A minor miracle took place in Los Angeles over the weekend as Miguel Marriaga lasted seven rounds in the ring against WBO super featherweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko.
The length of the Colombian's stay in the contest seemed to have more to do with Lomachenko's desire to see those in attendance got their money's worth rather than Marriaga's boxing abilities.
It may have lasted even longer than those seven rounds had it not been for the intervention of Marriaga's corner; the 30-year-old retired on his stool at the end of the seventh.
Marriaga was taking a beating from the Ukrainian. Then again, most would against Ring Magazine's fifth best pound for pound fighter in the world. Many would argue the double Olympic gold medalist should be higher on that list.
Towards the end of the third round, after Marriaga had hit the canvas, Lomachenko sought to entertain the crowd. Tired of seeing his opponent constantly on the defensive, Lomachenko stepped towards the corner and summoned him forward.
'Come and fight me,' he seemed to implore. And Marriaga did, briefly, but Lomachenko survived the requested onslaught.
Now 9-1, Lomachenko is not short on confidence. Though, he does appear to be short on opponents capable of challenging him. Hopefully, later this year, Guillermo Rigondeaux will alter that reality.
