Tony Lopez withstood a strong middle-round challenge...

Tony Lopez withstood a strong middle-round challenge to successfully defend his International Boxing Federation junior lightweight title with a unanimous decision over Rocky Lockridge at Sacramento.

Lopez, of Sacramento, who improved his record to 32-1, knocked the challenger down in the third round and staggered Lockridge again in the eighth round of the 12-round bout.

Lockridge, 30, of Mount Laurel, N.J., who lost the title to Lopez last July 23, fell to 43-7.