Highlights
–Speedy challenger Rau’shee Warren established his right hook early against his fellow southpaw, doubling and tripling up on Juan Carlos Payano while also eluding the champion’s counter shots.
–Although Payano was busier during the middle rounds, Warren continued to box effectively, using his superior quickness to land the crisper, cleaner punches from range.
–With Payano coming on in the late rounds, Warren hurt the champion early in the 11th with a straight left, and closed strong to earn a majority decision.
Rau’shee Warren didn’t score the overwhelming victory he was seeking in his 118-pound title rematch with Juan Carlos Payano, but it was enough to earn the three-time U.S. Olympian a world championship.
After waiting 10 months to get his second shot at the title, Rau’shee Warren dethroned Juan Carlos Payano in a majority decision in a bout that was closely contested, but far less contentious than their first meeting.
Payano won a split decision last August in a bloody, physical, foul-filled contest, but it was Warren who controlled the first half of the rematch before holding on late to win by scores of 114-114 and 115-113 twice.
Warren, the only boxer to represent the United States in three Olympics, became the first member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team to win a professional world championship.
The 29-year-old Cincinnati native established his right hook in the early rounds against Payano as he boxed from outside and used his superior quickness and reflexes to elude his fellow southpaw’s counter shots.
Payano, 32, was busier during the middle rounds, but Warren continued to box more effectively as he landed the crisper, cleaner punches from outside.
Warren slowed his output and let Payano back into the fight during the late rounds as the champion not only continued to outwork him, but also began to outland him, scoring with a series of right uppercuts in the ninth round as he continued to close the gap.
After Warren seemed to be fading in the 10th, he rebounded in the 11th and hurt Payano early in the round with a straight left that sent the champ to the ropes. While Warren failed in his attempt to put Payano away that round, it was enough to hold off the Dominican champion’s late charge.
Rau'shee Warren used his right hook effectively against Juan Carlos Payano and earned a majority decision in their 118-pound world title rematch. (Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions)
