Roman Andreev recovered from a first round knockdown to defeat Freddy Fonseca by unanimous decision and win the World Boxing Association (WBA) Gold Lightweight belt on Friday at the Vegas City Hall, in Krasnogorsk, Russia.

The home fighter won the score cards 116-110, 117-109 and 115-111, thus maintaining his undefeated record and winning the belt of the pioneer organization.

However, the 35-year-old Russian had to survive adversity. In the first round he was caught by a straight left from Fonseca that hit his face and sent him to the canvas. Andreev recovered and went from less to more in the fight to get the win.

In the middle rounds, physical condition was essential, as Andreev was able to throw more punches and take advantage of the fact that the Nicaraguan was wearing down as the rounds went by.

The native of Ust-Schugor won the fight and showed that he had a great preparation for this encounter. His record improved to 25 wins, 17 of them by knockout, while he is stilll undefeated.

Fonseca, on the other hand, now has a record of 29 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw, and 20 KOs.