Joe Smith Jr. (27-3, 21 KO) becomes the WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion tonight in Tulsa, Oklahoma by winning a majority decision victory over Maxim Vlasov (45-4, 26 KO). In the opening round Vlasov getting things going by landing hard hooks on Smith,Jr appears to have problems adjusting to Vlasov movement. Smith,Jr landing big shots on Vlasov in round two catches him cleanly with a big overhand right then working his body. Vlasov staying consistent with his assault catches Smith,Jr with some hard shots. Smith,Jr hit Vlasov with the kitchen sink at this point of the fight Vlasov continues to come forward and pressure Smith,Jr Smith,Jr catches Vlasov with an explosive right hand coming on in round seven, Vlasov just taking too many shots. Vlasov comes right back in round nine backing Smith,Jr up hitting him with big shots as blood drips down his mouth. Smith,Jr. with a huge surge hurting Vlasov in the eleventh Smith,Jr hits Vlasov in back of the head Vlasov goes down takes advantage of the time out to recover. Smith,Jr pulls out the final round hitting Vlasov with big shots as we go to the judges scorecards 114-114, 115-113, 115-112. #TULSATIME: @joesmithjr631 vs @maksim_vlasov_official @vlasova_as @worldboxingorg world title bout rescheduled for April 10 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, LIVE on @espn #SmithVlasov | April 10 | #espn+ Presented by @toprank @starboxing Photo credits: Mikey Williams/Top Rank-Getty Images 📸 #latinboxsports (at Tulsa, Oklahoma) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNgt2Q-l5W2/?igshid=1gcbpmmifxoyp
