Estelle Mossely Wins by Split Decision Over Yanina Lescano in Dubai

Yanina Lescano, 26, had her best moments in the fifth and sixth rounds as she used her long arms and power shots to catch Mossely in between her combination punches that had little power. A Lescano right uppercut rocked her opponent, who held on until the end of the round.

Mossely mixed her attack in the last four rounds but the lack of power in her blows allowed Lescano to take chances repeatedly. Each round was close as Mossely used her quickness to score while Lescano countered with power shots. Because they were fighting two-minute rounds it was very difficult to mount any kind of attack that could change the momentum.

It was an important factor that they fought only two-minute rounds. Who knows what might have happened if it were a three-minute round fight?

After 10 rounds one judge saw Lescano the winner 96-94, but two others favored Mossely 97-93 and 96-94. Mossely retains the IBO lightweight title in a very close win.

Mossely said the rust was evident and “had not fought in more than a year.”

She does seek a unification match with whoever wins between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor on April 30, but also wants several more fights to prepare.’

“I have to have three more hard fights to get ready,” she said.

Meawhile, Lescano was thankful for the opportunity but not for the result.

“I think I won the fight” said Lescano.