Jonathan Gonzalez of Puerto Rico celebrates after successfully defending his WBO light flyweight title against Mark Anthony Barriga of the Philippines in Florida. Photo from WBO
MANILA, Philippines—Mark Anthony Barriga’s second shot at a world title ended just like his first.
The Filipino challenger failed to claim the WBO light flyweight belt after losing to Puerto Rican champion Jonathan Gonzalez on points Saturday at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, USA.
Barriga slowed down as the fight wore on while Gonzalez used an effective jab to work his way inside and impose his will.
The judges scored the bout, which served as the main event 115-113, 117-111, 117-111.
AND STILL 👊🌎
Jonathan Gonzalez retains his @worldboxingorg world light flyweight title via a unanimous decision 👊📺#proboxtv #boxing #boxeo pic.twitter.com/YNtqR1EhAs
— ProBox TV (@ProBox_TV) June 25, 2022
The 29-year-old Barriga, who competed at the London Olympics in 2012, absorbed the second loss of his career to go with his 11 wins.
His other defeat came at the hands of Carlos Licona for the vacant IBF crown in December 2018.
Gonzalez, meanwhile, defended his title for the first time and picked up his fourth straight victory to improve his record to 26-3 with 14 knockouts.