A welterweight clash between Americans Richard Abraham (14-7, 4 KO’s) and Charles Rodriguez (9-1, 4 KO’s) served as the swing bout for GLORY 63 in Houston.
Rodriguez used push kicks to stay outside early before Abraham dragged him into the clinch. Once inside, Abraham flurried with short punches. When the pair separated, Rodriguez resumed his kicking attack.
Rodriguez caught Abraham with a clean right hand on the break. Abraham ripped the liver of Rodriguez with a left hook, but was countered with straight punches by Rodriguez. The round closed with a solid right hand from Abraham.
The kicking attacks of Rodriguez kept the fight at range in round two, but Abraham was able to use power punches to get inside.
Rodriguez tried to counter with knees. Abraham’s overhand right found a home with regularity and the nose of Rodriguez poured blood. The pressure and advance of Abraham was relentless. Rodriguez connected with a Superman punch to end the frame.
Abraham plowed forward like a tank to start the final round. Rodriguez looked to time a knee as Abraham came inside, but Abraham was unfazed. A low kick from Abraham sent both men to the mat and he was warned for a sweep. The pair traded punches in the pocket until the final bell.
The closely contested bout was sent to the ringside judges and they returned a unanimous decision for Abraham.
“I want to thank my friends, my family, my sponsors. I rededicated myself to my craft in 2019,” said the victorious Abraham.
Richard Abraham def. Charles Rodriguez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
