Saul Rodriguez, Vic Pasillas Win Big On UniMas

By Jake Donovan

Saul Rodriguez was given a stiff challenge from Ramsey Luna but remained unbeaten following an eight-round decision win Saturday evening in Fallon, Nevada.

It was hardly the type of performance that left fans blown away, but rather a valuable learning experience for the undefeated lightweight prospect. The early going suggested a rout, but Luna—a tough as nails Texan who has never been stopped—was there every step of the way to make sure Rodriguez earned his paycheck. 

Judge Adalaide Byrd managed to miss the point in awarding Rodriguez an 80-72 shutout win. Tallies of 79-73 and 78-74 were more in line with the action that took place in the ring. 

Rodriguez moves to 18-0-1 (13KOs) with the win, having now been the distance in each of his past two starts. 

Luna falls to 12-4 (5KOs), with all four career losses coming in the span of his last five fights. 

In the chief support, Vic Pasillas had little difficulty in forcing Andres Tapia into submission after three one-sided rounds.

Pasillas—an unbeaten super bantamweight from East L.A.—wasted no time making his presence felt. A pair of vicious body shots followed by a right hook upstairs sent Tapia to the canvas just two minutes into the fight. 

To his credit, Tapia made it out of the round and offered a credible account of himself in the second frame. Pasillas made a quick adjustment to resume control of the fight, once again flooring Tapia amidst a pummeling stretch. 

The punishment was enough for the heavy underdog to remain on his stool, on orders from his corner and against his will prior to the start of round four.

With the win, Pasillas—who is managed by Cameron Dunkin—improves to 11-0 (4KOs). 

Both fights aired lived on UniMas in the United States.

Gracing the non-televised undercard, Luis Ramos Jr. enjoyed a successful ring return after being away for nearly two years. The 27-year old southpaw from California pitched a six-round shutout over veteran Sergio Villanueva. 

Scores were 60-53 (twice) and 60-54 in favor of Ramos Jr. (24-2, 10KOs), who picks up his first win since Sept. '12. Combinations—particularly to the body—were key in the one-time prospect returning to the win column after having suffered back-to-back losses prior to his ring departure in 2013.