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Joe Smith Jr. edges Maxim Vlasov for vacant WBO light heavyweight title

When Joe Smith Jr. finally takes his honeymoon, about two months later than he originally planned, he’ll do it as the WBO light heavyweight champion.

Smith completed his rise from union laborer to world champion on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, when he overcame a determined effort by Russian Maxim Vlasov to win a majority decision.

Scores were 115-113, 115-112 and 114-114 for Smith. Yahoo Sports had it 114-114.

“It’s a great feeling,” Smith said. “It was definitely a close, tough, tough fight. Vlasov is a great fighter and he really put on a great show tonight and toughed it out.