Julian Rodriguez Drops James Perella, Wins Wide Decision at Zuffa Boxing 6

Rodriguez scored a third-round knockdown and handed Perella the first loss of his career

Julian Rodriguez (26-1, 15 KOs) handed James Perella the first loss of his career with a unanimous decision victory Sunday night at Zuffa Boxing 6 in Las Vegas. Rodriguez scored a third-round knockdown and controlled the fight behind body work and cleaner combinations over ten rounds.

Rodriguez scored a third-round knockdown and cruised to a unanimous decision with scores of 100-89, 98-91, and 98-91.

Perella used his height and reach early, staying long behind flicking jabs and forcing Rodriguez to work his way inside. Rodriguez stayed cautious during the opening rounds, wary of the straight shots he had to take while closing distance.

The fight changed in the third round when Rodriguez timed Perella with a right hand and followed immediately with a jab that sent him to the canvas. From there, Rodriguez settled into the fight and began landing the cleaner punches whenever he got into range.

Rodriguez had success digging to the body and hooking around Perella’s guard on the inside. Perella stayed defensive for most of the fight, moving backward and throwing jabs while avoiding prolonged exchanges.

The pace slowed through the middle rounds as Rodriguez boxed patiently and avoided taking unnecessary risks. He kept edging rounds with body work and cleaner combinations, while Perella struggled to keep Rodriguez off him without opening up offensively himself.

Rodriguez admitted afterward he wanted the stoppage after hurting Perella earlier in the fight.

“I just wanted to secure the victory,” Rodriguez said afterward. “My corner was getting mad at me. They were holding the belt like Joe Jackson, waiting for me to get to the corner to whip me for not stopping this guy.

“But it is what it is, a learning experience. I could have closed the show.”

Rodriguez added, “That’s something I have to outgrow. This is about making the show exciting.”

The win hands Rodriguez another victory at welterweight and gives Perella the first loss of his professional career after a cautious performance built mostly around movement and long-range jabs.

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