Lopez Defends Light-Welterweight Title With Controversial Points Win

Light-welterweight title with a controversial unanimous points win over compatriot Jamaine Ortiz in Las Vegas.

Lopez, 26, was seemingly outboxed over 12 rounds as two judges scored it 115-113 with one highly contentious scorecard of 117-111.

The decision was booed by fans inside the Michelob Ultra Arena.

“You all could boo all you want,” Lopez said before directing a homophobic slur towards the crowd.

He called out American unified welterweight champion Terence Crawford for a catchweight bout.

“I’m here, I’m ready. I’m hungry, I’m younger, I’m prettier,” he said.

The agile and more elusive Ortiz – fighting in a southpaw stance – made use of his reach advantage and quick feet to frustrate Lopez.

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Ortiz, 27, circled around the ring on the back foot as Lopez struggled to find any real rhythm.

“I stuck to the game plan, I listened to my corner, my team. I thought I was winning,” Ortiz said.

“I think I won the fight. What can I say? He couldn’t hit me, I was making him miss all night. 117-111 is just ridiculous.”

But two-weight world champion Lopez blamed his opponent for fighting too defensively.

“We cannot, for one second, claim these people, these fighters, that don’t wanna come and fight,” Lopez said.