In the co-main event, Interim WBC Welterweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) took home a hard-earned unanimous decision victory over Fabian “TNT” Maidana (22-3, 16 KOs) after 12-rounds.
Barrios had his best moment in round three when he landed a picture-perfect straight right hand that sent Maidana down emphatically. However, Maidana, the younger brother of former two-division champion Marcos Maidana, showed his grit by rising off the canvas and staying competitive throughout the remaining rounds.
"Maidana fought hard for 12 rounds like I expected,” said Barrios. “Once my eye started swelling up it was hard to find my range, but we stuck to the fundamentals, tried to find openings and came out with the victory.”
Maidana’s success led to Barrios fighting with a swollen right eye that hampered him throughout the second half of the fights. Despite the limitations, Barrios out landed Maidana 139 to 84 over the 12 rounds and landed more blows in 11 of 12 frames.
"I felt like this loss happened because of a lack of training time,” said Maidana. “No excuses though. I’m going to come back stronger and bring a world championship back to Argentina."
At the end of the 12 rounds, all three judges scored the fight 116-111, as Barrios retained the title and set his sights on the rest of the wide open welterweight division.
“I want all the smoke at welterweight and I’m ready to fight the best,” said Barrios. “I’m chasing belts. Viva Mexico!”
Esther Lin / Premier Boxing Champions