Uzcategui tops Maderna in snoozer

Photos: Sumio Yamada

IBF super middleweight champion Jose “Bolivita” Uzcategui (28-2, 23 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over Ezequiel Maderna (26-5, 16 KOs) in a non-title light heavyweight fight on Friday night at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

The bout often resembled a sparring session, with many nods, glove touches and even a hug after one round. Uzcategui was in command all the way, but this wasn’t the kind of performance he promised. Scores were 98-92, 100-90, 100-90.

Next up for Uzcategui is a return to 168 pounds, where he will defend his world title.

“I just played around and got some rounds,” Uzcategui said afterward. “Now that I didn’t get the knockout, maybe the other champions will have the guts to fight me.”

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