At the Full Sail University, Orlando, Payano vs Warren was no classic, but was certainly a competitive encounter between two talented undefeated fighters. Juan Carlos Payano held onto his WBA (Super) Bantamweight title via Split Decision, handing Rau’shee Warren his first defeat.
Following 12 rounds of close-quarter exchanges, official scorecards came in at 115-109 and 113-111 twice. But unfortunately the Sunday clash was let down by multiple fouls; Payano was deducted a point for rabbit punches in the 3rd round, and Warren two points for pushing in the 9th.
Following that card-damaging 9th, Warren picked up the tempo and pushed hard into the championship rounds. But his efforts, which included a 12th round knockdown of Payano, just weren’t enough to claw his way back into the fight.
Warren of course expressed a rematch must take place, and given the evenly matched bout, it wouldn’t be the worst thing. You can bet both men would approach the next 12 rounds with different tactics.
Payano left the ring with a 17-0, 8 knockout record, and Warren with 13-1, 4 knockouts.
In the chief support, Jorge Cota fought to a Unanimous Decision over Yudel Johnson, and in the night’s opener, John Jackson also bagged a Unanimous Decision over Dennis Laurente.
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