Friday night at the Hotel Jaragua in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Carlos Adames (8-0, 7 KOs), from New York by way of the Dominican Republic, won the vacant WBA Fedelatin welterweight title with a fourth round TKO over Patrick Lopez (23-7, 14 KOs), from Londonderry, New Hampshire, by way of Cojedes, Venezuela.

The fight was short and sweet. Both fighters were looking to end it at the sound of the opening bell. Adames dropped Lopez the first, but the Venezuelan veteran was not deterred.

Boxing is a young man’s sport, despite exceptions to that rule, and 38-year-old Lopez was at a distinct disadvantage against the 22-year-old Dominican.

The warriors went at it tooth and nail in rounds two and three, but by the fourth, with Lopez covered in blood, the referee had seen enough and waved it off at 2:59.

“This was a great test for me,” said Adames after the fight. “Patrick Lopez is a real warrior but I think I proved that I can not only dish it out but I can take it. I took a step up tonight and I passed the test.”

Lopez agreed with that assessment.

“Adames has what it takes to be a world champion,” he said. “He’s got skills, power and a big heart. I wish him the best.”

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.