
Moments ago at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, former world champion Robert Guerrero won a razor-thin split decision over welterweight contender Aron Martinez. Martinez was game from the start, finding a home for his right hand early. It didn't take long for the left eye of Guerrero to show the damage from Martinez's looping shots. Guerrero, however, remained calm, taking his time to place his punches while he worked off the ropes. Both fighters were content to exchange punches on the inside. Although Guerrero was landing some telling shots, it was Martinez who seemed to be landing more often.
In the fourth round, Martinez unloaded a barrage of punches that stunned Guerrero and sent him crumpling to the canvas. Although he beat the count and survived the round, the legs of Guerrero looked unsteady as he walked back to his corner. Martinez came out quick to start the 5th round, looking to capitalize on the knockdown. Guerrero, however, battled back and was able to take some of the middle rounds. Thanks to a combination of Martinez running out of gas and Guerrero making adjustments, the fight was close coming down the stretch. In the end, the judges scored the bout 95-94 (Martinez), 95-94 (Guerrero), and 97-92 (Guerrero), giving Guerrero the split decision victory.
[ Follow Ben Thompson on Twitter @fighthype ]