By Ponciano “John” Melo Jr.
LOS ANGELES — Errol Spence Jr. is now the Unified Welterweight Champion after edging out Shawn Porter through judges' split decision in the main event at the Staples Center.
Both fighters put a dazzling duel much to the delight of the fans in attendance.
Spence, the favored to win the match, had to go through all 12 rounds to retain his unbeaten boxing record (26-0) and now holds the IBF and WBF Welterweight weights.
A strong left hand sent Porter down in the 11th round, a big boost to Spence to score points as both boxers continued throwing punches in the last round.
They went head-to-head since the first bell as the underdog Porter delivered to Spence a close distance fight, the unorthodox style of Porter caused trouble for Spence but he managed to survive his foes trading blows by blows in a non-stop 12-round action.
The judges scored the match 116-111, 116-11, 115-112 in favor of Spence.
He dealt Porter his third defeat in 30 wins as the opponent proved to be his biggest test so far in his rising career.