DeMarco KOs Alfaro for WBC interim belt

In an all-action fight from the opening bell, Yonnhy Perez (20-0, 14 KOs) won a twelve round unanimous decision over IBF bantamweight Joseph Agbeko (27-2, 22 KOs) to claim the 118lb world title on Saturday night at the Treasure Island Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas. Both fighters traded punches throughout. Perez was credited with a knockdown in round eleven when Agbeko turned his back after a clash of heads and Perez battered him to the ground. Scores were 116-111, 117-110, 117-110.

In a clash for the WBC interim lightweight belt, #1 rated Antonio DeMarco (23-1-1, 17 KOs) scored a ten round beatdown of #2 Jose Alfaro (23-5, 20 KOs). DeMarco was in command all the way, flooring Alfaro three times in round ten before referee Joe Cortez stopped the fight. Time was 2:07. DeMarco is now in line to challenge unbeaten WBC lightweight champion Edwin Valero.

JOSEPH AGBEKO VS. YONNHY PEREZ

JOSEPH AGBEKO–”He head butted me in round 10. I don’t think that was fair. The reply clearly shows what happened. I was fighting well to that point. I thought I was winning the fight. Perez seemed energized after being awarded the knockdown and I was never the same after his head hit mine. We will never know what would have happened had there not been a head butt.”

YONNHY PEREZ–“I knew I was winning the rounds and I deserved to get the victory. I trained to throw a lot of punches. I know Agbeko likes to throw a lot of punches, so I knew I had to be better conditioned. All the hard work and preparation paid off. This is a dream come true. (On the knockdown) I don’t think he was in good shape. I think he went down to catch his breath. I felt I was more consistent, more active and I pressed the fight throughout.”

ANTONIO DEMARCO VS. JOSE ALFARO

ANTONIO DEMARCO–“It’s impossible to describe the feeling I have inside me right now. My lifelong dream was to become the WBC World Champion. This is the second happiest day of my life. Only the birth of my daughter comes first. I was a little surprised the referee let the fight go. At one point he turned around and I knew then it was only a matter of time. For everyone who supported me and helped me when I had nothing, I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

JOSE ALFARO–“He used his jab and distance better than I did tonight. That was the difference that I could not overcome. I couldn’t land my punches. I wanted to press him with my right hand. I got a couple of them in, but obviously not enough.”