Steve Claggett Defeated in World Championship

By William Dumoulin

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank Boxing

This Saturday, live from the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida, Steve "The Dragon" Claggett (38-8-2, 26 KOs) finally had his opportunity for a world championship. He faced the WBO super lightweight champion, Teofimo "The Takeover" Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs).

This chance was well-deserved for "The Dragon," who was on a 9-fight winning streak, with notable victories against Alberto Machado and Miguel Madueno. On the other hand, "The Takeover" was coming off a controversial win against Jamaine Ortiz in his last outing. This duel was considered an easy fight for the WBO champion, but Claggett was determined to prove otherwise in the ring.

From the first round, Claggett attempted to push the champion back. However, Teofimo was ready for the challenge and had no trouble trading blows with his opponent. Lopez clearly had the advantage in terms of speed, power, and footwork. He was extremely effective on counterattacks, and his uppercuts regularly hit the mark. Claggett, on his part, occasionally managed to land his jab and body shots, but he seemed to lack the punching power to truly trouble the champion.

This allowed "The Takeover" to win almost every round on the judges' scorecards (120-108 X 2, 119-109).

Despite the defeat, Steve stood up to one of the best boxers in the world, which could earn him other opportunities in the United States, probably against young prospects looking for a solid opponent to advance to the next level.

In the co-main event, former world champion Robeisy Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs) returned to the ring after losing his title in his last outing. He faced Mexican Brandon Leon Benitez (21-3, 9 KOs) in a 10-round bout for the NABO featherweight championship. Unsurprisingly, Ramirez won by KO in the 7th round with a powerful uppercut that ended the fight.

To open the main card, the intriguing Nico Ali Walsh (10-1, 5 KOs) faced his fellow American Sona Akale (9-2, 4 KOs) in a rematch. Akale had beaten Walsh in 2023 by majority decision. In this 6-round duel, Walsh seemed in control in the early rounds, even sending his opponent to the canvas. However, he struggled in the later rounds, even dislocating his shoulder in the final round. Nico still managed to win by unanimous decision from the judges (58-55, 57-56 X 2).