Emmanuel Rodriguez Vs. Melvin Lopez Preliminary And Undercard Live Results, Recaps: Antuanne Russell Stops Kent Cruz In The First, Maestre Knockouts Marshall In Two Rounds

Emmanuel Rodriguez and Melvin Lopez square off for their vacant IBF bantamweight title fight on August 12th, 2023.

The belt was up for grabs following Naoya Inoue’s decision to move up to 122 lbs.

Rodriguez’s record of 21-2 with 13 KOs includes a win over Gary Antonio Russell in his last fight.

In contrast, Lopez, with a record of 8 straight wins, secured a split-decision win over Jobert Alvarez in 2022 during his last bout.

In addition to their fight, the event also features an exciting match-up between undefeated fighters Gary Antuanne Russell and Kent Cruz in the co-main event.

Live Results: Main Card 

Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Kent Cruz – Super Lightweight

Gary Antuanne Russell stopped Kent Cruz in the first round to give the latter the first defeat of his career.

In the beginning, a clash of heads got Cruz’s attention who was not happy. However, that distraction allowed Russell to land three clean blows, as Cruz hit the floor.

.@AntuanneRussell kept his winning streak alive 🔥 #RussellCruz #RodriguezLopez pic.twitter.com/URjnkZZVxi

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) August 13, 2023

Although Cruz beat the count, Russell connected with a left to the midsection as he hit the floor again. The failure to get up meant Russell secured his 17th stoppage.

Official Result: Gary Antuanne Russell def. Kent Cruz via a first-round KO – Super Lightweight

Gabriel Maestre vs. Travon Marshall – Welterweight

Gabriel Maestre stopped the 22-year-old rising star Travon Marshall in round two. The Venezuelan made light work of his opponent, as he put Marshall on the canvas twice, as the referee ended the bout.

In the opening round, it was largely quiet unit Marshall landed a right hand. As for Maestre, his biggest success was a right to the body.

However, it was over in a matter of minutes in the second. Maestre’s right hand did the damage, which sent Marshall onto the ropes and then onto the floor.

That was INCREDIBLE 😱 @Gabrielbox1 sends Marshall to the canvas in round 2 and wins by KO. #MarshallMaestre #RodriguezLopez pic.twitter.com/MWolpR8mkj

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) August 13, 2023

Although Marshall got up before the count, it was not deemed safe for him to continue, as further right hands followed.

Official Result: Gabriel Maestre def. Travon Marshall via a second-round KO

Live Results: Early Prelims

Damien Vazquez def. Jeronil Borres via a sixth-round TKO, Bantamweight

Jose Benavidez Jr def. Sladan Janjanin via a fifth-round TKO, Middleweight Bout

Michael Angeletti def. Jonathan Lopez Marcano via a unanimous decision -80-72, 79-73, 79-73, Bantamweight

Jesse Hart def. Elio Heraldo Trosch via a second-round TKO, Light Heavyweight

Marcus Browne def. Adrian Taylor via a unanimous decision – 100-90, 100-90, 100-90, Cruiserweight

David A. Whitmire def. Jordy Tientcheu via a fourth-round TKO, Super Welterweight

Daniel Blancas def. Devaun Lee via a a unanimous decision – 60-54, 60-54, 60-54, Super Middleweight