Antonio Orozco wins decision; Jo-Jo Diaz victorious by 2nd-round TKO

Antonio Orozco, the WBC's top-rated super lightweight, remained undefeated with a unanimous decision victory against Abner Lopez in a slugfest at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. Saturday night.

In the co-feature on HBO Latino, former U.S. Olympian Jo-Jo Diaz Jr. displayed his power by knocking out Victor Proa in the second round to remain undefeated.

Orozco (25-0, 16 KOs) came out swinging against Lopez (25-6, 19 KOs), and hurt the Mexican with several power shots, but Lopez turned it around in the third round, unloading on Orozco on the ropes.

Orozco realized he needed to fight on the outside and give himself some space and use the ring against Lopez, and, despite a rapidly closing right eye, used an effective counter-punching strategy to go to Lopez's body and do some damage.

Orozco continued his attack despite cuts over both eyes and went on to win by scores of 99-91, 99-91, and 97-93.

"We knew that Lopez was going to be a tough opponent," said Orozco. "He was a come forward type of fighter and although I was willing to engage with him, I had to box him. That is something that we have been working on, when to be smart, box the fighter and be effective with counter punches."

Said Lopez: "I know I won this fight, but this isn't the first time this has happened to me. I was the better fighter tonight and the fans know it."

Diaz (21-0, 12 KOs) landed power shots early and in the second round, Diaz caught Proa with a left hook to the chin that sent him to the canvas. Proa got to his feet but Diaz continued to attack and Proa eventually was unable to defend himself. Referee Raul Caiz Jr. stepped in to stop it with Proa still on his feet.

"I wanted to come out tonight and show my power," said Diaz, promoted by Golden Boy. "When I landed that left hook that dropped him I knew I had him and decided to finish him. I knew he was hurt and I wanted to make sure I made a statement; that I am a serious contender in the 126-pound division. I am looking forward to fighting again soon, hopefully in the Canelo-Smith undercard in September."

(Photo of Diaz getting his hand raised by referee Raul Caiz Jr. by Tom Hogan, Hoganphotos)