Recap: Luis Alberto Lopez defends IBF featherweight world title

MAIN EVENT

LUIS ALBERTO LOPEZ DEF. JOET GONZALEZ (Unanimous decision)

Luis Alberto Lopez kicked off Mexican Independence Day Weekend by defending his IBF Featherweight World Title against former two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez.

Lopez retained his belt with scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112.

"I hurt him. I saw that I hurt him," Lopez said. "But, as I’ve said, he’s a warrior who can take anything you throw at him, even the bucket. He is still standing, and my respects to him.“It was a very close fight. We know that Joet Gonzalez was coming forward. He wouldn’t take a step back. I know it was a tough fight, but I know that I won.”

XANDER ZAYAS DEF. ROBERTO VALENZUELA JR. (TKO)

Puerto Rico's Zayas dominated from the start and broke a nose in the process as he retained his title as the NABO/NABF junior middleweight champion. Zayas' win came by TKO in the fifth round to improve to 17-0 in his professional career.

"They said he was a power puncher, but I dominated today," said Zayas, who had two knockdowns in the first round. "I’m a contender now at 154 pounds. Whenever Top Rank gives me the opportunity {to fight for a title}, I’ll take it. I’m finally out of the cage.”

EMILIANO FERNANDO VARGAS DEF. ALEJANDRO GUARDADO (TKO)

Vargas opened the ESPN broadcast with a dominant victory by way of technical knockout. Vargas, who is the son of former professional boxer Antonio Vargas, remained unbeaten to improve to 7-0 and give Guardado his first defeat of his professional career.

JULIO LUNA DEF. OMAR AGUILAR (Unanimous decision)

Perhaps one of the most electric fights of the night, Julio Luna and Omar Aguilar put on a show for their native Mexico on Mexican Independence day. In a fight that could have been scored either way, it was Luna who won by unanimous decision 79-73; 78-74; 77-75 to become the WBC USA Welterweight champion.

JOHN RINCON DEF. BRYAN ISMAEL RODRIGUEZ RIVERA (Unanimous decision)

The Corpus Christi native Rincon overcame a slow start to win his first boxing match in more than a year. Rincon won by unanimous decision 60-54; 58-56; 58-56 to improve to 8-0 and claim the welterweight title.

JAMAINE ORTIZ DEF. ANTONIO MORAN (Unanimous Decision)

Ortiz' athleticism and speed proved to be the difference as he won by unanimous decision (98-92; 98-92; 97-93). Ortiez improved to 17-1-1 to win the junior welterweight title.

RUBEN VILLA DEF. BRANDON VALDES (Unanimous Decision)

Villa never let up from the opening round as he landed a combination of punches to grab the early momentum. Villa, who's only loss is to Luis Alberto Lopez, also had support from the crowd with fans chanting his name throughout the entire eight rounds. Villa's unanimous decision was scored 78-74 on all three cards to give him a 21-1 record and the featherweight title.

TIGER JOHNSON DEF. RICARDO QUIROZ (Six rounds)

Quiroz kept Johnson on his toes as the opening fight of this year's Top Rank event went the distance. Johnson, however, continued his stellar start to his young career by winning by majority decision to maintain the welterweight title. Judges scored the fight 79-76; 79-73; 79-73.

Get prepared for the fight with this week's coverage from the Caller-Times and Rey Castillo

Boxing What to know ahead of Friday's Top Rank boxing matchups at the American Bank Center

Boxing 'I have to win': Challenger Joet Gonzalez hoping third time's the charm in IBF title fight

Boxing 'I'm back and ready': Corpus Christi's John Rincon ready to rejuvenate himself as top fighter

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Recap: Vargas wins; Xander Zayas wins by TKO in Corpus Christi