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.
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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.