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SLAM! Sports SLAM! Boxing COLUMNS CANADIAN PUNCH UPPERCUTS LOOKING BACK GALLERIES INTERACTIVE ALSO ON SLAM! |
BOXING NOTEFriday, January 19, 11:55 PM *Jorrin keeps belt with unanimous decision over Lario* ------------------------------------------------------ SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- The conquering hero returned home but nearly left without his title. Seemingly outboxed and outpunched for the better part of 12 rounds, WBC super bantamweight champion Willie Jorrin held on to his belt with a narrow and questionable unanimous decision over Oscar Larios on Friday at Arco Arena. Jorrin (28-0) remained unbeaten but was clearly in trouble of dropping his first title defense after scoring a majority decision over Michael Brodie to claim the vacant title in September. Larios (25-3-1) used his distinct height and reach advantage to keep the shorter Jorrin from penetrating his defense. He also seemed to dominate the fight after a rough first round in which the champion gave the 5,000 fans in attendance reason to cheer their hometown hero. Jorrin did appear to get the better of the action in the 11th and 12th round but both fighters raised their arms at the final bell and Larios seemed to have secured the upset by holding off Jorrin's late attacks. Judges Ken Morita, Larry Rosadilla and Omar Minton each scored the bout, 115-113, in favor of Jorrin. st 01-19-01 23:54 et |