Figueroa decisions Rodriguez in the Big Apple

By Marc Abrams

Francisco "El Gato" Figueroa retained the NABF Jr. Welterweight title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Luis Rodriguez at The Gotham Center in New York City.

Despite having a three inch disadvantage, Figueroa was able to get inside the long arms of Rodriguez to score consistent with a solid work rate. Rodriguez had a few solid moments as he land some wild punches at range in round six but that was the only time Rodriguez scored with combinations on the southpaw.

Figueroa of Bronx, New York won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 to improve to 19-2. Rodriguez of Mexico was making his United States debut and is now 22-2.

The co-feature saw Joel Torres of Puerto Rico and Chris Fernandez battle to an eight round draw in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

It looked like the Puerto Rican edged out the fight as he landed the cleaned punches but the judges disagreed as Torres won a card 78-74. Fernandez won a card 78-74 and a third card read even at 75-75.

Torres. 137 1/2 lbs of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico is now 9-0-1. Fernandez, 137 1/2 lbs of Salt Lake City, Utah is 15-4-1.

Joselito Collado, 125 1/2 lbs of Queens, New York scored a four round unanimous decision over Jose Ortiz in a Featherweight bout.

Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Collado who is now 3-0. Ortiz, 125 1/2 lbs of Jersey City, New Jersey is now 1-2.