Barthelemy (21-0, 12 KOs) as this fight was an IBF elimination bout.
Pedraza got into a grove in the early rounds and mounted a sustainable lead as he used his superior boxing skills to pick apart Farenas who was coming forward. As the fight entered the middle rounds, Pedraza continued to box and use lateral movement to win rounds. Farenas had his moments as he landed a few big power shots, but nothing that would prevent Pedraza from executing his game plan. In the championship rounds Farenas came on strong, but it was too late as Pedraza ended strong to keep his lead intact. Scorecards read 117-111, 118-110and 116-112, all in favor for Pedraza.
“This was a great win for the people of Puerto Rico and I’m very happy with my performance,” said Jose Pedraza. “I knew if I stuck to my game plan which was to box and punch off angles I would be victorious. I want to thank my promoters Gary Shaw, Lou DiBella and Javier Bustillo for all their support. I’m ready to challenge Rances Barthelemy for the world title. I know I can bring home another championship to my countrymen in Puerto Rico.”
“Pedraza boxed beautifully tonight and proved he’s one of the best super-featherweights in the world,” said Gary Shaw. “There is no doubt in my mind he has what it takes to unify all the world titles at 130lbs. He’s now the mandatory challenger to face IBF champion Rances Barthelemy. DiBella, Bustillo and I will start working on the matchup right away. I think it’s a fantastic fight for the fans.”
