South Africa’s Isaac Hlatshwayo defeated Delvin Rodriguez by a 12 round split decision to win the IBF welterweight title. The title was vacated by Ghana’s Joshua Clottey, who dropped the title in pursuit of a fight with megastar Miguel Cotto.
Hlatshwayo and Rodriguez previously fought to a draw in South Africa in a title eliminator; the fight was declared a draw controversially, as many ringside observers felt Rodriguez deserved the nod.
The rematch took place in Rodriguez’s hometown of Uncasville, Connecticut and Hlatshwayo left little doubt as he methodically took control over the second half of the fight, silencing the partisan Rodriguez crowd.
The score totals were 116-113, 116-112 for Hlatshwayo and 115-113 Rodriguez.
There is a strong possibility that if Joshua Clottey cannot secure a fight with Shane Mosley or Andre Berto, he may seek to regain his IBF title, setting up a bout between Africa’s two top welterweights.
By Don Palacas
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