Tim Bradley says he would have survived Jessie Vargas' late assault in winning clear-cut decision. (Photo : REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun)
Timothy Bradley defeated Jessie Vargas by unanimous decision for the interim WBO welterweight Saturday at StubHub Center marred by a controversial ending.
The scores were 115-112, 116-112 and 117-111.
Vargas landed a right cross with 21 seconds to go that staggered Bradley, who was still able to hold his hands up and defend himself when referee Pat Russell stopped the bout prematurely with seven seconds to go.
People thought that with the manner he waved his hands that he was stopping the fight for a technical knockout with for Vargas.
Bradley said he did not know what was going on as the crowd screamed in confusion and Vargas raised his hands as if he had won.
Russell, who thought he'd heard the final bell, reportedly retired after the fight.
Bradley (32-1-1) landed the more convincing power shots and probably won all of the rounds from the fourth through 10th.
The 5-10 Vargas tried to dictate the fight with his jab against the 5-6 Bradley, who dodged below those punches before delivering solid combinations.
Bradley said he was hit by a good shot in the 12th but believed he would have finished the fight.
Vargas (26-1), a junior welterweight champion, felt he was deprived of his best shot at winning the fight since Bradley was still wobbly and all he needed was one shot.
Bradley said he was amenable to a rematch that Vargas was begging for.
Vargas said he regretted his lack of aggression despite pleas of Erik Morales in his corner.
It was Bradley's first win since October 2013 when he defeated Juan Manuel Marquez.
Vargas' lack of a signature to prove his worthiness in facing the biggest names in boxing continues. He was hoping that a win could set him up for a fight with Manny Pacquiao.
