Friday night at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, undefeate Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (19-0, 12 KOs) dazzled his hometown fans winning a 12-round unanimous decision against Philippine contender Michael Farenas (39-5-4, 31 KOs). With the win, Pedraza moves into the mandatory position to fight IBF world champion, Rances Barthelemy (21-0, 12 KOs).
Pedraza got into a grove in the early rounds and mounted a sustainable lead as he used his superior boxing skills to pick apart Farenas who was coming forward. As the fight entered the middle rounds, Pedraza continued to box and use lateral movement to win rounds.
Farenas had his moments as he landed a few big power shots, but nothing that would prevent Pedraza from executing his game plan. In the championship rounds Farenas came on strong, but it was too late as Pedraza ended strong to keep his lead intact. Scorecards read 117-111, 118-110 and 116-112, all in favor for Pedraza.
“This was a great win for the people of Puerto Rico and I’m very happy with my performance,” said Jose Pedraza.
“I knew if I stuck to my game plan which was to box and punch off angles I would be victorious. I want to thank my promoters Gary Shaw, Lou DiBella and Javier Bustillo for all their support. I’m ready to challenge Rances Barthelemy for the world title. I know I can bring home another championship to my countrymen in Puerto Rico.”
“Pedraza boxed beautifully tonight and proved he’s one of the best super-featherweights in the world,” said Gary Shaw.
“There is no doubt in my mind he has what it takes to unify all the world titles at 130lbs. He’s now the mandatory challenger to face IBF champion Rances Barthelemy. DiBella, Bustillo and I will start working on the matchup right away. I think it’s a fantastic fight for the fans.”
On the undercard, ‘Speedy’ Rashidi Ellis ( 13-0, 10 KO’s ) from Lynn, Massachusetts, outclassed veteran, Joseph De los Santos ( 18-14-9 KO’s ) from Dominican Republic in a 6 round bout at the junior middleweight division, scoring a 5th round TKO victory. The fight was held at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where in the main event bout, Puerto Rican sensation, Jose ‘Sniper’ Pedraza won a 12-round unanimous decision over Philippine contender, Michael Farenas in a IBF elimination bout.
Ellis, a natural welterweight, proved that his speed and power where intact, despite fighting in a higher division ( 154 lbs ) with a more experienced opponent.
“I truly belong in the welterweight division but I also felt great at 154. De los Santos was strong, he came very well prepared, but I just took advantage of my speed, and did my job until he went down”, stated Rashidi Ellis, who is managed by Edwin Díaz from Troya Boxing Management, and trains at the Somerville Boxing Club with longtime trainer, Alex Rivera.
