Tahmir Smalls Outworks Jose Roman Vazquez in Gritty
Philadelphia, PA — October 11, 2025
Tahmir Smalls (10-0, 6 KOs) extended his unbeaten streak with a hard-earned unanimous decision win over Jose Roman Vazquez (12-3) at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. The judges scored the bout 98-91, 96-93, and 95-94 in favor of Smalls, who showcased poise, volume, and ring generalship across ten competitive rounds.
Smalls Controls the Pace, Survives Late Surge
Smalls opened the fight with sharp jabs and slick movement, using angles to frustrate Vazquez and keep him off balance. Through the middle rounds, Smalls mixed in body shots and combinations that steadily built his lead on the scorecards.
Vazquez rallied in the later rounds, landing heavy hooks and pressing forward with urgency. But Smalls stayed composed, using his footwork and defensive awareness to avoid major damage and close out the fight strong.
Vazquez Shows Heart, But Falls Short
Jose Roman Vazquez entered the bout with momentum and a reputation for toughness, and he lived up to it. Despite falling behind early, Vazquez never stopped pressing, forcing Smalls to work for every exchange. His late-round surge earned respect but wasn’t enough to sway the judges.
The loss marks Vazquez’s third career defeat and a learning moment as he looks to refine his approach against slicker opponents.
Smalls Eyes Regional Title Shot
With the win, Tahmir Smalls moves closer to a regional title opportunity in the super featherweight division. His ability to blend volume, defense, and composure makes him a dangerous matchup for contenders in the WBC Continental Americas or NABF rankings.
Promoters are already discussing a potential bout between Smalls and Zaquin Moses, who also scored a win on the same card.
Conclusion
Tahmir Smalls’ unanimous decision win over Jose Roman Vazquez wasn’t flashy—but it was earned. In a sport where grit and discipline matter as much as power, Smalls proved he has the tools to rise. As Philadelphia’s boxing scene continues to thrive, Smalls is emerging as one of its brightest young stars.
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Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
